Meet the passionate coffee enthusiasts behind your trusted guide to specialty coffee in Australia
Coffee Beans AU was born from a shared obsession that started around a kitchen table in Melbourne. What began as passionate debates about extraction ratios, bean origins, and the perfect crema evolved into something bigger: a mission to help every Australian discover exceptional coffee without the guesswork.
Our founding team comprises experienced baristas, certified Q Graders, home roasting enthusiasts, and coffee industry professionals who have collectively spent decades exploring the world of specialty coffee. We've pulled countless shots on commercial La Marzoccos, dialled in single origins on home Breville setups, and tasted our way through hundreds of roasters across Australia and beyond.
We understand that the specialty coffee world can feel overwhelming. With terms like "processing methods," "altitude," "varietals," and "flavour notes" thrown around, it's easy to feel lost when all you want is a brilliant cup of coffee. That's precisely why we created this resource. We translate the complex language of specialty coffee into practical guidance that helps you make confident purchasing decisions.
Every coffee featured on our site goes through our rigorous testing process. We cup beans using SCA protocols, brew them across multiple methods (espresso, pour-over, French press, and AeroPress), and evaluate them over several days as they degas and develop. We assess everything from the uniformity of the roast to the clarity of origin characteristics, the balance of acidity and sweetness, and how well beans perform with milk.
Our team doesn't accept payment or free products in exchange for positive coverage. When we recommend a coffee, it's because we genuinely believe it delivers excellent value and quality for Australian consumers. Our comparison tools and personalised recommendations are built on data from our hands-on testing, not marketing materials.
We believe that great coffee should be accessible to everyone, regardless of budget or experience level. Whether you're buying your first bag of specialty beans or you're a seasoned home barista looking for your next obsession, we're here to guide you. We celebrate the full spectrum of coffee experiences, from approachable everyday blends to rare micro-lot single origins.
Transparency matters to us. We're upfront about our affiliate relationships and how we sustain this resource. When you click through to purchase coffee from one of our partner retailers, we may earn a small commission. This doesn't influence our recommendations or increase prices for you. It simply helps us continue testing beans, writing guides, and building tools that serve the Australian coffee community.
Coffee connects people. It fuels morning rituals, sparks conversations, and brings communities together. We're honoured to be part of your coffee journey, and we're committed to helping you brew better, discover more, and enjoy every cup.
The coffee lovers behind the recommendations
Founder & Lead Taster
Former head barista at a Melbourne specialty cafe, Marcus holds Q Grader certification and has judged regional barista competitions. He oversees all bean evaluations and cupping sessions.
Equipment Specialist
With 12 years in the coffee equipment industry, Sarah brings deep expertise in espresso machines, grinders, and brewing gear. She leads our equipment guides and maintenance tutorials.
Home Brewing Expert
A passionate home roaster and brewing method enthusiast, James tests every coffee on consumer-grade equipment to ensure our recommendations work for home setups.
Content Director
Emma combines her journalism background with a love for specialty coffee to produce our educational guides. She's completed barista training and regularly visits Australian roasteries.