I need help choosing a coffee roaster?! - Barista Exchange2024-03-29T02:25:42Zhttps://www.baristaexchange.com/forum/topics/i-need-help-choosing-a-coffee?commentId=1688216%3AComment%3A995622&x=1&feed=yes&xn_auth=noHi Mick,
our roastery, Joe Va…tag:www.baristaexchange.com,2011-01-06:1688216:Comment:9956222011-01-06T02:13:10.348Zjonathan bonchakhttps://www.baristaexchange.com/profile/jonathanbonchak
<p>Hi Mick,</p>
<p>our roastery, Joe Van Gogh, is located 2 hours south of you in Hillsborough, NC. I'd love the opportunity to talk to you more about who we are and what we offer. Roanoke could use some good coffee so shoot me a message when you get a chance, I'll be more than happy to come up and say hi.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p> - Jonathan</p>
<p>Hi Mick,</p>
<p>our roastery, Joe Van Gogh, is located 2 hours south of you in Hillsborough, NC. I'd love the opportunity to talk to you more about who we are and what we offer. Roanoke could use some good coffee so shoot me a message when you get a chance, I'll be more than happy to come up and say hi.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p> - Jonathan</p> I run and operate a micro roa…tag:www.baristaexchange.com,2011-01-05:1688216:Comment:9954532011-01-05T20:56:19.505Zluke hudekhttps://www.baristaexchange.com/profile/lukehudek
<p>I run and operate a micro roastery in SC, and I reccomend using a local micro roaster if your able to find one that knows what they are doing.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Support em!</p>
<p>I run and operate a micro roastery in SC, and I reccomend using a local micro roaster if your able to find one that knows what they are doing.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Support em!</p> Careful with "local roasters"…tag:www.baristaexchange.com,2010-12-19:1688216:Comment:9863972010-12-19T17:16:50.538ZJay Caragayhttps://www.baristaexchange.com/profile/JayCaragay
<p>Careful with "local roasters" - even those that have won "best coffee" awards in their cities - mainly because they could be the only game in town and there's no real comparison or competition, meaning that these "best" coffee roasters could very well be simply mediocre.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>However, what you should consider is service and support. You're new to the business and need help and guidance. Hopefully, you can find a roaster with some expertise that can help assist you in your…</p>
<p>Careful with "local roasters" - even those that have won "best coffee" awards in their cities - mainly because they could be the only game in town and there's no real comparison or competition, meaning that these "best" coffee roasters could very well be simply mediocre.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>However, what you should consider is service and support. You're new to the business and need help and guidance. Hopefully, you can find a roaster with some expertise that can help assist you in your choices.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>DO NOT go the multi-roaster route. As a newbie operator, you're simply not ready nor equipped for that challenge. Start off simple, learn the business, learn about coffee and then branch out into more esoteric models of business.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Simply taste the coffees and buy from the roaster whose coffee you like, who offers the support you need AND MOST IMPORTANTLY: buy from the roaster with whom you feel you have the best relationship with. Regardless of supposed quality, business is done through relationships and if you feel that a celebrated roaster isn't addressing your needs, then you're off to a bad start. Build relationships and go from there.</p> Mike,
In my opinion and expe…tag:www.baristaexchange.com,2010-12-19:1688216:Comment:9863582010-12-19T15:55:12.796ZJohn Lawrencehttps://www.baristaexchange.com/profile/JohnLawrence
Mike,<br />
<br />
In my opinion and experience it's a no-brainer. Go with Lexington. We've used them since we opened with a cart in Charlottesville back in the early 90's and have won Best Coffee in Cville for the last 15 years.<br />
<br />
Terry and Melissa are excellent roaster partners and know as much about coffee as anyone I know. They have placed several coffees in the Top 5 of the Roaster's Guild annual competition at SCAA. They and their staff know how to source beautiful coffees and roast them to complex…
Mike,<br />
<br />
In my opinion and experience it's a no-brainer. Go with Lexington. We've used them since we opened with a cart in Charlottesville back in the early 90's and have won Best Coffee in Cville for the last 15 years.<br />
<br />
Terry and Melissa are excellent roaster partners and know as much about coffee as anyone I know. They have placed several coffees in the Top 5 of the Roaster's Guild annual competition at SCAA. They and their staff know how to source beautiful coffees and roast them to complex perfection.<br />
<br />
Their training program is solid. Our baristas always come back educated, inspired, and motivated.<br />
<br />
LCRC the best roaster I know of that close to you. We order Monday. They roast Tuesday and deliver Wednesday every week. The freshness makes all the difference.<br />
<br />
We have never been disappointed. We have only been happy and proud to carry Lexington.<br />
<br />
Feel free to contact me directly if you have any other questions.<br />
<br />
John Lawrence where are you located? as a s…tag:www.baristaexchange.com,2010-12-18:1688216:Comment:9859152010-12-18T21:38:39.834ZJ. David Waldmanhttps://www.baristaexchange.com/profile/JDavidWaldman
<p>where are you located? as a small artisan roaster, for a whole host of reasons, i like to work with accounts who are within a defined circumference; this gives you one day ups delivery for beans if you are cutting it close, it gives you good proximity when your machines need servicing, etc. i suggest you define what you are looking for - just beans, or beans and equipment, equipment servicing, training, etc. some roasters sell beans only, while, on the other end of the spectrum, can can…</p>
<p>where are you located? as a small artisan roaster, for a whole host of reasons, i like to work with accounts who are within a defined circumference; this gives you one day ups delivery for beans if you are cutting it close, it gives you good proximity when your machines need servicing, etc. i suggest you define what you are looking for - just beans, or beans and equipment, equipment servicing, training, etc. some roasters sell beans only, while, on the other end of the spectrum, can can assist with design & layout, installation, setup and calibration, as well as training and service.</p> I personally don't recommend…tag:www.baristaexchange.com,2010-12-18:1688216:Comment:9859122010-12-18T21:34:06.825ZBradyhttps://www.baristaexchange.com/profile/Brady
<p>I personally don't recommend going beyond a 1-day shipping radius. Many roasters ship coffee anyway, so your quality will not suffer at all within that radius.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>This gives you tons of options - Stockton, Counter Culture, Batdorf & Bronson, etc... lots of options.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Access to training resources will depend on your ability to get to the training facility, or the trainer to reach you. This weighs in favor of a more local roaster.</p>
<p>I personally don't recommend going beyond a 1-day shipping radius. Many roasters ship coffee anyway, so your quality will not suffer at all within that radius.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>This gives you tons of options - Stockton, Counter Culture, Batdorf & Bronson, etc... lots of options.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Access to training resources will depend on your ability to get to the training facility, or the trainer to reach you. This weighs in favor of a more local roaster.</p> in Roanoke, VA Mick C said:…tag:www.baristaexchange.com,2010-12-18:1688216:Comment:9859002010-12-18T21:07:51.180ZMick Chttps://www.baristaexchange.com/profile/MickCho
<p>in Roanoke, VA<br></br> <br></br> <cite>Mick C said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://www.baristaexchange.com/forum/topics/i-need-help-choosing-a-coffee#1688216Comment985833"><div><p>yes i agree fresh is always better... we do have a couple of local roasters... and/or at least close enough... lexington coffee is only about an hour away.</p>
<p>My question is then... do you think fresh coffee from a decent roaster is better than say a really good coffee roaster on the other coast?…<br></br> <br></br></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<p>in Roanoke, VA<br/> <br/> <cite>Mick C said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://www.baristaexchange.com/forum/topics/i-need-help-choosing-a-coffee#1688216Comment985833"><div><p>yes i agree fresh is always better... we do have a couple of local roasters... and/or at least close enough... lexington coffee is only about an hour away.</p>
<p>My question is then... do you think fresh coffee from a decent roaster is better than say a really good coffee roaster on the other coast?<br/> <br/> <cite>olivier dutil said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://www.baristaexchange.com/forum/topics/i-need-help-choosing-a-coffee#1688216Comment985795"><div><p>Well please don't with lavazza they are to far and you coffee will be never fresh. Just a suggestion , look around you ! there most be a local roaster? You will get fresher bean, wich is very important and buying local is always better for the economie.</p>
</div>
</blockquote>
</div>
</blockquote> Stockton Graham is a great co…tag:www.baristaexchange.com,2010-12-18:1688216:Comment:9858862010-12-18T20:30:12.485ZDavid Lanninghttps://www.baristaexchange.com/profile/DavidLanning
<p><a href="http://www.stocktongraham.com/" target="_self">Stockton Graham</a> is a great company with a good, consistent product and superb customer service.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>We've used them for the past few years and they have always taken care of us, help promote our bar, and worked with us on coffee selection. They're also a full service company that can help with equipment and all of the other items a coffee bar needs.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Prior to Stockton Graham, we worked with a more "local"…</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://www.stocktongraham.com/">Stockton Graham</a> is a great company with a good, consistent product and superb customer service.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>We've used them for the past few years and they have always taken care of us, help promote our bar, and worked with us on coffee selection. They're also a full service company that can help with equipment and all of the other items a coffee bar needs.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Prior to Stockton Graham, we worked with a more "local" roaster that had me pulling my hair out. They couldn't supply our demand and we often ran out of coffee.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>So, definitely do you homework. Request samples. Make sure they'll give you free shipping. The roaster is a big "partner" in your business and you both need to have the same vision about coffee.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>All the best!</p> Are there any local roasters?…tag:www.baristaexchange.com,2010-12-18:1688216:Comment:9858702010-12-18T19:09:02.784ZJeremy Perrinehttps://www.baristaexchange.com/profile/JeremiahPerrine
<p>Are there any local roasters? I'd look strongly at them. Depending on what they do, you might get someone who is willing to work with you than a big national (or international) brand. Many small roasters also supply equipment at lower rates than national stores. And if your willing to buy from them, some will sell you equipment for a little or nothing over cost. Another option is buying from several roasters. Have one espresso from a national roaster and another from a local roaster. I…</p>
<p>Are there any local roasters? I'd look strongly at them. Depending on what they do, you might get someone who is willing to work with you than a big national (or international) brand. Many small roasters also supply equipment at lower rates than national stores. And if your willing to buy from them, some will sell you equipment for a little or nothing over cost. Another option is buying from several roasters. Have one espresso from a national roaster and another from a local roaster. I have a friend who owns a shop that uses two local roasters and PT's. And there is no real drive to buy the same thing week after week. You and your baristas will have much more fun getting to tell your customers about the new coffee that they are excited about.</p> Try Specialty Java. Kevin is…tag:www.baristaexchange.com,2010-12-18:1688216:Comment:9858472010-12-18T17:49:16.095ZEric Fuhrerhttps://www.baristaexchange.com/profile/EricFuhrer
Try Specialty Java. Kevin is a great guy and he's highly recommended. His Jamaican Blue is his specialty.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.specialtyjava.com/" target="_blank">http://www.specialtyjava.com/</a>
Try Specialty Java. Kevin is a great guy and he's highly recommended. His Jamaican Blue is his specialty.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.specialtyjava.com/" target="_blank">http://www.specialtyjava.com/</a>