commonly coffee

Coffee truly is a global experience.

Recently I was sipping on a coffee, grown in the Yunnan Province of China, roasted in Abu Dhabi, UAE, and brewed in Calgary, Canada. What a journey! It was this naturally processed Catimor variety from Dinosaur Coffee that really opened my eyes to this previously unknown-to-me coffee roaster and got me excited to try more.

Fast forward a few more months and after some great conversations with their team, I knew I wanted to share their story on my site. And so I owe a huge deal of thanks to the entire team for being willing to answer my questions and let me feature Dinosaur Coffee Roasters as our December 2023 Coffee Roaster of the Month.

So great to get the chance to connect with you! Introduce yourself and anyone else on your team to our readers.

At Dinosaur Coffee, our passion and dedication shine through in every bag of beans we offer. Our team is made up of coffee enthusiasts and creative people, each with their own unique talents. From our roasters with over 9 years of experience in this industry to our creative team, everyone plays a vital role in transforming Dinosaur Coffee into more than just a brand.

We take great pride in our work, ensuring that every batch of beans we offer is of the highest quality, promising a memorable experience with every brew. Our love for coffee is at the heart of everything we do, driving us to consistently provide the best to our customers.

Can you tell us a bit more about your backstory in specialty coffee? How did you end up making this your full-time pursuit & passion?

Our venture to specialty coffee was a journey of discovery and passion. It all started with a shared love for exceptional coffee and a desire to bring something different to the table. In 2017, we embarked on a mission to understand the business side of specialty coffee. This exploration led to the launch of Dinosaur Coffee in 2021, a name chosen for its memorable and distinctive nature, symbolizing our commitment to creating extraordinary coffee experiences that stand the test of time.

So, your home-base is Abu Dhabi, UAE, Can you tell us a little bit more about what the specialty coffee community is like there? What do you love? What do you like about the direction specialty coffee is going in your city & country?

The specialty coffee culture in the UAE is a fascinating blend of tradition and innovation. Since 2014, we have witnessed a significant transformation in how coffee is perceived and enjoyed. The city’s coffee enthusiasts are increasingly seeking quality, authenticity, and creativity in their coffee experiences. This evolution excites us, as it mirrors our own values at Dinosaur Coffee—pushing the boundaries of what coffee can be while respecting its rich heritage.

Share with our readers more of the story behind Dinosaur Coffee. When did you begin? How did you come up with the name? Do you have any cafes?

Our story is one of bold dreams and creative spirit. It began with the idea of transforming the coffee drinking experience into something playful and extraordinary. While we don’t currently have a cafe and we do not plan to have one, our vision extends far beyond that. The name ‘Dinosaur Coffee’ was chosen to encapsulate our ethos of being bold, memorable, and timeless. Our plans for the future are expansive, aiming to redefine the coffee experience on a global scale. Stay Tuned !!!

If there is one thing that I have noticed about Dinosaur Coffee is your incredibly creative packaging. Your coffee tins are so clever, but also there’s the cereal boxes. What is the story behind using such creative packaging?

Our packaging strategy is a core part of our identity. We believe that the coffee experience begins the moment you lay eyes on our product. Our coffee tins and cereal boxes are not just containers; they are canvases for our collective creativity and thoughts. Each design is carefully crafted to bring a sense of wonder and joy, ensuring that our customers’ experience is delightful from start to finish.

While we’re on the topic of your coffee, could you share a bit more with our readers about your philosophy/approach to roasting of the coffee that goes into those bags? What equipment do you roast on?

We aim for top-notch quality, both locally and internationally, using state-of-the-art equipment like our 12 kg Diedrich roaster. This machine is known for its excellent heat distribution and precise temperature control, enabling us to achieve our goals seamlessly. For espresso, we carefully limit the roasting time to 11 minutes. As we try to prolong the Maillard reaction a little, ensuring a rich and balanced texture without any bitterness or unpleasant taste.

For filter coffee, we roast for 9 minutes to bring out clear, distinct flavours. Our roasting process aims for a 12-15% development time. We utilize the Cropster program to maintain consistency in our chosen profiles, ensuring continuous quality and a uniform taste. After roasting, we rapidly cool the beans and let them rest for 24 hours. This process helps us strike the perfect balance, guaranteeing that every cup of Dinosaur Coffee offers a delightful journey of taste and aroma. 

So speaking of coffee, what are you drinking/enjoying right now?

Presently, we are indulging in our newly launched coffee capsules and the latest filter coffee from various regions. These products are a testament to our commitment to diversity and innovation in coffee flavours. They represent our relentless pursuit of finding new ways to delight the palates of our customers.

As you look ahead at the next few years for specialty coffee (especially in the U.A.E) what excites you? What changes/innovations/opportunities do you see on the horizon?

Looking ahead, we are thrilled about the prospects for specialty coffee in the UAE. The region is ripe for innovation, and we foresee a surge in local coffee production and equipment manufacturing. The potential for growth and development in the coffee sector is vast, and we are eager to contribute to this evolving landscape.

To wrap things up let me say thank you again for sharing your story, feel free to share anything else you’d like to inform our readers on.

Thank you for being part of our journey at Dinosaur Coffee. We’re not just in the business of selling coffee; we’re in the business of creating joy. We warmly invite you to join us in this exciting adventure, as we continue to explore the vast and vibrant world of specialty coffee. Keep an eye out for what’s brewing next at Dinosaur Coffee!

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Contact Info:

web: www.dinosaurcoffee.ae
instagram: @dinosaurcoffee.ae
facebook: facebook.com/dinosaurcoffee.ae
email: info@dinosaurcoffee.ae

Find their beans: If you’re looking to get your hands on some beans then definitely check out their web-store for what they’re currently roasting. 

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I just want to say a huge thank you to Dinosaur Coffee Roasters for being such a huge contributor to the coffee culture in Abu Dhabi and across the UAE. Check out their site, grab yourself some beans, and enjoy! 

Stay Caffeinated,

Tyler