Small Planes Coffee

Small Planes Coffee was established in the spring of 2017 in Washington, D.C., by founders Ryan and Jill Jensen. The company operates out of a roastery located in the northeast section of the city, situated near the National Arboretum. From its inception, the brand was built on the guiding philosophy that 'coffee is connection,' aiming to shrink the perceived distance between the global coffee economy and the local communities where the coffee is consumed. The name 'Small Planes' serves as a metaphor for these links, representing the effort to connect people who might otherwise exist on different planes of the supply chain.

At the time of its founding, the company sought to fill a perceived gap in the local market for a roaster dedicated to specific sourcing and roasting standards. While the business initially operated with close ties to the local coffee scene—including early partnerships with Peregrine Espresso—it has since established itself as an independent entity focused on specialty coffee production. The roastery is designed to facilitate a direct, transparent approach to the coffee trade, emphasizing the importance of the relationship between the roaster and the producer.

Small Planes' sourcing philosophy centers on accountability and long-term collaboration. The company works to build direct relationships with coffee producers globally, with the stated goal of ensuring that the final product accurately reflects both the labor of the farmer and the unique characteristics of the coffee's terroir. By prioritizing these partnerships, the roastery aims to sustain ethically-minded business practices that support the livelihoods of those at the origin.

The company's product offerings are designed to cater to a broad spectrum of coffee drinkers, ranging from those new to specialty coffee to more experienced enthusiasts. Their menu typically features a mix of approachable, balanced blends—such as their 'Gateway' blend, which incorporates components from Colombia and Guatemala—and adventurous single-origin offerings. These single-origin coffees often highlight specific processing methods, such as washed coffees from regions like Nyamasheke, Rwanda, which may feature distinct flavor profiles like grapefruit, wildflower honey, and dried apricot.

In practice, the roastery emphasizes technical precision in its roasting process to highlight the inherent qualities of the green coffee. By maintaining a focus on quality and transparency, Small Planes seeks to provide a product that is both accessible and representative of the care taken at the farm level. This commitment to quality is reflected in their selection of Arabica varieties and their attention to detail during the roasting phase, which is intended to bring out the best characteristics of each specific lot.

Today, Small Planes Coffee continues to operate as a specialty roaster in Washington, D.C., maintaining its commitment to the values established at its founding. The company remains focused on its mission of uniting people across continents through the medium of coffee. By continuing to foster personal connections and prioritizing ethical sourcing, the roastery maintains its position as a contributor to the specialty coffee landscape in the District.