Rogue Wave Coffee Roasters, is one of Canada's best specialty coffee roasters. Since it was founded in 2014 by friends David Laville and David Walsh, Rogue Wave has been making continuous ripples in the coffee world. 

The name “Rogue Wave” perfectly captures their philosophy—standing apart in the third wave coffee movement by doing things their own way. They push boundaries in sourcing, roasting, and also in brewing, as some of the coffee we've had at their cafe has been some of the best we've had.

In 2018, Ply Pasarj joined the team as an operating partner, bringing a personal love of specialty coffee. Ply’s journey into the world of coffee began with a cup of Panama Geisha, which inspired him to explore specialty coffee. His presence is perhaps Rogue Wave's greatest asset. Ply brings not only a passion for coffee but also the precision and analytical mindset of a Ph.D. holder. Before joining Rogue Wave Ply completed his doctoral studies, a background that has significantly influenced his approach to coffee.

At Gems we think Rogue Wave takes offers one of the most diverse selections of single-origin coffees in Alberta. What makes their offering truly stand out is that they explore unique processing methods like anaerobic natural and washed thermal shock. These approaches result in distinctive flavor profiles that delight both traditionalists and adventurers in the coffee world.

We’ve always appreciated their incredible responsiveness as well. On more than one occasion, we’ve called them in the morning for a pickup order, and the coffee was ready within an hour. Their commitment to excellent service matches their dedication to quality, making them a pleasure to work with.

But what truly sets Rogue Wave apart however is their deep commitment to education. Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or a curious newcomer, they make you feel welcome and included in the journey.

Their hard work and expertise haven’t gone unnoticed. In 2019, Ply took home the Canadian Aeropress Championship title, and in 2020, he won the Canada Brewers Cup. Competing on the world stage, he placed among the top in both events, cementing Rogue Wave’s reputation for excellence worldwide.

As they celebrate nearly a decade of success, Rogue Wave isn’t slowing down. In 2024 alone, they shipped coffee to 50 countries. As Dave Laville once told us, a significant portion of their customers are from other provinces or countries. We think Alberta has a gem in Rogue Wave, and spreading the word locally means more people can support them.

You’re able to experience Rogue Wave coffee through our subscriptions and purchase their beans directly from our store. Keep an eye out as continue adding new coffees to our store.