Published by SpecialityCoffee.ca
At SpecialityCoffee.ca, we proudly feature roasters who influence global coffee culture — and Onyx Coffee Lab, based in Arkansas, is one of the most important specialty coffee companies in the world today. Known for their radical transparency, competition-level coffee quality, and iconic pink branding, Onyx has reshaped the expectations of both consumers and roasters worldwide.
Their coffees are consistently among the highest-scoring and most technically refined offerings available, and their sourcing and pricing transparency has raised the standard for ethical coffee buying across the industry.
This article explores the story behind Onyx Coffee Lab, their philosophy, and what makes them a world leader in specialty coffee.
The Story Behind Onyx Coffee Lab
Onyx Coffee Lab was founded in 2012 by Jon Allen and Andrea Allen, two visionaries who believed that specialty coffee could be more transparent, more inclusive, and more exciting.
⭐ Andrea Allen: World Champion & Global Coffee Icon
Andrea Allen has achieved international recognition, including:
- 2021 World Barista Championship — 2nd place (World Runner-Up)
- Multiple US Barista Championship appearances
- A reputation for pushing sensory boundaries and innovative signature beverages
Her influence shapes Onyx’s approach to flavour, hospitality, and education.
⭐ Jon Allen: Roasting Expert & Transparency Advocate
Jon leads Onyx’s roasting program and transparency initiatives, including:
- Publishing the farm price, green cost, roast loss, and margin for every coffee
- Pioneering category-leading roast profiles
- Ensuring every lot meets Onyx’s strict flavour and quality targets
His roasting philosophy focuses on precision, clarity, and maximizing sweetness.
Together, Andrea and Jon built a brand that has become synonymous with quality, ethics, and innovation.
What Makes Onyx Coffee Lab Special?
⭐ 1. Absolute Transparency (Pricing, Sourcing, Quality)
Onyx was the first roaster in the world to publish every detail of their coffees:
- Farm gate price
- Export and import costs
- Roasting loss percentage
- Packaging costs
- Final margins
This radical transparency allows customers to see exactly where their money goes — and sets a higher ethical standard for the entire industry.
⭐ 2. Competition-Level Coffee Quality
Onyx purchases high-elevation, specialty-grade lots that often score between 87 and 90+ points, including:
- Gesha varieties
- Pink Bourbon
- Sidra
- SL28/SL34
- Experimental and extended-fermentation naturals
- Structured washed coffees with immaculate clarity
These coffees are frequently used in national and global barista competitions.
⭐ 3. Technical Mastery in Roasting
Onyx’s roasting style is known for:
- High sweetness
- Balanced, elegant acidity
- Crystal clarity
- Exceptional solubility for espresso and filter
Every roast profile is publicly documented and refined through rigorous sensory analysis.
⭐ 4. Iconic Branding and Visual Identity
The instantly recognizable pink Onyx bags and meticulous design have become cultural symbols in specialty coffee. Their branding communicates:
- Confidence
- Modernity
- Artistry
- Quality
This visual identity sets them apart from every roaster in North America.
⭐ 5. A Culture of Education & Hospitality
Through classes, online resources, and award-winning cafés, Onyx helps educate:
- Baristas
- Roasters
- Home brewers
- Business owners
Their commitment to community growth is a core part of their brand.
The Onyx Coffee Lab Flavour Experience
While each offering is unique, Onyx coffees share a recognizable flavour signature:
Elegant Sweetness
A hallmark of their roast development philosophy.
Expressive Acidity
Bright, structured, and refined — never sharp or overwhelming.
Clean, Transparent Profiles
Whether a washed Ethiopia or a natural Colombia, the flavours are defined and intentional.
Competition-Level Complexity
Flavours evolve as the cup cools: floral notes, layered fruit, and long sweet finishes.
High Brewing Versatility
Their coffees perform exceptionally well across:
- V60
- Kalita Wave
- Espresso
- Aeropress
- Batch brew
This consistency is one reason Onyx has become standard in cafés and homes worldwide.
Why We Chose to Partner With Onyx Coffee Lab
SpecialityCoffee.ca carefully selects roasters that represent the highest standards of the specialty coffee world. Onyx is a natural fit.
⭐ 1. Unmatched Transparency & Ethics
Onyx leads the industry in public price transparency — a value we strongly support.
⭐ 2. Global Reputation for Excellence
Their coffees consistently achieve some of the highest quality benchmarks in North America.
⭐ 3. A Consumer-Focused Philosophy
Onyx never compromises on freshness, quality control, or flavour expression.
⭐ 4. A Brand That Inspires the Coffee Community
Onyx influences:
- Roasting trends
- Sourcing standards
- Barista training
- Competition techniques
Partnering with them elevates the entire offering on our store.
Conclusion: Experience Onyx Coffee Lab — A Global Standard for Specialty Coffee
Onyx Coffee Lab is more than a roaster — it is a cultural movement rooted in ethics, quality, and innovation. Their coffees represent some of the best that the specialty world has to offer, and their commitment to transparency sets an example for roasters everywhere.
We are proud to feature Onyx Coffee Lab at SpecialityCoffee.ca, offering Canadians direct access to coffees that define excellence on a global scale.
