Born from the scent of diesel, fresh coffee, and early morning nostalgia.

I grew up in Europe, where some of my fondest memories begin with the smell of diesel in the air. That scent meant one thing—it was time for our annual summer trip in the family Fiat to the Polish countryside, to the village where my grandfather grew up.

In the mid 1980s Poland, owning a car was a rarity. Our Fiat was more than just transportation—it was a symbol of sacrifice and hard work. My grandfather had earned it by building bridges in Iraq in the 70s, and for us, it meant freedom, adventure, and family connection - some of the most important things for a country in transition from a decade long Communist oppression.

From an early age, I was obsessed with anything on wheels—cars, bikes, tractors—and just as much, I fell in love with coffee. I still remember my grandfather brewing a fresh pot at sunrise, the aroma mixing with the quiet hum of public radio. That smell became the heartbeat of our mornings.

In our culture, coffee wasn’t just a drink—it was a ritual. Every afternoon, my mom would visit her cousins (my aunts) to enjoy coffee over fresh, home made pastries. We kids would tag along, sipping lightly sweetened coffee and playing games while the adults caught up. That’s where my love affair with coffee—and connection—really began.

When I moved to America, that love only grew. So did my passion for old cars—the kind you can feel and hear. There’s something about that rawness that mirrors how I like my coffee: bold, dark, and honest.

Defender Coffee Works was born from these three passions—coffee, classic machines and simple life. It’s not a brand designed to make me rich. It’s a love project. A celebration of simpler pleasures, slow mornings, and soulful journeys.

Just like my 1992 Land Rover Defender 90—affectionately named Georgia—this venture is about exploration, nostalgia, and the joy of the ride. I’m not entirely sure where it’ll take me, but I’m excited for the road ahead.

Thanks for being part of it.
Magdalena — Founder, Defender Coffee Works