Published by SpecialityCoffee.ca
At SpecialityCoffee.ca, we proudly partner with roasters whose work has shaped Canada’s specialty coffee landscape. Few roasters have had as profound an influence as Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters, based in Calgary, Alberta. Known for their unwavering commitment to transparency, direct farm relationships, and technical excellence, Phil & Sebastian have helped elevate specialty coffee across Canada for more than 15 years.
Their coffees are recognized for their vibrant clarity, intentional sourcing, and a roasting philosophy built on scientific precision. As one of the country’s most trusted names, they continue to set the standard for what modern specialty coffee should be.
In this article, we explore their story, their values, and what makes their coffees so exceptional.
The Story Behind Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters
Phil & Sebastian was founded by two engineers — Phil Robertson and Sebastian Sztabzyb — whose mutual curiosity for coffee transformed into a lifelong pursuit of quality.
⭐ From Engineering to Coffee Craft
Both founders come from engineering backgrounds, which heavily influenced the way they approach coffee: analytical, experimental, and deeply technical. Their journey began in the early 2000s, when Phil and Sebastian traveled extensively, exploring cafés and roasteries around the world. Frustrated by the inconsistency they found in North America at the time, they set out to build something better.
What started as a small farmer’s market booth in Calgary grew rapidly into one of Canada’s leading specialty coffee companies — built on a foundation of science, ethics, and taste.
⭐ Canada’s Early Leaders in Direct Relationships
Long before “direct trade” became a standard in specialty coffee, Phil & Sebastian were traveling to farms in Central and South America to meet producers, understand terroir, and purchase coffees directly. Their hands-on approach helped redefine sourcing standards across Canada.
Today, their producer relationships span:
- Colombia
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Costa Rica
- Ethiopia
Many of these relationships have lasted over a decade — a testament to trust, consistency, and mutual growth.
What Makes Phil & Sebastian Coffee Special?
⭐ 1. Genuine Direct Trade, Not a Marketing Term
Phil & Sebastian were among the first Canadian roasters to:
- Visit producing countries regularly
- Develop multi-year partnerships with farmers
- Pay premiums far above commodity prices
- Collaborate on processing improvements
- Help producers achieve higher quality and profit
Their direct trade model is fully transparent and driven by long-term commitment rather than simple transactions.
⭐ 2. Technical, Scientific Approach to Roasting
Influenced by their engineering backgrounds, Phil & Sebastian treat roasting as both an art and a science. Their modern roast philosophy focuses on:
- Precise heat management
- Clarity-driven development
- Careful control of airflow
- Repeatable, data-logged roast curves
The result is a clean, balanced style that honours terroir while offering consistency across batches.
⭐ 3. Exceptional Processing Innovation
Phil & Sebastian work closely with producers to push processing boundaries. Over the years, they’ve collaborated on:
- Washed process optimization
- Honey and natural process experiments
- Controlled fermentation techniques
- Drying innovations
- Infrastructure upgrades on farms
Their influence has helped improve quality for entire farming communities.
⭐ 4. A Deep Understanding of Varietals & Terroir
Few Canadian roasters have the same level of familiarity with:
- Bourbon
- Caturra
- Castillo
- SL-28 / SL-34
- Pacamara
- Ethiopian landrace varieties
- Experimental varieties like Gesha
Their team regularly cups hundreds of samples to identify lots that best express each terroir’s potential.
⭐ 5. A Full Ecosystem: Cafés, Education & Community Impact
Phil & Sebastian operate multiple cafés in Calgary and are deeply connected to their community through:
- Coffee education
- Public tastings
- Barista training
- Sustainability initiatives
- Collaboration with local businesses
Their influence extends far beyond roasting — they helped build the culture of specialty coffee across western Canada.
The Phil & Sebastian Flavour Experience
Phil & Sebastian coffees tend to reflect their balanced, terroir-first philosophy. While offerings vary seasonally, you can expect:
Brightness With Structure
Lively acidity that remains elegant and controlled.
Refined Sweetness
From careful roast development and high-quality processing.
Clean, Transparent Expression
Each coffee speaks clearly of its origin.
Approachability
The flavours are polished, well-integrated, and enjoyable for both new drinkers and experts.
Dependability
Every coffee undergoes rigorous internal cupping protocols to ensure consistent quality.
Their coffees regularly perform exceptionally well as pour-over, batch brew, or modern espresso.
Why We Chose to Partner With Phil & Sebastian
At SpecialityCoffee.ca, our mission is to curate a portfolio of roasters who embody excellence, innovation, and integrity. Phil & Sebastian meet all of these criteria — and more.
⭐ 1. They Helped Shape Canadian Specialty Coffee
Few roasters have contributed as much to the Canadian specialty movement. Their leadership and consistency make them foundational partners.
⭐ 2. Their Direct Trade Standards Are Proven Over Time
These aren’t marketing claims — they have over a decade of real, documented partnerships with producers.
⭐ 3. Their Coffees Align With Our Quality Standards
Phil & Sebastian coffees deliver clarity, sweetness, and refinement — qualities highly valued by our customers.
⭐ 4. Their Influence Extends Beyond Coffee
Through education, innovation, and community involvement, they represent the values we aim to promote in the specialty coffee world.
Conclusion: Experience the Legacy of Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters
Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters are pioneers — not only in Calgary, but across Canada. Their commitment to transparency, quality, and long-term producer relationships has shaped the way specialty coffee is sourced and roasted in this country.
We are proud to feature Phil & Sebastian at SpecialityCoffee.ca, offering customers access to coffees that reflect both tradition and innovation at the highest level.
