In specialty coffee, some roasters become famous because they win competitions.

Others become famous because they roast exceptional coffee.

And then there are a select few that manage to do both.

Manhattan Coffee Roasters belongs firmly in that category.

Based in Rotterdam, Netherlands, Manhattan has built a global reputation for sourcing some of the most exciting coffees available anywhere in the world. From rare Geshas and Cup of Excellence winners to groundbreaking processing methods and competition-level microlots, Manhattan has become a favorite among coffee professionals, barista champions, and passionate home brewers alike.

While many roasters focus on consistency and accessibility, Manhattan focuses on discovery.

Every coffee tells a story.

Every release offers something unique.

And every bag reflects a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Today, Canadian coffee lovers can explore Manhattan Coffee Roasters through Speciality Coffee and experience one of Europe's most respected specialty coffee roasters.

Browse the collection here:

☕ Manhattan Coffee Roasters Collection

Looking for more specialty coffee stories, brewing guides, and roaster discoveries? Visit the All About Speciality Coffee Blog.

The Story Behind Manhattan Coffee Roasters

Manhattan Coffee Roasters was founded by two highly respected coffee professionals:

Ben Morrow and Lex Wenneker.

Both founders spent years working at the highest levels of specialty coffee before launching Manhattan.

Their experience included:

• coffee competitions,
• barista training,
• sensory analysis,
• green coffee sourcing,
• and coffee education.

They shared a common vision:

To build a roastery focused on extraordinary coffees without compromise.

Rather than offering hundreds of coffees, Manhattan would focus on carefully selected lots capable of delivering truly exceptional experiences.

From the beginning, quality would come first.

That philosophy quickly attracted attention from coffee enthusiasts throughout Europe and beyond.

Today, Manhattan is considered one of the most respected specialty coffee roasters in the Netherlands and one of the most exciting names in the global coffee community.

Why the Name "Manhattan"?

Many people are surprised to discover that Manhattan Coffee Roasters is based in Rotterdam rather than New York.

The name actually comes from Rotterdam itself.

Known for its modern skyline and impressive architecture, Rotterdam is often referred to as:

"The Manhattan of the Netherlands."

The city's energy, ambition, and international character perfectly reflected the vision Ben and Lex had for their coffee company.

The name symbolizes innovation, bold thinking, and a willingness to challenge expectations.

Values that continue to define Manhattan Coffee Roasters today.

Competition Coffee Runs Through Manhattan's DNA

Few specialty coffee roasters are as closely connected to competition coffee as Manhattan.

Before founding the company, Ben Morrow earned international recognition through high-level barista competitions, including appearances on the world stage.

Competition coffee is different from everyday coffee.

Success requires:

• exceptional green coffee,
• flawless roasting,
• extraordinary sensory precision,
• and attention to every detail.

This competition mindset became part of Manhattan's identity.

The company continuously seeks coffees capable of delivering unforgettable flavor experiences.

Many of the coffees selected by Manhattan regularly appear in:

• World Barista Championships,
• World Brewers Cup competitions,
• Cup of Excellence auctions,
• and national coffee championships.

For serious coffee enthusiasts, Manhattan has become synonymous with competition-level quality.

Working With Some of the World's Best Coffee Producers

One of Manhattan's greatest strengths is its sourcing network.

The company regularly collaborates with some of the most respected producers in specialty coffee.

Names frequently associated with Manhattan include:

Diego Bermudez

One of the most innovative producers in Colombia, famous for thermal shock processing and groundbreaking fermentation techniques.

Nestor Lasso

Known for highly expressive coffees that regularly appear in international coffee competitions.

Wilton Benitez

A producer recognized for combining scientific precision with exceptional coffee quality.

Janson Coffee

One of Panama's most respected coffee farms.

Finca El Diviso

A farm that has become synonymous with world-class Gesha coffees and competition lots.

These producers are helping shape the future of specialty coffee, and Manhattan has become one of the leading roasters showcasing their work.

Exploring the Future of Coffee Processing

Over the past decade, coffee processing has become one of the most exciting areas of innovation in specialty coffee.

Manhattan has embraced these developments more than most roasters.

Their offerings frequently include some of the world's most advanced processing methods.

Thermal Shock Processing

Popularized by producers such as Diego Bermudez, thermal shock processing uses carefully controlled temperature changes during fermentation.

The result is remarkable flavor clarity and intense fruit expression.

Common tasting notes include:

• passionfruit,
• mango,
• pineapple,
• tropical fruits,
• and floral aromatics.

Anaerobic Fermentation

Anaerobic coffees are fermented without oxygen, creating highly distinctive flavor profiles.

These coffees often display:

• wine-like complexity,
• tropical fruit,
• vibrant sweetness,
• and layered aromatics.

Experimental Processing

Manhattan regularly releases coffees featuring innovative fermentation techniques designed to explore entirely new flavor possibilities.

For coffee enthusiasts who enjoy discovering what's next in specialty coffee, these releases are often among the most exciting coffees available anywhere.

Roasting Philosophy: Precision Above Everything

When working with coffees of this quality, roasting becomes an exercise in restraint.

Manhattan's goal is not to impose a signature roast style.

Instead, the objective is to allow each coffee to express its unique character.

Their roasting philosophy emphasizes:

• clarity,
• sweetness,
• transparency,
• balance,
• and origin expression.

Each coffee receives a carefully developed roast profile based on:

• variety,
• density,
• processing method,
• moisture content,
• and flavor objectives.

The result is coffee that tastes exactly as it should.

Nothing hidden.

Nothing exaggerated.

Just exceptional coffee allowed to shine.

What to Expect in the Cup

Manhattan's offerings change frequently throughout the year, but several characteristics remain consistent.

Extraordinary Sweetness

Many coffees display sweetness reminiscent of:

• ripe berries,
• tropical fruits,
• honey,
• stone fruits,
• and candy-like notes.

Exceptional Clarity

Even highly processed coffees remain remarkably clean and transparent.

Layered Complexity

Many coffees evolve dramatically as they cool, revealing new flavors throughout the brewing experience.

Memorable Flavor Experiences

These are coffees designed to be explored rather than simply consumed.

Every cup invites curiosity.

Best Brewing Methods for Manhattan Coffee

Because many Manhattan coffees are highly expressive, they perform exceptionally well with methods that emphasize flavor clarity.

Pour Over

Methods such as:

• V60
• Origami
• Orea
• Kalita Wave

allow Manhattan coffees to reveal their full complexity.

AeroPress

Excellent for highlighting sweetness and body.

Espresso

Many Manhattan coffees create extraordinary espresso experiences, particularly rare microlots and competition-grade lots.

Filter Brewing

For many coffee enthusiasts, filter brewing remains the best way to appreciate Manhattan's most exceptional coffees.

Why We Selected Manhattan Coffee Roasters for Speciality Coffee

At Speciality Coffee, our mission is to bring some of the world's finest specialty coffee roasters to Canadian coffee lovers.

Manhattan Coffee Roasters was an obvious choice.

The company represents everything that makes specialty coffee exciting:

• exceptional sourcing,
• innovation,
• transparency,
• producer relationships,
• and uncompromising quality.

Whether you're exploring rare Geshas, experimental fermentations, or simply looking for extraordinary coffee, Manhattan offers experiences few roasters can match.

For coffee enthusiasts who want to taste the future of specialty coffee, Manhattan is a must-try.

Explore Manhattan Coffee Roasters

Ready to discover one of Europe's most celebrated specialty coffee roasters?

Browse our collection here:

☕ Shop Manhattan Coffee Roasters
Manhattan Coffee Collection

From competition coffees to rare microlots, every release offers an opportunity to experience some of the most exciting coffees being produced today.

FAQ — Manhattan Coffee Roasters

Where is Manhattan Coffee Roasters located?

Manhattan Coffee Roasters is based in Rotterdam, Netherlands, one of Europe's most innovative specialty coffee cities.

Who founded Manhattan Coffee Roasters?

The company was founded by Ben Morrow and Lex Wenneker, two highly respected coffee professionals with extensive experience in coffee competitions and specialty coffee.

What is Manhattan Coffee Roasters known for?

Manhattan is known for competition-level coffees, rare microlots, innovative processing methods, exceptional sourcing, and collaborations with some of the world's best coffee producers.

Does Manhattan Coffee offer Gesha coffees?

Yes. Manhattan regularly features Gesha coffees from renowned producers and farms in Panama, Colombia, and other leading coffee-producing regions.

Are Manhattan coffees good for pour-over brewing?

Absolutely. Many Manhattan coffees are specifically appreciated for their clarity, complexity, and expressive flavor profiles when brewed using V60, Origami, or other filter methods.

Where can I buy Manhattan Coffee in Canada?

You can purchase Manhattan Coffee through Speciality Coffee and browse the collection here: Manhattan Coffee Collection