Sourcing
How We Source Our Coffee
Direct and traceable relationships with producers in Ethiopia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and more. Every coffee has a name, a farm, and a story.
Where the Coffee Comes From
Every coffee at UCR is traceable to a specific producer, farm, or cooperative. We don't buy anonymous commodity lots — we buy from people whose names are on the bag.
Most of our coffees come from Africa and Latin America: Ethiopia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and others depending on what's exceptional in a given season. The single-origin lineup rotates as lots come and go. The blends (La Casa, Three Idiots, Quiet Prophet) use the same quality standards but stay consistent year-round.
Direct and Transparent
We source through importers and direct relationships that prioritize farmer economics — not just taste scores. That means paying above market prices for quality, working with farms that have real environmental and labor practices, and being honest about what we know and don't know about a lot's supply chain.
If you want to know who grew your coffee, that information is on the bag and on the product page. We don't hide behind vague origin language.
The Current Lineup
The coffees we carry right now:
- Ismael Aredo — Kayon Mountain, Guji Ethiopia. Natural process, heirloom varietals, 1,900–2,200m. One of the most expressive naturals we've carried.
- Farmers of Guadalupe, Huila Colombia. 15 producers, washed process, Caturra and Colombia varietals, 1,600–1,850m.
- Alberto & Diego Guardia — Hacienda Sonora, Costa Rica. Family farm, Central Valley, multi-generational farming history.
- La Casa blend. Organic Sulawesi, Mexico, and Colombia — consistent year-round.
- Three Idiots blend. Ethiopia, Colombia, and Guatemala — natural and washed process, designed for pour-over.
- Quiet Prophet Espresso. The flagship blend, built for espresso and beautiful as a pour-over.
Alan's Pick
Every month, head roaster Alan Janoyan selects one coffee he's particularly excited about. It might be a rare lot we were able to buy a small amount of, a new relationship with a producer, or just a coffee that's hitting unusually well right now. Subscription only — you get what he picks.