Our Mission
We Don’t Follow the Herd
Some rules really are made to be broken. Have you ever tasted a blended vanilla? Or vanilla extracted in gin or whisky? Javi is a true flavour enthusiast. What began with coffee—combining beans from different regions to create the perfect cup—has evolved into a bold exploration of vanilla and beyond. Each creation is a reflection of his passion, with every product crafted from the heart.
But the Black Sheep Project is more than just flavour innovation. It’s a mission with purpose.
An essential part of this project is its powerful social impact. In Mexico, young men aging out of orphanages between 18 and 23 are at the highest risk of heading down unstable paths. The Black Sheep Project steps in at this critical moment, offering these young men employment, mentorship, and a sense of purpose. By hiring them as they transition into adulthood, the project provides a hopeful path forward—one of stability, dignity, and opportunity.
Join us in supporting a movement that blends bold flavour with meaningful change.
We start with premium Mexican vanilla and a generous spirit. Exceptional on its own, this vanilla forms the foundation for our artisanally crafted blends. From the bold character of Madagascar Bourbon pods to the delicate, floral notes of Tahitian varieties, Javier curates a borderless palette of flavours designed to inspire and delight.
Our Story
From Coffee Peaks to Vanilla Valleys
Javier Gutiérrez began his journey perfecting Mexican coffee beans. Years of cupping, blending, and roasting taught him a simple truth — great flavor is a craft, not an accident. That obsession with nuance eventually led him beyond coffee to Mexico’s most storied orchid: vanilla.
Rooted in the Birthplace of Vanilla
Few realize that all cultivated vanilla traces its lineage to Totonac lands along the Gulf Coast of Mexico. The vines bloom only once a year, with each delicate flower opening for a single morning before it withers—demanding daily, patient hand-pollination. Javier respects that legacy—working with family growers to pollinate, harvest, and cure every bean using time-honored techniques.
Relentless Flavor Exploration
Where others stop at “pure,” Javier asks “what if?”—and then experiments on three fronts:
- Global Bean Sourcing — from Madagascar’s bold Bourbon pods to Tahiti’s floral varieties, Javier builds a palette of flavors unconstrained by borders.
- Signature Blends — he layers beans like a master perfumer, balancing caramel-rich, fruity, and smoky notes into distinctive profiles for pastry, mixology, and savory dishes.
- Tailored Extraction — steep times range from days to months, and solvents shift from neutral cane spirit to aged rum or glycerin, each chosen to unlock specific aromatic compounds.
Why We Do It
Vanilla’s taste is unmistakable—universal comfort in a drop—yet its possibilities remain largely unexplored. Javier’s mission is to unlock those hidden dimensions and share them with chefs, bakers, and curious home cooks everywhere.
Join us in honoring Mexico’s gift to the world—one meticulously crafted bottle at a time.