Dillanos Coffee Roasters

A huge thanks to Dillanos Coffee Roasters for spoiling  us with some amazing coffees and keeping us caffeinated!

Who is Dillanos?
Dillanos Coffee Roasters is headquartered in Sumner, WA. Established in 1992, Dillanos is known as a coffee wholesaler and specialty roaster. Their head barista, Samantha Spillman, took home first place in the 2019 US Barista Championship.


What types of coffee do they sell?
With close to 50 options ranging from single origin, blends, and k-cups, Dillanos makes sure there is something for everyone. I'm a big fan of their trilogy series, which features three different coffees with similar characteristics.


Their subscription program is unique and offers more than just coffee. It gives you the option of throwing in filters, sweeteners, and flavored syrups as part of your subscription. Looking to upgrade your coffee equipment? Choose from drip brewers, grinders, French presses, pour overs, and others.

The Coffees

We couldn't have been more excited when we received our box from Dillanos. They sent us 5 of their top-selling coffees to review. One of those coffees was the Lucent, used by Samantha Spillman during the US Barista Championships.

Dillions - The Original
Medium Roast-Blend-Natural/Washed Process
Origin-Central & South Americas, Pacific Islands
Notes-Rich, full body. Roasted hazelnut aroma. Tastes of chocolate.

Washed La Francia
Light Roast-Single Origin-Washed Process
Origin-Columbia
Notes-Crisp, light body. Pastry aroma. Tastes of milk chocolate and caramel.

Lucent
Light Roast-Blend-Honey/Natural/Washed Process
Origin-Africa, South America, Pacific Islands
Notes-Crisp, full body. Dried fruit aroma. Tastes of blackberry.

Natural La Francia
Light Roast-Single Origin-Natural Process
Origin-Columbia
Notes-Strong, heavy body. Plum aroma. Tastes of berries and pomegranate.

Honey La Francia
Light Roast-Single Origin-Honey Process
Origin-Columbia
Notes-Rich, full body. Crème brûlée aroma. Tastes of honey and brown sugar.

There was no way we could consume all this coffee by ourselves. Besides, we love introducing our friends to coffee from around the country. So we decided on hosting individual coffee cuppings. Guests would have the opportunity to taste coffee from an award winning roaster, learn about the U.S. Coffee Championships, and participate in a unique experience.

For a month, I hosted several friends at my home. My guests ranged from those who love the smell of Folgers in the morning, your typical Starbucks junkies, and your snobs and jerks who can spend hours debating on which coffee is the best.

So why not host one party and get it over with, right? I wanted to capture individual responses by providing a comfortable, pressure-free environment free from other perceptions. I wanted those who aren't educated on coffee to ask the questions they wouldn't usually ask when the snobs and jerks are around. Besides, it's something about private cuppings that make people feel extra special.

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What is Coffee Cupping?
Cupping is one of the coffee tasting techniques used by cuppers to evaluate coffee aroma and the flavor profile of a coffee.

Breaking the crust and taking in the aroma.

When your dog finds a way to get featured...and closer to the cookies.

Never a dull moment when coffee is involved.

The verdict

Winner: Lucent
This coffee was the highest-rated among my guests. They loved how fruit-forward and balanced this coffee was.
"The aroma and taste was consistent from the beginning of the session."

Runner Up: Honey La Francia
This coffee came in 2nd place. My guests felt this went the best with desserts.
"It was different than what I've ever tasted. I thought it was going to taste like honey-flavored coffee."

My guests with their favorite coffee.

The Coffee Snob's Favorite
-Honey La Francia

I had a difficult time choosing between Natural La Francia and Honey La Francia. They are both very fruit-forward, which I enjoy, but the taste of Honey La Francia is more consistent regardless of the brewing method.


The Coffee Jerk's Favorite
-Lucent

The Lucent was really good. It was balanced and great for sipping throughout the day. This is one of those coffees you can still enjoy when cooled down. 

#TheCoffeePsychopaths

@Dillanos
https://www.dillanos.com/