Help & Info

FAQ

Everything you need to know about Coffee Insurrection — our rating system, how to get listed, and how to find the world's best specialty coffee.

The Bean Rating System

3 Beans
3 Beans — The Standard of Excellence

Awarded to shops serving high-quality specialty coffee with technical precision. A reliable destination for the discerning drinker.

4 Beans
4 Beans — The Exceptional Experience

Reserved for locations that offer unique micro-lots, superior brewing mastery, and a deep commitment to the craft. Worth a detour.

5 Beans
5 Beans — The Ultimate Insurrection

The pinnacle of global coffee culture. A transformative experience where terroir, innovation, and hospitality achieve perfection. Worth a special journey.

The Rating System

What is the Coffee Insurrection Rating system? +

The Coffee Insurrection Rating is a rigorous, multi-tier evaluation system designed to identify the world's finest specialty coffee. We award 3, 4, or 5 Beans based on bean quality (SCA score), extraction precision, sensory profile, and ethical transparency. This system serves as the global gold standard for coffee lovers seeking excellence over commodity.

How does a coffee shop earn a 5-Bean rating? +

A 5-Bean rating is the highest honour in our guide. It is awarded only to shops that demonstrate world-class mastery. To earn five beans, a shop must provide an unparalleled sensory experience, use rare or exclusive coffee varieties, and maintain absolute consistency in brewing. It represents the "Insurrection" against average coffee at its most powerful.

Can the community contribute to the official ratings? +

Absolutely. While our official inspections determine the Bean Rating, our community platform allows users to post reviews, photos, and personal scores. This dual-layer approach ensures that while technical standards are upheld by experts, the voice of the global coffee community remains the heart of our mission.

What is the difference between a User Review and an Official Inspection? +

User Reviews are the pulse of our community, reflecting daily experiences and personal preferences. An Official Inspection, however, is a blind, professional audit conducted by trained "Insurrectors" who evaluate technical variables like TDS (Total Dissolved Solids), milk micro-foam quality, and bean traceability to assign the final 3, 4, or 5-Bean grade.

How can I use this guide to find the best coffee near me? +

Browse our global map filtered by rating. Whether you are looking for a reliable 3-Bean daily brew or planning a trip around a 5-Bean destination, our platform provides real-time data, professional tasting notes, and community feedback to ensure you never drink a bad cup of coffee again.

For Coffee Lovers

Is Coffee Insurrection free to use? +

Yes, completely free for coffee lovers. Browse, discover and explore thousands of specialty coffee shops worldwide at no cost.

How do I find coffee shops near me? +

Use our World Map to explore shops by location, or browse by continent and country using the Discover page.

Can I suggest a coffee shop? +

Yes! Contact us via the contact page and we'll review your suggestion for inclusion in the guide.

For Shop Owners

How do I list my coffee shop? +

Click List Your Shop For Free and create an owner account. Once registered you can manage your shop profile from the dashboard.

Is listing my shop free? +

Yes, listing your shop on Coffee Insurrection is completely free.

How do I update my shop information? +

Log in to your Owner Dashboard to update your hours, photos, description, address and social links.

How do I request an official inspection? +

Once your shop is listed, contact us via the contact page to request an official Bean Rating inspection.

Still have questions?

Contact Us →