Our Story
malcolm hutt
In 2001, Malcolm received an "Outstanding Barista" award as voted by his peers by the Waikato Hospitality Association. He continued to work as a barista in Raglan and even moved to Japan to teach English. However, his old boss from Rocket Coffee Roasters came to Japan and asked him to return to Hamilton to learn how to be a coffee machine technician. Malcolm eventually became skilled in staff and barista training, continuing to refine his craft until 2017.
In 1997, Malcolm's coffee journey began as a chef working across the road from Rocket Coffee Roasters in Hamilton. He was intrigued by the art of coffee-making and approached the busy roasters for a job. Although they didn't have a chef position available, they offered him a job as a barista. Malcolm's passion for coffee grew as he made around 200 cups of coffee a day, learning the craft and enjoying the fast-paced environment.
coaster coffee
Unfortunately, Malcolm had to take a break due to an injury and personal loss. However, in 2018, he started roasting coffee in his garage in Raglan, mainly for himself, friends, and the local Raglan market. He managed to purchase a roaster thanks to a friend's recommendation. Coaster Coffee was born.
Malcolm's philosophy of roasting is similar to cooking steak: everyone likes it cooked differently. He roasts his coffee the way he likes to drink it, using a medium roast that retains the flavors of the coffee beans. He uses a blend of 50% Ethiopian and 50% Colombian beans to create his unique coffee.
Harmonious coffee
Malcolm's love for coffee and music is intertwined, with both playing a vital role in his life. He sees similarities between being a barista and mixing music - both require timing, groove, and vibe. African earth beats and coffee have a special connection for him, as coffee originates from Africa. The enchanting nature of coffee, a product that goes through many hands and requires extensive work yet is still affordable, is a topic that fascinates him.
Apart from being a skilled barista and coffee roaster, Malcolm is also vinyl DJ, performing under the name Selector X. Malcolm's fascination with Ethiopian coffee goes beyond its invigorating taste as it brings to mind the lively rhythms of African music and inspires thoughts of adventure and travel, while he also recognizes a deep connection between the pleasures of coffee and the enjoyment of music. It's this passion that led him to create Coaster Coffee, a brand that embodies his love for music and coffee.
