Merit is obsessed with quality. They are fiercely focused on the art and science behind an excellent cup of coffee.
This obsessive tendency led them to renovate a 2,400 sq. ft. old warehouse on San Antonio’s Southside, creating a premium coffee roasting facility. From that humble beginning in 2014, they have prospered and grown, recently moving into a new, much larger, freshly renovated 9,000 sq. ft. warehouse along Loop 410.
They personally source many of the batches of beans they roast, traveling to the growers to sample their coffee, negotiate a fair price, and arrange shipment to San Antonio. Many of their specialty beans come from a single farm or even from a specific area on the farm (micro-terroir), making them limited in quantity and superior in quality. They work to establish strong, long-term relationships based on good coffee and fair prices.
Once the beans reach their facility, they roast test batches, cup, taste, adjust, test some more, and finally establish the perfect roast profile for the beans. They package the whole beans fresh from the roaster – rich, aromatic, and at the peak of perfection.
Orders need to be placed by Monday at 11 AM CST to be fulfilled the following Wednesday. Orders placed after will be fulfilled the following week. All coffees come in 3/4 lb.
Current Offerings Descriptions
Karambi Washed
Cherry Cordial • Clove • Iced Tea
Introducing "Karambi Washed" – Rwanda's finest coffee offering, meticulously processed at the renowned Karambi station nestled within Nyamasheke district. Elevating Rwanda's coffee legacy, this exquisite blend embodies the nation's commitment to quality and sustainability, showcasing rich flavors nurtured by optimal growing conditions along the shores of Kivu Lake. Experience the essence of Rwanda's coffee excellence in every sip of "Karambi Washed".
Introducing "Karambi Washed" – Rwanda's finest coffee offering, meticulously processed at the renowned Karambi station nestled within Nyamasheke district. Elevating Rwanda's coffee legacy, this exquisite blend embodies the nation's commitment to quality and sustainability, showcasing rich flavors nurtured by optimal growing conditions along the shores of Kivu Lake. Experience the essence of Rwanda's coffee excellence in every sip of "Karambi Washed".
Galo Y Grace
Peach • Cherry Blossom • Agave
Finca Cruz Loma in Ecuador, managed by Galo and Grace Morales, exemplifies excellence in coffee farming on its 6 hectares of land. Specializing in varieties like Typica Mejorado and Geisha, their meticulous process from cherry selection to drying ensures top-quality beans. Overcoming initial challenges, the siblings' focus on agronomic expertise and innovative harvest experiments promises exceptional coffee in every cup. Partners since 2022, we invite you to join us in experiencing the unparalleled flavors of a delicious harvest from this remarkable farm.
Finca Cruz Loma in Ecuador, managed by Galo and Grace Morales, exemplifies excellence in coffee farming on its 6 hectares of land. Specializing in varieties like Typica Mejorado and Geisha, their meticulous process from cherry selection to drying ensures top-quality beans. Overcoming initial challenges, the siblings' focus on agronomic expertise and innovative harvest experiments promises exceptional coffee in every cup. Partners since 2022, we invite you to join us in experiencing the unparalleled flavors of a delicious harvest from this remarkable farm.
Cesar X Clever
Red Apple • Cocoa Powder • Brown Sugar
We're thrilled to present our micro-lot export blend once more, marking its return for a second year! Savor the delightful notes of juicy red apple, cocoa powder, and rich brown sugar. This blend offers a distinctive taste profile, meticulously selected for quality from bean to cup. Back by popular request, enjoy the depth and complexity that made it a favorite last season.
We're thrilled to present our micro-lot export blend once more, marking its return for a second year! Savor the delightful notes of juicy red apple, cocoa powder, and rich brown sugar. This blend offers a distinctive taste profile, meticulously selected for quality from bean to cup. Back by popular request, enjoy the depth and complexity that made it a favorite last season.
Bekele Belachew:
Raspberry • Lemon Curd • Peach Tea
Another hit for all you natural lovers out there – a traditional Sidama Natural from Bekele Belachew in Sagara Village. As soon as you grind this coffee, your olfactory senses will connect you with the first time you had a coffee with this specific berry forward aroma – bringing you back to that moment when you first realized “WOW” this isn’t my parent’s coffee.
Another hit for all you natural lovers out there – a traditional Sidama Natural from Bekele Belachew in Sagara Village. As soon as you grind this coffee, your olfactory senses will connect you with the first time you had a coffee with this specific berry forward aroma – bringing you back to that moment when you first realized “WOW” this isn’t my parent’s coffee.
Cielo Andino:
Ganache • Maple Syrup • Dates
Born solely out of our love for the deeper flavors in coffee that not only pair well with milk but enhance it, the Cielo Andino Espresso, in our humble opinion, is some of our greatest work yet.
A mix of three coffees that on their own work brilliantly as espresso but when blended create a classic, approachable espresso blend formulated for milk-based drinks.
Using our flagship Andino Leal as a foundation for body, acidity, and complexity, we added a natural Brazil from the Mogiana Region for balance, crema and sweetness, and a Peru from Amazonas for clarity and aroma.
From a Cortado to a Mocha, Cielo Andino’s balanced profile of chocolate, toffee, and Warm Spice is sure to be a tasty and reliable workhorse.
Born solely out of our love for the deeper flavors in coffee that not only pair well with milk but enhance it, the Cielo Andino Espresso, in our humble opinion, is some of our greatest work yet.
A mix of three coffees that on their own work brilliantly as espresso but when blended create a classic, approachable espresso blend formulated for milk-based drinks.
Using our flagship Andino Leal as a foundation for body, acidity, and complexity, we added a natural Brazil from the Mogiana Region for balance, crema and sweetness, and a Peru from Amazonas for clarity and aroma.
From a Cortado to a Mocha, Cielo Andino’s balanced profile of chocolate, toffee, and Warm Spice is sure to be a tasty and reliable workhorse.
South Presa:
Dark Chocolate • Maple • Citrus
South Presa takes two reliable yet distinct elements together for a harmonious, approachable coffee.
The South Presa Home Blend comes entirely from very small-scale farmers. Though many are not certified organic, their traditional practices eliminate many of the pitfalls of industrial agriculture. It honors those who take the most risk to create the delicious coffees we drink every day.
South Presa takes two reliable yet distinct elements together for a harmonious, approachable coffee.
The South Presa Home Blend comes entirely from very small-scale farmers. Though many are not certified organic, their traditional practices eliminate many of the pitfalls of industrial agriculture. It honors those who take the most risk to create the delicious coffees we drink every day.
Lucem:
Chocolate • Almond • Brown Sugar
Our foundation at Merit is built on the pursuit of perfection across three different areas: roasting, sourcing and brewing. I see all of our work as a study. An exploration into the next great thing, the next great micro-lot, the next great growing region, the next great tasting experience. Every coffee we work with brings us closer to that goal, and every day we are learning.
Just like Merit, our coffees need a foundation. Something steady and reliable that can stand on its own while highlighting the complexities of our single origins you’ve come to know us by and love.
As with all our greatest Ideas, it started with a question. “What would it look like if Merit created an everyday drinking blend that represents our relentless obsession with quality?” A year of healthy debate, a lot of cupping, and multiple roasting trials later we are honored to present to you what we would consider our favorite every day blend on the market. Always sweet, always reliable, and always created with good energy.
Our foundation at Merit is built on the pursuit of perfection across three different areas: roasting, sourcing and brewing. I see all of our work as a study. An exploration into the next great thing, the next great micro-lot, the next great growing region, the next great tasting experience. Every coffee we work with brings us closer to that goal, and every day we are learning.
Just like Merit, our coffees need a foundation. Something steady and reliable that can stand on its own while highlighting the complexities of our single origins you’ve come to know us by and love.
As with all our greatest Ideas, it started with a question. “What would it look like if Merit created an everyday drinking blend that represents our relentless obsession with quality?” A year of healthy debate, a lot of cupping, and multiple roasting trials later we are honored to present to you what we would consider our favorite every day blend on the market. Always sweet, always reliable, and always created with good energy.
Sugercane Decaf:
Strawberry • Vanilla Bean • Clove
Even with our decaf offering, we take our passion for transparency and flavor seriously. We find that the ethyl acetate decaf process produces coffees with a warm, cozy feel and a distinct berry note.
Even with our decaf offering, we take our passion for transparency and flavor seriously. We find that the ethyl acetate decaf process produces coffees with a warm, cozy feel and a distinct berry note.
Roaster's Blend:
Milk Chocolate • Caramel • Clove
Our Roasters Blend was engineered for cold brew: focusing on balance, sweetness and body. Aligned with Merit’s ethics of source, roast and brew – we applied the same energy towards the creation of this blend. Although a select few of the ingredients may rotate, the Latin American base provides consistency and balance, and our cupping table dictates the mixture.
Our Roasters Blend was engineered for cold brew: focusing on balance, sweetness and body. Aligned with Merit’s ethics of source, roast and brew – we applied the same energy towards the creation of this blend. Although a select few of the ingredients may rotate, the Latin American base provides consistency and balance, and our cupping table dictates the mixture.
Andino Leal:
Dark Chocolate • Butter • Black Cherry
One of our most versatile coffees, this all-around star is at once chocolatey, fruity, and grounded. "Leal" means loyal, marking our refreshed commitment to the producers of Andino. We've built a core group to 25 farmers and committed to a fixed price in local currency, no matter how the market moves.
One of our most versatile coffees, this all-around star is at once chocolatey, fruity, and grounded. "Leal" means loyal, marking our refreshed commitment to the producers of Andino. We've built a core group to 25 farmers and committed to a fixed price in local currency, no matter how the market moves.
