Cherrybook.

Roaster

Intelligentsia Coffee

Roaster of the YearRoast Magazine · 2013Price-transparentSCTG data donor
Coffees in catalog
24
Also available
5
Avg Cherry's Index (limited data)
70.3
Reddit sentiment
80/100
FreshnessRoasts to order · ships in ~3d
OriginsCOKEETPEGTHN
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.

  • Reddit80/100weight 18%
  • YouTube85/100weight 10%

Per-lot signals (averaged)

Vary across lots; averaged over 24 in-stock lots.

  • SCA gradenot on file · weight 25%
  • Coffee Review45/1002/24 lots · weight 20%
  • Buyer reviewsnot on file · weight 12%
  • Cherrybook reader ratingsnot on file · weight 5%
  • Transparency43.5/10024/24 lots · weight 5%

Bonuses earned (per lot)

  • sprudge24/24
  • editorial cluster24/24
  • stale decay21/24

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

Intelligentsia is consistently recognized alongside pioneers like Stumptown and Counter Culture as a foundational name in specialty coffee. Community members frequently reference them as accessible, high-quality beans available in grocery stores, while also noting their historical role in shaping the industry. Discussions mention their educational materials (like cupping forms), experiments in cafes (such as shifting focus to Aeropress at their original location), and placement among favorite legacy roasters.

pioneer of specialty coffeewidely available in grocery storeseducational resourceslegacy roasterconsistent quality
Threads cited (10)

Press · Sprudge

On YouTube

8 videos · 23616k combined views

Reviewers and featured talks describe Intelligentsia Coffee as a pioneer of direct trade models, focusing particularly on producer relationships in Latin America and East Africa. Outside coverage highlights their emphasis on culinary complexity, seasonality, and long-term producer partnerships. Shop tours and customer reviews also note their welcoming cafe environments, knowledgeable staff, and efforts to balance boutique quality with broader retail availability.

Pioneers of direct trade sourcingEmphasis on coffee seasonalityFocus on Latin America and East AfricaCommitment to producer education and relationshipsBoutique quality meeting wider retail availabilityWelcoming cafe environments and knowledgeable baristas

Flagship cafe

Broadway Coffeebar

3123 N Broadway, Chicago, IL

Open in maps →

The Broadway Coffeebar is listed first among their Chicago locations.

The catalog

24 in stock · 164 archived

Filter on browse →

El Gallo Blend

Milk Chocolate, Honey, and Stone Fruits on a washed build.

Sierra Nevada, CO · Washed

LightMilk ChocolateHoneyPeach
ROTY 2013 roaster
70
$1.54/oz

Also available · subscriptions, sample packs, gear

Archived (164)

Kenya Windrush AA

White Grapefruit, Dried Florals, and Tamarind on a washed build.

Kiambu County, KE · Washed

LightGrapefruitFloralTamarind
ROTY 2013 roaster
78
$2.40/oz
Out of stock

Kenya Faith Estate

Passion Fruit, Red Grapefruit, and Orange on a washed build.

Kirinyaga, KE · Washed

LightPassion FruitGrapefruitOrange
ROTY 2013 roaster
78
$3.72/oz
Out of stock

Kenya Kii AA

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

Kirinyaga, KE · Washed

Medium-LightGrapefruitOther FruitCranberry+2
ROTY 2013 roaster
78
$1.92/oz
Out of stock

Kenya Konyu AB

Washed lot with Plum, Lime, and Black Cherry in the cup.

Kirinyaga, KE · Washed

Medium-LightPlumCitrusCherry
ROTY 2013 roaster
77
$2.25/oz
Out of stock

Peru La Palestina

Washed lot with Orange Zest, Clove, and Butterscotch in the cup.

Cajamarca, PE · Washed

Medium-LightOrangeCloveButterscotch
ROTY 2013 roaster
77
$2.71/oz
Out of stock

Kenya Weithaga

Cupping notes point toward Plum, Ruby Red Grapefruit, and Currant.

Aberdare Mountain range, KE

MediumPlumGrapefruitCurrant+2
ROTY 2013 roaster
77
$2.08/oz
Out of stock

Kenya Gatagua

Think Persimmon, White Grapefruit, and Nectarine.

Murang'a, KE

Medium-LightOther FruitGrapefruitPeach
ROTY 2013 roaster
75
$1.75/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.