A recent blind taste test by Japanese authority magazine LDK has upended expectations among coffee lovers, with Doutor’s Mild Blend earning top honours over global giant Starbucks. The evaluation, conducted by professional baristas, assessed five popular coffee bean brands from major chains available in Hong Kong, offering surprising insights for home brewers.
The LDK Test Methodology
LDK magazine is renowned for its rigorous and impartial product testing. For this coffee bean review, a panel of expert coffee professionals evaluated each sample without knowing the brand. They scored based on three core criteria: taste—balance of bitterness, acidity, and sweetness with no off-notes; aroma—the fragrance during brewing and after drinking; and repeat rate—the overall value and desire to purchase again.
Ranking and Results
The beans received grades from A (excellent) to C (average). The final lineup revealed a clear winner and some notable disappointments.
Top Spot – Doutor Mild Blend (Grade A)
This blend of Brazilian and Colombian beans won unanimous praise for its exceptional harmony of flavours. Tasters described a rich, smooth body with a surprisingly clean and light finish, completely free of unpleasant tastes. Experts called it a “masterful, gold-standard recipe” that transforms Brazilian acidity into a pleasant savouriness. Its affordable price cemented its place as a top everyday choice.
Second Place – Tully’s Coffee House Blend (Grade B)
Made from Colombian and Guatemalan beans with a dark roast, this blend delivers a bold, bitter punch with balanced acidity. The beans showed consistent roasting quality, making it a reliable option for those who enjoy strong black coffee or prefer to add milk. Its stable profile impressed tasters looking for intensity.
Middle Ranks – 珈琲館 Blend (Grade C)
A medium-dark blend of Brazilian and Colombian beans. While the aroma during brewing was acceptable, tasters detected a minor but unpleasant acidic aftertaste plus traces of off-flavours in the finish. Inconsistent bean coloration suggested uneven roasting.
Fourth – Starbucks House Blend (Grade C)
Sourced from 100% Guatemalan beans, this product demonstrated brand commitment to quality ingredients. However, uneven bean sizes led to uneven extraction, resulting in excessive bitterness and astringency. Tasters strongly recommended adding milk to make it palatable, as drinking it black proved challenging for most palates.
Fifth – UCC 上島珈琲 Blend (Grade C)
A medium roast using Brazilian and Honduran beans, this blend suffered from inconsistent bean sizes and visible differences in roast colour. This caused the coffee to release harsh, astringent compounds and unwanted flavours during brewing, leaving a below-average impression.
Expert Tips for Choosing Coffee Beans
LDK’s coffee experts shared three straightforward guidelines to help consumers select quality beans at a glance.
- Select by colour: Darker beans produce a bitter, full-bodied brew; lighter, tan-coloured beans yield a more acidic cup. Match the shade to your taste.
- Check for uniform roasting: Look at the beans in the package—consistent size and colour indicate even roasting. Uneven batches often lead to bitter and strange tastes.
- Match roast to your drinking habit: For black coffee, choose a medium roast for a balanced, smooth drink. For milk-based drinks like lattes or cappuccinos, a dark roast provides a robust flavour that stands up to dairy.
How to Store Coffee Beans Properly
Experts emphasise that storage method matters greatly depending on the coffee form.
Ground coffee has a large surface area, making it highly susceptible to oxidation and odour absorption. It should be placed in an airtight freezer bag with all air removed, then stored in the freezer compartment—never the refrigerator, where it can absorb food smells.
Whole beans are best kept sealed at room temperature in a cool, dark, and dry place. For maximum freshness and aroma (up to 50% more), grind beans immediately before each brew.
Implications for Hong Kong Coffee Lovers
This test provides a valuable, unbiased resource for Hong Kong consumers navigating the crowded coffee aisle. It underscores that brand recognition does not guarantee the best at-home experience. By focusing on objective taste, aroma, and value, coffee enthusiasts can now make more informed decisions. The expert selection and storage tips offer a practical starting point for anyone looking to elevate their daily cup.
*Note: Test details are based on the official *LDK* publication.*