Crimson Coffee: Columbus's Award-Winning, Light-Roast Espresso House
Crimson Coffee roasts in Columbus, Ohio, under the same roasting operation as Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea, which has been roasting specialty coffee in the city since 1991 and has picked up honors at Golden Bean North America and Roast Magazine's Roaster of the Year along the way. That pedigree paid off again in 2026: two of Crimson's espresso blends earned recognition at the Good Food Awards, one of only two roasters nationally to win multiple coffee awards that year.
The house style is distinctive — even the espresso program is roasted light, a deliberate choice designed to preserve origin character and cut cleanly through milk rather than lean on roast-driven bitterness. Guatemalan and Ethiopian single origins bring jasmine, citrus peel, and red-apple brightness, while the blend lineup layers in lime, vanilla, and light chocolate warmth alongside a rotating current-crop blend and a decaf option. It's a house style built for drinkers who want espresso-strength coffee without giving up the clarity of a light roast. CoffeeByMe's AI recommendation engine can help you find the right citrus-forward or chocolate-leaning Crimson coffee for your cup.
Single Origins
| Name | Roast | Tasting Notes | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reshad Ababulgu White Honey | Medium Light | SpicesSweet TeaRed Apple | $25.00 |
| Finca El Cadejo | Medium Light | Bittersweet ChocolateCitrus PeelFloral | $16.00 |
| El Morito Red Gesha | Light | JasmineYuzuWhite Sugar | $40.00 |
Blends
| Name | Roast | Tasting Notes | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wayfarer Blend | Medium Light | Wild StrawberryPlumCoffee BlossomChocolateTree NutsCaramel | $18.00 |
| Tired Goat | Medium | Dark FruitLimeMilk Chocolate | $19.00 |
| Loudmouth Blend - Floral | Light | CitrusChocolateSweet | $22.00 |
Roast Profile & Flavor Range
Crimson's active catalog is overwhelmingly light-roast, including its espresso blend — an unusual choice that trades roast-driven body for origin transparency and clean acidity even in milk-based drinks. The single-origin side climbs slightly to light-medium, while a decaf blend is the only coffee roasted to a fuller medium. Acidity runs medium to high throughout, and body stays light to medium, consistent with the house's light-roast philosophy. Flavor themes center on citrus and florals — jasmine, yuzu, lime, and citrus peel recur across both singles and blends — layered with chocolate, vanilla, and light spice for warmth. Pricing spans about $16 for approachable single origins to $40 for a rare Gesha lot, with blends holding a tighter $18–$22 band.
Why Buy Crimson Coffee
Award-winning house, 2026: Two Crimson espresso blends earned recognition at the 2026 Good Food Awards, part of a Columbus roasting operation with roots back to 1991 and honors from Golden Bean North America and Roast Magazine.
Light roast, even in espresso: Crimson's espresso blend is roasted light by design, built to cut through milk while preserving citrus and floral clarity — a distinctive approach for drinkers tired of dark, roast-driven shots.
Citrus-and-floral signature: Jasmine, yuzu, lime, and citrus peel notes run through both the single-origin and blend lineup, balanced by chocolate and vanilla warmth.
Wide price range, one house style: From $16 everyday singles to $40 rare microlots, Crimson's range stays true to its light-roast identity throughout. CoffeeByMe's AI recommendations help you find the right entry point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Crimson Coffee located?
Crimson Coffee is a specialty coffee roaster based in Columbus, OH.
What does Crimson Coffee specialize in?
Crimson's active catalog is overwhelmingly light-roast, including its espresso blend — an unusual choice that trades roast-driven body for origin transparency and clean acidity even in milk-based drinks.
Where can I buy Crimson Coffee coffee?
You can browse Crimson Coffee's coffees on CoffeeByMe and click through to buy directly from the roaster, or visit Crimson Coffee's own website.
