Our Coffee Sourcing Explained: From Farm to Cup

At Lost Coffee, we believe that every cup of coffee has a story, and that story begins with how and where we source our beans. Coffee sourcing is more than just a transaction; it’s about building lasting relationships, ensuring quality, and supporting sustainable practices. Here’s a closer look at how we bring the world’s best coffees to your cup, one partnership at a time.

Our Importer Partners

We’re proud to work with three exceptional importers who share our passion for quality and excellence: Samaria Coffee Colombia, Balzac Brothers, and Onyx Coffee Guatemala. Each plays a vital role in delivering the unique flavors and stories that make our coffee special.

Samaria Coffee Colombia

  • The Partnership: We’ve partnered with Samaria Coffee for more than 6 years, and it’s been an incredible journey.  We’ve built a more impactful partnership with them and have begun selling and distributing their coffee on their behalf. We want to make Samaria famous and help them build a better presence in the US.
  • Decaf Palo Rosa: Their decaf Palo Rosa is a staple in our cafés, we serve it as espresso for those looking for a great-tasting option without the caffeine. We think decaf drinkers are the true connoisseurs of coffee, who want to enjoy the taste without the buzz.
  • Origin Trips: We’ve visited Armenia, Colombia twice to see their farms firsthand, gaining a deeper appreciation for the work and care that goes into their coffee.

Balzac Brothers

  • A Longstanding Relationship: This partnership was built on a foundation of trust, thanks to our Green Coffee Buyer Kevin, who has maintained this connection for years.
  • Specialty Focus: We source many of our African and Asian coffees through Balzac Bros., each offering distinctive flavors and exceptional quality.

Onyx Coffee Guatemala

  • Dedicated to Guatemala: Onyx works exclusively with Guatemalan coffee, and we’ve been proud to partner with them for several years.
  • Innovative Farming Practices: Their dual-crop production system supports farmers with diversified income streams by producing both coffee and coffee blossom honey—a product we sell and use in-store.
  • A Meaningful Connection: During our 2023 origin trip, our owner, Scott, met Kevin, who is now our Q grader and Green Coffee Buyer, strengthening the bond between our team and Onyx.

Our Buying Process

Sourcing great coffee is both an art and a science. We don’t just buy beans; we curate experiences. Here’s how we ensure every coffee meets our high standards:

1. Sample Selection

Each importer offers a wide selection of single-origin coffees. We start by ordering samples of coffees we are excited about.

2. Roasting & Cupping

Once the samples arrive, we roast and cup them to evaluate their aromas, flavors, and overall quality. This is where the magic happens—selecting coffees that align with our quality goals and aspirations.

3. Quality Standards

  1. Score: We only buy specialty-grade coffees, which means it has a score of 80+ points.
  2. Processing Method: Whether natural, washed, or honey-processed, we choose methods that keep us inspired.
  3. Purpose: Every coffee is intentionally selected. Whether for espresso, cold brew or batch brew, we select coffees that shine in any brewing method.

Why This Matters

Our sourcing process is about building meaningful relationships with the people who grow, harvest, and process it. These partnerships ensure we can deliver consistently high-quality coffee.

A Cup Full of Stories

Every cup of coffee we serve is a reflection of the hard work, passion, and care that begins at the source. Whether you’re enjoying the decaf Palo Rosa from Samaria, a single origin from Balzac Bros., Or delicious Guatemala coffees from Onyx, know that your coffee is part of something bigger—a global community of craft and connection.

Visit us in-store or online to explore our coffee offerings and experience the results of our sourcing journey firsthand. Let’s raise a cup to quality, flavor, and the people who make it all possible.

Leave a comment

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published