The journey to create one of the exceptional espresso beans began with a simple goal: to bring exceptional coffee to a community that shared a passion for bold, flavorful brews.
Blue Hummingbird Coffee (BHB Coffee), based in Orange County, California, was founded by a diverse team passionate about specialty coffee. They felt something was missing in Irvine’s coffee scene—a void they were determined to fill. Each founder’s unique background from Asian, Guatemalan, and American cultures helped shape a vision beyond coffee, blending heritage, creativity, and quality.
The Blue Hummingbird Philosophy
BHB Coffee’s brand, inspired by the vibrant blue hummingbird, encapsulates the company’s values. The hummingbird symbolizes relentless discovery, embodying a spirit of exploration that resonates with the founders’ love for travel and cultural discovery.
This philosophy drives them to bring unique coffee flavors and experiences to the local community, enriching every cup with stories from across the globe. Just as the hummingbird brings life to ecosystems, BHB Coffee focuses on giving back and supporting the farms and communities they partner with worldwide.
A Bold Choice for Espresso Coffee Lovers: Guatemala Espresso
At the heart of BHB Coffee’s offerings is its Guatemala Espresso—an exceptional choice for espresso lovers. This direct trade coffee comes from a close family friend, Julio Gandara’s farm in Fraijanes. This is a story of persistence as Julio has been improving the quality of the farm year over year ever since he took over the operations from the previous generation.
The Guatemala Espresso coffee offers a rich flavor profile with dark chocolate undertones, a treat for those who enjoy a smooth finish. Its bold flavors make it ideal for espresso lovers seeking depth and balance. Christian, one of BHB’s co-founders, has sampled hundreds of coffee beans to select this blend, aiming to deliver a delicious drink and an experience that lingers with every sip.
A Legacy of the Exceptional Coffee Beans for Espresso and More and Rooted in Sustainability and Quality
Before Blue Hummingbird Coffee was born, Christian often returned from Guatemala with fresh roasted coffee beans for friends and family. Over cups of Acatenango coffee, he and his friends envisioned creating a space where this unique taste could be shared with a larger community.
Today, BHB Coffee is dedicated to sustainable practices and high-quality sourcing. Each bean undergoes a rigorous selection process, from Central American sweetness to the robust profiles of Brazilian and Sumatran coffee. BHB Coffee samples hundreds of varieties, narrowing down to a select few that meet their stringent standards for flavor and sustainability.
Meet the People Behind BHB Coffee
BHB Coffee’s success reflects the dedication of its founders, who bring a personal touch to each store in Orange County. El, often seen running between their three stores, is always ready to talk about his dog or recommend an Acatenango pour-over.
Christian works behind the scenes, tasting and sampling coffee, with a cappuccino as his favorite go-to. Matt, who roasts hundreds of pounds of coffee each week, welcomes regulars with a smile, sharing his love for cold brew.
Taste the Expresso Coffee Difference: Visit BHB’s Flagship Roastery
For those looking to experience BHB Coffee firsthand, their flagship roastery in Orange County serves as a hub for coffee enthusiasts. Nestled within the Great Park and Rancho Mission Viejo communities, the roastery offers a space to enjoy a meticulously brewed cup and connect with a community that values quality and authenticity.
Through their Guatemala Espresso and other blends, BHB Coffee is redefining what it means to enjoy coffee. For espresso lovers, this blend promises a complex, robust flavor profile with the richness of dark chocolate, delivering a smooth, unforgettable finish.
As BHB Coffee grows, it remains committed to its mission: providing the community with the exceptional coffee beans for espresso while building connections, encouraging exploration, and a shared appreciation for exceptional coffee.
Published by Celeste P.
