Counter Culture Coffee - Specialty Coffee Roaster | Unpacking Coffee [Skip to content](#main-content) [ ](https://unpacking.coffee)[ ![Unpacking Coffee Logo](/images/cuppin-logo.svg) Unpacking Coffee ](https://unpacking.coffee/dashboard) [ Coffees ](https://unpacking.coffee/coffees) [ Cuppings ](https://unpacking.coffee/cuppings) [ Recipes ](https://unpacking.coffee/recipes) [ Log in ](https://unpacking.coffee/login) [ ](https://unpacking.coffee/login "Log in") [ Register ](https://unpacking.coffee/register) [ ](https://unpacking.coffee/register "Register") [ Roasters ](https://unpacking.coffee/roasters) Counter Culture Coffee Counter Culture Coffee ====================== Durham, North Carolina-based roaster founded in 1995, pioneering direct trade and transparency. Known for their commitment to education, sustainability, and quality. Watch Episode Read Transcript - [ Counter Culture Coffee ](https://counterculturecoffee.com/) - [ Counter Culture Coffee Instagram ](https://instagram.com/counterculturecoffee/) - [ Counter Culture Coffee Twitter ](https://twitter.com/counter_culture) - [ La Marzocco Café Roasters in Residence ](https://unpacking.coffee/tag/la-marzocco-cafe-roaster-in-residence/) ![Counter Culture Coffee](/storage/roaster-profiles/46/featured.jpg) HELLO Ray: I'm Ray. Kandace: I'm Kandace. Ray: Welcome to Season 2 of Unpacking Coffee! This week ... Kandace: Counter Culture. Ray: Counter Culture was founded in 1995 making then probably one of the earliest of the third wave coffee companies. Kandace: They've really been leading the way in coffee for a long time. They started having public cuppings all the way back in 2002. They were focusing on ... Like you said, education or making coffee super accessible or being really transparent. That's been part of their mission from the very beginning. Year after year they're just continuing to build on that and it's pretty amazing. Ray: I wish I had worn my hoodie. This just looks very plain. Kandace: Go put your hoodie on. Ray: No it's okay. Kandace: That was your reaction to that whole thing about sustainability? Ray: We also got to chat with Scott Callender. Scott: Hi, I'm Scott Callender. I work for La Marzocco and I head up the home business for La Marzocco. We are in the La Marzocco café and show room in Seattle Center. We invite roasters from around the world to come in here, reinvent the space, reinvent the menu and they will develop a coffee service that will last for one month here in the café as popup. We have right now a very special guest with us here at the café. It is Counter Culture Coffee and they are from Durham, North Carolina. They're doing some really special stuff right now. Kandace: From the beginning, they've had a commitment to sustainability. Ray: That's right. Kandace: Which they're one of the first bird friendly coffees. Ray: Mm-hmm (affirmative) They have a program they call Counter Intelligence. Kandace: Shut up. Ray: It's true. Kandace: That's awesome. Ray: It's awesome. Kandace: I didn't even see anything about that. Ray: This is their standard packaging with a nice roast date sticker. Kandace: Seriously. They have some really nice ... These nice little 4 ouncers. Ray: Bio-trade bag here. Actually, we went up to Seattle this past week to visit the La Marzocco. Kandace: It's their café in KEXP, the new space. Erin: Kennith spoke to Erin McCarthy about, he was the world brewing champion in 2013, is that right? Kandace: He was the first North American to win that title. Ray: Nice. Kandace: Yeah. Ray: Kind of an expert, and in fact, he brewed ... Kandace: Kind of knows everything about coffee so. Erin: My name is Erin McCarthy. I work for Counter Culture Coffee out of New York City as a tech. I won the 2013 world brewers cup championship so I started out as a barista, and then kind of got into the competition circuit for three years. Kandace: You were the first American to win? Erin: It's true, yeah. Yeah. https://youtu.be/zUjqXkMUpi4 Kandace: What I thought was really interesting about this is that, so Erin is a barista right now during September, during part of September, at the La Marzocco space. Erin has a couple flights and they're really interesting. Erin: I tried to kind of make it a little journey if you will. Erin: The Geisha variety is an heirloom variety from Ethiopia so the seed that Moisés and Marysabel, the producers planted is the same variety that can be found in Ethiopia and have been found for hundreds of years. The SL28, the SL stands for Scot Laboratories and that was created in a lab with the purposes of higher production and resistance to disease for Kenya. So, what’s really neat about that is it’s one of the most popular varieties grown in Kenya so when you taste this coffee, it tastes like you’re drinking a Kenyan coffee which is super neat…to also separate that idea of a taste of place and layer it. Variety can also taste a certain way. Kandace: I’m excited about it. Erin: It was my pleasure. Kandace: Counter Culture Coffee. Ray: Of Durham, North Carolina. Hey, we’re back! Thanks to Rachel Classi and Erin McCarthy from Counter Culture for sending us beautiful coffee, talking to us, and allowing us to tell their story. And to Scott Callender and all the fine folks at KEXP for allowing us into their gorgeous space. Watch the Show https://vimeo.com/183387322 HELLO Ray: I'm Ray. Kandace: I'm Kandace. Ray: Welcome to Season 2 of Unpacking Coffee! This week ... Kandace: Counter Culture. Ray: Counter Culture was founded in 1995 making then probably one of the earliest of the third wave coffee companies. Kandace: They've really been leading the way in coffee for a long time. They started having public cuppings all the way back in 2002. They were focusing on ... Like you said, education or making coffee super accessible or being really transparent. That's been part of their mission from the very beginning. Year after year they're just continuing to build on that and it's pretty amazing. Ray: I wish I had worn my hoodie. This just looks very plain. Kandace: Go put your hoodie on. Ray: No it's okay. Kandace: That was your reaction to that whole thing about sustainability? Ray: We also got to chat with Scott Callender. Scott: Hi, I'm Scott Callender. I work for La Marzocco and I head up the home business for La Marzocco. We are in the La Marzocco café and show room in Seattle Center. We invite roasters from around the world to come in here, reinvent the space, reinvent the menu and they will develop a coffee service that will last for one month here in the café as popup. We have right now a very special guest with us here at the café. It is Counter Culture Coffee and they are from Durham, North Carolina. They're doing some really special stuff right now. Kandace: From the beginning, they've had a commitment to sustainability. Ray: That's right. Kandace: Which they're one of the first bird friendly coffees. Ray: Mm-hmm (affirmative) They have a program they call Counter Intelligence. Kandace: Shut up. Ray: It's true. Kandace: That's awesome. Ray: It's awesome. Kandace: I didn't even see anything about that. Ray: This is their standard packaging with a nice roast date sticker. Kandace: Seriously. They have some really nice ... These nice little 4 ouncers. Ray: Bio-trade bag here. Actually, we went up to Seattle this past week to visit the La Marzocco. Kandace: It's their café in KEXP, the new space. Erin: Kennith spoke to Erin McCarthy about, he was the world brewing champion in 2013, is that right? Kandace: He was the first North American to win that title. Ray: Nice. Kandace: Yeah. Ray: Kind of an expert, and in fact, he brewed ... Kandace: Kind of knows everything about coffee so. Erin: My name is Erin McCarthy. I work for Counter Culture Coffee out of New York City as a tech. I won the 2013 world brewers cup championship so I started out as a barista, and then kind of got into the competition circuit for three years. Kandace: You were the first American to win? Erin: It's true, yeah. Yeah. https://youtu.be/zUjqXkMUpi4 Kandace: What I thought was really interesting about this is that, so Erin is a barista right now during September, during part of September, at the La Marzocco space. Erin has a couple flights and they're really interesting. Erin: I tried to kind of make it a little journey if you will. Erin: The Geisha variety is an heirloom variety from Ethiopia so the seed that Moisés and Marysabel, the producers planted is the same variety that can be found in Ethiopia and have been found for hundreds of years. The SL28, the SL stands for Scot Laboratories and that was created in a lab with the purposes of higher production and resistance to disease for Kenya. So, what’s really neat about that is it’s one of the most popular varieties grown in Kenya so when you taste this coffee, it tastes like you’re drinking a Kenyan coffee which is super neat…to also separate that idea of a taste of place and layer it. Variety can also taste a certain way. Kandace: I’m excited about it. Erin: It was my pleasure. Kandace: Counter Culture Coffee. Ray: Of Durham, North Carolina. Hey, we’re back! Thanks to Rachel Classi and Erin McCarthy from Counter Culture for sending us beautiful coffee, talking to us, and allowing us to tell their story. And to Scott Callender and all the fine folks at KEXP for allowing us into their gorgeous space. Watch the Show https://vimeo.com/183387322 No coffee offerings have been added for this roaster yet. Log In to Cup Log in to your account Enter your email and password to continue Email address Password Remember me Cancel Log in Need an account? [Sign up](https://unpacking.coffee/register) Log In to Cup Log in to your account Enter your email and password to continue Email address Password Remember me Cancel Log in Need an account? [Sign up](https://unpacking.coffee/register) 0 Coffee Offerings 0 Total Cuppings Added 1 year ago Roaster Details Website [ counterculturecoffee.com ](https://counterculturecoffee.com) Established 1995 Location City Durham State/Province North Carolina Country United States Use filters or recent searches to refine your results. Press Esc to close. 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[ ### [ Rwanda Nyungwe ](https://unpacking.coffee/coffees/170-rwanda-nyungwe) by [ Process Coffee ](https://unpacking.coffee/roasters/287-process-coffee) Process Anaerobic Natural Country Rwanda Source Nyungwe First noted Jul 04, 2026 Last tasted Jul 05, 2026 2 cuppings [ rhubarb ](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/212 "rhubarb") [ strawberry compote ](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/235 "strawberry compote") [ citrus peel ](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/236 "citrus peel") [ strawberry ](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/7 "strawberry") [ citrus ](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/110 "citrus") ](https://unpacking.coffee/coffees/170-rwanda-nyungwe) [ ### [ Olgar Ortega ](https://unpacking.coffee/coffees/169-olgar-ortega) by [ ilse ](https://unpacking.coffee/roasters/286-ilse) Process Washed Varieties Caturra Country Colombia Region San Agustín Elevation 1750m Harvest August 2025 Source Villa Maria First noted Jun 30, 2026 Last tasted Jun 30, 2026 1 cupping [ plum ](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/10 "plum") [ raisin ](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/12 "raisin") [ dark chocolate ](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/34 "dark chocolate") [ orange peel ](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/132 "orange peel") ](https://unpacking.coffee/coffees/169-olgar-ortega) [ ### [ Robinson Salamanaca ](https://unpacking.coffee/coffees/168-robinson-salamanaca) by [ ilse ](https://unpacking.coffee/roasters/286-ilse) Process Washed Varieties Pink Bourbon Country Colombia Region San Agustín Source San Isidro First noted Jun 24, 2026 Last tasted Jun 24, 2026 2 cuppings [ black tea ](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/65 "black tea") [ pine ](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/74 "pine") [ lemongrass ](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/106 "lemongrass") [ apricot ](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/4 "apricot") [ lemon ](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/18 "lemon") ](https://unpacking.coffee/coffees/168-robinson-salamanaca) [ ### [ Illumination | Washed Carbonic Macerated ](https://unpacking.coffee/coffees/167-illumination-washed-carbonic-macerated) by [ Savage Coffees ](https://unpacking.coffee/roasters/285-savage-coffees) Process Washed, Carbonic Maceration Varieties Geisha Country Panama Region Chiriqui Source Finca Deborah First noted Jun 24, 2026 Last tasted Jun 24, 2026 1 cupping [ pomegranate ](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/139 "pomegranate") [ nectarine ](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/126 "nectarine") [ black tea ](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/65 "black tea") ](https://unpacking.coffee/coffees/167-illumination-washed-carbonic-macerated) [ ### [ Peru Umapata Community ](https://unpacking.coffee/coffees/166-peru-umapata-community) by [ Camellia Coffee Roasters ](https://unpacking.coffee/roasters/284-camellia-coffee-roasters) Process Washed Varieties Typica, Bourbon, Castillo Country Peru Region Cusco Source Yungas Coffee Project First noted Jun 22, 2026 Last tasted Jun 22, 2026 1 cupping [ swiss orange chip ](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/230 "swiss orange chip") [ dried apricot ](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/200 "dried apricot") [ butter toffee ](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/231 "butter toffee") [ mandarin jam ](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/233 "mandarin jam") [ cara cara zest ](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/234 "cara cara zest") ](https://unpacking.coffee/coffees/166-peru-umapata-community) [ ### [ Cherry Pick ](https://unpacking.coffee/coffees/165-cherry-pick) by [ Yeri Coffee ](https://unpacking.coffee/roasters/283-yeri-coffee) Certifications Rainforest Alliance, Direct Trade Process Anaerobic Natural Country India Region Chikmagalur Elevation 1250–1450m Source Ratnagiri Estate First noted Jun 15, 2026 Last tasted Jun 15, 2026 1 cupping [ sweet apple ](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/228 "sweet apple") [ cherry jam ](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/229 "cherry jam") [ milk chocolate ](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/33 "milk chocolate") ](https://unpacking.coffee/coffees/165-cherry-pick) [ ### [ La Guaca ](https://unpacking.coffee/coffees/164-la-guaca) by [ Methodical Coffee Roasters ](https://unpacking.coffee/roasters/142-methodical-coffee-roasters) Process Honey Varieties Red Catuai Country Costa Rica Region Chirripó Source Régulo Ureña And Isabel Rojas First noted Jun 14, 2026 Last tasted Jun 14, 2026 1 cupping [ melon ](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/180 "melon") [ cherry ](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/5 "cherry") [ chocolate ](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/108 "chocolate") ](https://unpacking.coffee/coffees/164-la-guaca) [ ### [ Dark Star ](https://unpacking.coffee/coffees/163-dark-star) by [ Linea Caffe ](https://unpacking.coffee/roasters/226-linea-caffe-1) First noted Jun 09, 2026 Last tasted Jun 09, 2026 1 cupping [ bittersweet chocolate ](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/131 "bittersweet chocolate") [ bing cherry ](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/167 "bing cherry") [ mandarin orange ](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/142 "mandarin orange") ](https://unpacking.coffee/coffees/163-dark-star) [ ### [ Pacayal Honey Lot ](https://unpacking.coffee/coffees/162-pacayal-honey-lot) by [ Heirloom Coffee Roasters ](https://unpacking.coffee/roasters/281-heirloom-coffee-roasters) Certifications USDA Organic, Regenerative Organic Certified, Clean Craft Process Honey Country Honduras Region De La Paz First noted Jun 09, 2026 Last tasted Jun 09, 2026 2 cuppings [ orange blossom ](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/60 "orange blossom") [ honey ](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/22 "honey") [ plum ](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/10 "plum") ](https://unpacking.coffee/coffees/162-pacayal-honey-lot) [ ### [ Andrés Martínez ](https://unpacking.coffee/coffees/161-andres-martinez-1) by [ Mom ‘n ‘em Coffee ](https://unpacking.coffee/roasters/280-mom-n-em-coffee) Process Co-fermented and experimental (Black Honey, Blackberry) Varieties Caturra Country Colombia Region Cauca Elevation 1750m Source El Sendero First noted Jun 06, 2026 Last tasted Jun 08, 2026 3 cuppings [ black tea ](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/65 "black tea") [ demerara ](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/227 "demerara") [ macerated berries ](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/226 "macerated berries") [ blackberry ](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/9 "blackberry") [ cherry ](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/5 "cherry") ](https://unpacking.coffee/coffees/161-andres-martinez-1) [ ### [ Colombia - Finca El Diviso - Estate ](https://unpacking.coffee/coffees/160-colombia-finca-el-diviso-estate) by [ Stereoscope ](https://unpacking.coffee/roasters/279-stereoscope) Process Washed, Anaerobic Fermentation Varieties Caturra Country Colombia Region Huila Elevation 1750-1850m Source Finca El Diviso First noted Jun 04, 2026 Last tasted Jun 04, 2026 1 cupping [ candied pineapple ](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/222 "candied pineapple") [ strawberry yogurt ](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/223 "strawberry yogurt") [ milky ](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/224 "milky") [ coconut ](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/225 "coconut") ](https://unpacking.coffee/coffees/160-colombia-finca-el-diviso-estate) [ ### [ Ethiopia Habtamu Fikadu ](https://unpacking.coffee/coffees/159-ethiopia-habtamu-fikadu) by [ Heart Coffee Roasters ](https://unpacking.coffee/roasters/47-heart-coffee-roasters) Process Washed Varieties Dega, Wolisho, Kurume Country Ethiopia Region Yirgacheffe Elevation 2000m First noted Jun 01, 2026 Last tasted Jun 01, 2026 1 cupping [ honeydew ](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/221 "honeydew") [ apricot ](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/4 "apricot") [ lilac ](https://unpacking.coffee/flavors/143 "lilac") ](https://unpacking.coffee/coffees/159-ethiopia-habtamu-fikadu)