In late February, Wenbo “Joe” Yang won the 2026 U.S. Coffee Roasting Championship in Houston, competing against 24 roasters at Roastronix HQ. The competition covered green coffee evaluation, sample roasting, cupping, and roast curve analysis — Yang topped the field in all of it.
It is his third national title. He also holds the 2023 U.S. Brewers Cup Championship and the 2024 U.S. Latte Art Championship — a combination no other American competitor has matched.
About Cozy Monster Coffee
Yang is the founder of Cozy Monster, a specialty coffee roastery in the Seattle area (Kenmore, WA). The roastery focuses on small-batch roasting with an emphasis on sustainable sourcing and clean, expressive flavor profiles. His stated philosophy: every coffee should tell the story of where it came from.
Buy His Coffee
The specific green coffee used in the championship is not available for purchase — roasting competitions provide standardized lots to all competitors. But Yang’s online store offers two options, both available for nationwide shipping:
- Cozy Blend — 60% Guatemalan washed / 40% Ethiopian natural. Notes of almond, dried cherry, and cocoa powder. Versatile for espresso, drip, and pour-over.
- Cozy Decaf — Single-origin Huila, Colombia, EA-decaffeinated. Full flavor, over 97% caffeine removed.
Try It In Person
If you are in the Seattle area, Story Coffee Bellevue carries Cozy Monster roasts and is worth a visit. They are located at 11011 NE 9th St, Bellevue, WA, open Monday through Friday 7 AM to 6 PM, weekends 8 AM to 6 PM.
story-coffee.square.site | @story_coffee_bellevue
Cozy Monster was also featured as the May 2026 selection for Podium Coffee Club, a specialty subscription service.