DABOV
Who is Jordan Dabov?
Jordan Dabov is an international Cup of Excellence juror, Q-grader, and the founder of DABOV Specialty Coffee. He is one of Europe’s leading specialty coffee experts.
The man who brought the world’s best specialty coffees to Bulgaria
Jordan Dabov is an international juror, Q-grader, and a world-renowned coffee hunter. As the founder of DABOV Specialty Coffee, he has played a pivotal role in the development of coffee culture in Bulgaria.
Certifications and professional qualifications
Over 15 international certifications and professional jury experience worldwide.
For me, coffee is not just a drink; it is a mission that starts at the farm and is completed in every cup.
Jordan Dabov:
Over 20 years of experience in the specialty coffee industry
International Cup of Excellence juror (one of the world's most prestigious coffee competitions)
Licensed trainer – Specialty Coffee Association (SCA)
One of the few Q-graders (international qualification in coffee evaluation)
Founder of DABOV Specialty Coffee
The first person to bring a Cup of Excellence-winning coffee to Bulgaria
Works directly with farmers around the world
94.84 points – One of the highest-rated coffees in Cup of Excellence history; purchased by DABOV Specialty Coffee |
From the jazz stage to the world of coffee
Born in Pazardzhik, Jordan Dabov shaped his first professional identity in Prague, where he studied jazz trumpet at the Prague Conservatory. He established himself as an active jazz musician, performing dozens of concerts a month across the Czech Republic and Europe.
During the same period, he worked as a manager at a bar within an international hotel chain. The management experience he gained there proved decisive in his later entrepreneurial journey.
Transition to the coffee industry
His career took a new direction when he took on the role of Food and Beverage Manager at an international hotel chain. It was during this time that he began his deep dive into the world of coffee.
In 2007, he received professional barista training; this experience changed the course of his life. At the same time, he began studying International Economic Relations at the Metropolitan University Prague.
Just a year later, he made the decision that would change an entire industry: to return to Bulgaria and build a market for high-end coffee.
Founding of DABOV and market development
Jordan Dabov returned to Bulgaria in 2008 with the vision of building a high-quality coffee culture. On October 1st, he founded “Mira Mar 08,” with his main brand being DABOV Specialty Coffee.
In 2010, he established his own specialty coffee roastery, bringing the entire process, from green bean selection to the final product, under one roof. He introduced pioneering equipment and standards that contributed to the transformation of the HoReCa sector in Bulgaria.
Education and the development of coffee culture
In 2009, he became a certified barista trainer under SCAE (today's SCA). Since then, he has organized hundreds of training sessions, tastings, and seminars for baristas, industry professionals, and end consumers.
His approach combines three areas:
- sensory analysis
- practical skills
- business-focused thinking
At the peak of world coffee – Cup of Excellence
He gained his primary international recognition through his participation in the Cup of Excellence, one of the world's most prestigious coffee competitions. The competition is organized by the Alliance for Coffee Excellence.
As an international juror and Q-grader, Jordan Dabov evaluates hundreds of coffees every year using the "blind tasting" method. This process requires exceptional sensory sensitivity and high-level expertise.
The accuracy of his evaluations has made him one of the most sought-after jurors globally.
Best of Panama and global positioning
In 2018 and 2019, Jordan Dabov served on the Best of Panama jury; he was the only European juror to participate in one of the most respected events in the coffee world.
Historical achievements
His career has been marked by a series of firsts of global significance:
- First person to bring a Cup of Excellence-winning coffee to Bulgaria
- First company in Europe to purchase the entire lot of a competition-winning coffee
- Access to some of the world’s rarest and highest-rated coffees
These include lots rated over 94 points – a level that only a few coffees worldwide have reached to date.
Key milestones:
- 2013, Brazil – First participation as an observer, followed by the transition to international juror
- 2014, Colombia – Ranked among the most sensitive tasters
- 2015, Costa Rica – First-time import of an entire Cup of Excellence lot to Europe (Doña Ileana)
- 2016, Guatemala – Historical import of the world-champion Gesha coffee
- 2017–2019 – Jury duty in Brazil, Costa Rica, and Honduras; access to the best lots
- 2019, Honduras – Purchase of a 94.84-point coffee (one of the world's highest-rated coffees)
- 2021–2024 – Active participation in competitions in Mexico, El Salvador, Indonesia, Thailand, and Ethiopia
- 2025–2026 – Continued international work and the process of selecting the highest quality coffees
These assignments provide DABOV with direct access to award-winning microlots with traceable origins and exceptional flavor profiles, offered in limited quantities.
Working with farmers and a sustainable model
Through a direct trade model, Jordan Dabov establishes long-term partnerships with the world’s leading farmers. His approach is based on the following principles:
- trust
- sustainability
- long-term collaborations
- consistency in quality
Philosophy and contribution
At the core of his work lies the understanding that coffee quality is the result of a holistic system extending from farm to cup.
He combines the following roles:
- coffee selector
- tasting expert
- entrepreneur
- trainer
Explore award-winning coffees
caramel | blackcurrant | blueberry
honey | chamomile | kiwi | white grape
jasmine | apricot | cherry
honey | vanilla | melon
Today
Jordan Dabov is today among the most recognized names in specialty coffee in Europe and one of the few professionals with direct access to the world’s top-tier coffees.
Through his work, he does not just offer coffee; he is building a standard.
In doing so, he is changing the way a society perceives taste.
Best of Panama – 2018
Cup of Excellence, Brazil 2013
Cup of Excellence, Mexico 2022
With Katya Lopez – Cup of Excellence, Nicaragua 2025
Cup of Excellence, Thailand 2022
Cup of Excellence, Colombia 2014
With Sherry Jones – Oro de Santa Barbara, Honduras
Best of Thailand, 2022
The journey to a perfect cup of coffee begins long before it reaches you.
Jordan Dabov travels to the world's iconic coffee regions, such as Ethiopia, Colombia, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Panama, to discover extraordinary coffees and inspiring stories.
In these posts, you will find:
- meetings with farmers and processing stations
- the true stories behind each coffee
- details on variety, terroir, and processing methods
- an insider’s look into the global specialty coffee world
These are stories that tell of origin, passion, and mastery, turning every cup of coffee into an experience.
Explore the world of specialty coffee through the eyes of Jordan Dabov: a journey extending from coffee farms in the most remote regions of the world to professional tastings and training.
In this video selection, you will find:
- real meetings with farmers
- footage from international competitions; for example, Cup of Excellence
- coffee selection and tasting process
- training and shared experiences from the field
These are not just videos; they are a direct window into the world's best coffees.