In this special episode recorded live in Dubai, we sit down with two legends of the US coffee-growing scene: the late Jay Ruskey (Frinj Coffee, California) and Kraig Lee (Kona Farm Direct, Hawaii).From the first 47 "test" plants in Santa Barbara to breaking price records in Kona, Jay and Kraig share the evolution of an industry many thought could never exist. They dive deep into the technical marvels of high-latitude farming, the importance of genetic sequencing for the Geisha variety, and how they are building a resilient community of over 70 farmers in California alone.This conversation is a tribute to Jay Ruskey’s infectious vision and the incredible legacy he and his wife Kristen leave behind in the world of specialty coffee.

In this episode of the Cupping Table podcast, David Paparelli sits down with Ben Carlson, co-founder of Long Miles, to discuss their 15-year journey of investing in Burundi coffee communities. Ben shares the harrowing reality of producing coffee in East Africa, from fighting off bandits armed with spears to navigating a coup d'etat while attempting to export specialty lots. They dive deep into the "potato defect" mystery, explaining how Long Miles bypassed traditional chemical solutions by launching a "Coffee Kids Camp" that has collected over 28 million Antestia bugs to date. Ben also unveils the future of the company as they expand into Kenya and Uganda, seeking out the "holy grail" of coffee terroir in the Rwenzori Mountains. Finally, they discuss the upcoming Long Miles Burundi private auction, which features 23 unique micro-lots that showcase the distinct flavors of 14 different hills.

In this panel discussion, David Paparelli, CEO of M-Cultivo, sits down with Rachel Peterson of Hacienda La Esmeralda and Jeferson Santos of Daterra Coffee to explore how their estates have fundamentally reshaped the global specialty coffee industry. The conversation delves into the evolution of private coffee auctions, moving from simple price discovery to sophisticated platforms for brand storytelling and international community building. Rachel reflects on the 20-year legacy of Panama Geisha and the importance of meticulous, "gentle" processing to preserve terroir, while Jeferson discusses Daterra's mission to elevate the reputation of Brazilian coffee from a bulk commodity to a complex luxury product through intensive scientific research and collaborative "Growers' Exchanges". Together, they highlight how a shared commitment to quality and transparency is driving the next generation of high-altitude coffee production.

In this episode of The Cupping Table, David Paparelli sits down with Roland Glew, the green coffee buyer at Ozone Coffee, to explore the intricate realities of global coffee sourcing. Roland shares deep insights from his travels to origins like Peru, Malawi, and Costa Rica, emphasizing how infrastructure and individual expertise can make or break the quality of a harvest and the reputation of a country. The conversation moves beyond the "coffee hunter" myth to discuss the strategic core of direct trade: building resilient, long-term partnerships that prioritize honesty and transparency over immediate wins. From managing risk like an investment portfolio to navigating the shifting niche markets of specialty coffee, Roland provides an authentic, expert look at the evolving landscape of the coffee industry.

In this episode of the Cupping Table podcast, David Paparelli sits down with Kenneth Barigye, the founder of Mountain Harvest and Chairman of the Uganda chapter of AFCA. Kenneth shares his unique journey of entering the coffee industry in 2017—tasting his very first cup of coffee only after founding his company—with a mission to challenge the global perception of Ugandan coffee quality. The conversation dives deep into the transition of Mountain Harvest from a non-profit project to a self-sustaining social impact business that prioritizes financial viability alongside farmer empowerment. Kenneth also discusses the critical role of the upcoming Taste of Harvest auctions in fostering price discovery and providing a global stage for Africa’s most exceptional coffees.

In this special episode of The Cupping Table, M-Cultivo co-founder David Paparelli breaks down the "nuts and bolts" of the 2026 coffee auction season, specifically focusing on the unique hybrid format of the Dubai Coffee Auction. Following a record-breaking year in 2025 where coffee reached prices of $30,000 per kilo, David explains how the platform connects a global network of producers from regions like Panama, Yemen, and the United States with buyers through a two-round bidding process. He details how participants can navigate the transition from an open bidding period to a high-stakes "bidding war" involving a live auctioneer, while emphasizing that auctions serve as vital tools for price discovery, brand building, and fostering long-term relationships between producers and roasters.

In this episode of The Cupping Table, David Paparelli sits down with José "Pocho" Gallardo, the visionary engineer behind the world-renowned Finca Nuguo in Panama. Pocho shares his unique perspective on what it takes to master high-altitude Geisha, detailing how his background in engineering informs his approach to coffee. They discuss the "magic" of the Panamanian coffee community, where mentorship and the sharing of knowledge across generations have created a global standard for excellence. Pocho also opens up about the challenges of sustainable farming, the debate between plant stress and "happy" trees, and why he believes specialty coffee must be a full sensorial experience that offers more than just a beverage, but a connection to the land and the culture.

In this deep-dive interview, Mokhtar Alkhanshali explores the intersection of heritage, identity, and the high-stakes world of luxury coffee production at the Al-Khanshali Estate. As a self-described "third culture kid," Mokhtar discusses how his upbringing between San Francisco and Yemen allows him to act as a cultural translator, bridging ancient cultivation techniques with the modern "engineered" demands of the global specialty market. The conversation reveals the "miraculous" nature of Yemeni coffee, from the "rising phoenix" plants that survive extreme environmental stress to the vast, untapped genetic diversity found in isolated mountain terraces. Mokhtar challenges the industry's trend toward "bro coffee science" and overly fermented profiles, advocating instead for a disciplined approach that respects both the "soul" of the origin and the rigorous science required to produce a world-class cup. Beyond the technical aspects of cupping and processing, he offers a sobering perspective on the political and geopolitical realities that impact coffee farmers, arguing that the journey of a bean from a conflict zone to a luxury auction in Dubai is nothing short of a miracle. This interview is a masterclass in the evolution of coffee from a simple commodity to a respected craft, highlighting the collaborative "co-opetition" among global producers that continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in a cup.

In this episode, we are joined by Ratibor Hartmann and Tessie Palacios of Mi Finquita, a nine-hectare farm representing the third generation of the Hartmann family’s 100-year coffee legacy in Panama. We delve into their revolutionary approach to ultra-specialty coffee, focusing on their award-winning Chicho Gallo varietal—a unique Ethiopian discovery named in honor of Ratibor’s father. Ratibor and Tessie discuss the necessity of breaking traditional paradigms through technological innovation and experimental fermentation to meet the dynamic demands of a new generation of global coffee buyers and baristas. Beyond the science of processing, they share how they balance high-end craftsmanship with deep environmental stewardship and the preservation of their local terroir to ensure every lot is a worthy representative of Mi Finquita. Tune in to learn about their journey toward the upcoming Dubai Coffee Auction and how they continue to leave a "green footprint" on the planet through transparency, passion, and a commitment to excellence.

In this episode of The Cupping Table, David Paparelli sits down with Kraig Lee, the founder of Kona Farm Direct and a 30-year veteran of Hawaiian coffee farming. Fresh off a breakout year where his coffee sold for a record-breaking $910 per kilo at the Dubai coffee auction , Kraig shares the incredible journey behind Kona’s resurgence on the global stage.They dive deep into the fascinating story of how a case of mistaken identity led to the rise of SL34—originally thought to be SL28—as one of Kona's highest-scoring varietals. Kraig also opens up about the high-stakes reality of modern coffee farming, from the difficult decision to rip out acres of underperforming trees to the meticulous 72-hour anaerobic fermentation processes required to produce world-class cups.In this episode, we cover:- The Dubai Effect: How the international auction market is transforming the perception of Hawaiian coffee.- Varietal Revolution: The shift from traditional Typica to exotics like Geisha, Laurina, and Pink Bourbon.- Farming Philosophy: Why "mastering the basics" and cleanliness often matter more than high-tech data collection.- Community over Competition: How Kona farmers are collaborating to raise the bar for the entire region.Join us to see what Kraig is preparing for the upcoming January 2026 auction in Dubai.