Commanders-in-Caffeine: The Coffee Habits Of Past U.S. Presidents
This President’s Day, why not celebrate history with a cup of exceptional coffee? At Carmel Valley Coffee Roasting Company, we’re skipping the politics and focusing on what truly unites us: great coffee. From early mornings in the White House to long nights of decision-making, many U.S. presidents relied on coffee to power their days. We’ve explored the coffee habits of America’s commanders-in-chief and paired each one with one of our best organic coffees or single origin coffees, roasted small-batch for flavor, quality, and sustainability. Whether you’re brewing for your morning ritual or looking for the perfect President’s Day coffee gift, our curated selections make it easy to sip history while enjoying a truly exceptional cup.
George Washington: The Overachiever Who Fueled His Days With Exotic Coffee
George Washington famously set aside British tea in favor of coffee, embracing it as part of a new American identity. He was especially drawn to rare imports from Mokha in Yemen, prized for their deep, chocolate-forward character and complexity. His interest went beyond the cup—he even experimented with planting coffee seeds at Mount Vernon, ever curious about cultivation. That adventurous, globally minded spirit pairs beautifully with our FTO Guatemala Huehuetenango. Grown in Guatemala’s highlands, this Fair Trade Organic coffee offers rich dark chocolate notes balanced by a lively, fruit-forward brightness. Brew it black and savor the depth—no reenactment required, though a little boldness never hurts.
Thomas Jefferson: Master of Coffee and Connoisseur of Flavor
Thomas Jefferson didn’t just write declarations, he wrote passionately about coffee, once calling it “the favorite drink of the civilized world” after his time in France. His enthusiasm bordered on scholarly: he collected rare coffees from places like Mocha in Yemen and Java in Indonesia, stored them carefully at Monticello, and brewed with remarkable precision—finely ground, thoughtfully prepared, and strained through flannel. Always black, always intentional. That appreciation for depth and craft makes a natural pairing with our Organic Single Origin Sumatra. Earthy, gently spicy, and full-bodied, it’s a coffee for those who enjoy complexity and savor the ritual as much as the cup itself
James Madison: The Party Planner Who Made Coffee Socially Acceptable
James Madison and his famously gracious wife, Dolley, made the White House a true hub of connection—coffee was a daily ritual, enjoyed at breakfast and generously poured at their legendary gatherings. They favored Caribbean coffees for their consistency and quality. To channel that welcoming, sociable spirit, we recommend our Organic Carmel Valley blend: smooth, versatile, and roasted medium-dark. It’s the kind of coffee that turns everyday moments—yes, even a Zoom call—into something a little more ceremonial. After all, great coffee has always been part of bringing people together.
Abraham Lincoln: The No-Nonsense President Who Kept It Simple
Abraham Lincoln was known for his simple habits and steady routines, and coffee played a quiet but dependable role in his mornings. Raised with modest means, he favored what was reliable and comforting—especially during the long, demanding years of the Civil War. That same sense of calm assurance lives on in our Organic Eastwood blend. Exceptionally smooth, with nutty depth and soft cocoa notes, it’s refreshingly straightforward and easy to drink from the first sip to the last. No drama—just a well-crafted cup that does exactly what it’s meant to do. If you’re looking for a coffee you can return to every morning, this one’s worth brewing.
Theodore Roosevelt: Big Personality, Bigger Coffee Appetite
Theodore Roosevelt’s legendary energy was matched by his love of coffee. Stories abound from claims that he drank extraordinary amounts each day to the enduring rumor that he inspired Maxwell House’s famous “Good to the last drop” slogan. True or not, Roosevelt’s bold, full-speed approach to life makes a fitting match for our Organic blend Foglifter®. Dark, rich, and confidently robust, it’s a coffee with real presence—designed to fuel big days and bigger ambitions. And with its organic credentials, it’s a cup you can enjoy wholeheartedly, no second thoughts required.
Franklin D. Roosevelt: The Ultimate Coffee Connoisseur Who Roasted His Own Beans
Franklin D. Roosevelt, the only four-term president, approached even his morning coffee with intention. Known to oversee the preparation of his dark French roast in the White House kitchen, he preferred it brewed fresh and served each morning on his breakfast tray. That attention to detail pairs naturally with our Foglifter Reserve®. Deep, velvety, and layered with toffee-like richness, this dark French roast delivers a polished intensity that has made it one of our bestsellers. It’s a cup designed to lift the fog and steady the day—no fireside chat required. And if one well-crafted cup could help anchor a nation, imagine what it might do for your morning.
That’s a wrap on our past presidents spilling the “beans” on their coffee habits—proving even the most powerful leaders need a jolt. At Carmel Valley Coffee Roasting Company, we’ve been roasting organic, small-batch coffee for over 30 years, crafting flavors that shine in every cup. This President’s Day, explore our curated single origin and organic coffee selections—freshly roasted and delivered straight to your door. Because life’s too short for anything less than the best organic coffee.
