–
For David Certain, the founder of CrudeLab, coffee has never been just a beverage. It has always been a language—one spoken through land, people, patience, and care.
Born in Cali, Colombia, his earliest memories are steeped in coffee culture: weekends spent on his grandfather’s farm, watching the rhythms of harvest and processing unfold. In those moments, coffee revealed itself not merely as an agricultural product, but as a way of life—deeply human, deeply emotional.
Although life eventually carried him far from Colombia’s mountains, coffee remained a constant thread. What began as a childhood curiosity matured into a lifelong calling, one that would later reconnect him to his roots in unexpected ways.
A Calling, Not Just a Career
After nearly twenty years away, a return to his grandfather’s farm in 2011 became a defining moment. Standing once again on the land that shaped him, everything aligned—past, present, and purpose. Coffee was no longer just an industry he worked in; it was a lifelong vocation. That clarity continues to guide every decision he makes as a roaster today.
Rather than gravitating toward café work or brewing, he was drawn to roasting—the place where science and transformation converge. The controlled application of heat, time, and chemistry fascinated him. Roasting, for him, is a quiet dialogue between precision and intuition, a process that allows coffee to express itself honestly rather than be forced into a predetermined profile.
The Birth of CrudeLab
CrudeLab emerged from a desire to slow down and return to intention. After years in the industry, he wanted to create something deeply personal—something that honored origin, respected process, and left room for curiosity and experimentation. From the beginning, the goal was never rapid growth or trend-chasing, but thoughtful exploration.
Envisioned as a true laboratory, CrudeLab focuses on close collaboration with farmers, deep study of fermentation and varietals, and careful roasting practices that respect the work done at origin. Each coffee becomes both a learning experience and a story, inviting drinkers to pause, engage their senses, and connect more deeply with what’s in the cup.
A Philosophy Rooted in Balance
CrudeLab’s roasting philosophy lives at the intersection of science and emotion. Every roast begins long before beans enter the drum—by analyzing moisture content, density, structure, varietal, terroir, and processing method. A great roast, he believes, is defined by intention and restraint.
He’s particularly drawn to well-executed medium roasts, where balance and complexity shine without overshadowing a coffee’s natural character. Contrary to common misconceptions, roasting isn’t about making coffee darker or lighter—it’s about guiding chemical reactions so that origin, process, and potential can fully emerge.
Sourcing with Relationships in Mind
Sourcing coffee is deeply relational. Through years of building trust across the industry, he prioritizes farmers first—their intention, their care, and their understanding of the land. Unsurprisingly, Colombian coffees hold a special place in his heart. Varietals like Pink Bourbon and Papayo, especially when paired with intentional natural processing, offer extraordinary depth, sweetness, florality, and texture.
Colombia’s diversity of terroir and innovation allows for endless expression, and when farmers truly understand their process, the result feels personal and unforgettable.
A Natural Partnership with Día De Las Baristas
The collaboration with Día De Las Baristas (DDLB) began organically at Albuquerque’s Chocolate and Coffee Fest. From the first conversation, it was clear that both teams shared a commitment to quality, experience, and intention. What stood out most was DDLB’s cohesive identity and strong connection to its community.
When designing a roast specifically for DDLB, the goal was versatility without compromise. The coffee needed to shine in milk-based drinks while still offering depth and clarity on its own. The result is a thoughtfully constructed blend of Colombia and Brazil, with each origin roasted separately to highlight its strengths.
Brazil brings body, richness, and nutty molasses-like sweetness, while Colombia adds brightness, lift, and subtle citrus. Together, they create a balanced, expressive cup that feels both comforting and vibrant—much like the brand itself.
Process, Passion, and the Human Element
Among all stages of roasting, the Maillard reaction holds the deepest emotional resonance. The shift in aroma during that phase instantly transports him back to Colombian farms during processing—back to the mountains, the people, and the feeling of home. In those moments, roasting becomes less technical and more personal.
At home, his preferred ritual is a simple pour-over, enjoyed without analysis or scoring. Just aroma, texture, and presence—a reminder of why he fell in love with coffee in the first place.
Community at the Core
Community is central to CrudeLab’s mission. Coffee, at its heart, is a bridge between farmers, roasters, baristas, and drinkers. Local cafés like Día De Las Baristas play a vital role in New Mexico’s coffee culture, translating the entire journey—from seed to roast—into a meaningful daily experience. Through education and connection, cafés help shape how people understand and appreciate coffee beyond habit.
Looking Forward
Rather than scaling for growth’s sake, CrudeLab’s future is rooted in intention: deepening farmer relationships, expanding access to rare and expressive coffees, and continuing to explore the evolving science of fermentation. The current revolution in microbiology and processing excites him deeply, offering new ways to shape flavor while honoring origin.
As for the partnership with Día De Las Baristas, the hope is longevity—growing together through shared learning, consistency, and education, especially for baristas who represent the final voice of the coffee.
More Than a Cup
Ultimately, CrudeLab coffee is about connection. Each cup reflects the hands that grew it, the decisions that shaped it, and the care taken at every step. It’s meant to feel welcoming and familiar, while offering a deeper story for those curious enough to listen.
Because for CrudeLab, coffee has never been just about flavor—it’s about people, memory, and intention, carried forward one cup at a time.
Article By ABQLive Staff
Find more ABQLive Articles Here
-ABQ Live: Your Connection to Albuquerque’s Vibrant Community
