We had the wonderful opportunity of returning to Costa Rica this year, a beautiful country and people. This time we had the pleasure of meeting and spending time with Francisco, who started an innovative business connecting micro roasters with quality-minded Costa Rican coffee farmers. We spent one day cupping in the lab with Wayner (Quality Grader) and cupped over fifty coffees to determine which farms and farmers are the right fit to cultivate relationships with. We visited two farms and mirco mills in the Tarrazu region (muy bonito!), which is about a three hour drive South of San Jose. VIEW: COSTA RICA IN PHOTOS Our first stop was Finca Los Angeles, which is a meticulously run farm by the Calderon family. This family owns a few of their own farms and processes for some neighboring farms as well. They built their own wet mill to integrate the process and have better control and business efficiency. They are trying experimental methods of processing and are known for superior micro and nano lots of coffees. After our tour of the wet mill, they invited us in for the best Costa Rican meal we had all week! Next up, we visited Don Mayo’s farm [...]

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CREMA’s College of Coffee-Craft are a popular (hint: sign up early!) ongoing series of classes designed to help achieve great coffee at home or the office. We’ll cut through the unneeded complexities and provide you with the tools and the know-how to replicate the expert’s secretes. View the current schedule. No reservation required currently, but appreciated! Send us a quick note and let us know you’ll be attending. Classes range between $5-10. Gear for the featured method will also be available for purchase. Class sizes are limited so register today! Missed a class? We’re available for in-home or full Barista staff training. Contact us for coffee training and coffee consultant info and pricing options.  

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While Seattle remains the mecca for coffee in the United States, one of the best cups in the country can be found right here in Nashville. Sean and Winston, Roasters, recently competed in the proclaimed “Olympics of Coffee” and brought home a prestigious Brewers Cup third place finish. In addition, for a second year they placed second among the esteemed top roasters in the nation. Read the full 2013 press release: Nashville Brewtique Roasts Its Way to the Top In National Specialty Coffee Competition Last year we were pleased to learn that our El Salvador coffee from Finca La Suiza was chosen as one of just five national finalists and then thrilled to receive second at the 2012 Speciality Coffee Association of America (SCAA) Roasters Choice annual competition. And then it got even better: Dut Goodman, a talented Barista from Georgia, placed third in the 2012 Speciality Coffee Association of America Brewer’s Cup competition brewing CREMA’s El Salvador Finca Suiza coffee.  Congrats Dut! The annual Roasters Choice Competition is held in conjunction with the SCAA Event and is designed to highlight the art and craft of coffee roasting. To compete in the challenge, members of the Roasters Guild must submit single origin, washed [...]

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