About Cold Cuppa Club
Our passion for coffee brought us together, but our commitment to community keeps us strong.
Our Story
Cold Cuppa Club began as a simple idea shared between friends over steaming mugs in a Portland coffee shop. Sarah Chen, a newly certified coffee sommelier, and James Thompson, a sustainability advocate with a passion for direct-trade coffee, realized that while coffee brings people together, there wasn't a dedicated space for serious coffee enthusiasts to connect, learn, and grow together.
From Local Meetup to Global Community
What started as weekend cupping sessions in Sarah's living room has evolved into a thriving global community of over 15,000 coffee enthusiasts spanning six continents. Our members include everyone from curious beginners taking their first steps into specialty coffee to seasoned professionals working in the industry.
In 2020, when the world changed dramatically, we pivoted our in-person events to virtual sessions, which unexpectedly opened our doors to coffee lovers worldwide. This shift allowed us to connect with farmers in Guatemala, roasters in Melbourne, and home baristas in Tokyo, creating a truly international coffee family.
Our Mission
We exist to democratize coffee knowledge and create meaningful connections within the coffee community. Every resource we share, every session we host, and every partnership we forge serves three core principles:
Education & Empowerment
We believe everyone deserves access to quality coffee education, regardless of their experience level or location. Our comprehensive guides, virtual workshops, and mentorship programs help members develop their palate, master brewing techniques, and understand the complex journey from farm to cup.
Ethical Sourcing & Sustainability
Coffee is only as good as the communities that grow it. We partner exclusively with roasters who prioritize direct relationships with farmers, fair compensation, and environmentally sustainable practices. When you support our featured coffee suppliers, you're investing in the future of coffee-growing communities worldwide.
Community & Connection
Great coffee is meant to be shared. Whether it's our weekly virtual cupping sessions, monthly roaster spotlights, or annual Coffee Culture Festival, we create spaces where coffee lovers can connect, share knowledge, and celebrate the beverage that brings us all together.
Meet Our Team
Sarah Chen - Co-founder & Coffee Sommelier
Sarah's journey into coffee began during her graduate studies in Portland, where she discovered that her analytical mind and sensitive palate made her a natural coffee taster. After earning her Q Grader certification and completing advanced sommelier training, she realized her true passion lay in sharing coffee knowledge with others.
James Thompson - Co-founder & Sustainability Director
With a background in international development and a deep commitment to ethical business practices, James brings unique insight into the challenges facing coffee-growing communities. His work establishing direct relationships with farmer cooperatives has helped Cold Cuppa Club become a trusted voice in sustainable coffee sourcing.
Maria Rodriguez - Master Cupper & Education Coordinator
A certified Q Grader with over 15 years of experience in specialty coffee, Maria leads our weekly cupping sessions and develops our educational content. Her expertise in flavor profiling and brewing science has helped thousands of members refine their palates and improve their home brewing skills.
Our Impact
Since 2019, Cold Cuppa Club has facilitated over 200 virtual cupping sessions, educated more than 15,000 coffee enthusiasts, and contributed over $50,000 directly to coffee farming communities through our ethical sourcing partnerships.
But numbers only tell part of our story. Our real impact is measured in the connections we've fostered, the knowledge we've shared, and the positive change we've supported throughout the coffee supply chain. From helping a home barista perfect their pour-over technique to connecting a small-scale roaster with sustainable bean suppliers, we're proud to be part of coffee stories around the world.