Kissing Rock Coffee has earned remarkable acclaim at Golden Bean The Americas, the world’s
largest coffee roasting competition, held October 7–11 in Houston, Texas. The Southern Oregon
Coast roaster brought home an astounding 16 medals across four categories, including the
coveted Gold Medal for its signature Dancing Goat roast.
Founded in 2020 by husband-and-wife team Andrew and Christine Houghtaling, Kissing Rock
Coffee has become synonymous with craftsmanship, intentionality, and community. Every bean
is roasted, packaged, and served in-house on the Oregon Coast, embodying their passion for
quality and authenticity.
“We worked tirelessly preparing for the Golden Bean competition this year,” said Master Roaster
Andrew Houghtaling. “Every roast was fine-tuned through tasting panels, cuppings, and
constant refinement. To see that dedication recognized on this scale is both humbling and
exciting.”
The couple’s journey began long before the medals. After years in coffee farming and
consulting, Andrew and Christine combined their expertise and vision to create Kissing Rock
Coffee — a roastery built on precision, curiosity, and a deep love of their craft. In 2024, they
opened their first brick-and-mortar café in Gold Beach, a showcase for their award-winning
coffees and the vibrant community that supports them. “It’s been an incredible journey,” said
Christine. “We’re really just getting started showcasing our love of innovating and creating
coffees that offer both exceptional quality and meaningful experiences for our clients.”
The Golden Bean Americas competition brings together roasters from across the Western
Hemisphere for a week of tasting, education, and collaboration. For the Houghtalings, it was
both a professional milestone and a personal adventure. “We honestly came to learn and
connect,” Andrew explained. “Coming to Golden Bean was a great opportunity for us to grow
together as a team and also expand our network. Bringing home 16 medals was beyond
anything we imagined — a genuine ‘pinch me’ moment.” As the awards ceremony unfolded, the
couple listened as their name was called — again and again. “When they announced Dancing
Goat for the Gold, we were stunned,” Christine recalled. “It was a little surreal, and deeply
rewarding, to see our work recognized alongside so many incredible roasters.”
