Boquete Mountain Coffee Roasters

This crew is badass. The head of it built up Counter Culture coffee 20 years ago. I’m looking forward to seeing these guys grow. And their company office has a beautiful tasting room. Check ‘em out.

If 4.5 stars was an option, that’s what this place would get. But I’m gonna err on the side of generosity for a myriad of reasons:
a) cupping lab. It greets you as you walk in, a row of coffee equipment of various types and models, set behind two long wooden tables that face a large window. Through that window is where the magic happens– the roasting floor. And in the cupping lab the staff plays with the beans in every way possible, perfecting them.
b) coffee. Guys. I was super impressed. Like, surprised by how impressed I was. I don’t know why, but maybe my lack of familiarity with Boquete had set me up to think that there wouldn’t be anything to be wowed by. When we walked in, we were given a cup of brewed coffee made from one of their Espresso blends (there are apparently five of those). I raised my eyebrows on the first sip. Promptly finished it. Then we began to taste. Had the Sumatra brewed in a Chemex and followed that with the NoDa Blend. What. I had requested the Sumatra because it is typically a favorite, and may have just found my new favorite. The NoDa was brewed at the suggestion of Chris (a roaster on staff) and I was floored. Pulled us a couple of shots of the same Espresso blend they’d previously served us. Stayed sweet and buttery for a really long time– the taste didn’t deteriorate at all. They then served us a Guatemalan iced coffee that had nuances of APPLE in it. APPLE?! Unreal… and perfect.
c) coffee cherry tea. I don’t drink tea. But they brewed us up a pot of tea made from the coffee cherries that encase the beans. I guess it would technically be considered an herbal tea if you wanted to name it. Loved it. Sweet and earthy all by itself. Drank every drop.
d) Dave and Chris. These two guys were our «guides» for the morning– talking us through the coffees and their inspirations for the blends. Dave is the director of the coffee there and Chris roasts. They are both obviously in love with their craft and very proud of what they do. All for good reasons. They were spectacular hosts and lots of fun to be with.
There are several other reasons why I love Boquete. I genuinely hope they continue to grow and gain more influence in the coffee world of Charlotte. Stop by and see what they have to offer!