I was returning home to the great Pacific Northwest and to 4 Seasons Coffee Company, the Inland Empire’s oldest specialty coffee roaster, located in Spokane, Washington. The fragrant, tropical sweetness of the sun-drenched coffee plantations seemed so distant once I was buckled into my seat in the cockpit. I recalled the friendly coffee growers I had met at these small family farms, noble places, intact and so alive. The rare, exquisite heirloom beans that had been produced reminded me once again that great coffee is a gift of nature, eked out of our earth, ripened by our sun, and fashioned by man. It was a joy to see that the farmers understood that their practices at the farm level would directly impact coffee enjoyment thousands of miles away. A fair price paid, I said goodbye to my friends, satisfied that we had connected full circle between the farmer and the cup and back between the cup and the farmer.

The day is hazy and the fog gives way to possible rain as I pilot leisurely homeward. The engines hum outside. Inside the cabin is warm. I am suddenly aware that I have been sourcing exceptional coffees from the world’s most bountiful and beautiful places for over two decades. I still have great respect for this tireless quest and I continue to be motivated by our commitment to micro-roast 100% Aribica coffees for the love of quality. The owners, Tom and Leslie Hutchinson, once said to me, “Joe, the coffee origin is the genesis of a coffee’s quality. Whether you are in Kenya, Costa Rica or wherever, purchase the highest quality beans possible. We will then be able to introduce our customers to a great cup of coffee filled with aromas and flavors that are magical.” As I reflect, it seems true. Since our inception in 1976, we have enjoyed seeing hundreds of customers come back for yet another cup. It might just be that our success is directly tied to supplying the ultimate in cup quality.

Tom and Leslie would be quick to remind me that uncompromising attention to quality does begin with the acquisition of superior green beans, but that quality is a continuum. “Joe, a great cup of coffee is about nuance, surprise, subtlety and expression. It becomes our job to coax, with skill and finesse, the potential of our coffees through the art of roasting, creating balance, harmony, and personality.” With over 27 years experience in coffee roasting, we have gained unique expertise in the design of roast profiles, ensuring our customers an extraordinary coffee experience. Coffee is after all, a very human gesture in a cup. It is richness and expectation, challenge and consolation—we should trust its comfort.

A huge combine crawls over a steep slope of golden wheat in the Skyrocket Hills of southeastern Washington as I make my approach to the Spokane International Airport. Soon the coffee beans I purchased, their journey half-way around the world on backs of burros, trucks, and ships, will be delivered to our roastery. I pause for a moment thinking of the farmer working his piece of the earth and producing something so inspiring. As my landing wheels touch down, I smile knowing his efforts will be rewarded with care and handcrafted tradition evident in every cup.

At 4 Seasons Coffee Company, a customer’s delight in our premium coffees is the finest reward we could ask. We invite you to travel the world with us and experience coffee on a whole new plane.