10 Micro-Roasters That Will Get Your Heart Racing: A Coffee Lover’s Guide

Coffee is my love language. No, seriously, if I love you more than coffee that’s saying a lot. LOL…I drink it morning, noon, and night. One of my favorite ways to relax in the evenings is actually with a cup of coffee. I’m completely immune to caffeine so for me, it’s all about the experience. The slow sipping of a rich flavorful cup of coffee is so heavenly. The smell alone is enough to make me euphoric.

In a Colombian household, you grow up with a keen appreciation for coffee. My mom never returned from a trip to Colombia without several pounds of coffee to last us until the next trip. It was a staple in our household and I think for my mom it was a way to have a piece of home every day. As Colombian people, our coffee-production legacy is something we take a lot of pride in, and learning what makes a great cup of coffee is something near and dear to every Colombian’s upbringing.

Because of my cultural connection to coffee and my work in food systems, I pay very close attention to the coffee industry. Happily, I’ve noticed that in the US the coffee industry has seen a significant shift in recent years, with the emergence of micro-roasters. These small-scale businesses specialize in roasting high-quality coffee beans in small batches, resulting in a unique and flavorful cup of coffee. This trend has gained popularity among coffee enthusiasts who prioritize quality over convenience.

Here are the top 10 coffee micro-roasters in no particular order:

1. Intelligentsia Coee: This Chicago-based roaster has been around since 1995 and is known for its direct trade relationships with coffee farmers. Their most popular coffee is the Black Cat Espresso, which features notes of chocolate and caramel.
2. Blue Bottle Coffee: Founded in Oakland, California, Blue Bottle has become a household name in the specialty coffee industry. Their most popular coffee is the Hayes Valley Espresso, which has a bright and fruity flavor profile.
3. Counter Culture Coee: Based in Durham, North Carolina, Counter Culture focuses on sustainable and ethical sourcing practices. Their most popular coffee is the Big Trouble, a medium roast with notes of dark chocolate and cherry.
4. Stumptown Coffee Roasters: With locations in Portland, Seattle, and New York City, Stumptown is known for its bold and distinctive roasts. Their most popular coffee is the Hair Bender, a blend of Latin American and African beans with a rich, chocolatey taste.
5. Verve Coffee Roasters: Founded in Santa Cruz, California, Verve has earned a reputation for its innovative and unique blends. Their most popular coffee is the Sermon, a blend of African and Latin American beans with notes of blackberry and dark chocolate.
6. La Colombe Coffee Roasters: Based in Philadelphia, La Colombe is known for its smooth and balanced roasts. Their most popular coffee is the Corsica blend, which has a nutty and chocolatey flavor.
7. Ritual Coffee Roasters: Founded in San Francisco, Ritual has a strong commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing. Their most popular coffee is the Sweet Tooth espresso, which has a creamy and caramel-like taste.
8. Heart Coffee Roasters: Based in Portland, Oregon, Heart focuses on roasting single-origin coffees with distinctive flavor profiles. Their most popular coffee is the Ethiopia Worka Sakaro, which has notes of bergamot and jasmine.
9. Onyx Coffee Lab: This Arkansas-based roaster has quickly gained popularity for its unique and experimental blends. Their most popular coffee is the Geometry, a blend of African and Latin American beans with notes of blueberry and chocolate.
10. Madcap Coffee Company: Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Madcap is known for its complex and nuanced roasts. Their most popular coffee is the Third Coast blend, which has a smooth and balanced flavor with notes of hazelnut and chocolate.

In conclusion, the rise of coffee micro-roasters has revolutionized the coffee industry, offering consumers a wider range of high-quality and unique coffee options. These top 10 micro-roasters are just a small sampling of the many exceptional roasters available today. Whether you prefer a bold and rich cup of coffee or a bright and fruity blend, there is a micro-roaster out there for you.