Counter Culture
Durham, North Carolina
4.33(31)
Counter Culture Coffee is a coffee roasting company based in Durham, North Carolina. The company was established in 1995 and primarily collaborates with smaller coffee growers and cooperatives. They aim to ensure farmers are compensated fairly for their beans and encourage environmentally friendly farming practices. In addition to their coffee roasting operations, Counter Culture Coffee provides educational resources related to coffee brewing and tasting, as well as professional training programs. They also produce an annual transparency report that outlines their sourcing practices and the results of their sustainability efforts. The company offers a selection of single-origin beans and a few blends. Each coffee is roasted with the intent of emphasizing its distinct flavors and characteristics.
Show moreCounter Culture is a coffee roaster from Durham, NC United States. We have 34 cataloged roasts with 31 total reviews with a score of 4.33.
| Name | Roast Level | Bean Source |
|---|---|---|
|
4.88(4) |
Medium | International Blend |
|
5.00(1) |
- | International Blend |
|
4.50(2) |
- | Colombia |
|
4.50(2) |
Medium | International Blend |
|
4.50(2) |
- | - |
|
4.50(1) |
Light | Democratic Republic of Congo |
|
4.50(1) |
Light | Colombia |
|
4.50(1) |
Light | Papua New Guinea |
|
4.50(1) |
- | Colombia |
|
4.50(1) |
Light | Rwanda |
|
4.50(1) |
Light | Colombia |
|
4.50(1) |
Light | Uganda |
|
4.50(1) |
Light | India |
|
4.50(1) |
- | - |
|
4.25(2) |
Light | Honduras |
|
4.00(1) |
Light | Ethiopia |
|
4.00(1) |
Light | Kenya |
|
4.00(1) |
Medium Dark | - |
|
4.00(1) |
- | Mexico |
|
4.00(1) |
Light | Ethiopia |
|
4.00(1) |
- | Ethiopia |
|
4.00(2) |
Light | Ecuador |
|
3.50(1) |
- | - |
|
0(0) |
- | Colombia |
|
0(0) |
- | Peru |
|
0(0) |
- | - |
|
0(0) |
- | Peru |
|
0(0) |
- | Colombia |
| - | Burundi | |
|
0(0) |
- | Colombia |
Top Reviews(31)
-
Theo Chan, Managing Editor1851 roasts rated, avg score of 4.31
5.00 - Average
5.00 - Aroma
5.00 - Value
5.00 - Finish
4.50 - Flavor
4.50 - Acidity
4.50 - Balance
5.00 - Quality
Great aroma out of the bag. Awesome crema on espresso. Definitely get the caramel and peanut notes. Stone fruit and tea at the end. Nice linger on the palace. My wife loves the cappuccino we make with this. Our two local cafes sell this blend, and it is a staple for us. -
Theo Chan, Managing Editor
1851 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
Great as pour over and great as espresso. As pour over flavorful, smooth and balanced. For me, I get a fresh white peach/pineapple burst, milk chocolate, Caramel. Also tinkered around and since its an medium roast, made espresso with it. Came out balanced, with citrus/fruity notes mid palate. Wife very happy with her latte. over flavorful, smooth and balanced. Awesome blend that shows how 1+1 = 3. -
Expert Picks Series376 roasts rated, avg score of 4.96
5.00 - Average
Hologram from Counter Culture is by far the best coffee I've had all year.Cupping Method:This is part of our Expert Picks Series. This pick is from Meg P.
-
-
Theo Chan, Managing Editor
1851 roasts rated, avg score of 4.31
5.00 - Average
4.50 - Aroma
5.00 - Value
5.00 - Finish
5.00 - Flavor
4.50 - Acidity
5.00 - Quality
Hologram is a super excellent blend, one that really highlights coffee blends and how 1+1 = 3. I get maple syrup, milk chocolate, and strawberry/blackberry. Sounds like a dream brunch, right?!
It's also very versatile - I've gotten great coffee in the espresso machine, Moka pot, and Chemex. Definitely different and fun in each. -
Theo Chan, Managing Editor
1851 roasts rated, avg score of 4.31
4.50 - Average
4.50 - Aroma
4.50 - Finish
4.50 - Flavor
4.00 - Acidity
5.00 - Balance
As described as a pourover molasses: warm spices, lots and lots of chocolate. Medium roast. Good balance. Apricot and blackberry in the trailing acidity. A hit, just a tiny one of bitterness (for me, pleasant).
Massive hit of acidity and dark bitter chocolate as an espresso. Roast is great but balance not quite there. I get it, not an espresso roast necessarily but I tinker with medium roasts as espresso (Countercultures Field Trip works really well). But it made GREAT espresso drinks, i.e. cappuccinos.
----
The above were my notes. Bought this at the local cafe, Haute, in Concord. After trying as pourover assumed it was a medium roast and played around with it a bit in espresso machine.
I think the net of it is that this is a versatile light-medium roast.Cupping Method:See above description.
-
Theo Chan, Managing Editor
1851 roasts rated, avg score of 4.31
4.50 - Average
Fabulous as a espresso. All the good characteristics of a dark roast with some acidity, structure, and natural sweetness. Medium/heavy crema. -
Theo Chan, Managing Editor
1851 roasts rated, avg score of 4.31
4.50 - Average
4.50 - Aroma
4.50 - Value
4.50 - Finish
4.50 - Flavor
4.50 - Acidity
4.50 - Balance
A really nice Colombian from Counter Culture. I got a ton of that chocolate orange you got on your holidays or birthdays 20 years ago. Smooth, balanced, good acidity.Cupping Method:Pourover
Traits: chocolate orange -
Theo Chan, Managing Editor
1851 roasts rated, avg score of 4.31
4.50 - Average
4.00 - Aroma
4.50 - Value
4.50 - Finish
4.50 - Flavor
4.50 - Acidity
4.50 - Balance
I recently had the pleasure of trying Counter Culture Uganda Kabeywa coffee, and I must say, it left quite an impression. This coffee is a testament to the exceptional quality potential of Ugandan coffee.
The prominent notes of orange peel, chocolate, green apple, and strawberry created a symphony of tastes, bringing a unique and exciting profile to the cup. The balance between these flavors was exceptionally well-executed, resulting in a coffee that is both refreshing and satisfying.
One of the standout characteristics of Counter Culture Uganda Kabeywa is its smoothness. It effortlessly glides over the palate, leaving a velvety sensation.
While the overall experience of Kabeywa is highly enjoyable, it's worth noting that the orange peel notes come with a very slight bitterness. This bitterness, however, is minimal and is unlikely to deter most traditional pourover drinkers from appreciating this coffee's unique flavor profile. It adds a subtle complexity to the cup, enhancing the overall drinking experience without overpowering the other delightful flavors.Cupping Method:Pourover from Haute Coffee, in Concord, MA
-
Expert Picks Series
376 roasts rated, avg score of 4.96
4.50 - Average
4.50 - Finish
4.50 - Flavor
4.50 - Acidity
4.50 - Balance
This coffee was very good, and possibly one of the best Indian coffees I've ever had. At least it has that potential. I do not think it was well-cared for by the barista, as it was made very hot. Pretty sure it had to be 100C based on how difficult it was to drink when I got it. I won't call out the neighborhood coffee shop responsible, but Counter Culture at one point was supposed to be a leader in training coffee shops what to do.
The coffee itself...very smooth with milk chocolate, citrus, and subtle tamarind notes, lots of natural sweetness. A little bit of malt ball to it. Almost creamy like a warm cup of milk and chocolate chip cookie in terms of satisfaction. Or ovaltine with a lot of milk. It has a slight nuttiness, perhaps peanut mid-palate. I do wonder if this coffee made at a lower temperature would have more nuance and complexity.
Editor's Overview
At the heart of Counter Culture's mission is its dedication to sourcing the finest coffee beans while nurturing sustainable and ethical relationships with coffee producers worldwide. They operate on a principle of direct trade, collaborating closely with farmers and cooperatives to ensure fair compensation and environmentally responsible practices.
Transparency is a cornerstone of Counter Culture's philosophy. They go to great lengths to provide consumers with comprehensive information about each coffee they offer. From details about the coffee's origin and processing methods to the prices paid to the farmers, this transparency empowers consumers to make informed choices while advocating for ethical and sustainable coffee practices.
The company's commitment to education is another noteworthy aspect. Counter Culture Coffee is a hub for coffee knowledge, offering a range of training and educational programs. These programs cater to coffee professionals and enthusiasts, covering barista training, coffee brewing workshops, and extensive online resources. Their Training Centers, scattered across various U.S. cities, serve as beacons of coffee expertise.
Counter Culture Coffee's selection is a testament to its dedication to showcasing the diversity of coffee. They offer an array of single-origin coffees and thoughtfully crafted blends, each meticulously roasted to highlight the unique flavors and characteristics of the beans. Quality control is paramount, with a team of experienced coffee tasters and roasters ensuring that every batch meets their exacting standards.
In conclusion, Counter Culture Coffee is a shining example in specialty coffee, where quality, transparency, sustainability, and education are core principles. A dedication to these values has marked their journey from humble beginnings to national recognition. As they continue to evolve, they maintain their commitment to delivering exceptional coffee experiences while upholding the highest ethical and environmental standards.
-Ted Chan, Managing Editor
