Quality Control Specialist

When I took on the role of Quality Control Specialist at Intelligentsia Coffee in 2009, I never imagined how much cupping would be involved.

What I loved about the role was that I was trusted with my opinion on coffees from the get-go. While my reports still broke out individual scores by cupper, my scores were part of the average of the buying team. That kind of trust was vital for my success right away.

In all, we saw nearly 3000 green coffee samples a year. That means I roasted and cupped 3,000 samples per year. That number astounded me. But what was even more astounding than just that figure was the reason they received all of those samples in the first place.

Those samples represented the relationships Intelligentsia had built over years—partnerships with farmers, exporters, and importers who trusted us enough to send their coffees for evaluation. It wasn’t just about finding the best lots; it was about creating a shared understanding of quality and pushing the boundaries of what was possible together. Each sample came with a story, a history of collaboration, and an opportunity to strengthen those bonds.

Through this process, I learned that cupping wasn’t just about finding the perfect cup—it was about alignment. It was about listening to the coffee, yes, but also listening to the people behind it. We weren’t just scoring cups; we were deepening partnerships and working toward shared goals.

That kind of alignment is what sets great coffee programs apart. It’s not just the technical ability to evaluate coffee but the ability to connect those evaluations to relationships and a bigger purpose. Every cupping table became a space for learning and growth—not just for me but for everyone involved in the process.

Looking back, those 3000 samples a year weren’t just a workload—they were a privilege. They were a reminder that trust and collaboration are at the heart of great coffee. And for me, that’s what makes this work endlessly rewarding.