There are several ways to have your coffees evaluated by Coffee Review. We accept samples for the following types of coffee reviews and reports.
1. Reviews for Monthly Tasting Reports
Coffee Review publishes reviews in association with its monthly tasting reports on specific topics as shown in our 2021 Editorial Calendar. There is no charge to roasters to submit roasted coffee samples for potential inclusion in tasting reports. However, keep in mind that we often cup more than 100 samples per report and we review just 10-12 of the highest-rated coffees. We cannot supply feedback on coffees submitted for tasting reports that do not appear in the final set of published reviews.
Please email Kim at [email protected] to indicate that you are sending a sample for consideration. Samples should meet the following requirements:
- Commercially available to consumers
- Submitted in standard consumer packaging
- Whole beans (if available)
- Espressos – Minimum of 16 ounces
- Non-espressos – Minimum of 12 ounces
The mailing address for coffee samples and other correspondence is:
Coffee Review
2625 Alcatraz Ave. #263
Berkeley, CA 94705
Contact us regarding samples requirements for canned and bottled coffees, pods, instant coffees, and other pre-ground formats.
View Sample Reviews for Monthly Tasting Report – Webpage | PDF File
View Sample Tasting Report (October 2020)
2. Standalone Roasted Coffee Reviews
Given that only a small percentage of coffees submitted for tasting reports are reviewed, we invite roasters to submit roasted coffee samples for standalone reviews that we publish year-round. Sample requirements are the same as those for monthly tasting reports indicated above.
These coffees are reviewed objectively on a blind basis using the same tasting procedures and scoring methods used to generate reviews for tasting reports. The main difference is that, with standalone reviews, roasters are assured that their coffee will be reviewed. However, roasters submitting samples for standalone reviews are not assured of a favorable result.
Standalone reviews can be quoted for public use following the same guidelines for reviews published in association with a tasting report. After receiving a review, the submitting roaster has two weeks to decide to keep the review private or request to have it published on CoffeeReview.com. (However, it remains the sole discretion of Coffee Review whether it will publish a review.) When a review is published, the roaster will receive an electronic score medallion that can be used for marketing purposes.
The fee for standalone reviews is $350 per sample. Advertisers pay a reduced fee of $195 per non-espresso sample and $245 per espresso sample. Sample needs for standalone reviews are the same as those indicated for tasting reports above.
Please contact [email protected] before sending coffees for standalone reviews.
View Sample Standalone Review – Webpage | PDF file
3. Private Coffee Evaluations
Reviews for Tasting Reports and Roasted Coffee Reviews displayed on the Coffee Review are designed to assist consumers with their purchasing decisions.
For roasters who want more detailed technical feedback to support their internal quality control and enhancement efforts but who are not interested in published reviews, we offer private coffee evaluations. These business-to-business evaluations use the same cupping procedures and scoring methods as our public reviews, but they are not displayed on the website and are structured as confidential communications to roasters. They may not be quoted or used for promotional purposes.
Professional fees for private of cupping reports of roasted coffee are US$350 per sample in both espresso and non-espresso formats.
4. Ratings and Review for Extensive, Long-term Promotions
Increasingly, larger companies with extensive retail reach may wish to use Coffee Review ratings, reviews, and medallions to promote mainstay coffees that are available broadly and for extended periods of time. These coffees, usually high-volume blends, are offered under the same name for prolonged periods, over a relatively large geography, and in multiple channels and outlets. In these cases, Coffee Review requires an agreement that assures review integrity by providing periodic sample recertification in conjunction with a formal licensing agreement that covers use of Coffee Review content and ratings medallions.
Please contact Ron Walters at [email protected] for more information.
