Blue Bottle Coffee
San Francisco, California
4.31(29)
Pioneering coffee chain and roaster that has stayed stylish even as it's scaled.
Show moreBlue Bottle Coffee is a coffee roaster from San Francisco, CA United States. We have 35 cataloged roasts with 29 total reviews with a score of 4.31.
| Name | Roast Level | Bean Source |
|---|---|---|
|
4.75(2) |
- | International Blend |
|
5.00(1) |
Light | Honduras |
|
4.33(3) |
- | - |
| Light Medium | Myanmar | |
|
4.50(1) |
Medium | African Blend |
|
4.50(1) |
Light | International Blend |
|
4.50(1) |
- | - |
|
4.50(1) |
- | Honduras |
|
4.50(1) |
Dark | International Blend |
|
4.50(1) |
Medium | International Blend |
|
4.50(1) |
Light Medium | Rwanda |
|
4.50(1) |
Light Medium | Rwanda |
|
4.50(1) |
- | - |
|
4.50(1) |
Light Medium | Burundi |
|
4.50(1) |
Dark | International Blend |
|
4.00(1) |
- | International Blend |
|
4.00(1) |
Medium | International Blend |
| - | Costa Rica | |
| - | Colombia | |
|
4.00(2) |
Espresso | - |
|
4.00(2) |
- | International Blend |
| - | Ethiopia | |
| - | - | |
| - | Ethiopia | |
| - | International Blend | |
| - | Yemen | |
| - | Colombia | |
|
0(0) |
- | International Blend |
| - | Philippines | |
| - | Philippines | |
|
0(0) |
- | Vietnam |
|
0(0) |
Decaf | International Blend |
| Espresso | - | |
|
0(0) |
Espresso | - |
|
0(0) |
- | - |
Top Reviews(29)
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Victoria S-C830 roasts rated, avg score of 4.34
5.00 - Average
I give it a five, but I am not sure I could have one more than every 3 months because it is sweet! -
Theo Chan, Managing Editor1854 roasts rated, avg score of 4.31
5.00 - Average
5.00 - Aroma
5.00 - Value
5.00 - Finish
5.00 - Flavor
4.50 - Acidity
5.00 - Balance
5.00 - Quality
Undated notes from the past. Not clear if still available. Delicious, complex journey of a light roast with bright acidity, citrus, and bergamot.Cupping Method:Chemex pourover
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HD S23 roasts rated, avg score of 4.52
4.50 - Average
With skim milk. Excellent. They do a good job here.
-
Theo Chan, Managing Editor
1854 roasts rated, avg score of 4.31
4.50 - Average
4.50 - Finish
4.50 - Flavor
4.50 - Acidity
4.50 - Balance
This isn't what I normally drink, and I haven't sat around in Tokyo drinking dark roast after a night out, but I couldn't imagine any dark roast filter drink her not liking this. It's a very smooth, dark roast with tremendous depth of flavor, a bit of spice and some complexity. Well, executed based on what they were describing.Cupping Method:At Blue Bottle in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts.
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Veronica Fair12 roasts rated, avg score of 4.67
4.50 - Average
I give it a 4.5. I liked it more on ice. -
Theo Chan, Managing Editor
1854 roasts rated, avg score of 4.31
4.50 - Average
4.00 - Aroma
4.50 - Finish
4.50 - Flavor
4.00 - Acidity
4.50 - Balance
Funky but smooth, smooth but funky.
Id like a touch more acidity but this was very easy to drink. I get strong black tea, orange, and plum, along with a hint of winter spice.Cupping Method:At Blue Bottle in The Shed in NYC
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Theo Chan, Managing Editor
1854 roasts rated, avg score of 4.31
4.50 - Average
4.50 - Aroma
4.50 - Finish
4.50 - Flavor
5.00 - Acidity
4.00 - Balance
A long long time ago, I was a bit Blue Bottle fan. If I ever had chance, I'd try to get some pourover. But then as they scale I felt the quality diminished. It's only over the past 6 months that I've revisted and felt like the quality was better. Yesterday my carbonic maceration Rwanda was great. A hard one to stop drinking. It was interesting but not that easy to drink when hot, with a strong rose and red wine character and a bit hoppy. When cool the real character came out. Very fruity with pineapple, pomegranate, lemon. Could have used one more note in there to balance it out but I thought this was quite good.
I realized this review sounded a bit like American Pie, so I asked AI to make it into a full-fledged American Pie coffee review. Sorry, it's awful.
A long, long time ago, I can still remember how that coffee used to make me smile.
And I knew if I had my chance, Id seek that Blue Bottle stance, and maybe we'd be happy for a while.
But then they grew, the flavor flew, a bitter brew that left me blue.
Yet something touched me deep inside, the day the quality died.
So bye-bye to the bitter coffee lie, drove my taste back to that Blue Bottle supply,
And them good beans were bringin' me back alive.
Singing yesterday my Rwanda was a prize,
Carbonic maceration under open skies,
With flavors bold that rose up high, and I was captivated by.
It started hot with hops and rose, a red wine vibe that splendidly shows,
But wait for it to cool down low, for the true character to gloriously flow.
Fruity waves of pineapple, pomegranate, lemon zest, oh how they bestow,
A symphony missing just one note to balance the show.
I was singing, this here cup's my last refrain,
Ill cherish each sip, in sunshine or in rain.
And I was singing, yeah, this is something I'd retain,
Blue Bottles back, quality regained.Cupping Method:Pourover at Blue Bottle in the Prudential Center in Boston.
-
Theo Chan, Managing Editor
1854 roasts rated, avg score of 4.31
4.50 - Average
4.00 - Aroma
4.00 - Finish
4.50 - Flavor
5.00 - Acidity
4.50 - Balance
This Burundi coffee delivers a fun medley of fruit, starting with bright blueberry and red currant notes, complemented by a subtle watermelon funk mid-palate manifestation of the natural processing. The sweetness is striking, with natural fruity tones alongside a tea background. I thought it was bit flat on the finish but the brightness of the forward acidity makes this a winner for me.Cupping Method:Pourover at Blue Bottle, Prudential Center Boston
Editor's Overview
In addition to their consistency, Blue Bottle pioneered in the specialty coffee industry to embrace oat milk. They didn't just hop on the oat milk trend; they mastered it. The formula and process they've developed for oat milk-based beverages are impressive. It's a testament to their dedication to providing customers with a quality consistent coffee experience.
When we first delved into the world of specialty coffee around 2016, Blue Bottle Coffee was renowned for producing some of the finest single-origin lots. These smaller lot beans were a highlight for coffee enthusiasts looking to explore the diverse flavors of coffee from different regions. Blue Bottle's commitment to sourcing high-quality beans and showcasing their unique flavors was commendable.
However, as Blue Bottle has grown and expanded its reach, it's understandable that its focus has shifted. While they may not be churning out as many single-origin lots as they once did, their evolution as a coffee chain has brought forth a new emphasis. Today, we see Blue Bottle primarily as a go-to spot for those seeking a well-crafted espresso drink or a meticulously prepared pourover.
A Stylish and Inviting Atmosphere
Beyond their exceptional coffee offerings, Blue Bottle's cafes continue to impress with their stylish, modern, and clean design. Visiting one of their cafes is not just about the coffee but also the experience. The inviting atmosphere and friendly baristas passionate about their craft create a space where you relax and enjoy your coffee moment.
Our view of Blue Bottle Coffee has evolved over the years, but our admiration for the brand remains steadfast. While their focus may have shifted from micro lots to perfecting the art of espresso and pourover, Blue Bottle excels in delivering a consistently exceptional coffee experience. We can still recommend Blue Bottle as a great place to enjoy a delicious espresso drink or a well-executed pourover, all within the confines of their stylish and inviting cafes. For those who appreciate quality coffee and a memorable cafe experience, Blue Bottle Coffee remains a top choice in the ever-expanding world of specialty coffee.
-Ted Chan, Managing Editor
