At Haven Coffee House & Roasting Co., quality isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the foundation of every cup we serve. From our cozy spot in Nephi, Utah, we’re dedicated to bringing you the freshest, most flavorful coffee possible. That’s why we exclusively order A and AA grade beans from some of the world’s premier growing regions, and why we roast them in small batches right here in-house. In this article, we’ll take you behind the scenes of our sourcing and roasting process, explain what makes these premium beans stand out, and share why our medium and dark roasts are perfect for coffee lovers everywhere.
Understanding A and AA Grade Beans: The Pinnacle of Coffee Quality
Coffee grading systems vary by country, but they generally evaluate beans based on factors like size, density, defects, and overall quality to ensure consistency and excellence. A and AA grades represent the top tier in many origins, signifying larger, more uniform beans with minimal imperfections—often the result of careful cultivation at high altitudes or ideal conditions that enhance flavor profiles.
For instance, in Kenya, AA is the highest grade, denoting beans with a screen size of 17/18 (meaning they’re among the largest and most premium), prized for their bright acidity and complex notes. Similarly, A grades in other regions like Ethiopia or Guatemala often indicate specialty-level quality, with low defect counts and superior taste characteristics. We choose only these elite grades because they deliver the rich, nuanced flavors our customers crave—think vibrant fruitiness from Ethiopian beans or the nutty smoothness of Brazilian ones—without the inconsistencies found in lower grades.
How We Source Our Premium Beans
Our journey starts with meticulous selection from trusted origins: Costa Rica, Kenya, Brazil, Mexico, Guatemala, Ethiopia, and Hawaii (Kona). Each region brings its unique terroir to the table, influenced by soil, climate, and elevation.
- Costa Rica: Known for high-grown beans with bright acidity and clean flavors, often graded as Strictly Hard Bean (SHB), which aligns with our A-grade standards for density and quality.
- Kenya: We prioritize AA-grade beans here, celebrated for their large size and bold, wine-like complexity.
- Brazil: As the world’s largest producer, Brazil offers A-grade beans with low acidity and chocolatey notes, graded by minimal defects and even sizing.
- Mexico: High-altitude A-grade beans from regions like Chiapas provide balanced sweetness and mild body.
- Guatemala: We select A-grade equivalents like Strictly Hard Bean for their floral and citrusy profiles, grown at elevations that ensure premium quality.
- Ethiopia: The birthplace of coffee, where A-grade beans (often Grade 1 or 2) burst with berry and floral aromas, sourced from heirloom varieties.
- Hawaii (Kona): Premium A-grade beans renowned for their smooth, rich flavor with hints of fruit and nuts, cultivated in nutrient-rich volcanic soil.
We partner directly with ethical suppliers who adhere to sustainable practices, ensuring our beans are not only top-grade but also responsibly harvested. This selective ordering process means we receive fresh, green beans ready for our roaster, guaranteeing peak flavor from farm to cup.
Why We Roast in Small Batches: Freshness and Precision
Roasting is where the magic happens, and at Haven, we do it in small batches for ultimate control and freshness. Unlike large-scale operations that roast in massive quantities, our approach allows us to monitor each batch closely—adjusting time and temperature to highlight the natural characteristics of the beans without over-roasting or burning. Small-batch roasting preserves volatile compounds that contribute to aroma and taste, resulting in a brighter, more vibrant cup compared to mass-produced coffee that might sit on shelves for months.
Our master roaster, Tony, handles this process personally, often right at the shop during the week. By roasting in smaller volumes, we minimize waste, ensure even heat distribution, and can experiment with profiles tailored to our A and AA beans. This method also means our coffee is always fresh—typically roasted and packaged within days of your order, locking in those premium flavors.
Our Roast Offerings: Medium and Dark for Every Palate
We specialize in medium and dark roasts to showcase the depth of our high-grade beans:
- Medium Roasts: These bring out the beans’ origin-specific notes, like the fruity brightness of Kenyan AA or the citrus zing from Guatemalan A-grade. Ideal for pour-overs or drip coffee, medium roasts offer a balanced body with subtle acidity. Our popular mediums include Costa Rica for its clean, bright profile; Kona for its smooth, fruity richness; and Guatemala for its floral and citrusy elegance.
- Dark Roasts: For those who love bold intensity, our dark roasts develop rich, smoky caramelization while retaining the beans’ core flavors—think chocolatey Brazilian or nutty Mexican profiles. Perfect for espresso or French press, they provide a smooth, full-bodied experience without bitterness. Our popular darks are Kenya, with its complex, wine-like depth, and Mexico, offering balanced sweetness and a mild, nutty body.
Be sure to check our House Espresso Blend, a happy balance between medium and dark roast. This signature mix combines the best of both worlds—subtle origin notes with bold intensity—making it versatile for espresso shots, lattes, or straight-up enjoyment.
Whether you prefer the nuanced subtlety of medium or the robust warmth of dark, our roasts are designed to elevate your daily ritual.
Experience the Haven Difference
By sourcing only A and AA grade beans from Costa Rica, Kenya, Brazil, Mexico, Guatemala, Ethiopia, and Hawaii (Kona), and roasting them in small batches, we’re committed to delivering coffee that’s not just good—it’s exceptional. This dedication to quality is what keeps our global community coming back, whether they’re visiting our Nephi shop or ordering online.
Ready to taste the difference? Stop by 65 South Main Street in Nephi for a fresh brew, or browse our selection of whole beans and grounds at havencoffeeandroasting.com. Follow us on social media for roasting updates and special offers. Your perfect cup awaits!
Cheers, The Haven Coffee House & Roasting Co. Team
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