"In every cup of coffee, there is a story of a place." - Oliver Strand
Whether it’s a trusty espresso that kickstarts your day, the chill vibes of a cold brew, or the therapeutic moment of hand-brewing, coffee is more than just a drink. It’s a ritual, a phenomenon, and a little adventure in a cup for many coffee lovers. With its unique flavours and a history spanning over a thousand years, coffee has become a beloved ritual for millions around the world.
Ever wondered where coffee’s magic begins? Legend has it that back in 9th-century Ethiopia, a goat herder named Kaldi noticed his goats dancing energetically after munching on unfamiliar berries. Curious, Kaldi tried the berries and felt an instant rush of energy. Excited by his discovery, he took them to a nearby monastery. Initially skeptical, the monks threw the berries into a fire, but the irresistible aroma drew them back. Intrigued, they salvaged the roasted beans, ground them, and steeped them in water—brewing what is believed to be the first cup of coffee.
From this legendary start, coffee has journeyed across continents and cultures, evolving into the diverse and complex beverage we enjoy today. For us at Common Man Coffee Roasters, this evolution is about more than just great coffee—it is also about the relationships we’ve built along the way.
Take our Brazilian staples, for example—Fazenda São Paulo and Santo Antônio do Amparo do Amparo. These coffees come to us through San Coffee via Upstream, a trusted partner we’ve worked with for over a decade. What began with sourcing from Santo Antônio do Amparo has since grown to include Fazenda São Paulo, a testament to the strong relationships and quality standards upheld by San Coffee.
The flavour profiles of these coffees are full-bodied and smooth, with inviting notes of chocolate, brown sugar, and nuts. It’s no surprise they’ve become a crowd favourite, winning over many regulars at Common Man Coffee Roasters.
Our relationship with Beanspire in Thailand is another example of this trust and collaboration. Fuadi, Beanspire’s co-founder, once shared how Thailand’s unique terroir and innovative processing methods allow their coffees to rival those from Central America. Having visited the farms and met the producers ourselves, we’ve witnessed firsthand their passion and dedication. Over time, we’ve also seen remarkable improvements in quality, reaffirming our belief in the incredible work they do.
While these staples form the backbone of our coffee programme, we’re always seeking ways to diversify and delight adventurous coffee lovers. One such initiative is our UnCommon lineup, which highlights coffees with rare varieties or innovative processes. Recent selections from the Mae Chedi Cooperative and the Akha community in Thailand have featured anaerobically processed coffees with stewed fruit notes—distinctive profiles that spark curiosity and invite conversations among seasoned enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike.
Thanks to the strong relationships our importing partners have built with producers of all scales, we’re able to uncover and share rare gems that push the boundaries of specialty coffee. Notable examples from our UnCommon lineup include a Wush Wush variety with vibrant sweetness and floral characteristics from Paola Trujillo’s Finca Patio Bonito and a Pink Bourbon from Diego Bermudez’s Finca El Paraiso. Known for his innovative processing methods, Diego consistently produces coffees with unconventional and exciting flavour profiles. These special releases challenge traditional notions of what coffee can taste like and offer a glimpse into the extraordinary potential of specialty coffee.
Through these partnerships and thoughtfully curated selections, we bring you more than just exceptional coffee—we bring you the stories, traditions, and innovations of coffee-growing communities worldwide. Each bean reflects the dedication of farmers, the richness of its terroir, and the potential to spark curiosity and joy with every sip. By aligning our single-origin offerings with harvest seasons, we celebrate coffee's diversity and its power to connect us to the people and places behind it. At Common Man Coffee Roasters, we’re not just about great coffee—we’re about the journey that makes it extraordinary. This is who we are: True to Great Coffee and Good People.
