Single Estate Coffee Roasters

More About Single Estate Coffee Roasters

Single Estate Coffee Roasters at a glance
Since 2007, Single Estate Coffee Roasters has been building a transparent coffee chain. The journey began after a visit to a Brazilian farm, focusing on direct contact with producers. In 2009, the team started roasting their own beans to guarantee quality and share origin stories. Today, the name stands for light roasting, fair prices, and open collaboration.
From Farm to Bar: History and Locations
The company was founded in 2007 by Bas Burghoorn, who was 27 at the time. The journey began with direct trade in green coffee, followed by establishing their own roasting operation to ensure consistency. In 2019, the flagship café opened at Piet Heinstraat 15 in Den Haag, open daily from 08:30 to 16:00. The roastery moved to De Regge 37, 8253 PG Dronten, open weekdays from 09:00 to 15:00.
Roasting philosophy and technology
Light roasting is central to their philosophy, preserving the terroir and authentic flavors of the bean. Roast profiles are iteratively refined based on cuppings and feedback from the baristas. Loring smart roasters are used to recirculate hot air, reducing emissions and saving energy compared to traditional drum roasters. Green beans are stored in vacuum seals or GrainPro bags within a fully climate-controlled warehouse.
Flavors and Pricing: Blends and Single Origins
The selection balances familiar profiles with distinct expressions of origin. Campo Alegre Espresso from Brazil (Catucaí, natural process) delivers a full, creamy body with notes of dark chocolate. Guatemala Puerta Verde (washed) offers milk chocolate, hazelnut, and orange peel. Kenya Murarandia and El Salvador Los Pirineos appear seasonally, featuring fruity, vibrant notes.

Brazil, Campo Alegre Espresso, natural, “full body, creamy, dark chocolate”, €8.60 and €32.95.
Guatemala, Puerta Verde, washed, “milk chocolate, hazelnut, orange peel”, €9.99 and €38.35.
Guatemala, Swiss Water® Decaf Espresso, 99.9% caffeine-free, “dark chocolate, shortbread, smooth”, €12.60 and €48.85.
Kenya, Murarandia (seasonal), washed, “peach candy, mandarin, hibiscus”, €14.25.
El Salvador, Los Pirineos (seasonal), washed, “cherry, cane sugar, lime”, €13.50.

Experiments and Limited Editions
The webshop features “SEASONAL” and “SEASONAL NEW” origins that rotate frequently. Subscription plans provide monthly boxes for three or six months, including micro-lots and experimental processes. A prime example is the Costa Rica Corazón de Jesús (natural process), with notes of “candied apple, fig, açaí”. For those who love to compare, there is a Filter Box for €39.50 and an Espresso Box for €32.75.
Ethical Sourcing and Quality at the Source
82% of all purchased coffee is sourced via direct trade, supported by annual visits to the producers. To support living wages and local investment, producers receive at least 1.5× the C-price for specialty coffees, and often more. These are long-term relationships, such as the partnership with San Coffee in Brazil, an official B-Corp. Rigorous lot selection, origin separation, and green bean protection ensure quality long before the roasting process begins.
Sustainable Design and Packaging
The flagship store in Den Haag was designed by Ninetynine, featuring a long bar and a mezzanine training space. The use of a Modbar removes physical barriers, encouraging conversation between the guest and the barista. Coffee bags are aluminum-free and fully recyclable, while cups and lids are plant-based and biodegradable. Capsules are compostable, and organic waste is sent to Haagse Zwam, which uses it to grow urban mushrooms.
People, Team, and Knowledge Sharing
Founder and CEO Bas Burghoorn steers the strategy and quality, while co-owner Patrick Groenewold builds the bar and the brand. Head Roaster Dave leads the roastery in Dronten. Jonatan Scheeper, the 2017 Dutch AeroPress Champion, previously served as head roaster and competition winner. Wendelien van Bunnik, the 2019 Dutch Barista Champion and 2019 World AeroPress Champion, worked in the bar in Den Haag.
Training takes place in the café area, offering courses in Barista Basics, Advanced Skills, and Latte Art, each priced at €350. Multiple grinders are set up on the bar for comparative tastings, allowing them to refine brew profiles and create a direct feedback loop with guests. These accessible workshops lower the barrier for both home baristas and hospitality professionals.
Agenda and Outlook
Single Estate will be appearing at the Rotterdam Coffee Fest on October 11 and 12, 2025, with various activities scheduled. A filter masterclass has been announced, focusing on extraction and flavor steering. Their subscription program promises early access to the latest coffees, including new micro lots. Recent investments in the roastery and equipment signal a strong focus on capacity and consistency.
Key Takeaways

Active since 2007, with a focus on direct, transparent relationships at the source.
Light roasting using Loring roasters for lower emissions and energy efficiency.
Well-known origin profiles with clear tasting notes and transparent pricing levels.
82% direct trade, paying at least 1.5x the C-price for specialty coffees.
Sustainable packaging, compostable capsules, and a partnership with Haagse Zwam.
Training, tastings, and festival participation strengthen both the community and the quality.

Final Thoughts
Single Estate bridges the gap between origin care, modern technology, and clean flavor profiles. This results in consistent quality, fair relationships, and a vibrant coffee culture. Whether for professionals or home brewers, the brand provides practical tools and plenty of tasting pleasure. If you're looking for a comparison, pick up a tasting box and taste the difference for yourself.

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