Fort Wayne, Indiana — We’re thrilled to share some incredible news: Utopian Coffee has been named the Overall Regional Winner for the U.S. & Canada at the Global Coffee Awards (GCA) 2025! This honor celebrates the dedication, quality, and collaborative spirit behind every cup from producer to roaster. Award-Winning Coffees Our entries represented some of the most distinctive coffees we’ve had the privilege to roast this year: Costa Rica San Diego — San Diego Mill Sumatra Asman Gayo — Asman Gayo Mill Ethiopia Guji Uraga — Uraga Washing Station Decaf Mexico Esmeralda — Smallholder Farmers Colombia Wilton Benitez — Wilton...
One of the most common questions we get is: “Which of your coffees should I use for espresso?” The answer: any of them! Espresso isn’t a type of bean or roast — it’s a brewing method. Hot water under pressure extracts a small, concentrated shot of coffee, and the flavor depends on the beans you start with. Here’s how to think through your choice: Starting Out: Keep It Easy If you’re new to espresso, begin with coffees that have chocolate, nutty, or caramel notes. They’re more forgiving, pair well with milk, and are less finicky when dialing in. Once you...
A Trip to Peru as a Coffee Roasting and Sourcing Manager Last year, Roaster Nick Berardi and COO Scott traveled to Peru to visit Finca Churupampa, a coffee farm making waves in the coffee industry. Their trip wasn’t just about tasting exceptional coffee; it was an opportunity to dive deep into the work being done at origin. From exploring regenerative farming practices to discussing how the Tocto brothers are transforming their community, Nick shares his firsthand experience of what makes Finca Churupampa a truly special place in the coffee world. Highlights The highlight of my visit was undoubtedly the time...
Behind every sip, there is an intricate story woven by the hands of this coffee farmer, Alva Flores. With passion and dedication, she carefully nurtures the coffee plants, ensuring they receive the perfect balance of sunlight, shade, and water. It is this delicate attention to detail that allows the beans to develop their complex flavors, delivering a sublime experience with each sip. Join our founder, Brendon Maxwell, as he shares his experiences and reflections during his 3-month stay in Oaxaca, Mexico. In this journal entry, Brendon takes you on a journey through the vibrant culture and coffee farming traditions of...