Based in the heart of Bozeman, Montana, Treeline Coffee Roasters is a local woman-owned and operated gem for coffee lovers and casual drinkers alike. They are well-known in the Gallatin Valley for their unique approach to roasting, since Treeline brings a lighter, more nuanced flavor to the coffee scene, inspired by the vibrant coffee culture of the Bay Area. 

Tag along as we dive deep into who Treeline is, what they are passionate about, and why their roasts have been a staple for coffee lovers near and far! 

The Beginning of Treeline Coffee

The story of Treeline Coffee Roasters is deeply intertwined with Natalie, the founder's personal journey. Her passion for coffee roasting first began during a motorcycle adventure across Colombia, where she had the opportunity to visit a local coffee farmer named Don Eilas. He invited Natalie into his home, where he showed her how he roasted his freshly harvested coffee over an open flame. 

Over the next six years, Natalie practiced and experimented with coffee roasting. Her passion only grew from there, and what started as a personal exploration eventually transformed into a thriving business. In 2013 Natalie founded her very first coffee business, Little Red Wagon Coffee Roasters. By 2016, she discovered a perfect location for a flagship coffee shop and roastery. Seizing an opportunity to rebrand, she searched for a name that would reflect the outdoors and the interconnected journey of coffee that is truly farm to cup. Today, she co-owns Treeline Coffee Roasters with her childhood friend, Deejay, and together, they were able to curate a brand with an emphasis on community, the outdoors, and steadfast craftmanship.  

Learn more about Treeline's backstory here. 

Treeline's Unique Roasting Process

Treeline's roasting process is all about preserving the unique characteristics of each bean's origins. Unlike any roasters in the area who lean towards a darker roast, Treeline focuses on a range of lighter roasts. Using this technique, they preserve the original flavors of the beans, highlighting the hard work of the farmers who grow them. Each cup brewed from any of Treeline's roasts celebrates the dedication, passion, and expertise that they bring to their craft! 

When Treeline receives their beans, they arrive in their natural, unroasted state, which are called green beans. These beans are then placed into a natural gas-powered cast iron roaster, which allows full control of the gas pressure and roast time. Using this type of machinery, their roasting team can craft perfectly roasted beans with the best flavor. 

Treeline's espresso blends undergo a slightly longer roasting process, resulting in more pronounced, bold flavors. However, to perfect their drip and pour-over coffees, the beans are roasted for a shorter duration, offering a lighter, softer taste. This process requires significant attention to detail, which sets Treeline apart in a market dominated by darker roasted coffee.  

The roasters at Treeline are Q Grader certified and have expertise in coffee grading. They can use their sense of smell to determine where a bean is at in the roasting process and can single out certain flavor profiles. This is just one of the ways they ensure that each cup of coffee meets their quality standards! 

Sourcing the Best Beans

Treeline's coffee is scoured seasonally from some of the best coffee-growing regions in the world. The bulk of their beans come from Latin America including, but not limited to, Colombia and Peru. They also source from Africa and Southeast Asia, ensuring that they can offer a diverse and high-quality selection of beans. With their focus on community, Treeline is incredibly proud of their farmers and the relationships they've built with them over the years.  

Experimental Flavors and Techniques

One of the features that makes Treeline Coffee Roasters stand out is their commitment to experimenting with new and exciting flavors. Natalie personally enjoys beans that lean a little bit fruity in taste. To get this flavor profile, the beans undergo a special process where the fruit is left on the bean (which is actually a seed) for a longer period. How neat is that? 

With a 25 lb. roaster, Treeline can produce about 100 lbs. of coffee per hour, with each batch typically taking around 10 to 12 minutes. This process requires attention to detail, but improves the efficiency of their processes, allowing them to roast perfect batches and better serve their retail and wholesale efforts. 

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At Treeline, it's not just about the coffee; it's about the journey their beans take from farm to cup, the dedication to quality, and the celebration of unique flavors. Next time you're in Bozeman, make sure to stop by Treeline and experience their coffee for yourself. Your taste buds will thank you!   

Wanting to try out their coffee when heading out of Bozeman? You'll find their drip and pre-packaged coffee at BZN Market in the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport. 


Written by: Alexa Jorgenson, MGC Marketing Communications Specialist

Blog Cover by: Averi Thompson, MGC Graphic Designer

Photography by: Luke Clark, MGC Photographer