April Coffee of the Month – PNG Korofeigu Organic

A Balanced Coffee for Everyday Excellence

For April, we’re featuring Papua New Guinea Korofeigu Organic, a coffee that delivers balance, sweetness, and versatility. Grown in the Eastern Highlands of Papua New Guinea, this coffee is produced by smallholder farmers working in nutrient-rich volcanic soil at high elevations.

Flavor Profile: Sweet, Smooth, and Structured

Papua New Guinea coffees are often compared to Indonesian profiles, but with more clarity and brightness. Korofeigu offers: Cocoa and brown sugar sweetness Mild fruit undertones Smooth, medium body Clean finish without heaviness This makes it ideal for customers who want something richer than a light roast but still refined.

Why This Coffee Works for Cafés and Offices

This is a highly functional coffee: Espresso: Consistent, balanced shots with natural sweetness Drip: Smooth and approachable for all-day drinking Milk drinks: Holds structure without getting lost If you’re serving a wide range of customers, this is the type of coffee that performs.

The Origin: Papua New Guinea Coffee Production

Papua New Guinea’s coffee is primarily grown by smallholder farmers, often in remote regions with minimal mechanization. The result is a coffee that reflects: Careful hand-processing High elevation growing conditions Distinct regional character

Brewing Recommendations

Try our suggested brew ratios (1:16 = 1 part coffee : 16 parts water)

Drip Coffee 1:16 – Reliable and balanced

Espresso 2:1 – Sweet, structured, and forgiving

French Press – Enhances body and chocolate notes

Coffee That Supports Better Gatherings

At CGC, we focus on coffees that work in real environments—cafés, offices, and events. PNG Korofeigu delivers a profile that people enjoy without overthinking it.

Available for April We’re featuring this coffee throughout April. If you’d like to add it to your offering, reach out and we’ll get you dialed in. Interested in our wholesale program? Head over here and request a sample.

Ready to order? Grab a bag today.

Wholesale Partner Spotlight: Sea Ridge Cafe

Where Great Coffee Meets a Standout Menu

If you’re searching for a reliable cafe in San Diego that delivers on both coffee and food, Sea Ridge Cafe is worth your attention. Known for its consistent espresso and well-executed menu, it’s a spot that locals return to regularly. Dialed-In Espresso with Single Origin Colombia Sea Ridge Cafe has built a strong coffee program around a single origin Colombia from Common Good Coffee. The result is a clean, balanced espresso that works equally well on its own or in milk-based drinks.

Consistency is what stands out—they’ve refined their recipe to ensure every drink meets the same standard.

The great tasting coffee alone doesn’t carry a cafe -- Sea Ridge backs it up with food that performs at the same level. Breakfast burritos are a top seller and frequently sell out Lunch menu transitions seamlessly, offering simple, well-executed staples The turkey club is a standout—fresh, balanced, and reliably good This balance between coffee and food is what makes the experience complete.

If you’re in the area and looking for a dependable cafe with quality coffee and food, Sea Ridge Cafe is a strong choice. Visit: www.searidgecafe.com

☕ This Month’s Featured Coffee (March 2026)

Ethiopia Washed Yirgacheffe G2 Organic

Each month, we feature one coffee that ships to all of our monthly subscribers. It’s our way of sharing not just what you’re drinking, but why it matters — the place it comes from, the people behind it, and the care that goes into every step.

March is a transition month. The air starts to shift, mornings feel a little brighter, and the coffee we reach for tends to follow suit.

For March, we’re featuring a coffee that embodies clarity and lift: Ethiopia Washed Yirgacheffe G2 Organic.

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Why Yirgacheffe?

Yirgacheffe is one of the most respected coffee-growing regions in Ethiopia—and globally. Grown at high elevations, these coffees mature slowly, allowing sugars and acids to develop with greater intensity and structure.

This particular lot is washed processed, which enhances clarity and precision in the cup. The result is a coffee that is clean, articulate, and layered rather than heavy or rustic.

If you appreciate brightness, florals, and structure, this one delivers.

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What to Expect in the Cup

This coffee is defined by its aromatics and clarity.

Aroma: Jasmine, bergamot, soft citrus Flavor Notes: Lemon zest, stone fruit, light honey sweetness Body: Light to medium, silky Finish: Clean, tea-like, lingering

The acidity is bright but refined—not sharp. The sweetness is subtle and structured. It’s a coffee that rewards slower brewing and focused tasting.

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Why We Chose It for March

As we move toward spring, we gravitate toward coffees that feel elevated and precise. Yirgacheffe naturally carries floral and citrus notes that align with the season—lighter, fresher, and expressive.

It also performs exceptionally well across brew methods:

• Pour Over (V60 / Kalita): Highlights florals and citrus clarity
• Batch Brew: Maintains structure with clean sweetness
• Single-Origin Espresso: Produces a vibrant, aromatic shot with a crisp finish

For those who typically lean toward heavier profiles, this is a strong opportunity to experience what high-elevation Ethiopian coffees are known for.

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Organic & Smallholder Produced

This coffee is organic and produced by smallholder farmers growing heirloom varietals. These garden-style farms, combined with careful washed processing, produce a profile that is transparent to origin—distinct, articulate, and consistent.

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Available Now

Ethiopia Washed Yirgacheffe G2 Organic is not a loud coffee. It’s precise. Structured. Elegant.

If you’re looking to recalibrate your palate or experience a classic washed Ethiopian at its best, March is the right time to do it.

February at Common Good: Coffee, Creativity, and San Diego Museum Month

February is San Diego Museum Month, a countywide celebration that makes art, culture, and history more accessible through deeply discounted museum admission all month long. Led by the San Diego Museum Council, this annual event invites locals to explore the creative and historical spaces that make our region unique.

From world-class art at the San Diego Museum of Art to hands-on discovery at the Fleet Science Center and the historic decks of the USS Midway Museum, there’s something for everyone to experience.

You can explore contemporary exhibitions at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, dive into nature and science at the San Diego Natural History Museum, or visit family-focused spaces like The New Children’s Museum and the beautifully curated Mingei International Museum.

This month is a reminder that creativity should be accessible — and celebrated.

Coffee Meets Creativity

At Common Good Coffee, we wanted to celebrate Museum Month in a way that felt authentic to who we are.

For February, our wholesale coffee bags are getting a temporary artistic refresh. Our youngest team member, Silas, hand-sketched our labels to give them a playful, imperfect, and creative look. It’s a small nod to students, artists, and the importance of fostering creativity in everyday life.

The redesign is intentionally temporary. It’s about process over polish — encouraging curiosity, exploration, and supporting the arts in our city.

If you spot one of our hand-sketched bags this month, consider it an invitation.

Grab a coffee. Visit a museum. Explore something new in San Diego.

☕ This Month’s Featured Coffee (February 2026)

This Month’s Coffee: Guatemala Pura Fruta Natural

Each month, we feature one coffee that ships to all of our monthly subscribers. It’s our way of sharing not just what you’re drinking, but why it matters — the place it comes from, the people behind it, and the care that goes into every step.

This month’s coffee comes from Alta Verapaz, near Cobán, a lush, highland region known for fertile soils, consistent rainfall, and expressive coffees.

A Farm with Deep Roots

Finca El Platanillo has been family-run since 1977, when it was purchased by Samuel Coto Escobar. In 1985, management passed to his son, Stuardo Coto, who continues to oversee the farm today with a long-term vision focused on balance — between productivity, quality, and the surrounding ecosystem.

Rather than treating sustainability as a checklist, El Platanillo has built it into the foundation of how the farm operates. Long before third-party certifications became common, the farm was already managing land, water, and wildlife with care. That mindset later led El Platanillo to become a longtime Rainforest Alliance–certified farm and a pioneer in climate-focused farming initiatives.

Community & Education at the Center

Coffee is only one part of life at El Platanillo. The farm supports its community with access to fresh water, shared garden space, and a deep investment in education. Children from the farm and nearby areas attend the Nuevo Platanillo School — a project that grew from a simple on-farm classroom into a full school with technology access and coffee-focused educational programs.

This commitment to education and opportunity has earned international recognition and reflects the belief that great coffee starts with strong, supported communities.

How the Coffee Is Grown & Processed

• Region: Alta Verapaz (Cobán)
• Altitude: 1,300–1,400 MASL
• Process: Natural
• Grade: SHB
• Sourcing: Direct Trade

The coffee is naturally processed, meaning the cherries are dried with the fruit still intact. This method allows sugars from the fruit to deeply influence flavor, creating a richer, more fruit-forward cup.

What You’ll Taste

Expect a bold but balanced profile with notes of cherry, plum, vanilla, and brownie, supported by a smooth sweetness and satisfying body. This coffee shines as espresso, but also performs beautifully in auto-drip, pour-over, and full immersion brewing.

Why We Chose This Coffee

Finca El Platanillo represents what we love about specialty coffee: long-term thinking, stewardship of land, investment in people, and a relentless pursuit of quality. Every cup reflects decades of intention — not just for better coffee, but for a better system behind it.

We’re excited to share this one with you.

📸:efico

☕ This Month’s Featured Coffee

Each month, we like to spotlight one coffee that will be shipping to all of our monthly subscribers — giving you a closer look at where your coffee comes from and the people behind it.

Honduras — NKG Bloom Gea

This coffee comes from the highlands of Honduras, a country that has quietly become one of Central America’s most respected coffee origins. With rich volcanic soil, high elevations, and generations of farming knowledge, Honduras consistently produces coffees that are both balanced and expressive.

What makes this lot especially meaningful is who grows it.

🌿 Behind the Beans

Gea is sourced primarily from women producers working within local cooperatives. These farmers play a vital role not only in coffee production, but in their families and communities — managing farms, processing coffee, and investing back into education and sustainability.

This coffee is part of the NKG Bloom program, an initiative designed to support small-scale farmers through training, long-term partnerships, and access to resources that help farms thrive year after year. It’s about building stability, not just buying coffee.

🌱 How It’s Grown & Processed

• Grown at high elevations (approximately 1,100–1,650 meters)
• Hand-harvested and fully washed
• Dried on patios and raised beds for clarity and consistency

These careful steps help highlight the coffee’s natural character in the cup.

🍒 What You’ll Taste

Expect a smooth, approachable cup with gentle brightness. You may notice notes of caramel, almond, toffee, apple, and apricot, with a clean finish that works beautifully for both filter and espresso brewing.

🤍 Why We Love Sharing This Coffee

Every bag represents early mornings, steep hillsides, cooperative teamwork, and a global supply chain that connects farmers directly to your kitchen. When you brew this coffee, you’re tasting more than flavor — you’re tasting intention and care.

As always, thank you for being part of our coffee community. We’re grateful to share these stories — and these coffees — with you.

Celebrating San Diego’s Local Coffee Roasters: Craft, Care, and Community

San Diego has become a quietly powerful hub for specialty coffee. Beyond great weather and great people, our region is home to roasters who are deeply committed to quality, relationships, and doing things the right way. Today, we want to highlight a few local coffee roasters we respect and admire: Scrimshaw Coffee, OB Beans, and Genteel Coffee.

While each has its own voice and style, they share three important threads that define great coffee businesses everywhere.

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1. They Roast Exceptional Coffee

At the foundation of every strong roaster is an uncompromising approach to quality. These roasters take sourcing and roasting seriously—selecting coffees that express origin character, dialing in roast profiles with intention, and never cutting corners. The result is coffee that’s balanced, expressive, and enjoyable whether you’re brewing at home or on the road.

Great coffee doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the outcome of curiosity, discipline, and a willingness to continually refine the craft.

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2. They Care Deeply About the Product

From green coffee selection to final packaging, each of these businesses shows respect for the process. Caring about the product means understanding farmers, seasons, processing methods, and how subtle changes affect flavor in the cup. It also means being transparent, consistent, and proud of what goes out the door.

That level of care shows up immediately when you taste the coffee—and it’s what separates commodity coffee from truly specialty coffee.

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3. They Care About Their Customers and Community

Great roasters don’t just roast coffee—they build relationships. Whether it’s supporting local cafés, educating customers, or simply being present in the community, these businesses understand that coffee is personal. They value trust, loyalty, and shared experience just as much as flavor notes and brew ratios.

This people-first approach is what creates lasting local brands and keeps San Diego’s coffee scene thriving.

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Why Local Coffee Roasters Matter

Supporting local coffee roasters means investing in craftsmanship, sustainability, and community connection. It keeps dollars local, encourages ethical sourcing, and strengthens the culture around specialty coffee. Most importantly, it ensures that care and intention remain at the center of the cup.

If you’re exploring San Diego coffee roasters, we encourage you to check out Scrimshaw Coffee, OB Beans, and Genteel Coffee—and experience firsthand what happens when great coffee meets genuine care.

At the end of the day, the common thread is simple: roast great coffee, care deeply, and serve people well. That’s a philosophy we can all get behind.

📸: www.wakacoffee.com

Why a Home Coffee Subscription Might Be the Upgrade Your Mornings Need

Why a Home Coffee Subscription Might Be the Upgrade Your Mornings Need

If you’re like most of us, your morning coffee is more than a drink—it’s a ritual, a reset, and sometimes the only quiet moment you get all day. So it’s no surprise that one of Google’s most-searched coffee terms this year is “home coffee subscription.” More people than ever are looking for fresh, dependable, higher-quality coffee delivered right to their door.

At Common Good Coffee, we’ve seen firsthand how a well-built subscription can transform someone’s daily routine. Whether you’re a parent juggling school drop-offs, a remote worker craving café-quality flavor, or someone simply tired of running out of beans at the worst time, a coffee subscription can be the simplest upgrade you make all year.

What Is a Home Coffee Subscription?

A home coffee subscription is a recurring delivery of freshly roasted coffee—usually weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly—tailored to your taste. You choose the coffee, the grind, and the frequency. The result? A never-empty coffee shelf and a better cup every morning.

Common Good subscriptions are roasted to order in San Diego and shipped weekly, meaning your beans hit peak flavor right when they arrive.

Why Home Coffee Subscriptions Are So Popular Right Now

1. Freshness You Can Taste

Coffee peaks within days of roasting. Grocery-store bags often sit for weeks–sometimes months. Subscriptions ensure the freshest possible cup without a weekly trip to your local café.

2. Set It and Forget It

Your mornings get easier: no more last-minute grocery runs, no more borrowing emergency grounds from a neighbor, and no more compromising on whatever brand happens to be in the pantry.

3. Better Value

Because subscription coffee bypasses retail shelves, you get higher-quality beans at a better price than comparable coffees in-store.

4. Discovery Without the Risk

Not sure what you like yet? Rotating subscriptions allow you to explore new single origins and seasonal roasts without committing to a full bag you may not enjoy.

What Makes Common Good’s Subscription Different?

We built our subscription program around quality, consistency, and flexibility.

☕ Freshly Roasted in Small Batches

Every bag is roasted fresh to order. No overstock, no old coffee—ever.

🎯 Choose Your Flavor Profile

Light, medium, dark, espresso, decaf, rotating single origins—we offer something for every preference.

📦 Flexible Delivery

Weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. Easily pause, modify, or cancel anytime.

🌱 Ethically Sourced

We partner with farms and co-ops we trust—producers who focus on quality and sustainable practices.

Who Benefits Most from a Home Coffee Subscription?

• Busy parents

• Remote workers

• Adventurous coffee drinkers

• Budget-savvy households

• Anyone wanting reliable café-quality coffee at home

How to Get Started

If you’re drinking coffee daily (and most households do), a subscription often saves you money while dramatically improving quality. Joining the Common Good Coffee subscription is simple:

1. Choose your coffee

2. Select whole bean or your preferred grind

3. Pick delivery frequency

4. Enjoy café-quality coffee without ever running out

👉 https://www.commongoodcoffee.com/coffeesubscriptions

Home coffee subscriptions are trending for a reason—they solve a real problem, deliver a better product, and make everyday life simpler. If you’re ready to elevate your morning routine, explore our subscription options and let us keep your coffee stocked and freshly roasted.

At the end of the day, great coffee should be easy—and we’re here to make sure of it.

Decaf, Done Right

At Common Good Coffee, we take pride in offering an exceptional decaf, sourced from Colombia. We know decaf often gets a bad reputation, but we’re here to change that by choosing the best decaffeination method to preserve flavor and quality.

There are three primary ways to remove caffeine from coffee:

1. Chemical Process – This method uses food-safe chemicals to extract caffeine. While effective, it often leaves behind an artificial aftertaste.

2. Swiss Water Process – A water-based method that removes caffeine without chemicals, but can strip away some of the coffee’s natural flavors, resulting in a more muted taste.

3. Sugar Cane Process (Our Choice!) – This method uses naturally derived ethyl acetate from sugar cane to remove caffeine while maintaining the coffee’s full flavor profile. It enhances the sweetness and preserves the integrity of the beans, ensuring a delicious, well-rounded cup.

We firmly believe the sugar cane process is the best way to decaffeinate coffee because it doesn’t compromise taste. While some methods leave coffee tasting flat or artificial, this approach keeps the vibrant flavors intact—so you can enjoy a decaf that’s just as rich and complex as a fully caffeinated cup.

If you’re looking for a decaf that actually tastes like great coffee, you’ve found it. Give it a try and taste the difference!

Investing in Our Community: Supporting Collier Park’s Revitalization

At Common Good Coffee, we believe in using our success to give back. That’s why we proudly supported Collier Park’s renovation during its fundraising stages, helping bring vital improvements to this beloved community space in La Mesa.

As the city’s oldest park, Collier Park has long been a gathering place for families, friends, and outdoor enthusiasts. The recent $4.5 million revitalization project, funded through park fees, grants, and community donations—including ours—has transformed the park with: • A new playground and fitness equipment • Lighted tennis & pickleball courts • Nature trails & amphitheater • Shaded picnic areas & improved parking

We’re honored to have played a role in this transformation, ensuring Collier Park remains a welcoming place for generations to come.

Visit 4401 Palm Ave, La Mesa, CA to experience the upgrades firsthand, and thank you for supporting businesses like ours that reinvest in the community!

Arabica vs. Robusta: Understanding the Differences Between Coffee’s Two Main Varieties

When it comes to coffee, not all beans are created equal. Most coffee lovers are familiar with two main types of beans: Arabica and Robusta. But what truly sets these two varieties apart? Whether you’re sipping your morning cup or selecting beans for your next roast, knowing the distinctions can enhance your appreciation for this beloved beverage.

Here’s an in-depth look at the differences between Arabica and Robusta coffee beans.

1. Origin and Growth Conditions

Arabica beans are known for their delicate nature, thriving at higher altitudes (600–2,000 meters) with cooler climates and consistent rainfall. Originally discovered in Ethiopia, Arabica plants are more susceptible to pests and diseases, making them more challenging to grow.

Robusta beans, on the other hand, are true survivors. They flourish in lower-altitude, hotter climates (0–800 meters) with higher humidity. Native to sub-Saharan Africa, Robusta plants are resilient against pests and harsh growing conditions, making them easier to cultivate.

2. Flavor Profile

Arabica coffee is celebrated for its smoother, sweeter taste. Its flavor profile often includes hints of fruit, floral notes, and bright acidity, depending on the region of origin. The complexity of Arabica’s flavors makes it the preferred choice for specialty coffee.

In contrast, Robusta coffee is bold, earthy, and sometimes bitter. While less nuanced than Arabica, it offers a heavy-bodied, nutty flavor with occasional chocolatey undertones, making it a favorite in espresso blends for its strength and crema.

3. Caffeine Content

If you need a serious caffeine kick, Robusta delivers. With nearly twice the caffeine content of Arabica (2.2–2.7% vs. 1.2–1.5%), Robusta is the natural choice for an energy boost. This higher caffeine level also acts as a natural pest deterrent, contributing to the plant’s resilience.

Arabica’s lower caffeine content is one of the reasons behind its smoother, less bitter taste.

4. Bean Shape and Appearance

The physical differences between Arabica and Robusta beans are easy to spot. Arabica beans are larger, oval-shaped, and feature a curved “S” line in the center.

Robusta beans are smaller, rounder, and have a straight line in the center. Their compact size and density contribute to their stronger flavor profile.

5. Cultivation and Production

Arabica accounts for about 60–70% of the world’s coffee production. Its demanding growing conditions and susceptibility to diseases make it more labor-intensive and expensive to produce. However, its superior flavor profile justifies its premium price.

Robusta, representing about 30–40% of global production, is easier and cheaper to grow. Its resilience to pests and ability to thrive in harsher conditions make it a more cost-effective option for farmers.

6. Price

The higher demand for Arabica coffee, combined with the challenges of its cultivation, makes it more expensive. It’s a favorite for specialty coffee drinkers who value its flavor complexity.

Robusta is more affordable, often used in instant coffee, lower-end blends, and espresso for its strength and thick crema.

7. Uses in the Coffee Industry

Arabica’s nuanced flavors make it the go-to choice for single-origin coffees and high-quality blends. Specialty coffee shops often focus on Arabica beans to showcase the unique flavors of various regions.

Robusta is commonly used in instant coffee, commercial-grade blends, and espresso blends. Its bold flavor and thick crema make it a staple in espresso-based drinks.

Which One Should You Choose?

The choice between Arabica and Robusta comes down to your personal preferences and the coffee’s purpose: • If you’re seeking a smooth, flavorful experience, Arabica is your bean. • If you’re after a bold, caffeine-packed kick, Robusta is your go-to.

At Common Good Coffee, we believe in celebrating the unique characteristics of every coffee variety. Whether you prefer the refined flavors of Arabica or the boldness of Robusta, the journey to discover your perfect cup is what makes coffee so exciting.

Let us know—are you Team Arabica or Team Robusta? Share your thoughts in the comments.

The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide: Best Coffee Makers, Grinders, and Espresso Machines for Specialty Coffee Lovers

As the holiday season approaches, finding the perfect gift for the coffee aficionado in your life can be a stressful endeavor. Whether they're a seasoned barista or a budding coffee enthusiast, the right tools and accessories can elevate their coffee experience. At Common Good Coffee Roasters, we understand the passion for exceptional coffee. That's why we've curated a list of top-tier coffee equipment and accessories, each highly reviewed and recognized by specialty coffee authorities, to help you make this Christmas truly special.

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Coffee Makers

Best Overall : Breville Precision Brewer (SCA Certified)

Why It’s Great: The Breville Precision Brewer is a versatile drip coffee maker that meets Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) standards for brewing excellence. Its customizable settings allow users to experiment with temperature, flow rate, and bloom time for ultimate control.

• Price: Approximately $329
• Perfect For: Coffee enthusiasts who desire professional-level brewing at home without the guesswork.
• Features:
  • Six preset modes, including "Gold" for SCA-standard brewing.
  • Adjustable temperature and flow control.
  • Accommodates a range of brewing needs, from single cup to carafe.

Pair it with: A bag of our Wind + Sea Blend for a harmonious brew.

Best Budget: OXO Brew 8-Cup Coffee Maker (SCA Certified)

Why It’s Great: For its price, the OXO Brew 8-Cup Coffee Maker delivers consistently excellent coffee. Its straightforward interface and compact design make it an excellent choice for budget-conscious coffee lovers.

• Price: Approximately $179
• Perfect For: Newcomers to specialty coffee or those with smaller kitchens.
• Features:
  • SCA-certified brewing performance.
  • Brew-through carafe lid keeps coffee hot for hours.
  • Optional single-serve mode with included pour-over adapter.

Pair it with: A subscription to our Home Coffee Subscription for freshly roasted beans delivered monthly.

Best Splurge: Technivorm Moccamaster KBGV Select (SCA Certified)

Why It’s Great: The Moccamaster is a gold standard for coffee brewing, known for its durability, design, and ability to produce exceptional coffee every time. Hand-assembled in the Netherlands, it’s a splurge that lasts a lifetime.

• Price: Approximately $359
• Perfect For: Coffee purists who value craftsmanship and performance.
• Features:
  • Brews a full carafe in just six minutes.
  • Automatic shutoff after brewing.
  • Available in a variety of colors to match any kitchen.

Pair it with: A limited-edition holiday blend from Common Good Coffee to celebrate the season.

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Espresso Machines

Best Overall: Breville Barista Express

Why It’s Great: This all-in-one espresso machine is a favorite among home baristas. It combines a grinder, tamper, and steam wand in one compact unit, making it easy to create café-quality drinks.

• Price: Approximately $749
• Perfect For: Espresso lovers who want an intuitive machine with built-in features.
• Features:
  • Integrated conical burr grinder.
  • Adjustable grind size and dose for precision.
  • Steam wand for lattes and cappuccinos.

Pair it with: A bag of our El Mezcal for a rich espresso experience.

Best Budget: De'Longhi EC155M Manual Espresso Machine

Why It’s Great: An affordable entry into the world of espresso, the De'Longhi EC155M offers manual control and a compact design, making it suitable for beginners.

• Price: Approximately $119
• Perfect For: Those new to espresso making or with limited counter space.
• Features:
  • 15-bar professional pressure.
  • Manual frother for cappuccinos and lattes.
  • Compact footprint.

Pair it with: A bag of our Espresso Blend to start pulling shots right away.

Best Splurge: La Marzocco Linea Mini

Why It’s Great: A professional-grade machine scaled down for home use, the Linea Mini offers exceptional build quality and performance, bringing the café experience to your kitchen.

• Price: Approximately $4,500
• Perfect For: Serious espresso enthusiasts willing to invest in top-tier equipment.
• Features:
  • Dual boiler system.
  • Integrated brew group for temperature stability.
  • Classic design with stainless steel finish.

Pair it with: A selection of our single-origin espressos to explore diverse flavors.

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Coffee Grinders

Best Overall: Baratza Virtuoso+

Why It’s Great: The Baratza Virtuoso+ is a standout grinder for both beginners and pros, offering consistent grinds across a wide range of brewing methods. It’s a step up from entry-level grinders without venturing into splurge territory.

• Price: Approximately $249
• Perfect For: Coffee lovers serious about grinding fresh beans daily.
• Features:
  • 40 grind settings for espresso to French press.
  • Digital timer for precise dosing.
  • Compact, sleek design.

  Coffee Grinders

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Best Budget: Timemore Chestnut C2 Manual Grinder

Why It’s Great: The Timemore Chestnut C2 offers exceptional grind consistency for its price, making it an ideal choice for beginners or coffee lovers on a budget. Its compact, portable design also makes it perfect for travel or small kitchens.

• Price: ~$79
• Perfect For: Budget-conscious coffee drinkers or travelers who prefer manual brewing.
• Features:
  • High-quality stainless steel burrs for durability and precision.
  • Adjustable grind settings for pour-over, French press, and AeroPress.
  • Lightweight and easy to clean.

Pair it with: A pour-over brewer like the Hario V60.

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Best Splurge: Fellow Ode Brew Grinder Gen 2

Why It’s Great: The Fellow Ode Brew Grinder Gen 2 is a premium grinder designed for ultimate consistency and ease of use. It’s engineered specifically for filter brewing methods like pour-over, French press, and drip coffee, delivering café-quality results.

• Price: ~$345
• Perfect For: Coffee enthusiasts looking for a top-tier grinder with a modern aesthetic.
• Features:
  • 64mm flat burrs for precision grinding.
  • Expanded grind range for versatility across brewing methods.
  • Quiet motor with an auto-stop function.
  • Sleek, minimalist design that fits beautifully in any kitchen.

Pair it with: A subscription to Common Good Coffee’s Single-Origin Coffee Collection for a true specialty coffee experience.

Mezcal...the tree not the alcohol

In our ongoing mission to source great-tasting, thoughtfully produced coffee, we discovered El Mezcal. Personally, I’ve always loved coffee from the Chiapas region of Mexico, where the ideal altitude, climate, and volcanic soil come together to create incredible beans.

In 2016, E-Cafe Chiapas, an export group, partnered with 12 small-scale growers that now make up the El Mezcal lot. Before this, their coffee was part of a larger regional blend, which likely masked the unique flavors of El Mezcal. E-Cafe helped these farmers improve their production to meet specialty-grade standards, allowing them to sell their coffee at its true value.

Now, let’s talk about the name, El Mezcal. We get a lot of questions like:
"Is the coffee soaked in mezcal?"
"Does it contain alcohol?"
"Is mezcal popular in Chiapas?"

Tim, our friend and coffee buyer from Bodhi, visited the farm in 2022 and learned the name actually comes from a native tree in the area. These large trees provide much-needed shade for the coffee plants.

Want to try it yourself? Click here to grab a bag!

Why We're Committed to Motors for Minds: Highlighting the Mental Health Needs of Firefighters

Justin is a firefighter here in San Diego. I first met Justin through our sons, Sam and Wyatt, who became friends in kindergarten. Through our casual conversations, I learned about his nonprofit organization, Motors for Minds, and the serious mental health challenges faced by firefighters. I was shocked to discover the extent of PTSD and suicide among firefighters. Compared to the general population, firefighters have a 40% higher likelihood of suicide and a 20-30% likelihood of developing PTSD, versus just 6.8% for the general population.

These statistics opened my eyes to the significant mental and emotional toll that firefighting takes. Beyond the obvious physical dangers, firefighters face mental stress from rescuing people, sleep deprivation, and exposure to hazardous substances. These factors contribute to the alarming mental health crisis among first responders.

Recognizing the importance of this cause, I knew we needed to support Justin and Motors for Minds. This marked the beginning of CGC's commitment to supporting this vital initiative. Justin, thank you for your service and for raising awareness about the mental health needs of our local heroes.

If you would like to get involved or support the cause, visit Motors for Minds.

📸:LowRider mugshot

How It All Started

In 2015, childhood friends Patrick Neal and Ryan Beagley-Reiner founded Common Good Coffee Roasters (CGC) in San Diego, California. They were driven by a simple goal: to make truly great coffee more accessible and to ensure that everyone involved in its production benefits.

Reflecting on their motivation, Ryan said, “We saw that many small, owner-operated cafes and restaurants were serving coffee that lacked flavor, uniqueness, and transparency regarding its origin. Having roasted at home and researched the coffee supply chain, I realized we could offer something better.”

Combining their experience in both large coffee corporations and specialty coffee, Pat and Ryan aimed to bridge the gap between the two. CGC strives to deliver the convenience of mainstream coffee with the quality, transparency, and ethics of specialty coffee.

At the heart of CGC’s mission is a commitment to sharing knowledge about coffee sourcing and production, ensuring fair compensation for coffee producers, and creating an inclusive coffee culture. This philosophy is embodied in their tagline, "Coffee for the Common Good," which sets CGC apart in the industry.

To achieve superior quality, CGC partners with specialty coffee importers and cooperatives to source green coffee beans that exceed specialty standards. Each batch of coffee is roasted with precision to highlight its unique flavors, resulting in a product that delights consumers.

Beyond being a coffee company, CGC is dedicated to philanthropy, believing that good coffee should benefit all stakeholders, from farmers to customers. CGC supports various non-profits and encourages collaboration on meaningful causes, emphasizing the power of collective efforts.

Recognizing the important role of coffee shops in shaping consumer experiences, CGC is more than just a supplier; it is a partner in excellence, providing quality coffee that stands out in taste and ethics.

For CGC, roasting is more than a process; it symbolizes a commitment to quality and positive change. Their careful selection of green coffee beans and small-batch roasting technique bring out the nuanced flavors of each origin, creating a sensory experience that connects drinkers to the regions where the beans were grown.

CGC's focus on fair compensation for producers reflects its dedication to sustainability and equitable practices. The company’s story is one of conscious capitalism and social responsibility, aligning with consumers' desire for products that match their values.

As part of the global coffee community, CGC actively contributes to positive change through its philanthropic efforts, inviting patrons to join in making a difference.

In summary, Common Good Coffee Roasters is more than a brand; it’s a movement to redefine the coffee experience, elevate quality standards, and promote a better world. Through meticulous sourcing, a commitment to specialty coffee standards, and ethical practices, CGC invites everyone to participate in creating a positive and sustainable future—one cup of coffee at a time.

My Favorite Coffee Brewing Products and Resources

Looking to improve your home coffee setup but not quite sure where to start? This post is for you.

Finding the best drip coffee maker or the burr coffee grinder with the most "bang for your buck", can be a pretty overwhelming task. There are so many options and tons of coffee "experts" ready to give you an opinion on this subject. In this post I am going to try and keep things simple(and helpful) by providing you with some coffee resources that I trust and a list of the brewing equipment that I use at home. Let's get to it!

Coffee Resources

With the myriad of websites,ads, and opinions out there it can be hard to know where to look for good coffee product research. Below are some companies I have grown to trust over the years:

• *To See Whose Certified: The Specialty Coffee Association has a list of "SCA Certified Home Brewers" that meet their guidlines that include "proper water temperature, brewing time, and ability to brew within the SCA Golden Cup recommendations."
• To See Coffee Products In Action: Seattle Coffee Gear has tons of Brewer comparision videos that breakdown what is good (and not so) about all kinds of coffee products. I have reffered to their site for years.
• For a Barista Level Education: Barista Hustle takes a deep dive into coffee science in their classes but also have a free blog with great coffee info. They also have and has a few great producst work checking out.

My Home Coffee Set-up:

Below are the coffee brewing tools I use at home:

• My Drip Coffee Maker: Bonavita is one of the most trusted brands in the business and I have this this Home Brewer at my house and have used it nearly everyday for the last 6 years. It makes the best cup of coffee of any drip brewer I have tried.
• My Grinder: Breville Smart Grinder Pro
• My Manual Brew Tools:
  • Kettle: Bonavita Variable Temp Kettle*
  • Classic Pour-Over: *V60 CERAMIC COFFEE DRIPPER 02
  • Beginer Friendly Pour-Over: Kalita Wave
  • Travel and Camping: Aeorpress
• My Home Coldbrewer: Hario Mizudashi

How To Make Better Coffee on Your Keurig

There are no two ways about it, the specialty coffee industry does not like K-Cups and Pods and there are some very good reasons for this:

1. The coffee generally sold in pods is not specialty grade, is rarely fresh, and is almost always over-roasted.
2. Pods generally do not hold enough coffee to provide proper extraction ratios that yield a flavorful cup (hence the over roasting).
3. The waste resulting from single-use plastic pods is just plain bad for the environment.

However, these machines are very convenient, and we know there are many of you who are loyal coffee pod peeps. So, here is how to make better coffee on your Kuerig:

What We Used:

• Our Colombia Loro medium roast

• A Keurig K-Mini brewer

• A My K-Cup reusable pod

Recipe:

Grind: Medium grind, like for a drip brewer. **Disclaimer: Keurig tells you to grind coffee coarse, however you have to push the limits a little to get better extraction and flavor. We had no problems even up to a pretty fine grind.

Coffee: Use between 16 - 22 grams ~ 3-4 Tablespoons of coffee depending on your strength/flavor preference

Water: Between 8-10 Oz (purified water)

Summary: If done right, it is possible to have a pretty decent cup of coffee on a Keurig. Buy good coffee, grind it fresh, and use a refillable k-cup or pod.

Have Questions, Suggestions, or thoughts? Comment below! **

Transparency: An Interview With Cedro Alto

Last month we had an Instagram Live Q&A with Karl Weinhold from Cedro Alto - the coffee collective where we souce most of our Colombian coffees. We focused on supply-chain transparency and why/how we should care. We attempted to cover a lot of ground but my main take-away was that there are no simple answers, however if we care about where our coffee comes from and making sure it is good for all involved, we need to pay attention to some serious details.

Interview Notes:

1. Why and How can we Care about Supply Chain Transparency?

   1. Transparency only matters if a coffee source (importer, collective, roaster, shop) claims to be focused on altruism (common good) in their coffee dealings. If this is something we truly care about we need some serious information:

   2. What does fair mean to us? What is the actual price paid to farmers? In what currency? Milled or Green?

2. What is the difference between Direct and Fair Trade?

   1. Fair Trade is a 3rd-party verified certification that sets a price floor for coffee (minimum price paid to farmers). 

      1. Fair Trade is only as good as a farmers ability to market and sell their coffee customers willing to pay a higher price.

      2. The minority of Fair certified coffee is sold as actual Fair Trade price, due to consumer demand and the “C Price” (the price that coffee as a commodity is traded at). 

   2. Direct Trade isn’t a certification, it’s a term that implies the cutting-out of middlemen but it has been used in many different ways.

      1. What do we mean by Direct? Farmer to Importer to Roaster? Farmer to mill to logistics company to roaster? Does the farmer plant, harvest, mill, ship, finance, roast, brew, and sell direct to consumers?

      2. Cutting out intermediaries isn’t always a good thing.

      3. There are many steps from seed to cup so many special skills and a lot of money is required to make this process happen. 

      4. Why shouldn’t whoever can do each process most efficiently, handle that work?

      5. Only the largest and most capitalized companies can afford to be truly direct trade. 

3. Why can I find coffee labeled Fair Trade and/or Organic for so inexpensive?

   1. Scale- Large operations can afford to finance, hold, and coordinate in ways that allow them to cut cost overall and get guaranteed sales on a huge scale.  

   2. Creative blending of multiple origins

   3. The question is:  Will the coffee you love be available in 1, 2, or 5 years if farmers are selling coffee, often at a loss, to compete with commodity prices.

4. What part of Cedro Alto’s work are you most proud of?

   1. We offer our farms a purchase-guarantee for a fixed price

      1. This takes much of the financial risk and stress off the shoulders of farmers as Cedro Also pays up-front with very little buyer-guarantees.

5. What can we as roasters and cafe owners do better?

   1. Plan purchasing of green coffee ahead of time so collective/farmers can count on our money.

   2. Keep in contact and coordinate with importers and farmers in regards to green coffee demand. Price volatility is the most significant hurdle and hardship for coffee farmers.

IGTV Interview:

View this post on Instagram

Q&A with @cedroalto

A post shared by Common Good Coffee Roasters (@commongoodcoffee) on Jun 5, 2020 at 3:47pm PDT