meet the roaster

Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, Michael Matthews's journey into the world of coffee took an unexpected turn from the music stages he once played on. While touring the United States and Europe as a drummer in various bands, he discovered a passion for specialty coffee that transformed his life. Each day in a new city, he'd explore local streets between load-in and soundchecks, hunting for espresso bars that served more than just caffeine, places that offered a memorable coffee experience.

The turning point came one day when he was handed an espresso shot brewed from natural Ethiopian Harrar coffee. It had remarkable notes of blueberry and vanilla, flavors he never imagined coffee could naturally possess. That moment sparked a fascination that led him deep into the world of specialty coffee. He dedicated countless hours to research and became relentless in seeking out the best coffee shops in every city he visited.

Eventually, he found himself drawn to the craft of roasting itself. Curious about the artistry behind it, he invested in his first small roaster, the Arc 800, and began experimenting. That was the beginning of a journey he hasn't looked back from. Today, he is honored to share his passion by roasting coffee in a way that highlights its nuanced flavors while emphasizing sweetness in the cup.

Fast forward 9 years now and he has had the pleasure of competing alongside some of the best roasters in the country in the U.S. Coffee Championships, placing 11th overall in 2023 and 3rd place overall in 2024. This amazing roaster community has inspired him to grow on so many levels, and he wouldn't be where he's at today without their immense support and guidance.

As coffee roasters, they bear the significant responsibility of showcasing the exquisite coffees that farmers have painstakingly grown and produced. Each coffee bean carries the unique story of the land, climate, and meticulous care provided by the farmers. Roasters must honor this dedication by roasting each coffee in a manner that highlights its distinct characteristics and best representation. This requires a deep understanding of the bean's origin, processing method, and inherent flavors. At the same time, roasters should impart their unique touch, creating a harmonious balance between the coffee's natural qualities and their personal artistry. In doing so, they pay tribute to the farmers' hard work while offering consumers an exceptional coffee experience.

When he is not roasting or working in coffee, you can find him tending to his vegetable garden at home as well as training weekly for marathons and Ironman triathlons on the road, the bike, and the lap pool.

Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by and learn about the origins of Alinea Coffee Roasters and Michael's journey into sourcing and roasting some of the best coffees from around the world.

ROASTING EQUIPMENT
Ikawa Pro 50 V3, Sample Roasting
Nucleus Link, Sample Roasting
Arc 800 (Small Batches)
Diedrich IR-12 (Large Batches + Wholesale)

U.S. Coffee Championships
2026 US Roaster Championship Finalist
2025 US Roaster Championship Finalist
2025 US Cup Tasters Championship Finalist
2024 US Roaster Championship Finalist (3rd Place Overall)
2024 US Cup Tasters Championship Finalist
2023 US Roaster Championship Finalist (11th Place Overall)
2023 US Cup Tasters Championship Finalist

SCA CERTIFICATIONS
BARISTA SKILLS FOUNDATION (2018)
BARISTA SKILLS INTERMEDIATE (2020)
ROASTING FOUNDATION (2018)
ROASTING INTERMEDIATE (2018)