What is Gourmet Coffee?

Got a cup of your favorite gourmet coffee in hand? Then let's chat! Here in the mountains of Cambridge, Vermont, I run this gourmet coffee roaster and coffee shop with the help of my master roaster, Glenn, and my husband, Rich. As a former chef, I take the title of "gourmet" very seriously.

But let's be honest. Anyone can slap a label on something, and it doesn't make it true: "Gourmet." "Organic." "Healthy." Who says?

Well, here at Brown&Jenkins, I get to have the final say on great Vermont coffee and what does get to wear the gourmet label. There are some definite qualities I look for in the coffee beans we roast and each cup of coffee we sell. Stop by, we'll share a cup or two, enjoy the rapidly changing autumn view of the Green Mountains, and I can show you what I mean. For now, here are some of the criteria that make the difference between a truly masterful gourmet coffee, and inferior quality coffee beans.

Arabica Beans As opposed to the lesser quality Robusta beans, a gourmet coffee will be made from superior Arabica beans. Also, Arabica beans have less caffeine and may be easier on your digestive system.

Freshness Fresh and therefore recently roasted coffee beans are critical. Even a coffee bean with great flavor will lose its intensity and positive characteristics over time.

Quality of Roasting Roasting coffee beans is an art because the timing is so precise. Only an artisan roaster is able to use his or her skills and senses to time this perfectly.

Coffee Origins Where your coffee comes from will determine the characteristics too. In the end, if you love the flavor and aroma of your cup of coffee that is all that matters!

Until our next cup,
Sandy Riggen