Ask the Roaster - Jonnie from Casa Espresso

How was the Roastery founded, what was the inspiration?

Casa Espresso started life as a coffee equipment supplier. When I joined Casa Espresso 5 years ago my job was to head up the barista training. To make training more engaging and educational we bought a small home roaster. When the opportunity came up to buy a proper 1kg drum roaster we jumped at the chance, dipping our toes in the water with a couple of single origin coffees. Now we roast on a Probatone 5kg roaster fully equipped with cropster software and roast 2 blends and over 10 single origin coffees. Roasting just seemed like such a natural and immersive progression into coffee for us.

What's your favourite part about working at the Roastery?

Cupping new coffees is always fun, but I’d say having a relationship with a new farm/cooperative who strive to improve their green coffee year on year and being able to showcase that quality is the most satisfying- the El Salvador Miramar is a perfect case in point.

What's your proudest accomplishment?

We have won various great taste awards and a business award but as a roastery I think having your coffee as a guest appearance at cafes that you have always had such high respect for is the greatest achievement. Hearing positive feedback is always lovely!

What three words best describe your Roastery?

Honest - Humble - Tasty

What’s your favourite place to enjoy a coffee, and what coffee would that be?

I’m a sucker for a natural process coffee- as espresso usually. A central American if I want something intense but balanced, or an Ethiopian if I want something a bit bonkers. Anywhere will do me as long as it’s extracted well! 

Finally, what Dog & Hat combination would you choose?

Springer spaniel in a top hat. Although I doubt the hat would stay on for more than 2 seconds!