Carrboro Coffee Roasters

06/04/2026

Our support of the Cup of Excellence, the world’s most respected coffee development & promotion program, continues into its second decade.

Our President & Coffee Buyer, Scott Conary just returned from serving as Head Judge for all six rounds of the 2026 Costa Rica program. This year’s Costa Rica program was special for Scott, as it marked the 10th Anniversary of the first time he served as Head Judge for this specific program.

Round 1: In this Pre-Selection round, a National Jury of experienced cuppers in Costa Rica scored all samples submitted to the competition — a total of 60 this year. Top coffees scoring over 86 points — on a 100 point scale — advanced.

Round 2: The National judges scored coffees from Pre-Selection. Top coffees scoring over 86 points advanced.

Round 3: National judges again score the coffees they passed in Round 2. The top 40 advanced to the International rounds.

Round 4: An expert panel of International judges traveled to Costa Rica to score the 40 coffees passed to them by the National judges. Two judges from the National Jury were selected to join the International Jury and share their knowledge and insight.

Round 5: International judges reviewed samples passed in Round 4 & those that scored over 87 points, a maximum of 30, were eligible for the International Auction as a Cup of Excellence coffee.

Round 6: The top ten highest scoring coffees were again scored and ranked, which determined their final placement in the competition, and the coffees that received a Presidential Award (90+ points).

The International Auction for these winning coffees will take place on July 9. To review the winning coffees and learn more about the auction, visit allianceforcoffeeexcellence.org/costa-rica-2026

Huge thanks to Taza de la Excelencia CR, Asociación Cafés Finos CR and Cafe de Costa Rica for sponsoring this year’s program — and Natali Venegas & Don Leo Seo for capturing the event in photos & videos to share with you here. (Be sure to turn your sound up).

06/03/2026

06/02/2026

Local partner highlight!

Esmeralda’s Cafe in Durham was founded with a passion for coffee and community. Proudly serving Carrboro Coffee Roasters, this cafe is perfect for working, relaxing, or enjoying live music from local artists.

The cafe hosts talented local musicians, bringing a mix of jazz, acoustic, and indie performances to enhance coffeehouse experience.

Be sure to visit this local gem! Esmeralda’s Cafe is open Monday-Friday from 6 am to 9 pm, Saturday 6 am to 10 pm and Sundays from 8 am to 7 pm.

05/28/2026

Join us on Friday, June 12, 2026 at 11 AM for an exclusive opportunity to taste top-ranked coffees from the 2026 Costa Rica Cup of Excellence program happening now in Costa Rica.

Cup of Excellence Head Judge Scott Conary will lead a discussion & tasting of his favorite rare & delicious coffees from the program.

These coffees will be available by international auction on July 9, 2026. Alliance for Coffee Excellence

Experience the finest coffees Costa Rica has to offer with the guidance head judge Scott Conary.

Reserve your spot now: https://bit.ly/CCR_COE_CR_2026

No prior experience is needed, and this event is completely free!

05/21/2026

🎨 Save the Date: Friday, June 12!

The 2nd Friday Artwalk is almost here, and this month Caffè Driade is featuring something truly special: the work of Daniel Wallace, author, artist, and UNC professor, with all proceeds benefiting TABLE!

Daniel is the author of six novels, including Big Fish (1998), adapted into a Tim Burton film in 2003 and a Broadway musical in 2013, and Extraordinary Adventures (2017). His illustrations have appeared in the Los Angeles Times, Garden & Gun, and many other venues. His children's book The Cat's Pajamas, which he wrote and illustrated, is absolutely adorable. His most recent book, a memoir entitled This Isn't Going to End Well, was published by Algonquin Books in April 2023. He is the J. Ross MacDonald Distinguished Professor of English at UNC-Chapel Hill, his alma mater.

Come experience art, live music under the trees, and world-class coffee, wine, and beer on one of Chapel Hill's most beautiful patios. Caffè Driade will be open until 9PM so you have all night to take it in.
On his art, Daniel says: "It's an uncomplicated pleasure, a story you can tell yourself."

Just 3 weeks away. See you there! 🐟☕🍷

For more info on the Carrboro-Chapel Hill 2nd Friday Artwalk, visit: https://caffedriade.com/events/

05/21/2026

It was a big week in Nicaragua at the 2026 Cup of Excellence competition!

We’re thrilled to share that our friend and producer partner Luis Alberto Balladarez of Finca Un Regalo de Dios won 8th place for his natural process Maracaturra varietal. His son, Luis, proudly showcased their plaque at the award ceremony in Matagalpa, Nicaragua.

Our Business Development manager Lane served as an International Juror for this milestone 10th Anniversary of the Cup of Excellence competition in Nicaragua.

“It’s a delicious coffee!” Lane shared. “White florals and sweet tangerine on the aroma deepened in the cup with lush notes of tropical fruit, especially guava & ripe pineapple, and caramel. The body is silky and the aftertaste is sweet with gentle lingering notes of caramel & citrus.”

We’re honored to work with the Balladarez family and share their work with coffee lovers across North Carolina and beyond!

05/18/2026

We have donated our Santa Felisa Coffee Gesha Gift Box (link to order the box in our bio!) for the Chamber Orchestra of the Triangle (COT) and their upcoming Spring Fling event on May 21st.

Taking place in a secret location on the American To***co Campus, this event will showcase never-before-seen arrangements by Phil Cook and Charles Lumar II, alongside the incredible Durham Fellows Strings Quartet!

Proceeds directly support The COT’s Durham Fellowship and Da Capo education programs, which help to fund vital music education programs in local Durham and Orange County Schools.

There will be a silent auction, along with dessert reception with cocktails, beer, & wine.

Get tickets here: www.thecot.org/springfling

Order the box here: https://shopcarrborocoffee.com/products/santa-felisa-estate-gesha-gift-box

05/17/2026

We’re happy to celebrate the interns of our local Orange County R**e Crisis Center (OCRCC) with a graduation gift of coffee.

Since 1974, the OCRCC has been a beacon of hope for survivors of sexual violence in our community. Offering free and confidential services, including 24-Hour Helplines, therapy, and support groups.

Our Farmer Direct Relationship coffees are gifted to this year's interns at the center as a gesture of appreciation for their hard work, and for their dedication and service.

05/15/2026

05/12/2026

This year marks Carrboro Coffee Roasters’ 20th year of involvement with the Cup of Excellence’s ground-breaking coffee development & promotion program.

Our relationship started in 2007, when CCR President & Coffee Buyer Scott Conary became involved in this Program as an International Judge in Honduras and Nicaragua. Then in 2015, he joined the organization as a Head Judge & Instructor.

Since 1999, the Cup of Excellence has set the standard for high-quality coffee competitions. Each year, thousands of coffees are submitted for consideration in each coffee growing country, with winning coffees sold in global online auctions at premium prices.

At Carrboro Coffee Roasters, we’re proud to be part of the Cup of Excellence program, championing transparency and quality in the coffee industry while bringing unique and premium coffee lots to our community in North Carolina!

Read more about our relationship with the Cup Of Excellence here:

Published : Apr 1, 2026   By : scott      Cat : coffee Judge news   Comments : 0 We’re excited for the beginning of the 2026 Cup Of Excellence® season, which marks Carrboro Coffee Roasters’ 20th year of involvement in this ground-breaking coffee development & promotion program. In 2007,...