Cherrybook.

Roaster

Intelligentsia Coffee

Roaster of the YearRoast Magazine · 2013Price-transparentSCTG data donor
Coffees in catalog
25
Also available
6
Avg Cherry's Index (limited data)
71.3
Reddit sentiment
75/100
FreshnessRoasts to order · ships in ~3d
OriginsCOKEETGTPECR
How Cherry’s Index is calculatedavg coverage 35% · 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.

  • Reddit75/100weight 18%
  • YouTube85/100weight 10%

Per-lot signals (averaged)

Vary across lots; averaged over 25 in-stock lots.

  • SCA gradenot on file · weight 25%
  • Coffee Review42.5/1002/25 lots · weight 20%
  • Buyer reviewsnot on file · weight 12%
  • Cherrybook reader ratingsnot on file · weight 5%
  • Transparency47.4/10025/25 lots · weight 5%

Bonuses earned (per lot)

  • sprudge25/25
  • editorial cluster25/25
  • stale decay23/25

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 75/100

Intelligentsia is widely recognized as a foundational player in the specialty coffee industry. While some discussions focus on their business challenges or shifts in brewing methods at specific locations, they remain a standard benchmark for quality and are frequently grouped with other respected national roasters. Their resources, such as their cupping forms and training programs, are also highly regarded by the home-roasting community.

pioneer of specialty coffeewidely available high-quality beansrespected training and resourcesbenchmark for industry volumeexperimental brewing approaches
Threads cited (10)

Press · Sprudge

On YouTube

7 videos · 23538k combined views

Outside coverage consistently identifies Intelligentsia as a pioneer in the direct trade model. Reviewers emphasize the roaster's commitment to building long-term, transparent relationships with producers in Latin America and East Africa. The company is frequently portrayed as a bridge between high-end culinary coffee experiences and broader consumer accessibility. Coverage also highlights their technical focus on seasonality and the meticulous restoration of roasting equipment.

Pioneering direct trade modelEmphasis on coffee seasonalityProducer relationship transparencyCulinary approach to coffeeBoutique quality at scaleVintage equipment restoration

Flagship cafe

Broadway Coffeebar

3123 N Broadway, Chicago, IL

Open in maps →

The Broadway Coffeebar is listed first among their Chicago locations.

The catalog

25 in stock · 158 archived

Filter on browse →

Also available · subscriptions, sample packs, gear

Archived (158)
Kenya Weithaga
76

Washed lot with Plum, Ruby Red Grapefruit, and Currant in the cup.

Aberdare Mountain range, KE · Washed

MediumPlumGrapefruitCurrant+2
ROTY 2013 roaster
$2.08/oz
Out of stock
Kenya Kii AA
76

Washed lot with Ruby Red Grapefruit, Persimmon, and Cranberry in the cup.

Kirinyaga, KE · Washed

Medium-LightGrapefruitPersimmonCranberry+2
ROTY 2013 roaster
$1.92/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.