Drink Exceptional Coffees

Four Letter Word is devoted to roasting beautiful coffees. Inspired by limitless possibility, we pursue coffees that move us—each with a story waiting to be told. Our selections are guided by character, provenance, and the pursuit of extraordinary sensory experiences.

Dedication to Quality

Every great coffee begins long before it reaches our roastery. Its foundation is built by the producers whose skill, labor, and stewardship make these coffees possible.

We work closely with our partners to reinvest in their efforts and support continual improvement at origin. We are committed to transparency in our practices and accountability in the way we conduct business—with honesty, clarity, and respect.

We believe informed consumers play an essential role in creating a more sustainable future for coffee.

How We Roast

Roasting should allow the coffee to speak for itself, revealing and honoring the subtle nuances that define its natural expression.

Rather than imposing character, roasting is an exercise in precision and restraint—guiding each coffee carefully to highlight clarity, balance, and depth. Our aim is for every cup to reflect the true identity of the coffee itself.

Our Roasters

In Chicago, we roast on a Probat Probatone 12KG.

In Istanbul, we roast on a Giesen G6.

How We Live

Proper Intermission is our philosophy: a leisurely approach to daily life centered around the pleasure of a beautifully made cup of coffee.

Who We Are Eylem Ozkaya, Baker / Shlumper, Artist / Ria Neri, Roaster

PRESS & RECOGNITION

  • Sprudge — Build-Outs Of Summer: Four Letter Word Off The Coast Of Istanbul (June 2014)

  • The Guide Istanbul — An Afternoon at Burgazada (July 2014)

  • Vogue Türkiye — Burgazada 5 Favourites, Best Coffee (August 2015)

  • Monocle — Print, Issue 88, Vol. 9, pp. 246–247 (November 2015)

  • Brownbook — Print, Issue 53, Vol. 9, p. 199 (Sept–Oct 2015)

  • The Monocle Guide to Drinking & Dining — p. 299 (2016)

  • Monocle Travel Guide to Chicago (2019)

  • Food & Wine — The Best Coffee Shops in America by David Landsel (2019)

  • 150 Coffee Shops You Need to Visit Before You Die by Tuscher, Lea (2026)

CURRENT COLLECTION