Cherrybook.

Roaster

Counter Culture Coffee

Roaster of the YearRoast Magazine · 2020Price-transparentSCTG data donorUSDA Organic
Coffees in catalog
12
Also available
2
Avg Cherry's Index (limited data)
71.7
Reddit sentiment
82/100
FreshnessRoasts to order · ships in ~2d
OriginsCOPEGTETKEEC
How Cherry’s Index is calculatedavg coverage 36% · limited data

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.

  • Reddit82/100weight 18%
  • YouTube85/100weight 10%

Per-lot signals (averaged)

Vary across lots; averaged over 12 in-stock lots.

  • SCA gradenot on file · weight 25%
  • Coffee Review52.5/1002/12 lots · weight 20%
  • Buyer reviewsnot on file · weight 12%
  • Cherrybook reader ratingsnot on file · weight 5%
  • Transparency44.6/10012/12 lots · weight 5%

Bonuses earned (per lot)

  • roty12/12
  • editorial cluster12/12
  • stale decay11/12

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 82/100

Counter Culture Coffee is recognized as a well-established, high-tier commercial roaster, often grouped alongside other industry leaders like Stumptown, Intelligentsia, and Blue Bottle. Home roasters frequently use their quality as a benchmark for comparison, praising their bright, fruit-forward flavor profiles and consistent roasts. They are also appreciated for their distinct bag design and reliable mail-order options for enthusiasts without local specialty roasters.

industry benchmarkbright and fruity profilesconsistent qualitywell-designed packagingpopular mail-order option
Threads cited (8)

On YouTube

6 videos · 32k combined views

Outside coverage depicts Counter Culture Coffee as an established industry pioneer with a strong emphasis on large-scale production, education, and quality control. Reviewers and features highlight their extensive training centers, deep commitment to the Specialty Coffee Association curriculum, and systematic approach to green coffee sourcing and roasting. The roaster is recognized for bridging the gap between coffee producers and wholesale partners through rigorous quality standards.

Large scale production facilitiesCommitment to SCA educationWholesale partner trainingRelentless pursuit of qualityProducer to cup connection

Flagship cafe

Retail location

Durham, NC

Open in maps →

Seed-city fallback applied (Durham, NC); the website didn't expose a specific flagship address. LLM-finder notes: The website provides a 'Store Locator' tool that is not functional in the provided text, and no specific physical retail or HQ address is listed on the pages provided.

The catalog

12 in stock · 112 archived

Filter on browse →

Finca Santa Elena

Expect Roasted Cocoa, Sweet Cashew Nuttiness, and Dried Cherry Finish from this washed.

Santa Ana, SV · Washed

LightCocoaCashewCherry
ROTY 2020 roaster
76
$1.93/oz

Duromina

Expect Sweet Tea, Apricot, and Honeysuckle from this washed.

Agaro, ET · Washed

LightSweet AromaticsPeachHoneysuckle+1
ROTY 2020 roaster
73
$2.25/oz

Rio de Abejas

Washed lot with Raisin, Chocolate, and Silky in the cup.

Oaxaca, MX · Washed

Medium-LightRaisinChocolateOverall Sweet
ROTY 2020 roaster
72
$2.25/oz

Also available · subscriptions, sample packs, gear

Archived (112)

Finca La Hermosa

Washed lot with Apricot, Kiwi, and Milk Chocolate in the cup.

Acatenango, GT · Washed

LightPeachKiwiMilk Chocolate
ROTY 2020 roaster
79
$2.01/oz
Out of stock

Pompilio Garcia Luna

Washed lot with Dark Chocolate, Dried Fruit, and Panela in the cup.

Oaxaca, MX · Washed

Medium-LightDark ChocolateDried FruitPanela
ROTY 2020 roaster
79
$1.93/oz
Out of stock

Bijao

Expect Berry, Chocolate, and Red Grape from this washed.

Huila, CO · Washed

Medium-LightBerryChocolateGrape
ROTY 2020 roaster
78
$2.01/oz
Out of stock

Los Charapanos

Expect Brown Sugar, Orange, and Graham Cracker from this washed.

Zumba, EC · Washed

Medium-LightBrown SugarOrangeGrain
ROTY 2020 roaster
78
$1.70/oz
Out of stock

Buchiro

Kiwi, Lime, and Black Tea on a washed build.

South Kivu, CD · Washed

Medium-LightLimeBlack Tea
ROTY 2020 roaster
78
$1.78/oz
Out of stock

Cafénor Pacamara

Red Grape, Stone Fruit, and Chocolate on a honey build.

Apaneca-Ilamatepec, SV · Honey

Medium-LightGrapePeachChocolate
ROTY 2020 roaster
78
$1.92/oz
Out of stock

Valle Inca

Golden Raisin, Nougat, and Creamy on a washed build.

Cusco, PE · Washed

LightRaisinNougatOverall Sweet
ROTY 2020 roaster
78
$2.16/oz
Out of stock

Abel Salinas

Cupping notes point toward Nectarine, Blood Orange, and Tropical.

Saraguro, EC

LightPeachOrangeTropical Fruit
ROTY 2020 roaster
77
$3.01/oz
Out of stock

Borderlands

Expect Milk Chocolate, Almond, and Nectarine from this washed.

Nariño, CO · Washed

LightChocolateAlmondPeach+1
ROTY 2020 roaster
77
$2.24/oz
Out of stock

Kanelite Estate

Black Currant, Tamarind, and Sungold Tomato on a washed build.

Embu, KE · Washed

LightBlack CurrantTamarindOther Fruit
ROTY 2020 roaster
77
$1.85/oz
Out of stock

Alto Ihuamaca

Expect Milk Chocolate, Caramel, and Green Apple from this washed.

San Ignacio, PE · Washed

LightMilk ChocolateCaramelApple
ROTY 2020 roaster
77
$1.78/oz
Out of stock

Kabeywa

Expect Stone Fruit, Citrus, and Chocolate from this washed.

Mount Elgon, UG · Washed

LightPeachCitrusChocolate
ROTY 2020 roaster
77
$1.85/oz
Out of stock

Fundochamba

Washed lot with Dried Apricot, Milk Chocolate, and Almond in the cup.

Loja, EC · Washed

LightApricotMilk ChocolateAlmond
ROTY 2020 roaster
77
$2.09/oz
Out of stock

Muriama Estate

Expect Bright Grapefruit Acidity, Black Currant Compote Sweetness, and Silky Mouthfeel from this washed.

KE · Washed

LightGrapefruitBlack Currant
ROTY 2020 roaster
77
$2.42/oz
Out of stock

Yacuri

Brown Sugar, Apricot, and Almond on a washed build.

Loja & Zamora-Chinchipe, EC · Washed

LightBrown SugarApricotAlmond
ROTY 2020 roaster
77
$1.92/oz
Out of stock

Juana Gaspar

Washed lot with Citrus, Plum, and Golden Raisin in the cup.

Concepción Huista, GT · Washed

LightCitrusPlumRaisin
ROTY 2020 roaster
76
$1.70/oz
Out of stock

Intango

Apricot, Citrus, and Black Tea on a washed build.

Karongi, RW · Washed

LightPeachCitrusBlack Tea
ROTY 2020 roaster
76
$2.01/oz
Out of stock

Nuevo Amanecer

Pomegranate, Red Grape, and Syrupy on a washed build.

Nariño, CO · Washed

LightPomegranateGrapeOverall Sweet
ROTY 2020 roaster
76
$2.24/oz
Out of stock

Muthonjo

Roaster flags Dried Fig, Blackberry, and Floral in the cup.

Kirinyaga, KE

FigBlackberryGrapefruit+1
ROTY 2020 roaster
76
$2.32/oz
Out of stock

Luis Huayhua

Expect Tropical Fruit, Cherry, and Juicy from this natural.

Nueva Llusta, BO · Natural

Medium-LightTropical FruitCherry
ROTY 2020 roaster
76
$1.85/oz
Out of stock

Guchienda

Roaster flags Blackberry, Tamarind, and Lime in the cup.

Embu, KE

LightBlackberryTamarindLime+1
ROTY 2020 roaster
76
$2.24/oz
Out of stock

ASUVIM

Expect Stone Fruit, Milk Chocolate, and Syrupy from this washed.

Sololá, GT · Washed

LightPeachChocolateOverall Sweet
ROTY 2020 roaster
76
$2.09/oz
Out of stock

Nueva Llusta

Washed lot with Cherry, Vanilla, and Hazelnut in the cup.

Yungas, BO · Washed

LightCherryVanillaHazelnut
ROTY 2020 roaster
76
$2.01/oz
Out of stock

Ngarutua

Cupping notes point toward Blackberry, Grapefruit, and Juicy.

Embu, KE

LightBlackberryGrapefruitJuicy
ROTY 2020 roaster
76
$2.16/oz
Out of stock

Buliza

Cranberry, Fruit Leather, and Crisp on a washed build.

Rulindo, RW · Washed

LightCranberryDried FruitCrisp
ROTY 2020 roaster
76
$1.78/oz
Out of stock

La Viuda

Expect Black Cherry, White Grape, and Juicy from this washed.

Cajamarca, PE · Washed

LightCherryGrape
ROTY 2020 roaster
76
$2.09/oz
Out of stock

Idido

Floral, Melon, and Citrus on a washed build.

Yirgacheffe, ET · Washed

LightFloralMelonCitrus
ROTY 2020 roaster
76
$1.85/oz
Out of stock

El Batan

Dark Chocolate, Plum, and Blackberry on a washed build.

Loja, EC · Washed

MediumDark ChocolatePlumBlackberry
ROTY 2020 roaster
76
$1.85/oz
Out of stock

Incahuasi

Washed lot with Golden Raisin, Almond, and Caramel in the cup.

Cusco, PE · Washed

LightRaisinAlmondCaramel
ROTY 2020 roaster
76
$2.09/oz
Out of stock

Cinco de Junio

Washed lot with Apple, Dark Chocolate, and Almond in the cup.

NI · Washed

Medium-LightAppleChocolateAlmond
ROTY 2020 roaster
76
$1.78/oz
Out of stock

Sipacapa

Cupping notes point toward Apple, Simple Syrup, and Cocoa.

San Marcos, GT

LightAppleMaple SyrupCocoa
ROTY 2020 roaster
76
$1.70/oz
Out of stock

Pedro Patana

Roaster flags Dried Cherry, Dark Chocolate, and Sweet in the cup.

Yungas, BO

MediumCherryDark ChocolateOverall Sweet
ROTY 2020 roaster
76
$1.70/oz
Out of stock

El Buen Pastor

Roaster flags Marzipan, Cocoa, and Stone Fruit in the cup.

Tabaconas, PE

Medium-LightMarzipanCocoaStone Fruit
ROTY 2020 roaster
76
$2.16/oz
Out of stock

Urcunina

Expect Dried Fruit, Caramel, and Chocolate from this washed.

Nariño, CO · Washed

MediumDried FruitCaramelizedChocolate
ROTY 2020 roaster
75
$1.78/oz
Out of stock

K’uychi

Green Grape, Clementine, and Milk Chocolate on a washed build.

Nariño, CO · Washed

LightGrapeTangerineMilk Chocolate
ROTY 2020 roaster
75
$1.93/oz
Out of stock

Lucio Luque

Cupping notes point toward Blood Orange, Bubble Gum, and Floral.

Cusco, PE

LightOrangeOverall SweetFloral
ROTY 2020 roaster
75
$3.48/oz
Out of stock

Sanctuary

Expect Praline, Brown Sugar, and Apple from this washed.

GT · Washed

MediumPralineBrown SugarApple
ROTY 2020 roaster
75
$1.85/oz
Out of stock

Burera

Black Currant, Tropical Fruit, and Juicy on a washed build.

Burera, RW · Washed

LightBlack CurrantTropical Fruit
ROTY 2020 roaster
75
$2.00/oz
Out of stock

San Miguel

Expect Milk Chocolate, Almond, and Sweet from this washed.

San Marcos, GT · Washed

LightMilk ChocolateAlmondOverall Sweet
ROTY 2020 roaster
75
$1.85/oz
Out of stock

Gemini

Natural lot with Apple, Blueberry, and Melon in the cup.

Natural

Medium-LightAppleBlueberryMelon
ROTY 2020 roaster
74
$2.63/oz
Out of stock

Birthday Blend

Expect Strawberry Shortcake, Chocolate Buttercream, and Raspberry Jam from this natural.

BI · Natural

MediumStrawberryChocolateRaspberry+1
ROTY 2020 roaster
74
$2.17/oz
Out of stock

Decaf Idido

Roaster flags Apricot, Citrus, and Brown Sugar in the cup.

Yirgacheffe, ET

PeachCitrusBrown Sugar
ROTY 2020 roaster
74
$2.09/oz
Out of stock

Mpemba

Clementine, Honey, and Tea Like on a washed build.

BI · Washed

LightOrangeHoneyTea Like
ROTY 2020 roaster
74
$2.01/oz
Out of stock

Kushikamana

Roaster flags Citrus, Raisin, and Savory in the cup.

Central and Eastern Regions, KE

LightCitrusRaisin
ROTY 2020 roaster
74
$1.93/oz
Out of stock

Iridescent

Roaster flags Blueberry, Marmalade, and Chocolate in the cup.

US

MediumBlueberryOrangeChocolate
ROTY 2020 roaster
73
$2.01/oz
Out of stock

Perennial

Cupping notes point toward Fig, Cocoa Nibs, and Dark Chocolate.

DarkFigCocoaDark Chocolate
ROTY 2020 roaster
72
$2.01/oz
Out of stock

Santafé

Expect Black Cherry, Cocoa, and Syrupy from this washed.

Nariño, CO · Washed

Medium-LightCherryCocoaOverall Sweet
ROTY 2020 roaster
72
$2.01/oz
Out of stock

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.