Wherever we live in the world, there is one thing nearly every person wakes up to: coffee. It is how we start our day. For many coffee lovers, it is also what gets us through the day - and for much of coffee's history, most people were happy with the coffee they had. Or they simply didn't know better.

However, the past decade has seen a veritable explosion in the quality - and variety - of coffee available to consumers. Moreover, coffee drinkers have become infinitely more knowledgeable and discriminating about the coffee they purchase. The source of the bean and how it is processed to bring out the most exquisite flavors is a matter of intense debate. Is light or dark roast better? Colombian or Vietnamese beans? The list goes on.

Here in this handy guidebook we honor them all - and give readers a convenient way to explore the great spectrum of coffees and discover what suits their own individual sensibility. To borrow an expression: it is not only time to smell the coffee. It is a great time to smell many different coffees!