“It’s a Wonderful Blend” Competition 2025
Tanner Burke – Winner of this Year’s Competition
Every holiday season at Dillanos Coffee Roasters, we celebrate one of our favorite traditions — the It’s A Wonderful Blend competition. It’s our annual chance to see the creativity, skill, and passion from our roasting team.
Each year, Director of Coffee, Phil Beattie, sets the stage with a new challenge. He defines the coffee origins and the flavor experience we’re aiming for, then our talented crew goes to work crafting their best take on a perfect holiday coffee.
Once it’s narrowed down to two blends, customers get to cast the final vote by tasting and choosing their favorite in our retail storefront.
This year’s winning creation comes from Tanner Burke, who gave us some insight on his creation!
It’s a Wonderful Blend
This year’s roast delivers all the festive cheer you could ask for. With a complex, celebratory aroma and the indulgent flavor of chocolate-covered cherry, this coffee is full-bodied with medium acidity and a bold, rich finish that lingers like your favorite holiday memory. Designed to be shared and savored with friends and family, It’s A Wonderful Blend brings warmth, comfort, and joy to every gathering — making each cup a little brighter.
How did you approach this year’s challenge?
“I tried to keep the spirit of that hearty, rich, classic ‘cup of joe’ vibe, while also incorporating brighter, more third wave flavors to make it something really special.”
What origins did you choose, and why?
“I used a Java and a natural processed Ethiopian — the Java gives it body and depth, and the Ethiopian adds sweetness and balance.”
How would you describe the flavor and aroma?
“Figgy pudding and baking spices! That’s my personal flavor call, but I love hearing what other people taste in it too.”
What inspired your blend?
“I thought, if I were to wake up and watch the sunrise on a snowy Christmas morning with a hot cup of coffee, what would I want that to taste like? I feel like I got pretty close to that.”
What part of the competition do you enjoy most?
“Definitely getting to taste how different roast levels bring out new flavors. Since we all use the same handful of origins, seeing how a coffee changes from light to dark roast is fascinating — it really helps develop your palate.”
How does it feel to have your blend represent Dillanos’ holiday season?
“I’m super flattered! I just wanted to make something I personally love to drink, and I’m excited for everyone else to enjoy it too.”
How do you like to enjoy It’s A Wonderful Blend at home?
“I usually brew it with a clever dripper, but it’s also fantastic in a siphon brewer — even cowboy coffee while camping turned out delicious! I may be biased, but I don’t think there’s a bad way to brew this blend.”
Congratulations, Tanner! And thank you to everyone who took part in this year’s It’s A Wonderful Blend competition. Grab a bag of Tanner’s winning blend while it’s here!