My Instagram Coffee Friendship with Latorya (And Why Your Cup Deserves a Personal Touch)

Bean There, Done That: My Instagram Coffee Friendship with Latorya (And Why Your Cup Deserves a Personal Touch)

I remember the first time I met my friend, Latorya, on Instagram. There I was, sipping on my latest experimental brew, scrolling through my feed, when suddenly—her profile popped up. She was on the hunt for something she kept calling her “perfect coffee experience,” and I couldn’t help but slide into her DMs to say hi. Little did either of us know that this single conversation would spark a delightful coffee adventure.

At the time, she was venturing through hashtags like “best coffee to buy online” and “where can I buy fresh coffee beans near me.” Like so many coffee lovers, she was tired of sipping generic blends that never quite lived up to their marketing hype. She was craving something special—something that resonated with her taste buds on a personal level. And let’s face it, the internet is flooded with coffee options. You type “best coffee on the internet” or “top coffee delivered,” and suddenly, you’ve got 100 tabs open, each promising the holy grail of caffeinated bliss.

Now, if this were an Instagram Reel, you’d see a montage of me waving hello from my coffee nook, a fun jump cut to us laughing on a Zoom call, and maybe a comedic snapshot of me frantically roasting coffee beans in my kitchen. Add some upbeat music and a dramatic voiceover, and you’ve got the formula for viral content. But let’s pause the highlight reel for a moment and get real. Because behind the friendly banter and eye-catching Reels is something truly meaningful: that ah-ha moment when you find a coffee that feels crafted just for you.

That’s exactly what happened with my friend, and it’s a story worth telling. Especially if you’re one of those people rummaging around the internet, searching “best coffee worldwide,” “best craft coffee at home,” or “where to buy gourmet coffee,” yet still feeling like everything you buy is the same old, same old. Let’s unravel how I ended up developing a high-scoring, ultra-fresh, specialty brew just for Latorya—why she loves it, and why you might need a little personalization in your morning cup, too.

The Oversaturated World of Specialty Coffee

Let’s talk about the specialty coffee world. It can be overwhelming—one day you’re searching for the “best coffee worldwide,” and the next, you’re drowning in terms like “single origin,” “micro-lot,” “light roast,” “medium roast,” “city roast,” “honey process,” “natural process,” and so on. It’s like a Netflix category that won’t stop showing you new titles.

It’s no wonder so many folks get stuck in analysis paralysis. Think about it: you scroll through a website that claims to have the “best coffee on the internet,” but within two clicks, you find another brand touting “best small batch coffee.” Your mind spins. Which is better? Are these flavor notes legit, or is it all marketing jargon? Before you know it, you give up, settle for something “good enough,” and end up disappointed.

How I Connected with Latorya

Enter my Instagram page: a humble corner of the internet where I geek out about coffee. I roast, I taste, I share behind-the-scenes clips of me meticulously sorting beans. I toss in a dash of humor because, let’s face it, life’s too short to be serious all the time—especially when we’re talking about our daily cup of joe.

One day, while discussing how to “buy specialty coffee online” without getting scammed by stale beans, I noticed a thoughtful comment from an account named @CoffeeLove_L. The profile pic was bright and smiling, and her feed? Well, it was a caffeinated wonderland of latte art, coffee brewing, and personal musings about daily life. I recognized a fellow coffee soul, so I said hello.

After a few jokes about how we’d both do anything for a decent cup (including traveling far and wide if we had to), she mentioned she was still stuck in that never-ending hamster wheel: trying new coffee subscriptions, searching “best craft coffee at home,” only to end up with beans that just didn’t excite her. So I did what any coffee-obsessed friend would do: I offered to roast a batch specifically with her taste preferences in mind.

Personalizing the Coffee Experience

Here’s the best-kept secret in specialty coffee: not all beans are created equal, and not all tongues taste the same flavors. Some folks—like my friend who’s hunting for “best coffee for non coffee drinkers”—prefer a smooth, mellow sweetness without bitterness. Others crave the punchy, fruity brightness of a light roast. The trick is nailing down exactly what your palate loves.

I asked Latorya a slew of questions to get a better understanding of her love for coffee, and I'd love to share those questions with you; however, it's proprietary to building your coffee at home experience :)

It turned out she liked a well-rounded medium roast with hints of pronounced chocolatey-ness, subtle fruitiness, and a lingering aftertaste that begged for another sip. She also hated the sharp, acidic finish that some beans can have—“It feels like a punch in the throat,” she joked. Armed with that knowledge, I scoured my bean inventory (all ethically sourced, of course, from small farms I trust).

I eventually landed on a mix of a Central American bean (for that chocolatey sweetness) and an East African bean (for a hint of berry-like brightness). I dialed in a roast profile that would highlight natural caramelization while preserving those fruity nuances. Think of it like being a matchmaker—but for coffee beans and taste buds.

The Waiting Game: Would She Like It?

The comedic part of this story? Waiting for someone’s reaction after you’ve poured your heart and soul into their coffee. If this were an Instagram Reel, you’d see me pacing around my kitchen, biting my nails, maybe accompanied by some suspenseful music. Truth is, once you send those beans off in the mail, you’ve got nothing to do but wait for that first cup to be brewed.

Finally, the day arrived. I got a message from her—well, more like a string of excited emojis, LOL. She said that from the moment she opened the bag, the aroma was on another level. And once she brewed it? She couldn’t believe how balanced and flavorful it was. “I can taste the chocolate & berries, but it’s not too sweet,” she raved. “And there’s this fruitiness, but it’s subtle and not overpowering.”

Cue my celebratory dance in the kitchen. The coffee was a hit, and better yet, it was exactly what she was searching for. She even joked that it was her “personal coffee heaven,” and she never realized she could enjoy black coffee without a splash of cream (talk about a good coffee to drink black).

Why a Personalized Approach Matters

The question is: why does personalization matter so much? Can’t we all just buy the “best specialty coffee online” from a reputable brand and call it a day? Well, yes and no. Buying from solid brands is definitely better than grabbing stale beans off the grocery shelf. But here’s the deal:

1. Flavor Preferences Vary Widely
   Just like we all have different preferences for music, we also have different palates. “Bright and acidic” might be bliss for me, but might be heartbreak for you. That’s why a personalized approach turns coffee-drinking from a chore into a joy.

2. One-Size-Fits-All Doesn’t Always Fit
   You’ve probably heard me say it before: coffee shouldn’t be a one-size-fits-all experience. Some people want the best small batch coffee with a bold roast for their French press, while others want something milder for a quick drip brew. A bag boasting “best tasting whole bean coffee” might be too strong or too mild depending on who’s drinking it.

3. Freshness Is Key
   I can’t stress this enough: freshly roasted beans transform your entire coffee experience. Much like searching “where can I buy fresh coffee beans near me,” you need to verify the roast date. You can have the highest-scoring beans in the world, but if they’ve been sitting in a warehouse for months, they lose their magic. Part of personalization also means ensuring you get coffee that’s roasted fresh, just for you.

4. It’s About Connection
   I genuinely believe that what sets specialty coffee apart isn’t just the bean quality—it’s the community. People who are passionate about coffee often have stories, experiences, and personal preferences that shape their journey. When you connect one-on-one—like I did with Latorya—it creates a bond. Suddenly, coffee is not just a beverage; it’s a shared experience.

How You Can Find Your Perfect Cup

If reading about Latorya’s experience has you thinking, “I want that kind of coffee epiphany,” here’s a quick (and totally free) blueprint:

1. Identify Your Preferences: Ask yourself if you like chocolatey or fruity notes, light or full body, bright or mellow acidity.

2. Brewing Method: Different methods (drip, pour-over, French press, espresso) can showcase different flavors. So know your go-to method.

3. Roast Level: Light roasts can highlight unique origin flavors, while medium roasts often strike a balance. Dark roasts bring the bold, smoky vibes—but can mask certain complexities.

4. Ask Questions: Don’t be afraid to DM roasters or coffee enthusiasts. Ask about origin, tasting notes, roast date. People in the coffee community usually love to share their knowledge.

5. Experiment: Sometimes the best way to find your favorite coffee is to taste, taste, and taste some more. Keep notes. Notice how different beans and roast levels compare.

A Shout-Out to the Coffee Community

One of the things I love most about sharing coffee on social media is how it connects me with people like you—people who are genuinely curious and excited to learn more. You might be someone who’s searching for a “gift for coffee lover” friend, or maybe you’re looking for “presents for coffee lovers” that go beyond the usual coffee mug and Starbucks gift card. Possibly you’re just wanting to find that “best craft coffee at home” that’ll make your morning routine feel like a mini-celebration.

The beautiful part is that in this day and age, you’re only a DM away from a specialized roaster who can help guide you. That’s exactly how I met Latorya, and now she’s happily sipping on a coffee that was literally developed with her name on it.

So, what’s the takeaway—the “reward,” if you will? It’s that your coffee journey doesn’t have to be bland, confusing, or solitary. The moment you realize coffee can be more than just a quick caffeine fix is the moment you open yourself up to an entire world of taste, aroma, and community.

I’m beyond grateful for folks like Latorya who take a chance on a personalized approach. Her feedback, excitement, and genuine love for her custom roast continue to inspire me. It’s not about trying to one-up Starbucks or claiming to be the “best specialty coffee online.” It’s about that personal connection, the joy in discovering something truly unique, and the satisfaction in knowing your coffee was roasted with your preferences in mind.

If you’re as curious as she was, my DMs are always open. I love chatting about flavor profiles, roast levels, and all the geeky coffee details—no question is too small, and no preference is too quirky. Let’s figure out what makes your taste buds dance. After all, your morning cup should be as unique as you are.

Thank you for reading this far, and a huge thanks to Latorya for reminding me why I do what I do. If there’s one thing I hope you carry away from this story, it’s that coffee can be an adventure—one that thrives on curiosity, personalization, and community. So next time you’re scrolling through reels or posts about “best coffee bean delivery” or trying to figure out “specialty coffee near me,” remember this: there’s a world of flavor waiting for you, and finding it might just start with a friendly DM.

Cheers to fresh beans, meaningful connections, and that perfect cup we’re all searching for!

Your personal roaster,

Andrew, I Prefer Craft Coffee