From Seed to Cup: The WestBean Coffee Roasters Take on Third Wave Coffee

Third wave coffee is all about the pursuit of quality coffee. This means different things to different people, but the most encompassing phrase in the industry is seed to cup. This means that every step of the coffee process, from growing the coffee, to processing the coffee, to roasting the coffee, and then ultimately to making the coffee, is done to the best of ones’ abilities. Each step is essential to ensure the best cup of coffee possible.

This begins with partnerships involving  sustainable coffee producers and importers and continues with careful and dedicated  roasting practices, and finally innovative and precise brewing methods to perfectly extract the coffee.

The WestBean Coffee Roasters in Southern California have modeled their business practices with this mantra in mind. While many third wave roasters opt to roast their beans super light to accentuate an  acidity that allows interesting and comparatively “tea-like” flavors to shine through, WestBean roasts their coffee slightly darker--acknowledging that a lighter roast can be too unusual for those who aren’t used to drinking their coffee this way. However, they are also careful not to roast too dark, which risks eliminating the unique coffee flavors all together and even potentially burning the coffee.

“Our goal at the WestBean is definitely the pursuit of high quality coffee, but we do so in the context of a more traditional full bodied cup, with great notes of chocolate and a more subtle acidity. We believe this appeals to a larger audience of coffee drinkers, while still representing the ultimate goal of third wave coffee.”

Karr also said WestBean follows the seed to cup philosophy by being very intentional with  the customer experience of those visiting their WestBean cafes. From friendly baristas, to the experience of drinking WestBean coffee, the theme of quality continues. Whether it is the great ingredients being used like Purely Elizabeth Granola in their Açai bowl, or their house-made syrups to compliment the coffees, like their vanilla or lavender lattes,  the various textures and flavors all seek to further the third wave coffee experience.

“We strive for quality ingredients to create the best cup of coffee possible.”

To snag a bag of their delicious coffee you can buy it here on Mavryk, or check out their website for a greater selection and a list of their locations!

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