Our approach to coffee: quality, consistency, transparency
We prefer our coffee to do all the talking, but there are some parts of the story that a cup can’t fully explain. For the serious and the curious, this is how we make great coffee a constant, not a coincidence:
- Our lineup is diverse by design
- High-quality, fully traceable, no exceptions
- Roasted for clarity of flavour and sweetness
- Packaged for minimal footprint and maximum freshness
- Full transparency: you know what you get
- Made accessible for everyone, from the homebrewer to the seasoned pro
More detail on each below, or read about how we run our business beyond the beans.
1. Our lineup is diverse by design
We offer 5-6 weekly rotating single origins
We’re here to sample, so our lineup showcases different regions, varieties and processes every week. Those who love a specific profile will always find their footing; those who seek variety will never run out of things to try.
Our blends get the same attention and respect
Our blend components follow the same quality, seasonal and transparency standards as our single origins. This applies to filter and espresso/milk blends.
Decaf that is actually exciting
We believe decaf can be excellent; it just needs to be roasted and brewed with particular care. Ours is, and it shows.
2. High-quality, fully traceable, no exceptions
We use ethical importers that pay above Commodity market and Fairtrade prices
Over 90% of our yearly green coffee beans come from Caravela, Cafe Imports, MCM (certified B corporations). We also purchase from Condesa Co Lab, Osito, Cofinet, and Sucafina.
We buy through a mix of spot purchases and forward contracts
Spot purchases give us flexibility and diversity in our menu. Forward contracts bring financial stability and mutual commitment with trusted producers.
We only work with high-quality (‘specialty’) coffee
Our single origins are Arabica +85 SCA score and our blend components Arabica +80, which is true ‘specialty’ coffee. We prefer the term ‘high quality’, backing it with real transparency data rather than leaning on a word that’s been stretched thin in recent years.
We have a soft spot for washed process lots
It’s a coffee processing style we love for its clean, balanced and beautiful flavours – the kind of coffee we enjoy drinking every day, anytime. That said, we love it all, from ferment-forward and experimental profiles to premium Gesha lots.
3. Roasted for clarity of flavour and sweetness
We use a Loring Kestrel S35
In 2022, we switched from a vintage Probat UG15 to a Loring Kestrel S35. It allowed us to roast more coffee per batch and be more energy-efficient. Its systems and technology also brought a beautiful brightness and clarity to each cup.
Our single origins are roasted omni for bright acidity
Designed for both filter and espresso brewing, we aim to capture the character of each lot (defined by the terroir, coffee tree variety, harvest and production methods, packaging and transport care…).
Our espresso blend components are roasted for body and richness
Designed to be served with milk, we roast them for a satisfying flavour and sweetness. So smooth that many drinkers find they no longer reach for sugar.
Learn about our roast profiles
4. Packaged for minimal footprint and maximum freshness
Our current bean bags are ABA-certified, home compostable
We always choose materials that, first, ensure the quality of our beans in the weeks post-roast. Once that is ticked, we research and choose the one that has the lowest environmental impact. Our current bean bags break down at home and industrial composting setups (and of course, any end-of-life facility). No petroleum-based materials, only plant-based and certified compostable ones.
We stay updated and evolve alongside technology, materials and culture
We take a nimble, open-minded and thoughtful approach, choosing the best available options today and evolving as better ones emerge.
5. Full transparency: you know what you get
We share traceability info for all our origins (including blend components)
Sharing the facts and stories of each origin helps us cut through the noise, and gives you a clear picture of what’s in the bag – and why it’s worth it.
We share aggregated data, milestones and stories on our annual reports
These are an extra transparency exercise where customers can get the bigger picture about our coffees and business sustainability. From FOB prices to importers and country breakdowns, all the metrics that matter, in one place.
6. Made accessible for everyone, from the homebrewer to the seasoned pro
We believe everyone can make delicious coffee
We all just need the right tools and knowledge. That’s why, alongside our beans, we stock a selection of our favourite gear and share a growing library of guides, recipes and brewing resources – for everyone from first-timers to seasoned pros.
We take the time to share guides and resources
From videos to complete step-by-step guides, we invest a lot in creating resources that help our homebrewers and wholesale customers make the most delicious coffee out of our beans.
There is no right or wrong way
We make great coffee approachable by leaving room for personal taste and experimentation. No judgment in our language and communications, no gatekeeping in our approach. Everyone can and should enjoy coffee their own way, and we’re here to help with that.
Free, relaxed monthly tasting events
These are a way for us to showcase our diverse lineup, but far from traditional cuppings, they’re super friendly (and free). Come on in, pour yourself a bit, and enjoy.
Curated gear selection
We have a limited but complete selection of homebrewing gear and filters for you to get set up. If you have questions, our bar staff and online customer service will help you out in no time.
That’s how we do the coffee part. Still curious about our ways? You can browse all our coffee philosophy journal posts or read about our business approach.