RJP Senior Member Joined: 17 Dec 2010 Posts: 18 Location: RI Expertise: Just starting
Espresso: Gaggia Classic Grinder: Baratza Vario
Posted Thu Oct 6, 2011, 12:58pm Subject: Roasters in Rhode Island...
Anyone have recommendations for roasters in Rhode Island. My only experience has been with "Coffee Exchange" in Providence. I have had on and off luck with them. The kids at the counter have no idea when their beans have been roasted. If no one else is nearby what about ordering online?
jasonwolley Senior Member Joined: 22 Aug 2010 Posts: 13 Location: Houston, TX Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Bezzera Strega, Gaggia... Grinder: Compak K10, Rio Super Jolly,... Drip: Aeropress, Espro press, Eva... Roaster: Quest M3, Nesco
Posted Fri Oct 7, 2011, 7:57pm Subject: Re: Roasters in Rhode Island...
Just FYI, a quick search through that thread revealed no roasters in RI (although many of the listed roasters do mail order).
I found myself low on coffee in Providence this summer (note: when traveling with coffee, don't forget that your host may be interested in good coffee, too), and bought some Guatemalan at Coffee Exchange. The woman behind the counter was definitely not up on the 3rd wave, origin-centric coffee culture (despite the decidedly 3rd wave feel of their website). The coffee itself was passable, but not of the caliber I have come to expect from artisan roasters.
I also had occasion to grab an espresso at Coastal Roasters in Tiverton (near the Mass border). It was awful. Just as bitter, burnt-tasting, and watery as any "big chain" espresso I've had. The Yelp reviewer who compared this place to Intelligentsia must have been incredibly high. I can't speak to their other coffees, unfortunately, but that espresso didn't inspire confidence (they do seem to have won some accolades for their roasting, however).
Frankly, my (limited) coffee experiences in New England have been unimpressive. New Englanders love their coffee, but they don't really seem to care whether or not it's any good (Dunkin', anyone?). Mail order is probably your best bet.
RJP Senior Member Joined: 17 Dec 2010 Posts: 18 Location: RI Expertise: Just starting
Espresso: Gaggia Classic Grinder: Baratza Vario
Posted Tue Oct 11, 2011, 10:59am Subject: Re: Roasters in Rhode Island...
Jason,
the guatemalan has been my best choice at coffee exchange in providence but I know there is much better. My son brought me back some beans from Italy that I'm sure weren't the freshest by the time I had them in my grinder and they were much better than the guatemalan beans.
Interesting that Travel and Leisure magazine ranked Providence 4th in best coffee cities in the U.S. and you can't find good beans. Although I believe there are more DD's per capita than anywhere else.
RichardCoffee Senior Member Joined: 2 Dec 2010 Posts: 96 Location: Long Beach Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: gaggia baby twin, mini... Grinder: fiorenzato pietro 63mm,... Roaster: weber grill with rk drum
Posted Wed Oct 12, 2011, 3:35pm Subject: Re: Roasters in Rhode Island...
I think you'll be happy with the Redbird. I haven't tried it but there's plenty of folks here and on HB who have and really like it. For sure ordering on line is simple and rewarding and fast. During nice weather I roast my own and start the winter with a freezer full of coffee. But, when the freezer empties I turn to the many roasters across this country. I have enjoyed Paradise, Metropolis, Intelligentsia, Klatch, Terrior, just to name a few that I like. Also, you might want to check out gocoffeego for easy access to a number of roasters. Buy enough to minimize your shipping costs - in fact, many times you can get free shipping. No need to fret that there are no local guys. The internet is your friend. Enjoy.
Posted Thu Oct 13, 2011, 7:53am Subject: Re: Roasters in Rhode Island...
jasonwolley Said:
Frankly, my (limited) coffee experiences in New England have been unimpressive. New Englanders love their coffee, but they don't really seem to care whether or not it's any good (Dunkin', anyone?). Mail order is probably your best bet.
I'd say that is true of most areas in this country. If I was driving through Texas how many truly good coffee shops could I expect to come across? What percentage of the Texas population is interested in high end coffee?
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