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Roastmaster's Select Club: Finca de Alexa
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Roastmaster's Select Club: Finca de Alexa
Once a month, members of the Roastmaster’s Select Coffee Club have the opportunity to sample unique micro-lot coffees from around the world. “What is a micro lot,” you ask? Read up on how we source the beans and what happens when they reach our roastery.
Following the harvest cycle, Roastmaster’s Club Members have exclusive access to these one-of-a-kind coffees at their peak freshness, and now it’s your turn!
This month we're sharing our Finca de Alexa coffee grown in Nicaragua by Alexa Marin of PRODECOOP and roasted here at Thanksgiving Coffee in Fort Bragg, CA.
Finca de Alexa Coffee from Nicaragua
Alexa Marin lives with her two sons in the mountains of Northern Nicaragua, near the border of Honduras, where they focus on growing the best coffee possible. She has been a coffee farmer for many years and has worked with the cooperative PRODECOOOP since 1992, currently serving as their gender equality coordinator.
During a visit to Nicaragua in 2013, I had the opportunity to tour Alexa's farm. Above her coffee plants was an over-story of native trees and scattered here and there were decomposing into the soil which made me wonder what affect this could have on the flavor of the coffee cherries.
Later that day, I traveled to the PRODECOOP tasting room to do a blind tasting of coffees from 17 different farms. One coffee really jumped out as overtly sweet and citric. Guess what? It happened to be from Alexa's farm!
-Jacob Long, Thanksgiving Coffee Roastmaster
Altitude: 1,500-1,700 Meters
Processing: Wet/Washed
Farmer: Finca de Alexa
Region: Nueva Segovia, Nicaragua
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![The History of Our Holiday Blend]()
The History of Our Holiday Blend
Every Holiday seson since 1980, the air around our Mendocino roastery has filled with the rich aroma of something special—the first roast of our Holiday Blend. Born from the coastal fog and festive spirit of Northern California, this blend has become one of our longest-running traditions, crafted each year as a toast to connection, craftsmanship, and gratitude.
Now in its forty-fourth season, our Holiday Blend continues to honor its original intent: to bring people together around a cup that complements the flavors of the season and celebrates the people who grow it.
How a Seasonal Tradition Began
We have recreated this medium roast blend every year since 1980, always sourcing from the same three origins—Nicaragua, Colombia, and Sumatra.
While the components remain constant, no two years are ever exactly alike. Climate, weather patterns, and even volcanic activity shape the harvests, creating subtle shifts in flavor and aroma. Yet, through all those changes, one thing remains true: every Holiday Blend is designed to be the perfect companion to the decadent foods and sweet gatherings of the season.
What You’ll Taste: Comfort, Depth, and a Long, Velvet Finish
Dark chocolate greets you at first sip, followed by a gentle hint of cedar and a finishing sparkle of ripe plum. It’s a medium roast that invites warmth on cool mornings and pairs beautifully with rich, traditional holiday fare—from spiced cakes and roasted nuts to your favorite desserts.
“Great coffee begins with gratitude - for farmers, for land, and for the craft that brings it all to life. The Holiday Blend is our yearly toast to that gratitude.”
Origins and Craftsmanship
- Colombia — Finca Agroberlin, grown high in the snow-peaked Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, contributes deep dark chocolate notes and a smooth, rounded sweetness.
- Sumatra — From the Gayo Mountains’ dense tropical forests, these beans bring earthy, cedar-like depth and complexity.
- Nicaragua — Harvested in Jinotega, the heartland of coffee country, they add brightness, liveliness, and balance to every cup.
Together, they compose a coffee that’s both grounded and celebratory—finishing with a ripe plum or raisin sparkle and a long, wet finish that lingers like a favorite holiday memory.
How To Enjoy (And Share) The Holiday Blend
- Brew Methods: French press for round body; pour-over or auto-drip for clarity and cocoa-cedar sweetness.
- Pairings: Spiced persimmon cake, cranberry-orange loaf, or dark-chocolate sea-salt bark.
- Gifting: Tuck a bag with a handwritten note and your favorite brewing tip—instant host gift.
- Recipe tease: Try a simple Holiday Mocha—6 oz Holiday Blend + 1 oz dark chocolate syrup + steamed milk; dust with cinnamon and orange zest.
French Press
Persimmon Spice Cake
A Cup Worth Gathering Around
The Holiday Blend reflects who we are as a company—devoted to the art of roasting, committed to our farmer partners, and guided by gratitude for the land that sustains us.
It’s a seasonal reminder that great coffee is more than just flavor—it’s a story of resilience, relationship, and care.Every bag carries forward our promise: Not Just a Cup, But a Just Cup™
Bring the Tradition Home
Make this season’s gatherings a little warmer—with a cup that celebrates people and planet.
The History of Our Holiday Blend
read more -
![Rwanda Resilience in Every Cup: Coffee with a Climate Impact]()
Taste the Bright Future of Coffee
Our Rwanda Single Origin offers more than just incredible flavor—it’s a coffee that supports community resilience. Grown at high elevations in Musasa, Rwanda, by the Dukunde Kawa Cooperative.This medium roast delivers:- Tasting Notes: Vibrant citrus, delicate florals, and a smooth honey finish
- Mouthfeel: Silky and refreshing, with a bright, clean finish
- Perfect for: Pour over, drip, or French press—ideal for your morning clarity ritual
Rwanda Single Origin Coffee with citrus, floral, and honey tasting notes from Dukunde Kawa.
Why Dukunde Kawa Coffee Matters
Dukunde Kawa means “Let’s love coffee”—a name that reflects their commitment to people, planet, and flavor. This Rwandan cooperative is internationally recognized for combining exceptional quality with climate action.
Here's what climate resilience in action looks like:- 2,500+ clean cook stoves installed, reducing wood use by 70%
- Tree nurseries restoring biodiversity and combating soil erosion
- Women’s leadership with 80% women participation at the Ruli washing station
Every bag of Rwanda Single Origin supports these impactful programs, making every cup an act of regeneration and reciprocity.
Sources: Dukunde Kawa Sustainability Programs and Thanksgiving Coffee Dukunde Kawa Story
Rwanda Coffee Farm
Brew a Better Morning, Support a Better Future
Every time you brew Rwanda Single Origin, you:- Support healthier homes with clean cook stove initiatives
- Restore forests and farms through reforestation efforts
- Empower women farmers, nurturing local leadership
Recipe: Cold Brew for Summer Brightness
Show off the bright notes of Rwanda Single Origin with this easy cold brew:- Coarse grind 1 cup of beans
- Steep in 4 cups of filtered water for 12-14 hours
- Serve over ice with a twist of fresh orange peel
Refreshing, vibrant, and perfect for a summer coffee ritual.
Explore More Flavor Stories
Lavender Grace is the Sustainable Ecology Advocate for Thanksgiving Coffee Company
Stay in touch - we like to stay connected
Rwanda Resilience in Every Cup: Coffee with a Climate Impact
read more
The History of Our Holiday Blend
Every Holiday seson since 1980, the air around our Mendocino roastery has filled with the rich aroma of something special—the first roast of our Holiday Blend. Born from the coastal fog and festive spirit of Northern California, this blend has become one of our longest-running traditions, crafted each year as a toast to connection, craftsmanship, and gratitude.
Now in its forty-fourth season, our Holiday Blend continues to honor its original intent: to bring people together around a cup that complements the flavors of the season and celebrates the people who grow it.
How a Seasonal Tradition Began
We have recreated this medium roast blend every year since 1980, always sourcing from the same three origins—Nicaragua, Colombia, and Sumatra.
While the components remain constant, no two years are ever exactly alike. Climate, weather patterns, and even volcanic activity shape the harvests, creating subtle shifts in flavor and aroma. Yet, through all those changes, one thing remains true: every Holiday Blend is designed to be the perfect companion to the decadent foods and sweet gatherings of the season.
What You’ll Taste: Comfort, Depth, and a Long, Velvet Finish
Dark chocolate greets you at first sip, followed by a gentle hint of cedar and a finishing sparkle of ripe plum. It’s a medium roast that invites warmth on cool mornings and pairs beautifully with rich, traditional holiday fare—from spiced cakes and roasted nuts to your favorite desserts.
“Great coffee begins with gratitude - for farmers, for land, and for the craft that brings it all to life. The Holiday Blend is our yearly toast to that gratitude.”
Origins and Craftsmanship
- Colombia — Finca Agroberlin, grown high in the snow-peaked Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, contributes deep dark chocolate notes and a smooth, rounded sweetness.
- Sumatra — From the Gayo Mountains’ dense tropical forests, these beans bring earthy, cedar-like depth and complexity.
- Nicaragua — Harvested in Jinotega, the heartland of coffee country, they add brightness, liveliness, and balance to every cup.
Together, they compose a coffee that’s both grounded and celebratory—finishing with a ripe plum or raisin sparkle and a long, wet finish that lingers like a favorite holiday memory.
How To Enjoy (And Share) The Holiday Blend
- Brew Methods: French press for round body; pour-over or auto-drip for clarity and cocoa-cedar sweetness.
- Pairings: Spiced persimmon cake, cranberry-orange loaf, or dark-chocolate sea-salt bark.
- Gifting: Tuck a bag with a handwritten note and your favorite brewing tip—instant host gift.
- Recipe tease: Try a simple Holiday Mocha—6 oz Holiday Blend + 1 oz dark chocolate syrup + steamed milk; dust with cinnamon and orange zest.
French Press
Persimmon Spice Cake
A Cup Worth Gathering Around
The Holiday Blend reflects who we are as a company—devoted to the art of roasting, committed to our farmer partners, and guided by gratitude for the land that sustains us.
It’s a seasonal reminder that great coffee is more than just flavor—it’s a story of resilience, relationship, and care.
Every bag carries forward our promise: Not Just a Cup, But a Just Cup™
Bring the Tradition Home
Make this season’s gatherings a little warmer—with a cup that celebrates people and planet.
The History of Our Holiday Blend
read more
Taste the Bright Future of Coffee
- Tasting Notes: Vibrant citrus, delicate florals, and a smooth honey finish
- Mouthfeel: Silky and refreshing, with a bright, clean finish
- Perfect for: Pour over, drip, or French press—ideal for your morning clarity ritual
Rwanda Single Origin Coffee with citrus, floral, and honey tasting notes from Dukunde Kawa.
Why Dukunde Kawa Coffee Matters
Dukunde Kawa means “Let’s love coffee”—a name that reflects their commitment to people, planet, and flavor. This Rwandan cooperative is internationally recognized for combining exceptional quality with climate action.
- 2,500+ clean cook stoves installed, reducing wood use by 70%
- Tree nurseries restoring biodiversity and combating soil erosion
- Women’s leadership with 80% women participation at the Ruli washing station
Every bag of Rwanda Single Origin supports these impactful programs, making every cup an act of regeneration and reciprocity.
Sources: Dukunde Kawa Sustainability Programs and Thanksgiving Coffee Dukunde Kawa Story
Rwanda Coffee Farm
Brew a Better Morning, Support a Better Future
- Support healthier homes with clean cook stove initiatives
- Restore forests and farms through reforestation efforts
- Empower women farmers, nurturing local leadership
Recipe: Cold Brew for Summer Brightness
- Coarse grind 1 cup of beans
- Steep in 4 cups of filtered water for 12-14 hours
- Serve over ice with a twist of fresh orange peel
Explore More Flavor Stories
Lavender Grace is the Sustainable Ecology Advocate for Thanksgiving Coffee Company
Stay in touch - we like to stay connected
Rwanda Resilience in Every Cup: Coffee with a Climate Impact
read more
Ethically Sourced, Artisan Roasted:
Crafting exceptional coffee experiences since 1972 through sustainable partnerships and masterful roasting
For over 50 years, we've pioneered sustainable coffee sourcing while perfecting the art of small-batch roasting. Every bean tells a story of environmental stewardship, farmer empowerment, and uncompromising quality.
Global Partners
From Nicaragua's misty mountains to Rwanda's vibrant highlands, our decades-long partnerships with farming communities ensure exceptional coffee while promoting sustainable practices.
Environmental Leadership
From pioneering shade-grown certification to planting over 82,800 trees, our commitment to environmental stewardship sets industry standards.
Artisan Roasting
Each small batch is carefully roasted to perfection, bringing out the unique character of every origin while ensuring consistent, exceptional quality.
Farmer Empowerment
Through innovative programs like our cupping labs and Farmers Thriving Index, we ensure our partners thrive while producing exceptional coffee.
Recognition for Excellence
Honoring Exceptional Craft: A Lifetime of Roasting Mastery
Roaster of the year
good food awards
Honors Superior Taste with Commitment to Social and Environmental Justice
+ Multiple 90+ Reviews
Our Partner Network
Our multi-generational partnerships with farm communities stretch back decades, cultivating relationships as carefully as we roast our award-winning coffee beans
Corrales Family
25+ years of partnership in sustainable coffee cultivation and community development
- THIRD-GENERATION FAMILY RELATIONSHIP - LEADERS IN SHADE-GROWN CULTIVATION - CERTIFIED BIODYNAMIC AND ORGANIC PRACTICES - PIONEERS IN REGENERATIVE FARMING
CECOCAFEN
25+ years of partnership in sustainable coffee cultivation and community development
- CUPPING LAB PROJECT PIONEERS - COMMUNITY-DRIVEN COOPERATIVE - MULTI-GENERATIONAL FARMING EXPERTISE
Guaya'b Cooperative
25+ years of partnership in sustainable coffee cultivation and community development
- CERTIFIED BIRD FRIENDLY HABITAT - ORGANIC CERTIFICATION - SMALL FAMILY FARM COOPERATIVE MODEL - CHAMPIONS OF BIODIVERSITY
Experience Our Legacy
Join us in our mission to create exceptional coffee while making a positive impact on communities and the environment
Cupping Lab Revolution
Developed the world's first cupping labs owned and operated by small-scale farmers and cooperatives
State-of-the-art cupping lab development in Nicaragua. Global Impact that enabled the development of 3rd and 4th wave artisan coffee techniques.
Environmental Leadership
First to establish industry-wide sustainability standards
Community Innovation
This isn't just about buying beans; it's about nurturing relationships that transform communities.
Our true measure of success is the lasting impact we create in coffee-growing communities around the world.
We are continuing the legacy of exceptional coffee that makes a difference.
Lavender Grace is the Sustainability Consultant for Thanksgiving Coffee Company
Stay in touch - we like to stay connected