West Cork Coffee Roasters

Tony Speight, with his 13+ years of engineer experience,  built his own coffee bean roaster in 2004.  What had started as a mere itch had developed into a full-blown passion project that is much more than a ‘project’ in 2020 as it supports many local Irish, award-winning restaurants and businesses.  West Cork Coffee are dedicated to providing customers more information regarding the amazing work and passion that's instilled at origin/processing.  WCC donate a percentage of their green-bean coffee costs to the World Coffee Research Organization as a means of supporting the wider vision of research to increase cup quality, sustain coffee supplies in the short/long-term and enhance the livelihoods of coffee producers and their families.    Joining us in supporting that wider vision as well as tasting the exceptional handiwork of another local-Irish artisan.

How did WCC come to be?  

I roasted coffee way back in 2004 while living in Australia & carried this experience home to Ireland. A hobby became a passion & eventually a business back in 2015. 

We wanted to celebrate the amazing culinary delights that West Cork can offer, by including ( the first ) high quality specialty coffee roastery. WCC now sources & caters for some amazing ( and award winning ) cafes & restaurants. Our Online WebShop has become extremely popular for home brewing enthusiasts.

WHY do you roast coffee beans as your profession as opposed to something else? 

I spent 13+ years working in the engineering sector. I utilised this experience to build my first sample roaster :).  I studied & developed ( in my spare time ) both my sensory and roasting skills. The ability to source high quality green coffee from origin & create a magical beverage is a very rewarding feeling. 

What is the biggest challenge the specialty coffee community is facing in 2020?  

Climate Change & COVID19 are challenging factors, both at origin & home. The hospitalty industry is undr signifivant strain & supporting local has now become an intricate part in saving your local cafe/roastery/business. 

WCC are committed to working with the WCR (World Coffee Research Org) by donating a % of their green bean costs to help fund essential, innovative, open research to, increase cup quality | Sustain coffee supplies in the short and long term & enhance the livelihoods of coffee producers and their families.  

BEST coffee you ever had...where? 

 Austraila (Melbourne) - 2004 - Ethiopian Natural Kongo Co-Op - So good, after the initial espresso, I returned for 2 more :) This was my first intro to specialty coffee & ignited that curious flame.

What do you want to change most about the coffee industry? 

Provide customers more information regarding the amazing work & passion that's instilled at Origin,processing the coffee we love.

Favourite food item to pair with an espresso drink..what ya having?

Figs & Honey