75Expect Sweet Berry Wine, Skittles, and Dark Chocolate from this anaerobic natural.
Santa Barbara, HN · Anaerobic Natural
Roaster
Coverage is below 50%. Most of this roaster’s lots are scored off roaster-level signals (Reddit + YouTube) without per-lot SCA grades, Coffee Review entries, or published buyer reviews. With limited signal, scores are also pulled toward a neutral 50 baseline by the Cherry’s Index methodology, so lots can read flatter than the actual cup quality differences between them. The avg Cherry’s Index reflects general reputation more than per-lot quality.
Roaster signals
Apply to every lot from this roaster.
Per-lot signals (averaged)
Vary across lots; averaged over 17 in-stock lots.
Bonuses earned (per lot)
Base components are renormalized over whatever signals are available for each lot. SCA + Coffee Review are capped at 40% combined to keep the cupping story from dominating. Bonuses (accolades, awards, editorial coverage) and freshness decay are applied on top.
Community reputation · Reddit
Well-regarded· sentiment 80/100
Cat & Cloud is recognized as a well-established roaster within the specialty coffee community. Discussions often highlight their signature blends, such as "The Answer," which is frequently mentioned in the context of espresso preparation. While they are a staple for many home brewers, their brand recognition is also tied to notable industry news, such as their legal dispute with Caterpillar Inc. Overall, they are viewed as a reliable and accessible roaster for those seeking quality beans.
On YouTube
8 videos · 217k combined views
Outside coverage of Cat & Cloud Coffee focuses heavily on the company's internal culture and operational philosophy. Reviewers highlight the roaster's commitment to staff development and the intentionality behind their daily business practices. The brand is portrayed as a workplace that prioritizes supportive team dynamics and consistent professional standards.
Coverage from others
A Visit To Cat & Cloud
James Hoffmann
James Hoffmann Q&A At Cat & Cloud - The Truth About Coffee Roasting | Real Chris Baca
RealChrisBaca
Cat & Cloud New Store + Coffee Roaster Burner Jet Removal
RealChrisBaca
Opening Day at Cat & Cloud!
RealChrisBaca
Cat & Cloud | The Story Behind The Name And Logo
RealChrisBaca
6 Years of Cat & Cloud Coffee | A Virtual Tour
RealChrisBaca
Dialed Espresso Tamper | Chris Baca, Artpresso Design, Cat & Cloud Coffee
RealChrisBaca
Free Espresso & Roastery Tours On Our Birthday. 9 Year Cat & Cloud Coffee Anniversary.
RealChrisBaca
Flagship cafe
Cat & Cloud HQ
719 Swift St. Suite 56, Santa Cruz, CA
Open in maps →The Swift St. location is presented as the HQ, featuring a full kitchen, roastery, and training lab.
The catalog
75Expect Sweet Berry Wine, Skittles, and Dark Chocolate from this anaerobic natural.
Santa Barbara, HN · Anaerobic Natural
74Washed lot with Cherry, Wildflower Honey, and Nougat in the cup.
Cajamarca, PE · Washed
74Clementine, Maple Syrup, and Dark Chocolate on a washed build.
Antigua, GT · Washed
74Expect Cherry Garcia, Gummy Bears, and Beach Days from this natural.
Mogiana, BR · Natural
74Lavender, Raspberry, and Green Tea on a washed build.
Guji, ET · Washed
74White Chocolate, Cherry, and Orange on a washed / natural build.
Santa Barbara, Guji, HN · Washed / Natural
74Roaster flags Caramel, Berries, and Chocolate in the cup.
Huila, Mogiana, Yirgacheffe, CO
74Washed lot with Candied Lemon, Caramel, and Black Tea in the cup.
Aceh, ID · Washed
73Natural lot with Dark Chocolate, Full Bodied, and Sweetness in the cup.
Guji, ET · Natural
73Expect Kiwi, Peanut Brittle, and Milk Chocolate from this washed.
Santa Barbara, HN · Washed
73Expect Black Cherry, Strawberry Jam, and Toblerone from this natural.
Lambayeque, PE · Natural
73Expect Pink Grapefruit, Papaya, and Creamy from this washed.
KE · Washed
73Expect Bright Fruit and Creamy Chocolate from this washed.
Huila, CO · Washed
72Dark Chocolate, Full Bodied, and S'mores on a natural build.
Guji, ET · Natural
72Natural lot with Blue Berry, Chocolate Chips, and Strawberry Ice Cream in the cup.
Guji, ET · Natural
71Peanut Butter, Jammy, and Milk Chocolate on a pulped natural build.
BR · Pulped Natural
71Strawberry Jam, Cacao Nib, and Molasses on a natural build.
Guji, ET · Natural
Also available · subscriptions, sample packs, gear
68Think Peach, White Grape, and Cinnamon Sugar.
76Strawberry Granita, Candied Pineapple, and Pop Rock Candy on a experimental build.
Cauca, CO · Experimental
75Washed lot with White Peach, Lemon Bar, and Jasmine in the cup.
Guji, ET · Washed
75Natural lot with Blackberry Jam, Blood Orange, and Nutella in the cup.
Nueva Segovia, NI · Natural
74Expect Dried Cranberry, Nectarine, and Tropical from this washed.
Nariño, CO · Washed
For roasters
Cherrybook runs a monthly Roaster Spotlight Series featuring one roaster with an editorial piece and a giveaway. Interested in being featured? See the format or email josh@cherrybookcoffee.com.