Rum Baba Coffee Roasters

Rum Baba Coffee Roasters is an Amsterdam-based specialty coffee brand known for its playful design and adventurous flavor profiles. Founded by Jeroen Keyzer and Lusan Drost, the company sources top-grade beans directly from farmers and roasts them in small batches. The result is a vibrant, candy-like coffee experience that captures global attention.

Over Rum Baba Coffee Roasters

Rum Baba Coffee Roasters began as an independent espresso bar in Amsterdam’s Oost district, founded by barista Jeroen Keyzer and partner Marielusan “Lusan” Drost. The project evolved from an earlier venture called Coffee Bru, opened in 2011, one of the city’s first specialty cafés. The team wanted to introduce local residents to top-tier coffee, experimenting with new flavors and processing methods long before the rest of Amsterdam caught on. Over time, the enterprise shifted from focusing solely on coffee and pastries to full-scale roasting, with an eye on total control “from green bean buying to the cup.”

Vibrant Roasting Philosophy

While Rum Baba embraces a playful, sometimes irreverent branding style, the approach to coffee is exceptionally serious. Jeroen’s vision centers on rigorous quality checks and a willingness to push flavor boundaries, yet still keep the experience fun for customers. Early on, small-batch roasting took place on-site at the café, allowing visitors to see and smell the process. Today, roasting operations have moved to a separate facility, but the dedication to craft remains unchanged. Rare processing methods, such as “Thermal Shock,” have attracted adventurous coffee lovers, while classic profiles continue to satisfy those seeking a more traditional taste.

Signature Coffees and Flavor Profiles

Rum Baba is best known for coffees that feel almost like candy in a cup. Certain Costa Rican lots have shown flavors akin to winegum, while a Colombian release once boasted hints of strawberry ice cream. A standout Brazilian offering with a pistachio ice cream note also generated buzz among visitors and wholesale clients. Alongside these more experimental options, there are balanced, everyday blends like Guatemala Classic, featuring chocolate and red-apple tones. Even decaf options, such as “Night Owl,” come with surprising aromas of blackcurrant and rosewater, proving that caffeine-free can be both complex and memorable.

The People Behind the Brand

Jeroen Keyzer acts as the “coffee architect,” overseeing green bean selection, roast profiling, and overall quality. Meanwhile, co-founder Lusan Drost brings a strong background in graphic design, resulting in the brand’s distinctive bright colors and whimsical illustrations. The roastery’s production and training programs benefit from the expertise of Maru Mallee, who claimed first place in the 2022 Netherlands AeroPress Championship using Rum Baba’s Peruvian micro-lot, Los Coronados. A tight-knit core team, rarely exceeding ten employees, ensures that every stage of the coffee journey remains personal and carefully managed.

Direct Trade and Sustainability

Ethics and sustainability are fundamental to Rum Baba’s sourcing strategy. Partnerships with farms in Colombia, Costa Rica, Brazil, Peru, and beyond are often cultivated through direct relationships or through select importers who share the same values. Quality scores and fair payment for farmers form the backbone of these deals. Recent investments in an IMF roaster, comparable to the highly efficient Loring system, reflect the brand’s commitment to lowering emissions and conserving energy without sacrificing taste.

Local Community Involvement

From the beginning, Rum Baba has made a lasting impact on Amsterdam’s coffee culture. Initial ventures like Coffee Bru helped spark curiosity about specialty beans in the city’s emerging third-wave scene. Today, monthly workshops, collaborations with local bakeries, and a warm, communicative barista team make each café visit feel like a mini coffee masterclass. Stores in Oost and on Elandsgracht maintain a cozy vibe, encouraging guests to learn about different brewing methods and flavor nuances.

Looking Ahead

Future plans emphasize depth and sustainability over rapid expansion. The goal is to refine existing services, strengthen direct relationships with farmers, and continue experimenting with unique offerings such as limited-edition micro-lots. A line of compostable coffee capsules has been introduced for those who want convenience without losing that signature Rum Baba taste. A subscription service and dedicated wholesale platform are also in development, aiming to bring the brand’s playful yet highly refined coffees to an even wider audience.

By blending imaginative design, thorough quality control, and genuine care for farmers and customers alike, Rum Baba Coffee Roasters has earned a reputation for being one of Amsterdam’s most exciting specialty coffee names. The journey from a small neighborhood café to an internationally recognized roaster shows no sign of slowing—there’s always a new flavor frontier to explore.