Roaster · United States
Counter Culture Coffee
North Carolina roaster known for sustainability leadership and rigorous coffee education.
Founded in Durham, North Carolina, in 1995, Counter Culture Coffee built its identity around transparency, sustainability, and education rather than a large retail café footprint. It was among the first US roasters to publish an annual transparency report detailing prices paid and sourcing relationships, and its network of regional training centers has educated thousands of baristas and wholesale partners. Counter Culture's emphasis on environmental standards and producer equity made it a conscience of the third-wave movement. As one of the 'big three' alongside Stumptown and Intelligentsia, it helped set the ethical and technical baseline for American specialty coffee.
Watch & learn
Seattle Coffee Gear covers the Counter Culture Coffee in a 45-minute video. Watch the review below, then see the details and where to buy — all without leaving the page.
Seattle Coffee Gear features Counter Culture Coffee, offering useful context on the roaster and its approach.
In the Encyclopedia
Beans from Counter Culture Coffee
12oz Year-Round Blends
Counter Culture Coffee offers a curated selection of year-round blends featuring diverse origins and flavor profiles for every coffee lover.
ViewBulk Coffee
These bulk bags provide enough coffee to brew between 48 and 160 cups of signature blends.
ViewCinco de Junio
This lot from the Cinco de Junio cooperative in Madriz delivers classic flavors of apple, dark chocolate, and sweet almond.
Cold Hearted
This bright and refreshing blend is inspired by hot southern days and delivers a crisp, invigorating cup of coffee.
Equilibrium
Equilibrium is an equal-parts blend of three unique coffees that creates a dynamic flavor experience.
Finca El Puente - Honey Processed
This harvest from Finca El Puente features rich notes of blackberry and chocolate with an apricot acidity.
Origins they source from
Last updated: October 14, 2026