FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about ordering from Cup Coffee Roasters, a specialty coffee roaster in Portland, Oregon. We roast fresh every Monday and ship single-origin coffees sourced from women producers, smallholder farms, and forward-thinking producers around the world. Looking for wholesale or mobile cart details? Those have their own pages, linked below.
Ordering & Shipping
How fresh is the coffee from Cup Coffee Roasters?
Very fresh. Cup Coffee Roasters roasts every Monday in Portland, Oregon and ships that same week, so your bag arrives within days of roasting. To make that week's roast, order by Sunday at midnight PT.
Does Cup Coffee Roasters offer free shipping?
Yes. Coffee orders of $75 or more ship free. Merch orders of $100 or more also ship free. Portland-area customers can choose free local delivery at checkout.
Where does Cup Coffee Roasters ship?
Cup Coffee Roasters ships worldwide from Portland, Oregon.
Subscriptions
How does the Cup Coffee Roasters subscription work?
The Roaster's Choice Subscription delivers a rotating selection of Cup Coffee Roasters' current coffees on a schedule you set: weekly, biweekly, or monthly. Subscribers save 15% on every shipment automatically.
Can I pause or cancel my Cup Coffee Roasters subscription?
Yes, at any time. Your order confirmation email has the direct link to manage, pause, or cancel. No fees, no waiting.
Coffee & Brewing
What grind options does Cup Coffee Roasters offer?
Most coffees are available as whole bean or pre-ground for drip, pour over, cold brew, and French press. Select your grind at checkout, and we'll grind it fresh before shipping.
What is sugarcane decaf, and is it better than regular decaf?
Sugarcane EA decaf uses ethyl acetate, a naturally derived compound from sugarcane, to remove caffeine. It preserves more of the coffee's original flavor than conventional methods like methylene chloride or Swiss Water. Cup Coffee uses this process specifically because the resulting cup is cleaner and more flavorful than most decaf.
What roast level should I buy from Cup Coffee Roasters?
Roast level is a good starting point. Here's how we think about it:
- Light roast: Highlights origin character, including fruit, floral, and tea-like notes. Best for pour over and drip, where clarity of flavor comes through. Can taste brighter or more acidic than people used to darker coffee expect.
- Medium roast: A middle ground where origin notes are still present and roast sweetness begins to develop. Works across drip, pour over, and French press.
- Dark roast: Roast-forward flavors like chocolate and caramel, with lower acidity. Holds up well in French press and espresso.
Not sure where to start? Email info@cupcoffeeroasters.co and we'll point you toward something that fits what you usually drink.
Which Cup Coffee Roasters coffee works best for my brew method?
Here's how we generally match roast to method:
- Pour over: Light to medium roasts. The slow, controlled extraction highlights delicate, origin-driven flavors.
- Drip: Medium roasts are the most reliable. Light roasts can work if you prefer a brighter cup.
- French press: Medium to dark roasts suit full-immersion brewing. The body and depth complement roastier flavors.
- Cold brew: Medium to dark roasts. The long steep softens acidity, and roast sweetness carries through well.
- Espresso: Medium to dark roasts are standard. Some lighter roasts can pull well but are less forgiving of extraction variables.
Still unsure? Reach out at info@cupcoffeeroasters.co and we'll help.
Returns & Issues
Can I return coffee from Cup Coffee Roasters?
Coffee is a food product, so we cannot accept returns. If something is wrong with your order, contact info@cupcoffeeroasters.co and we will make it right. Non-food items like merchandise have a 14-day return window.
Sourcing & Mission
What makes Cup Coffee Roasters different from other Portland specialty roasters?
A few things. Cup Coffee Roasters sources single-origin coffees from mission-driven producers, with a specific focus on women-led farms and smallholder cooperatives. We roast in small batches in Portland, Oregon every Monday so every bag ships at peak freshness. And we donate 1% of all revenue to environmental restoration, currently split between coral reef restoration through Coral Gardeners and community support through Pueblo Unido PDX.
Does Cup Coffee Roasters source from women producers?
Yes. Sourcing from women-led farms is a core part of how Cup Coffee Roasters selects its coffees. Our La Morena from Cubulco, Baja Verapaz, Guatemala is one example: grown and processed by women producers, washed process, with notes of milk chocolate, praline, and green apple acidity.
Wholesale, White Label & Catering
Does Cup Coffee Roasters offer wholesale accounts?
Yes. Cup Coffee Roasters works with cafes, restaurants, offices, and retailers in Portland and beyond who want freshly roasted, ethically sourced specialty coffee. Wholesale orders run on the same Monday roast and Tuesday ship schedule as our direct-to-consumer shop. Visit our Wholesale & Partnerships page for details on minimums, lead times, and our Faire storefront.
Does Cup Coffee Roasters offer white label or private label coffee roasting?
Yes. Cup Coffee Roasters roasts and packs specialty coffee under partner brands for cafes and retailers who want to sell coffee under their own label. Partners choose from our current single-origin lineup, we roast weekly in small batches in Portland, Oregon, and pack it under your brand. Golden Hour Coffee Co. is one example of a current white label partner. Contact us through the Wholesale & Partnerships page to start a conversation.
Can I book Cup Coffee Roasters for a wedding, corporate event, or private party?
Yes. Cup Coffee Roasters operates a licensed mobile coffee cart available for weddings, corporate events, private parties, and pop-ups in the Portland area. Visit our Mobile Coffee Cart & Catering page to learn more and inquire about availability.
Where can I buy Cup Coffee Roasters coffee in person in Portland?
Visit our Where to Find Us page for retail partner locations in and around Portland, Oregon.