Coffee Club Comparison: Trade Vs. Driftaway

By

Bryan Huynh

on April 22, 2024

header image

Key Takeaways

  • Coffee clubs for consumers are subscription-based services that regularly deliver fresh gourmet coffee beans to clients’ homes.
  • Coffee beans are selected for you by preferences for roast, blend, mission, geographical range, grind, and other criteria and then delivered to your house on your schedule. Regularly. Subscriptions make sensational gifts; it’s the present that keeps on giving!
  • Coffee clubs are fantastic for people who appreciate high quality and enjoy experimenting and sampling a novel variety of coffee beans in a system that unites surprise and delight—a gourmet coffee package delivered to your doorstep.

Coffee clubs provide a subscription service for those who appreciate high-quality, specialty coffee and the convenience of having it delivered directly to your doorstep. Some may call it coffee snobbery. They’re just jealous of your knowledge and subtle palate. Besides, the preferred term of art is coffee enthusiast.

So, what are coffee clubs, exactly? Providing a range of options, these brands arrange regular delivery of the elixir of life, coffee, including roasts, blends, and single-origin beans, while educating and encouraging subscribers. One of the advantages that coffee clubs provide is the focus on freshness, with some clubs directly sourcing their beans. Other advantages include fair trade practices, environmental packaging, and community crafting.

Savings

You have incredible savings in every cup when you craft your own beverages, from the classic black pour-over to the decadent Mocha. Imagine saving time, money, and trouble. Clubs for coffee present savings compared to specialty coffee stores. And having the beans arrive and not having to lug them home? Then, factor in your time and energy. Priceless!

Convenience

Busy? Coffee clubs deliver (forgive the pun) the convenience of having fresh coffee beans brought right to your door. They’re fantastic for those who want to enjoy coffee in the comfort of their space and appreciate the difference in high-quality beans—and like Jimmie in Pulp Fiction says in one of the cinematic masterpiece’s most enduring moments“I buy the gourmet expensive stuff because when I drink it, I want to taste it.” And this is one of the many reasons that director Quentin Tarantino is a legend.

There’s no worry about running out of coffee. (It’s so sad when the spoon rakes the bottom of the coffee canister.) Never again will you have to run out to the café for that last hit of java juice before closing hours. Unless you want to, of course. Here is the answer for those who want a hassle-free way to enjoy premium coffee on an ongoing basis—on-demand and without apology.

I’d Gift That!

Coffee club subscriptions make sensational gifts for the coffee lovers in your life. Purchase subscriptions for friends or family, providing them with a continuous supply of high-quality coffee. It’s the perfect present for the person who has everything or is hard to gift because if you know that they enjoy a stellar Cup of Joe, then you know that it’s an ongoing passion rather than a one-time fling. And because the recipient can customize the coffee club experience, you needn’t worry about knowing the giftee’s java juice preferences beforehand. However, if you do, that’s fine, too.

Also, this is the moment to mention what we’re all thinking. Self-love is real! There’s no shame in caring for your needs, especially during this busy time of the year! And you need your favorite single-origin or iconic blend of your favorite bean wending its way to you.

A Mission and a Vision

Whether your prime operative is seeking a cup filled to the brim with organic, cooperative, artisan, or fair trade from marginalized communities, there is a bag of coffee that embodies that. To see the world in a cup of coffee is, indeed, a beautiful thing. Many coffee clubs provide info about the beans they source, the roasting process, and brewing tips. This educational aspect enhances the overall experience. Finally, coffee clubs facilitate individuals coming together and uniting as a community, favorite coffee mugs clutched in upheld fists, to support causes such as a fair wage, artisan knowledge, and ecological and environmental best practices.

Coffee Clubs and You

A subscription model for coffee beans is perfect for those who understand that happiness, friendliness, warmth, and the start of each day may very well be found at the bottom of their favorite coffee mug. And then, there’s the joy of enhancing people’s lives, whether they enjoy a share of coffee and conversation or a solitary moment of reflection over the final cup of the day. As will come as no surprise, there are generally two schools of coffee imbibers, and coffee clubs cater to both. And in each, some are passionate about coffee.

In one camp are those who know their tastes and are loyal to a well-stocked cupboard with a supply of their favorite bean, ground to their specification, and can name the date when they’re ready for more of the same. In the other camp are those imbibers who delight in flirting with novelty, exploring different flavor profiles, and are eager to try new and unique coffees. (Of course, a third group is the peacekeepers, who have a standard order yet are keen to explore new territory.)

And remember, whether a quick review or a detailed description, through adding your insights, comments, and ratings, your input refines your selections. The search for the perfect bean commences!

Comparison of Trade Coffee Club Vs. Driftaway

We’re interested in this review of two top coffee club companies and contenders for domination in your kitchen. Regarding the bean scene, let’s compare and contrast two favorites: Trade Coffee Club Vs. Driftaway.

Trade Coffee Club

Let’s begin our analysis with Trade Coffee, a subscription service matching coffee lovers with over 400 types of coffees (single-origin and blended) from over 50 of the finest roasters in the US.

Trade Coffee is like having a personal coffee shopper. Trade Coffee’s Match function recommends coffee based on your preferences. How does Match work? It works with a simple quiz asking some simple questions:

What’s your preferred brew method? Favorite roasts? How do you like your coffee to taste? Then, it provides further suggestions to help you derive the maximum pleasure per perk. And if you’ve heard great word of mouth, you can also browse coffees and roasters by name or region. And, of course, ground or whole bean or combo, regular or decaf, and price per bag.

Trade Coffee Pricing

There are three types of subscriptions:

  • The Hookup: At $15 to $22 per 12-ounce bag, “surprising and unconventional” beans.
  • The Classics: For $25, two 12-ounce bags of your choice at the end of that cycle.
  • Auto-Reorder: If you have a favorite type of bean, it’ll be automatically shipped to you on your preferred schedule. You can have all your favorite coffees on Auto-Reorder and pause delivery whenever needed.

Still trying to decide whether to commit? You can order a single bag.

Scheduling

Select The Hookup or The Classic and choose a cycle of 14, 21, or 28 days; select Auto-Reorder, and 7, 14, or 21 days. You can pause shipment for any reason and adjust the schedule anytime. Each roaster at Trade has its own schedule (listed under the description of each bean), and the shipment, which typically occurs within 24 hours of roasting, is handled by the individual roaster, with delivery in 3 to 5 days.

Packaging

Trade Coffee’s packaging is sensational: the coffee comes in a wide-mouth, lightproof bag with an airtight ziplock seal, which works as a container. Pro tip: The packaging keeps your beans fresh for longer when the air is pushed out and rolled tight.

Pros

Extensive coffee selection: Trade Coffee has over 400 different types of beans from 50 roasters– there’s a coffee for everyone!

Single-origin and blends: Over 200+ coffee blends and 200+ single-origin grounds are available.

Grind. Whole bean or pre-ground: As you like it, beans are available pre-ground or whole bean. Once ordered, beans are roasted for maximum freshness.

Experience and care: Trade’s team, including a nationally-ranked champion barista, has an impressive track record and experience in the coffee industry. Trade demonstrates its commitment to supporting coffee farmers, shipping with eco-friendly materials, and working with roasters who pledge to maintain the highest standards regarding sustainability, sourcing, freshness, and quality.

Cons

Since Trade Coffee is a broker for 50 coffee roasters, the available coffee varies, and pricing relies on the roaster.

Driftaway Coffee

Driftaway Coffee’s creators, Brian and Anu, began by immersing themselves in coffee farming. Inspired by their journey, they share their enthusiasm for ethically sourced, freshly roasted coffee through Driftaway Coffee, which has quickly emerged as a source of quality beans. Roasting its beans in small batches, they tailor subscription choices to individual needs, focusing on freshness and flavor, quality, sustainability, and the art of the perfect cup.

Driftaway Coffee encourages direct partnerships with farmers, assuring fair prices and ecologically sustainable processes. They methodically choose beans from worldwide using their “Farm to Cup” technique. The process for helping you select beans is divided into four steps: tasting, rating, renewing, and reviewing.

To begin, you receive a personalized tasting kit with four samples representing different flavor profiles. Explore these coffees, noting their unique characteristics, and rate each according to your preferences. Your ratings guide future deliveries, ensuring batches are tailored to your taste buds. Then, select the frequency of your coffee delivery. With Driftaway Coffee, you can discover new flavors, tailor your subscription, and relish specialty coffee.

Expand Your Horizons, Expand Your World

Tailor your coffee selections to your unique flavor profile. Following your sampling kit, beans are roasted in small amounts for the ideal flavor and aroma. Variety and exploration include beans from coffee-growing locations worldwide, providing a range of taste profiles and single-origin coffees. You’ll receive brewing instructions and taste comments for each batch, walking you through the methods, extraction processes, and taste profiles.

Sustainable and ethical practices

Driftaway Coffee is committed to environmental sustainability, ethical sourcing, prioritizing ties with farmers, fair prices, and ecologically responsible techniques.

Driftaway Coffee Pricing

Driftaway Coffee offers flexible pricing options for subscriptions:

Tasting Kit: $16 and includes four different coffee samples.

Personalized Subscription: Once you’ve sampled and rated your beans, you can continue with a customized subscription, and pricing depends on the frequency and quantity:

  • 7 oz bag: Fine for individuals or light coffee drinkers.
  • 11 oz bag: Ideal for individuals or those households that enjoy a moderate amount of home brew.
  • 32 oz bag: For heavy-weights or those who need to stock up.

Gift Subscriptions: Gift subscriptions range from $50 for a 3-month subscription up to $200 for a 12-month subscription and a year of caffeinated bliss.

Driftaway Coffee Pros and Cons

Pros

  • High-quality, single-origin beans from farms worldwide
  • Roasted in Brooklyn, NY, by Driftaway
  • The first tasting kit determines your preferences
  • Plastic-free, 100% compostable packaging and eco-friendly
  • Transparent pricing
  • Well-designed website
  • Gift and cold brew subscriptions.
  • Customizable: select coffee amount, grinder setting, and shipping frequency.
  • International shipping available
  • Easy online cancelation process

Cons

  • An initial tasting kit may not be necessary if you know your coffee preferences.
  • No subscription option tailored explicitly for decaf coffee lovers.
  • Driftaway roasts all beans; there is no opportunity to sample beans from multiple roasters.

Driftaway Coffee provides attention to detail and thoughtful touches—for example, their thoughtfully curated origin notes, individualized coffee bags, and engagement with coffee producers. At the subscription’s start, the sample tasting kit helps guide clients on a personalized coffee journey. Here is a coffee subscription service with customized touches and a user-friendly platform.

—Enjoy an easy and fun way to sample, savor, and save on specialty and gourmet coffee beans from diverse regions, roasts, and artisan roasters. (And yes, there are rock-star coffee roasters.)

About the Author

Product Tester & Writer

Bryan Huynh

Product Tester & Writer

Bryan Huynh is a determined Product Tester & Writer. Being a coffee addict, it is only right that he mainly tests and reviews different coffee from around the world and coffee subscription services.

Bryan Huynh is a determined Product Tester & Writer. Being a coffee addict, it is only right that he mainly tests and reviews different coffee from around the world and coffee subscription services.