Showing posts with label coffee. Show all posts
Showing posts with label coffee. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 21, 2024

Trailhead Coffee Roasters - Portland, Oregon - trailheadcoffeeroasters.com

Trailhead Coffee Roasters: Crafting Community and Sustainability, One Cup at a Time

In an age where coffee is more than just a beverage; it represents culture, connection, and community, Trailhead Coffee Roasters has carved out a unique space in the specialty coffee world. Founded with a deep respect for the environment, a commitment to ethical practices, and a genuine love for coffee, Trailhead Coffee Roasters has become a beacon for those who value not just what’s in their cup but how it got there.

This article takes you on a journey through the story of Trailhead Coffee Roasters, exploring its origins, ethos, and the impact it’s had on the coffee industry and the communities it serves.

The Birth of Trailhead Coffee Roasters

The story of Trailhead Coffee Roasters begins like many great stories—with a sense of adventure. The founders, passionate outdoor enthusiasts and avid coffee lovers, were inspired by their time spent in nature. Whether it was a morning brew by the campfire or a mid-hike coffee break, they recognized the powerful connection between coffee and the great outdoors. They dreamed of creating a coffee company that would not only deliver exceptional coffee but also embody the spirit of exploration and respect for the natural world.

In 2011, that dream became a reality when Trailhead Coffee Roasters was born in Portland, Oregon—a city known for its vibrant coffee culture and commitment to sustainability. From the start, the founders were clear about their mission: to roast top-quality, ethically sourced coffee while minimizing their environmental impact and giving back to the community.

A Commitment to Sustainability

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword at Trailhead Coffee Roasters; it’s a way of life. From the beginning, the company has prioritized environmentally friendly practices in every aspect of its operations. This commitment starts with the sourcing of coffee beans.

Trailhead Coffee Roasters works directly with farmers who employ sustainable farming practices. These practices include organic farming, shade-grown coffee, and biodiversity preservation. By forging direct trade relationships with these farmers, Trailhead ensures that they are compensated fairly and that their communities benefit from the partnership.

But sustainability at Trailhead goes beyond sourcing. The company is dedicated to reducing its carbon footprint throughout the entire production process. The roastery itself is powered by renewable energy, and the company has implemented waste reduction strategies, such as composting coffee grounds and using recyclable and compostable packaging.

Trailhead’s commitment to sustainability extends to its delivery methods as well. In a nod to the company’s outdoor roots, Trailhead Coffee Roasters delivers its coffee by bicycle whenever possible. This eco-friendly approach reduces carbon emissions and reinforces the company’s connection to the local community and the environment.

The Art of Roasting

At the heart of Trailhead Coffee Roasters is a deep passion for the craft of coffee roasting. The team takes great pride in their ability to bring out the unique flavors and characteristics of each coffee bean. This dedication to quality is evident in every batch of coffee they produce.

The roasting process at Trailhead is a careful balance of science and art. The roasters pay close attention to the temperature, time, and airflow during roasting, making adjustments based on the specific qualities of each bean. The goal is to highlight the distinct flavors that make each origin special, whether it’s the bright acidity of an Ethiopian coffee or the rich, chocolatey notes of a Guatemalan bean.

Trailhead’s roasting philosophy is rooted in the belief that coffee should be an expression of its origin. Rather than masking the natural flavors of the beans with overly dark roasts, the team at Trailhead strives to showcase the unique terroir of each coffee-producing region. This approach has earned them a loyal following of coffee enthusiasts who appreciate the complexity and nuance of their coffees.

Building Community Through Coffee

One of the core values at Trailhead Coffee Roasters is a commitment to building community. This commitment is evident in everything the company does, from the way it sources its coffee to the way it interacts with customers.

Trailhead believes that coffee has the power to bring people together, and they’ve worked hard to create spaces where that can happen. Their Portland roastery and cafĂ© is more than just a place to grab a cup of coffee—it’s a community hub where people can connect, share stories, and learn about coffee.

The company regularly hosts events, such as coffee cuppings, brewing workshops, and talks on sustainability. These events are designed to educate and engage the community, fostering a deeper appreciation for coffee and the people who produce it. Trailhead also partners with local organizations and nonprofits to support initiatives that align with their values, such as environmental conservation and social justice.

But Trailhead’s commitment to community doesn’t stop at the local level. The company is deeply involved in the global coffee community, working closely with farmers and cooperatives in coffee-producing regions. Through these partnerships, Trailhead supports projects that improve the livelihoods of coffee farmers and their families, such as education programs, healthcare initiatives, and infrastructure development.

The Coffee Offerings

Trailhead Coffee Roasters is known for its carefully curated selection of single-origin coffees and signature blends. Each coffee is sourced with an emphasis on quality and sustainability, ensuring that customers receive a product that is both delicious and ethically produced.

The single-origin coffees at Trailhead are a reflection of the diverse regions where they are grown. For example, their Ethiopian Yirgacheffe is a bright, floral coffee with notes of jasmine and citrus, while their Colombian Huila offers a balanced cup with flavors of red apple, caramel, and a hint of nuttiness. These coffees allow customers to explore the distinct flavors of different coffee-growing regions and appreciate the craftsmanship of the farmers who produce them.

In addition to single-origin coffees, Trailhead also offers a range of signature blends. These blends are carefully crafted to create a balanced and consistent flavor profile, making them perfect for everyday drinking. One of their most popular blends, the Trailhead Blend, is a smooth, full-bodied coffee with notes of chocolate and dried fruit, making it an ideal choice for both drip coffee and espresso.

Trailhead’s commitment to quality extends to their decaffeinated offerings as well. Using the Swiss Water Process, which is a chemical-free method of decaffeination, Trailhead ensures that their decaf coffees retain the same rich flavors as their regular counterparts.

Pioneering Ethical Sourcing

Ethical sourcing is at the core of Trailhead Coffee Roasters’ business model. The company believes that the people who produce coffee should be treated with dignity and respect, and they are committed to ensuring that their supply chain reflects these values.

To achieve this, Trailhead has built direct trade relationships with coffee farmers and cooperatives. By cutting out middlemen, the company can pay higher prices for coffee, ensuring that farmers receive a fair wage for their hard work. This direct trade model also allows Trailhead to work closely with farmers to improve the quality of their coffee and support sustainable farming practices.

Trailhead’s commitment to ethical sourcing extends beyond fair wages. The company is also dedicated to improving the livelihoods of coffee farmers and their communities. They work with farmers to implement sustainable agricultural practices, such as shade-grown coffee, which helps protect biodiversity and improve the quality of the coffee beans. Additionally, Trailhead supports community development projects in coffee-growing regions, such as building schools, providing access to clean water, and offering healthcare services.

One example of Trailhead’s commitment to ethical sourcing is their partnership with a cooperative in Guatemala. Through this partnership, Trailhead has helped the cooperative implement organic farming practices, improve the quality of their coffee, and increase their income. The cooperative has used the additional income to invest in their community, building a new school and providing scholarships for children to attend.

Embracing Technology and Innovation

While Trailhead Coffee Roasters is deeply rooted in tradition, the company is also forward-thinking, embracing technology and innovation to enhance the coffee experience. This approach is evident in their use of state-of-the-art roasting equipment, which allows them to achieve precise control over the roasting process and consistently produce high-quality coffee.

Trailhead has also embraced the digital age, offering an easy-to-navigate website where customers can learn about their coffee offerings, place orders, and even subscribe to a coffee delivery service. The subscription service is particularly popular, allowing customers to receive a regular supply of freshly roasted coffee delivered right to their door.

In addition to their online presence, Trailhead has developed a mobile app that offers features such as personalized coffee recommendations, loyalty rewards, and the ability to track orders. This technology not only makes it easier for customers to enjoy Trailhead’s coffee but also allows the company to build stronger relationships with their customers.

Trailhead’s commitment to innovation extends to their sustainability efforts as well. The company is constantly exploring new ways to reduce their environmental impact, from experimenting with more sustainable packaging options to investing in renewable energy sources for their roastery.

The Impact of Trailhead Coffee Roasters

Over the years, Trailhead Coffee Roasters has made a significant impact on the coffee industry and the communities they serve. Through their commitment to quality, sustainability, and ethical sourcing, they have set a standard that other coffee companies aspire to follow.

Trailhead’s influence can be seen in the growing awareness of the importance of sustainability in the coffee industry. Their dedication to environmentally friendly practices has inspired other roasters to adopt similar approaches, helping to reduce the overall environmental impact of coffee production.

In addition to their impact on the industry, Trailhead has also made a difference in the lives of the farmers they work with. By paying fair prices for coffee and supporting community development projects, they have helped improve the livelihoods of coffee farmers and their families.

But perhaps the most significant impact of Trailhead Coffee Roasters is the sense of community they have built around their brand. Through their cafes, events, and partnerships, they have created spaces where people can come together, share their love of coffee, and connect with one another. This sense of community is at the heart of everything Trailhead does, and it’s what makes them more than just a coffee roaster—it makes them a force for good.

Looking to the Future

As Trailhead Coffee Roasters looks to the future, they remain committed to their core values of sustainability, quality, and community. The company plans to continue expanding their direct trade relationships with coffee farmers, ensuring that they can offer more unique and ethically sourced coffees to their customers.

Trailhead is also exploring new ways to reduce their environmental impact, such as developing more sustainable packaging options and expanding their use of renewable energy. Additionally, they are committed to growing their community outreach efforts, both locally and globally, by supporting more initiatives that align with their values.

While the coffee industry continues to evolve, Trailhead Coffee Roasters remains steadfast in their mission to provide exceptional coffee while making a positive impact on the world. As they continue to grow and innovate, one thing is certain: Trailhead Coffee Roasters will remain a trailblazer in the specialty coffee industry for years to come.


Thursday, November 17, 2016

Mt. Whitney Coffee Roasters - Bishop, Califorinia - mtwhitneycoffee.com


Mt. Whitney Coffee Roasters is a rare breed among their counterparts in the coffee industry. They take all the money they have left over after their expenses are paid to help children in Africa. You might think that a company that decides to operate this way would cut corners, but that’s the furthest thing from the truth when it comes to Mt. Whitney Coffee Roasters. The effort they put into their coffee is tremendous, creating a scenario where consumers are motivated to purchase coffee not only because the coffee is great, but also because the money that’s spent on it goes towards a good cause.

A lot of time has passed since I tried Mt. Whitney Coffee Roasters coffee or communicated with anyone who works with them. Companies like theirs are the main reason why I like to establish long-term relationships with the companies I cover. A coffee company evolves so rapidly over the course of a since year, let alone two or three years. I like to keep my coverage of coffee companies up-to-date. In order for that to happen, I have to revisit to revisit a particular company from time to time. I love seeing the way these living, breathing creative organisms work to take what’s already great coffee and make it better.

I have no hesitation in throwing my complete and total support behind Mt. Whitney Coffee Roasters. They have the all-around excellence that I look for in companies I would categorize as my favorites. Their inventory is not as stacked as what you will find with other coffee companies. Normally, I would cite that as something they improve upon, but Mt. Whitney Coffee Roasters is a different breed. Every type of coffee has a story to tell. If a single type of coffee has an interesting story, there’s no need to add more to the mix.


Any time I come across a coffee company that produces some excellent brews I take a look at their social media following. In the case of Mt. Whitney Coffee Roasters, their following could best be described as meager. That’s unacceptable. They deserve to have people chomping at the bit to fill their cupboards with Mt. Whitney Coffee Roasters beans. I don’t think that this article will get them there. What I do know is I will continue to sing their praises and tell anyone and everyone who loves coffee about the great things they’re doing. 

Sunday, November 6, 2016

Nossa Familia Coffee - Portland, Oregon - nossacoffee.com


Nossa Familia Coffee has undergone a great deal of changes since I was introduced to them a number of years ago. When I came upon them, they were a fine organization that was capable of producing some of the best coffee in the business. There was something about them that seemed wholesome and down to earth. They still have these aspects to their organization that are very approachable; however, the years have been good to them. Their current web presence has a bit of slickness to it that enhances the solid aspects that drew me to them in the first place.

I enjoy any company that puts as much attention into the way their products look as much as how their products taste. I have seen many companies who have taken advantage of the same red, black, and white color scheme Nossa Familia Coffee uses. I will hand it to them for having some of the best looking bags of coffee in the business. If I didn't already know their coffee was tasty, I would want to reach for one of their bags. I know you would feel the same way if you decided to seek them out.

I would love to have the opportunity to see what Nossa Familia Coffee is like today. I am sure that their craftsmanship has only improved since their paths have crossed. I do not have any specifics regarding the actual flavor of their coffee. I do remember that it was exceptional and I enjoyed every moment I spent drinking it. The earlier version of The Coffee Encyclopedia was a disaster in every sense of the word. My notes from the round of testing I performed on their coffee fell by the wayside and became less and less coherent over time.


I regret the issues I have caused in the past with the coffee companies with whom I have interacted. The New Coffee Encyclopedia is a much different animal. Any company I’m working with now should find solace in the fact that this entity is something that’s headed for better things. I will re-engage Nossa Familia Coffee in the coming days in the hope they will come back to my side. I would completely understand if they didn’t. Regardless of the outcome, I’m 100% confident in giving them my wholehearted endorsement. They’re among the best coffee companies this industry has to offer and well worthy of your attention. 

Thursday, October 27, 2016

Mahini Mele Organic Farm - Kona Rose Coffee - Captain Hook, Hawaii - konarosecoffee.com


I would like to thank Kona Rose Coffee for providing me with the first full-sized bag of kona coffee I’ve had in my life. For some reason, due to the size of the bag I received, I couldn’t get a solid read on what their coffee was all about. Don’t get me wrong. It tasted great and enjoyed every minute I spent consuming it; however, I had a hard time getting enough of it. By the time I spent tasting this coffee was over, I struggled with coming up with the right words to describe it.
           
I guess the confusion I’m feeling currently has a lot to do with the proximity of Kona Rose Coffee and the start of my testing process. That’s also why it took me longer to write this review than the other ones about kona coffee. I wanted to come up with the right words to describe the output from this company. I approach every company the same way. I would rather take longer to write a review than release something I’m not proud of or would disrespect the company in any way.

I wish I had more glowing praise for the coffee. The lukewarm nature of my prose should not be seen as condemnation for their product. On the contrary, I thought the coffee was exceptional in every sense of the word. It simply didn’t elicit the reaction needed to produce mountains of text. I would recommend their coffee to anyone who’s in the market for kona. I’ve found that their products are available for less than their competitors in this genre.

I would happily welcome re-reviewing this product if I were given access to larger amounts of it. Recently, I decided that I would stop going for product samplers when I request products. Full-sized products are more worthwhile because they allow for additional tastings in the event that inspiration is somehow lacking. I do not fault any company who wants to provide me with a sample size of their product. I just feel like the reviews of companies who sent me smaller products are much less convincing than those of companies who sent me exactly what their customers receive.

I firmly believe it’s possible for a type of coffee to be great and not inspire the same feelings as coffees from other companies. This doesn’t mean that the coffee in question is somehow less than. Measuring the value of a cup of coffee is challenging because it’s all subjective. One person might like a certain type of coffee that everyone else hates. That’s okay. Finding the right coffee for you, whether it’s Kona Rose Coffee or something from some other company, is all a part of the journey.



Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Fresh Roasted Coffee - Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania - freshroastedcoffee.com (Part 1)


Fresh Roasted Coffee is another one-stop shop for all you need in the world of coffee. I had the pleasure of trying a pile of their coffees during the first stage of this blog. I swear I wrote a review about them, but I have yet to come across it. I had to dig deep in my memory banks to figure out where this review ended up. I sifted through my emails and discovered that I had written a lengthy review about them. I sent it their way for their consideration, which is a practice I have since discontinued. 

After waiting for a long time, I abandoned the idea of receiving any sort feedback, thinking the review was less subpar. I will publish this review as a second part to this series. I assure you that this review was written by me. The saved date on it is over two years ago, so there’s no guarantee that it’s similar to my reviews in terms of quality. I want this review to be shown to the world because I have a great deal of respect for this company.

This company has gotten onto my radar again because of their ample selection of both coffee and teas. I am working to build out my stash of tea reviews, so I would love the chance to try some of their teas as well. Although I have tried their coffee before, their rate of growth since I finished my last review about them has been tremendous. I know for a fact that they have changed their coffee for the better while also adding several new varieties to their repertoire.

I am dismayed at the fact that I haven’t heard from them in a number of years. I wrote to them recently and heard nothing once again. I understand that they might have some reluctance in dealing with me. I have no delusions of grandeur or thoughts that I’m deserving of any company's attention. All I know is I’m a coffee lover and I want to talk about coffee with other coffee lovers. What’s wrong with that?


Anytime I believe in a company as much as I believe in Fresh Roasted Coffee I want to throw my complete weight behind them. I want to be their friend and, most of all, biggest supporter. I will continue to write about Fresh Roasted Coffee, even if they make the decision that they don’t want to engage in a conversation with me. Regardless of what I hear from what source, I will talk about coffee in all its forms. Fresh Roasted Coffee is just one of those companies that does it better than most.

Sunday, October 16, 2016

Coffee Bean Direct - Stockton, New Jersey - coffeebeandirect.com


Coffee Bean Direct is a company I’ve covered many times before, but I failed to address our most recent interaction. There was a time when I was highly interested in smoked coffee. I contacted them to see if they would enlighten me on the subject. They sent me a couple of their smoked coffees and I was wholeheartedly impressed. As of writing this review, it appears that Coffee Bean Direct no longer sells smoked coffee. This is a shame.

My shame quickly turns into delight when I see that they still have an ample selection of 128 different coffees. This doesn’t even include the 89 types of tea they have over on their Tattle Tea side. I knew about their tea selection well before I started branching out and investigating tea. While I have never tried any of their teas, I’m sure that they amazing considering their razor sharp dedication when it comes to coffee. I hope to be able include them in my review of teas at some point.

I hold Coffee Bean Direct in high regard. I keep coming back to them no matter how many coffee companies I come across. They have worked with me on several occasions and I appreciate how open they are with me. It has been awhile since I contacted them last. I will change that as soon as this article is posted. I could write about them until there’s an individual article devoted to every type of coffee and tea they have in their repertoire.

Even though Coffee Bean Direct doesn’t sell smoked coffee anymore, I couldn’t help but write about them. Something has to be said about when a company opens their doors and shows nothing but friendship. I have dealt with a considerable amount of companies who have given me the exact opposite treatment. In these situations, I go back to my philosophy about coffee, which I have gone over several times. For the people who love coffee, it produces some of the most organic interactions between them and their fellow man. Treating people with anything less than complete and total respect cuts the enjoyable parts of coffee out of the equation.  

Not many coffee companies offer as many products as Coffee Bean Direct, but, in the end, it’s far from a matter of quantity. Coffee Bean Direct doesn’t offer any product to the public unless it passes their high standards of quality. Everyone reading this story should give them a deep, long look and pick up a few of their products along the way.

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Cythiana Farm (Absolute Palate) - Holualoa, Hawaii - absolutelykona.com

The current version of The Coffee Encyclopedia started partly because I wanted to try every type of kona coffee available. I wasn’t impressed with the results; however, I did receive word from some companies and their contributions were impressive. One of these offerings came from Absolute Palate, which provides coffee under the Cynthiana Farm and Hanalo Farm umbrellas. I was able to try their Cynthiana Farm coffee. I would love to sample their other brand. Whether or not that happens, I will leave it up to them.

As someone who loves the darkest of the dark roasts, I was weary when I opened the bag and saw that the grounds were light in color. My doubts were quickly dispelled when my nose caught wind of the wonderful aroma coming my direction. I couldn’t make my first pot fast enough. One pot turned to two and two pots turned to three. Before I knew it, this coffee became a regular part of my repertoire until I ran out of the grounds I received.

When it comes to coffee, it’s hard to imagine getting much better than 100% kona. Delving into this world creates a wide range of challenges because it’s difficult to come up with one definitive measure for good coffee. One person’s good coffee is another person’s swill from which they can't get away fast enough. Objectively, I believe that a wide range of coffee drinkers would agree that kona is a solid variety of coffee.

If you’re interested in kona, you should accept no imitators. So many companies try to come out with kona blends and pass them off as the real thing. Granted, since there’s less kona in the blends, people are able to get them for less while still getting some kona. At the same time, the difference in taste between these products is like night and day. You can call it kona all you want, but unless it’s 100% pure, you are missing out on the real deal.

If you’re interested in ordering 100% kona coffee from Absolute Palate, you can do so over at their website absolutelykona.com.  

Saturday, October 8, 2016

Montana Coffee Traders - Whitefish, Montana - coffeetraders.com

Montana Coffee Traders is one of those companies I’ve had my eye on for a while. I am fond of those coffee places that try to make themselves into a one stop shop. They stock their shelves with every type of coffee imaginable, leaving their customers no choice other than to shop with them. I am disappointed that I have yet to hear from them despite numerous attempts to make contact. Normally I don’t get bent out of shape about such things, but Montana Coffee Traders is different. I want them to contact me and I want us to be friends.

My fondness for Montana is nothing new. I mentioned that in a previous review for another roaster located in that great state. I have not had the opportunity to try as many types of Montana coffee as I would like. Don’t quote me on that though. I make friends in the coffee world all the time and chances are a few of these contacts are from Montana. I’m not satisfied until I have bonds with Montana coffee companies on which I can depend. I want to be a part of what’s going on up there.

Back to Montana Coffee Traders. Outside of their large product selection, I admired the reasonable prices they charge for most of their coffees. Anyone who loves specialty coffee can tell you that it doesn’t come cheap. For a company to have reasonable prices on their coffees, it sets the bar for entry much lower and allows people to get into a world that's sure to turn their perceptions of coffee on their head. Some of their coffees run the price of your average brick of the good stuff; however, you will find that a majority of their inventory does not pack a wallop on your wallet.

As I attempted to get a better sense of what Montana Coffee Traders was all about, I checked out their Facebook page and read their reviews. I was impressed with how many people sang their praises. The lukewarm reviews that were there seemed to come from people with an ax to grind rather than anyone with a legitimate grievance. I like it when the loyalty a company has for its customers is reflected in what its customers have to say about it.

I hope to hear from Montana Coffee Traders soon and we can set something up. I am a big fan before I have ever even tried their coffee. 

Friday, October 7, 2016

Treeline Coffee Roasters - Bozeman, Montana - treelinecoffee.com

I have always had a special place in my heart for Montana. A lot of my family comes from there and I visit on an annual basis. When I had the opportunity to try the coffee from Treeline Coffee Roasters, two of my life’s great loves had a chance to intertwine. As with everyone from Montana with whom I have communicated, the people behind Treeline Coffee Roasters were nothing but cordial. I was hoping I would hear from them in timely manner and, to my surprise, I did.

Have you ever had a cup of coffee that makes you long for the place from which it came? That's precisely the feeling I got when I poured my first cup of coffee from Treeline Coffee Roasters. I have never been to Bozeman, which is where Treeline Coffee Roasters is located, but if I am ever in the neighborhood, I would love to pay them a visit if they would have me.

Treeline Coffee Roasters does some things I don’t see many other roasters doing.

First, their Roasters Choice option allows customers to put the decision making process in their hands. They lean on their expansive amount of expertise to select the type of coffee that's just right for you. This kind of option is something that many of their competitors would be wise to pick up on. Normally, you have to pick through a company’s sizeable product inventory before you find one product that seems interesting. This process is one that a lot of us have to deal with, but it doesn’t always produce the best results. Being able to rest easy knowing that you will get a great cup of coffee is a tremendous relief.

Second, their sampler pack allows you to choose several types of coffee without having to invest in large bags of each one. Each of their samples is enough for 6-7 cups of coffee. Finally, their GEO option is intriguing because it gives the average coffee drinker the ability to have great coffee from Treeline Coffee Roasters wherever they go.

I applaud Treeline Coffee Roasters for their creativity. They are willing to pull out all the stops to get their customers the product they know they will love. You can’t go wrong with a company that's so dedicated.

Spotted Cow Coffee Company - Mill Creek, Washington - spottedcowcoffeecompany.com


Spotted Cow Coffee Company is an example of one of the companies that started out humbly when I began this project and has turned into an admirable organization. I enjoyed talking to the people who run this business because I could tell that they were passionate about what they do. I know I have probably thrown that term around a lot, but it's an important quality coffee companies need to have for me to admire them. Spotted Cow Coffee Company has that in droves. 

Now, Spotted Cow Coffee Company does not have as big of a product selection as its competitors. That's not a problem though because every coffee they do sell is top notch. You don’t have to worry about scrolling through a large list of products to get to the one that interests you. As long as it says Spotted Cow Coffee Company on the label, you know it’s good.

I enjoy coming across coffee companies that are not bombastic in any way. I don’t feel like a company needs to show off to get their point across. They should let their products do the talking for them. Other companies might reach for gimmicks to dress up what’s pretty ordinary coffee. Spotted Cow Coffee Company has simple packaging with their logo on the front. Any time I get a bag that's dressed up in this fashion I know I’m in for a treat.

The beauty of Spotted Cow Coffee Company is not just their simplicity. I’ve encountered companies that had simple packaging to go along with their ordinary coffee. On the flipside, I’ve worked with other businesses that had great coffee and engaging packing. The presence of eye catching packaging does not mean a company has laid down on the job with their product. On the contrary, I believe it shows a great deal of effort, which carries over into what the drinker might be in store when they drink the coffee itself.

I would love to work with Spotted Cow Coffee Company if they would have me. I noticed that they do not have a blog on their website. Perhaps that's where I would fit in. Ball is in their court or, in their case, pasture.

Thursday, October 6, 2016

Noble Coyote Coffee Roasters - Dallas, Texas - noblecoyotecoffee.com


The coffee I received from Noble Coyote Coffee Roasters was interesting because the beans didn’t smell very strong and the same thing could be said for the flavor. I enjoyed the mellow, yet balanced flavors I got from all their types of coffee. Once I was done finishing my first pot, I found myself practically floating. I didn’t realize how much caffeine was in this stuff. I wanted to keep drinking, but I had to take a break until the effects from what I had just finished wore off. Now, when you read the previous sentence, you might think that I’m knocking the coffee from Noble Coyote Coffee Roasters. That couldn’t be any further from the truth.

In choosing a type of coffee, I want one that's both flavorful and will keep me energized for a long period. I’ve had coffees that keep me energized while also tasting putrid and great tasting coffees that only resulted in a crash later. Neither one of these scenarios is enjoyable. Great coffee has to stick with you. It should not rely on a gimmick or hide behind deceptively decadent flavors. It should be able to stand on its own and support you throughout your day. That's what you get when you buy coffee from Noble Coyote Coffee Roasters.

Reviewing coffee has presented me with a unique situation. Out of all the companies I’ve reviewed, I haven’t found one that's bad at what they do. The fact of the matter is that you’re not going to want to become involved in this world unless you know what you’re doing. The coffee drinkers that make their way into the specialty coffee market won’t settle for the plain and ordinary. They can go to Starbucks or one of the other coffee behemoths to get that. Independent coffee roasters have to separate themselves from the pack. To accomplish this feat, they need to excel at their craft.

If you’re interested in ordering coffee from Noble Coyote Coffee Roasters, you can do so at noblecoyotecoffee.com. They have a wide range of great coffees to go along with their merchandise. For the people who become big fans of their coffee, they can enroll in the Noble Coyote Coffee Club, which allows them to sign up for recurring shipments of various Noble Coyote Coffee Roasters blend. I recommend this option because there’s nothing sadder than running out of their coffee.