Denf Roasters of Coffee

Since 2016, the Eindhoven coffee scene has had a remarkable focal point: Denf Roasters of Coffee. Every day, the former Philips factory, De Witte Dame, fills with the aroma of freshly roasted beans. Visitors watch the Giesen drum roaster through a glass wall, while baristas carefully brew espressos. This combination of open craftsmanship and hospitality quickly made Denf a meeting place for coffee lovers, students, and entrepreneurs.

The story begins with founder Daan Verleg, who roasted his first beans in a shed in 2007. His pop-up bars in Wildenberg, Koetshuis, and TAC proved that Eindhoven was ready for specialty coffee. In 2016, Denf found a permanent 230 m² location under the Witte Dame, complete with an espresso bar and roastery. The name DENF refers to Daan himself, his friend Frank, and two mysterious letters that remain a secret. Today, the team consists of around 25 professionals, and the atmosphere remains familial.

Denf roasts only small batches, ensuring each bean remains fresh and full of flavor. The Giesen roaster is placed in the center of the shop, allowing guests to literally smell and see the process. Baristas learn the finer details of roasting, extraction, and milk texturing at Daan. As a result, cappuccinos, filter coffees, and espressos always taste as intended: clear, balanced, and without bitterness.

The house blend 801 is a nod to Italian espresso, with full body, thick crema, and nutty depth. However, the recipe is not static; Daan adjusts the ratios as better harvests become available. In addition to the blend, single origins are rotated through the grinder, such as a Nicaraguan Catuai with sweet, fruity notes or a Colombian filter coffee with fresh citrus. Thanks to this variety, guests continually discover new terroirs, while the reliable 801 offers consistent quality.

– Nicaragua Natural, full body, soft hazelnut in milk.
– Rutabo Rwanda, jam-like berries and vanilla, limited edition.
– DR Congo Katana, pronounced fruit and pleasant sweetness.
– Flores Rende Nao, pepper, fig, suitable for stout beer.

Experimentation is in Denf's DNA. Together with brewery Van Moll, strong El Salvador shots end up in stout beer, later followed by cold steeping of Rende Nao in a maple porter. Chocolatiers use the 801 blend in pralines with marzipan and grapefruit ganache. These projects show how coffee gains new dimensions outside the cup.

Quality starts with the farmer. Denf only buys lots that Daan truly connects with during cuppings, often through the direct trade partner This Side Up. Visits to Nicaragua and Indonesia deepen relationships and yield microlots with transparent origins. Small-scale roasting, strict cupping, and continuous training keep every batch at a top level. The result is a cup of coffee with a traceable story and fair income for the producer.

Looking ahead, Denf aims to expand the offering with new origins and experimental fermentations, such as anaerobic Ethiopians or rare Yemen lots. Seasonal specials will continue to return, so every spring, summer, and autumn will surprise with a different taste. Additionally, technological improvements are on the way, from an app with a loyalty program to an even more advanced espresso machine. A potential Denf Coffee Academy will share knowledge and train young talent, while the existing location remains the vibrant heart of Eindhoven.

The interior reflects Eindhoven’s industrial heritage, with high ceilings, steel beams, and a converted Cadillac bench inviting people to sit longer. Free wifi and a sunny terrace make Denf a favorite work and meeting point. Jazz nights, cuppings, and latte art workshops strengthen the community and keep the threshold low. Thus, Denf grows into both a coffee lab and a cultural living room.