What Is House Coffee?

A Roaster’s Story of Comfort in a Cup

Forty-five years ago, I roasted my first batch of coffee in a warehouse in Emeryville, California with Mr. Alfred Peet standing next to me giving me instructions. I didn’t have much, but I had a heart full of ambition and the world's best arabica coffee beans, heat, and instinct. Every day since then, I’ve been chasing one thing: the perfect cup of house coffee—not flashy or exotic, but comforting, reliable, and real.

We call it our House Coffee Blend now, but to me, it’s always been the soul of our coffee roastery. It’s what I drink every morning before the coffee shop opens. It’s what I hand to customers who say, “Just give me a good cup of coffee.” It’s the quiet star of the show—the foundation, the heartbeat, the flavor of home.

Let me tell you what makes it special.

What House Coffee Really Means

In our world, house coffee isn’t just a placeholder on the menu. It’s a statement. It says: This is who we are. Savor it.

Every coffee roaster has their version of House Coffee. Some go dark and smoky, others light and floral. For us, house coffee is about balance. It’s dependable, drinkable, and still full of character. The kind of coffee that doesn’t ask for attention—but earns it.

It’s the one that keeps customers coming back. The one that turns first-timers into regulars.

Building the House—One Bean at a Time

Creating a House Coffee Blend takes time, and time has taught me that consistency is the hardest thing to master. You can have the best beans in the world, but if the blend isn’t dialed in, it falls apart.

We start with beans from Central and South America—Colombian for body, Guatemalan for brightness, Africans for that smooth finish. Medium roast, every time. That roast level brings out notes of caramel, toasted nuts, and a hint of citrus without overwhelming the palate. This is a lively yet mellow profile that's perfect for everyday sipping.

It’s not flashy, but it’s beautiful in its simplicity.

And it took me years to get there.

Why It’s Still My Favorite Cup

I’ve roasted thousands of single-origin lots from Kenya, Ethiopia, Guatemala—coffees that explode with berries or citrus zest. They’re thrilling, yes. But when I need comfort, I reach for our house blend.

It’s the cup of coffee I share with my crew before we fire up the Probat roaster. It’s what I serve when friends stop by. It’s what I brew on quiet mornings at home.

This coffee is honest. It’s familiar. And to me, that’s where the magic is.

Brewing a Ritual: How to Brew House Coffee at Home

You don’t need a fancy setup to make a great cup of house coffee.

Just start with fresh beans and clean water. Here’s how I brew it:

• Drip Maker: Medium grind, 2 tablespoons of coffee for every 8 ounces of water.
• French Press: Coarse grind, 1:15 ratio, steep for 4 minutes.
• Pour-Over: Medium-fine grind, slow pour, 3-minute total brew time.

I always use water just off the boil—around 200°F, then wait 30 seconds. And I always smell the bloom. That’s when the coffee opens, like a stretch after a long sleep.

House Blend vs. Single-Origin: What’s the Difference?

People ask me that a lot. The short answer?

• Single-origin coffee is like a soloist. It shines with unique flavor notes from one farm, one harvest.
• House coffee is a symphony. It’s about harmony, blending different beans to create something balanced and dependable.

Both are beautiful. But one is for exploring. The other is for coming home.

Where to Find Our House Coffee

If this sounds like the kind of cup you’ve been looking for, you can try our House Coffee Blend right now. We roast it fresh in small batches and ship it straight to your door.

• Available in whole bean or ground to your needs
• Visit our coffee shop attached to our coffee roastery and try our new cold brew coffee cans
• Or sign up for a coffee subscription, so you’re never without your favorite daily brew.

Shop Our House Coffee Blend Here →

A Word from the People Who Drink It Every Day

Over the years, I’ve heard stories that remind me why I started roasting in the first place:

“Your house coffee tastes like how mornings should feel.”
“I’ve tried others, but I keep coming back to this.”
“This coffee feels like home.”

That’s what this blend is meant to be. A comfort. A constant. A quiet companion to your daily rhythm.

The Heart in the Cup

After four decades of roasting, I still get a thrill when I hear that first crack while roasting. But nothing satisfies me more than pouring someone a cup of our house coffee and watching them take that first sip.

There’s a story in every cup. A warmth. A memory. A welcome.

Thanks for being a part of that story.

– From one coffee lover to another, welcome home.