Cherrybook.

Roaster

George Howell Coffee

Acton, MAgeorgehowellcoffee.com ↗
Roaster of the YearRoast Magazine · 2017
Coffees in catalog
23
Also available
1
Avg Cherry's Index (limited data)
81.5
Reddit sentiment
90/100
FreshnessRoast cadence not disclosed
OriginsCOGTETYECRKE
How Cherry’s Index is calculatedavg coverage 37% · 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.

  • Reddit90/100weight 18%
  • YouTube95/100weight 10%

Per-lot signals (averaged)

Vary across lots; averaged over 23 in-stock lots.

  • SCA gradenot on file · weight 25%
  • Coffee Review71/1005/23 lots · weight 20%
  • Buyer reviewsnot on file · weight 12%
  • Cherrybook reader ratingsnot on file · weight 5%
  • Transparency55.9/10023/23 lots · weight 5%

Bonuses earned (per lot)

  • sprudge23/23
  • roty23/23
  • editorial cluster23/23
  • stale decay23/23

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

Cult favorite· sentiment 90/100

George Howell is widely regarded as a legendary figure in the specialty coffee industry, with his expertise and brewing methods frequently cited as a gold standard. Enthusiasts hold his coffee in high esteem, often describing his offerings as exceptional and worth the premium price. His influence extends beyond roasting, as his technical insights on topics like green coffee storage are highly respected and frequently referenced by home roasters.

industry pioneer and experthighly recommended beansrespected brewing methodspremium pricing but worth itinfluential in green coffee education
Threads cited (5)

Press · Sprudge

On YouTube

8 videos · 706k combined views

Reviewers and industry observers position George Howell Coffee as a pioneering and foundational force in specialty coffee, particularly on the East Coast. Outside coverage highlights the founder's legacy of uncompromising quality, meticulous quality control practices, and a clear dedication to highlighting origin transparency. Observers consistently praise their roastery operations and retail spaces as industry benchmarks.

Pioneering specialty coffee historyRigorous quality control labsEast Coast industry leaderOrigin transparency focusWine-like clarity in cup profile

Coverage from others

Flagship cafe

Retail location

Acton, MA

Open in maps →

The website lists multiple locations (The Godfrey, Boston Public Market, Newbury St, Newtonville, Lovestruck, The Roastery) but does not provide the specific street addresses for these locations on the provided pages.

The catalog

23 in stock · 24 archived

Filter on browse →
George Howell Coffee

Mamuto AB

Expect Plum, Blackberry, and Dark Chocolate from this washed.

Kirinyaga, KE · Washed

MediumPlumBlackberryDark Chocolate
ROTY 2017 roaster
86
$4.25/oz
George Howell Coffee

Tenejapa Medium

Expect Dark Chocolate, Light Caramel, and White Honey from this washed.

Chiapas, MX · Washed

MediumDark ChocolateCaramelHoney
ROTY 2017 roaster
84
$2.67/oz
George Howell Coffee

Dota Medium

Expect Orange, Dark Cherry, and Dark Chocolate from this washed.

Dota, CR · Washed

MediumOrangeCherryDark Chocolate
ROTY 2017 roaster
82
$1.75/oz
George Howell Coffee

Dota Dark

Washed lot with Walnut, Caramel, and Dark Chocolate in the cup.

Dota, CR · Washed

DarkWalnutCaramelDark Chocolate
ROTY 2017 roaster
80
$1.75/oz
George Howell Coffee

Kanzu

Expect Orange, Plum, and Dark Chocolate from this washed.

Western Province, RW · Washed

MediumOrangePlumDark Chocolate
ROTY 2017 roaster
79
$2.42/oz

Also available · subscriptions, sample packs, gear

Archived (24)
George Howell Coffee

Las Afiladeras

Expect Hibiscus, Raspberry, and Pomegranate from this washed.

Calvas Canton, EC · Washed

LightHibiscusRaspberryPomegranate
ROTY 2017 roaster
87
$6.12/oz
Out of stock
George Howell Coffee

Gaharo Hill Medium

Expect Black Currant, Dates, and Dark Chocolate from this washed.

Kayanza, BI · Washed

MediumBlack CurrantDateDark Chocolate
ROTY 2017 roaster
87
$2.67/oz
Out of stock
George Howell Coffee

Llaqta Pata, Peru

Washed lot with Orange Blossom, Nectarine, and Lychee in the cup.

Cusco, PE · Washed

LightOrange BlossomPeachLychee
ROTY 2017 roaster
87
$16.31/oz
Out of stock
George Howell Coffee

Kerehaklu Estate

Washed lot with Plum, Black Tea, and Milk Chocolate in the cup.

Chikmagalur, IN · Washed

LightPlumBlack TeaMilk Chocolate
ROTY 2017 roaster
87
$3.62/oz
Out of stock
George Howell Coffee

Al-Manshiya, Yemen

Honey, Cranberry, and Peach Blossom on a carbonic maceration build.

Dhamar, YE · Carbonic Maceration

LightHoneyCranberryFloral+1
ROTY 2017 roaster
87
$26.34/oz
Out of stock
George Howell Coffee

Hejrat Al Ain

Mango, Vanilla, and Cherry Blossom on a natural build.

Yemen, YE · Natural

LightMangoVanillaFloral
ROTY 2017 roaster
86
$20.07/oz
Out of stock
George Howell Coffee

Wadi Al-Sail Z110

Expect Dried Raspberry, Spiced Date, and Nutmeg from this natural.

Haraz, YE · Natural

LightRaspberryDateNutmeg+5
ROTY 2017 roaster
86
$14.80/oz
Out of stock
George Howell Coffee

Las Palomas

Expect Papaya, Orange, and Dark Chocolate from this washed.

Huehuetenango, GT · Washed

MediumPapayaOrangeDark Chocolate
ROTY 2017 roaster
85
$2.42/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.

← Back to catalogAre you George Howell Coffee? Claim this listing →