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Beyond Espresso: Unveiling the Secrets of Italian Coffee

Espresso. Cappuccino. Latte. The mere mention of these coffee icons conjures images of charming Italian cafes, where the aroma of freshly brewed beans mingles with lively chatter. But what exactly is Italian coffee? Is it a specific type of bean, a unique roast, or something else entirely?

Brewing a New Perspective: Italian Coffee as Style, Not Source

Unlike Colombian Supremo or Ethiopian Yirgacheffe, which refer to the origin and varietal of the coffee beans, Italian coffee is not about where the beans come from. Instead, it’s a distinct style of preparation with its own set of rituals, preferences, and brewing methods. Think of it as a culinary tradition passed down through generations, where the focus lies on extraction and presentation rather than bean origin.

The Hallmarks of Italian Coffee: A Symphony of Flavor and Ritual

So, what makes Italian coffee stand out? Here are a few key characteristics:

• Espresso as the foundation: The heart of Italian coffee is the espresso shot. More specifically, the espresso used is a blend of Robusta and Arabica beans. This is made by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee under high pressure, espresso is a concentrated, strong, and flavorful base for various coffee drinks.
• Darker roast profiles: Italian roasts tend to be darker than their American counterparts, resulting in a bolder, smokier flavor. Think heavily caramelized notes and hints of chocolate.
• Quick consumption: Italians traditionally enjoy their coffee small and black, relishing the intense taste in quick sips. Additionally, Italians are known to enjoy Ristretto which has a brew ratio of 1:1 – 1:1.5 or even a Lungo which has a brew ratio of 1:2.5 – 1:4+ with the ratio for Espresso being in between the two.
• Milk, but with restraint: While milk-based drinks like cappuccinos and macchiatos are popular, they’re typically consumed in the morning hours. Italians rarely add milk to their coffee after noon.
• Focus on quality ingredients: Freshly roasted beans, clean water, and well-maintained and descaled equipment are paramount for achieving the perfect cup.

Beyond Tradition: Sourcing Specialty Beans for the Italian Experience

While traditional Italian coffee often relies on blends from various origins, the rise of specialty coffee offers exciting possibilities. Single-origin, fully traceable beans, known for their nuanced flavors and ethical sourcing, can elevate the Italian coffee experience to new heights.

Here’s how:

• Complexity meets intensity: Specialty beans, with their unique flavor profiles, add a layer of complexity and depth to the espresso base. Imagine pairing the chocolaty notes of a Guatemalan or Peruvian with the floral hints of an Ethiopian Yirgacheffe for a truly unique cappuccino.
• Transparency and traceability: Not only does traceability ensure your roaster is getting the freshest crops of green beans, knowing the origin and story of your beans adds a layer of meaning and connection to your coffee ritual. You can support sustainable farming practices and empower local communities with every sip.
• Freshness matters: Sourcing directly from roasters or importers guarantees peak freshness, crucial for unlocking the full potential of specialty beans in your Italian-style coffee.

Brewing Italian Coffee at Home: A Taste of la Dolce Vita

Ready to bring a touch of Italian coffee culture into your own kitchen?

Here are some tips for using single origin coffee beans to make your own unique Italian coffee blend at home. Colombian, Ethiopian.

• Invest in a quality espresso machine: A stovetop moka pot can work in a pinch, but a good espresso machine (portafilter, automatic or super automatic) is key for achieving authentic pressure and extraction.
• Grind your beans fresh: Pre-ground coffee loses its aroma and flavor quickly. Invest in a burr grinder and grind your beans just before brewing for optimal taste.
• Experiment with different origins and roasts: Don’t be afraid to explore beyond the traditional Italian blends. Specialty single-origin beans can add exciting dimensions to your coffee, especially when you explore medium roasts from unique origins.
• Master the milk frothing technique: Steaming milk to the right texture is essential for creating that perfect microfoam in your cappuccinos and lattes. This is where the super automatic espresso machines come in handy.
• Keep it simple: Italians appreciate the pure taste of coffee. Avoid over-complicating your drinks with syrups or excessive sugar.

From tradition to innovation, Italian coffee is more than just a caffeine fix. It’s a cultural touchstone, a sensory experience, and a way of life. So, ditch the instant brews and embrace the art of Italian coffee preparation. With a little practice and some adventurous spirit, you can recreate the magic of la dolce vita right in your own cup.

Buon appetito!

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New development of Bonita Springs luxury apartments and single family homes can be seen throughout the city.

Tens of thousands of new door knobs are becoming available to attract new movers from the midwest and northeast United States who seek to escape winters and enjoy a tropical climate. 

Grumpy Goat Coffee is Bonita Springs’ first and only specialty coffee roaster. The company expanded into the Causeway Commerce Park in 2000, the site of the former causeway lumber yard.

Grumpy Goat was established in 2016 by a midwestern transplant from Minnesota who was used to enjoying fresh roasted premium coffee but found no suitable options in Bonita Springs or the surrounding area. 

Now, anyone relocating from colder climates to Southwest Florida can join the many locals who already have access to fresh roasted specialty coffee.

Here is a rundown of Bonita Springs’ luxury apartment and new home projects underway between 2023-2026 and where their residents can find local coffee options.

Viridian at Bonita Springs Apartments
Tucked neatly away within the southwest quadrant of the I-75 and Bonita Beach Road interchange is Viridian at Bonita Springs Apartments. This pet-friendly apartment community offers one, two and three bedroom units along with several resort style amenities. Residents of Viridian at Bonita Springs are walking distance to Starbucks, Waffle House and Wendy’s for fast food style commercial coffee. But only a 6 minute drive down Bonita Beach Road, Viridian residents can visit Grumpy Goat Coffee roastery for fresh roasted coffee beans for their home or work. Grumpy Goat has a commercial coffee grinder on site and will happily custom grind coffee beans for any brewing style.

Swell by Soltura
Rising from the cow pasture along East Terry Road in Bonita Springs is a new gated community, Swell by Solture Development Group. This horizontal single family residence neighborhood features several floor plans including flats, villas, bungalows and cottages ranging from one to three bedrooms.

Situated immediately across the street from the Bonita Springs YMCA, residents of Soltura can drive to Downtown Coffee and Wine in historic downtown Bonita Springs to get a fresh espresso that’s roasted locally by Grumpy Goat Coffee. Once Midtown Bonita opens there will be coffee options there as well.

Midtown Bonita
Perhaps the most anticipated commercial development in Bonita Spring is Midtown Bonita. Site development has been underway for more than eighteen months. Midtown Bonita is being developed by The Zuckerman Group. The development will include 400 residential apartments, a 165-room hotel, and about 50 businesses including restaurants, medical and other commercial services. Drivers passing through the intersection of Bonita Grande and Bonita Beach Road will see the vertical construction of the apartment residences.  Several commercial tenants have been announced including breakfast spots Jeff’s Bagel Run and Panera. Perhaps a drive through coffee concept will be announced as well. But for fresh roasted specialty coffee, residents of Midtown Bonita can visit the Grumpy Goat Coffee Roastery nearby, Bonita’s first and only coffee roastery since 2016. 

Waterline Bonita Springs
When you visit historic downtown Bonita Springs, you can’t miss the prominent Waterline Bonita Springs apartment complex that rises from the banks of Oak Creek. Residents of Waterline Bonita do not need a vehicle to enjoy all the attractions in downtown Bonita.

They can easily walk within a few blocks to enjoy Downtown Coffee and Wine who serves locally roasted Grumpy Goat Coffee and its sister restaurants, The Bohemian and Boho Bar and Canary Club which will serve pizza and cocktails. Ceremony Brewing, Rooftop at Riverside and Chartreuse Craft Cocktail Lounge are all within a few blocks and are collaborators with Grumpy Goat Coffee for coffee infused beers, espresso martinis, cold brew coffee and other creative drink recipes.

Bonita Del Sol by Pulte Homes
Nearly 250 single family homes are under construction just off Old 41 in Bonita Springs at Bonita Del Sol. The land is the former grounds of the Bonita Golf & Country Club. The newly developed neighborhood is adding to the inventory of Bonita Springs luxury apartments and single family homes. Bonita Del Sol is situated less than two miles to Downtown Bonita Springs. Residents of Bonita Del Sol can quickly get to Chartreuse Craft Cocktail Lounge, Hopsized Brewing, Downtown Coffee and Wine Company, Grumpy Goat Coffee Roastery and Rooftop at Riverside for coffee, breakfast, lunch and dinner options.

Imperial Crossing Apartments
The Imperial River winds through all of Bonita Springs from its headwaters in the CREW Flint Pen Strand, behind Midtown Bonita, along Cullum’s Trail and Bonita Nature Place, through historic downtown Bonita Springs, in between residential neighborhoods along Pennsylvania Avenue and West Terry Street. As the river flows underneath Tamiami Trail it emerges behind Imperial Crossing, a new ultra-luxury apartment complex. Nestled behind Publix and Kohls and adjacent to the Bonita Springs River Park, the water views from Imperial Crossing Apartments are highly desirable. Residents of Imperial Crossing Apartments do not have many coffee options nearby with Starbucks to the north across the bridge and Dunkin to the south but for brewing coffee in their designer apartment, residents can visit Grumpy Goat Coffee roastery.

Madison Bonita Springs
The branded signs for Madison Bonita Springs line the chain link fence along the perimeter of Orr Rd which parallels the north side of Bonita Beach Road just east of the I-75 before curving north along the northbound on-ramp.  More than 250 luxury apartments are being constructed on this site. In addition to having fast access to I-75, residents of Madison Bonita Springs will be walking distance from the restaurants and other businesses within Midtown Bonita. This includes Jeff’s Bagel Run and Panera where residents of Madison Bonita Springs can enjoy breakfast and brunch. The Grumpy Goat Coffee Roastery is nearby for residents of Madison Bonita Springs to get fresh roasted coffee beans to brew at home. 

Imperial 41
Perhaps the most exciting development in the works is Imperial 41 in downtown Bonita Springs. Plans are being designed to develop the former Bamboo Village along the southeastern bank of the Imperial River directly across from the historic Wonder Gardens. The 5.3-acre property off Old 41 Road is on both sides of the Imperial River and is also referred to as Imperial Crossing. The plans are for a multi-use project of apartments and commercial spaces, with a public park and access to the river. Imperial 41 plans show two large commercial spaces that will house as many as four restaurants. Ground floor units will be dedicated to retail and other commercial space. The residential buildings will feature dining areas, public spaces and shared landscaping. Residents of Imperial 41 will be a quick walk from Chartreuse Craft Cocktail Lounge, Rooftop at Riverside and Downtown Coffee and Wine who serve Grumpy Goat Coffee, Bonita Springs’ first and only specialty coffee roastery since 2016. 

Vivid Shores
After a long legal battle with the City of Bonita Springs over land use, the former mining quarry at the north end of Bonita Grande is becoming a luxury housing development called Vivid Shores.  This lakeside community will attract boaters, sailors and water skiing enthusiasts. Vivid Shores residents will certainly make use of the retail attractions at Midtown Bonita and will be only a shirt drive away from historic downtown Bonita Springs. Bespoke brands in downtown Bonita Springs like The Bohemian, Chartreuse Craft Cocktail Lounge, Grumpy Goat Coffee roastery and Pansardo Italian Specialties will be additional reasons why homeowners in Vivid Shores will want to settle in Bonita Springs.

 

Pick Your Bonita Springs Lifestyle
As more Bonita Springs luxury apartments and single family homes come out fo the ground, there are no shortage of options for renters and homebuyers to select a lifestyle that meets their needs. 

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Grumpy Goat Coffee launches SWFL STRONG coffee to raise funds for disaster recovery

Grumpy Goat Coffee roastery in Bonita Springs has launched SWFL STRONG coffee. Profits from sales of SWFL STRONG coffee will be donated to hurricane and other disaster recovery efforts.

The SWFL STRONG coffee was inspired by a Grumpy Goat Coffee customer. As businesses in Bonita Springs, Florida recover from storms such as Hurricanes Ian, Helene, Milton and others, local non-profit organizations can benefit from sales of this specially curated blend.

The specialty grade, single origin, high altitude coffee is fully traceable and features tasting notes including chocolate, coffee cherry and cocoa flavors and finishes clean with a smooth mouthfeel.

SWFL STRONG coffee is available in 16 ounce bags both in person at the roastery and also at grumpygoat.com where free shipping is available on orders of $35 or more.

Grumpy Goat Coffee roastery is located at the Causeway Commerce Park, 28280 Old 41 Rd., unit 11 near historic downtown Bonita Springs.

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Grumpy Goat Expands Online Store

 

Grumpy Goat Coffee Company, a microroaster of gourmet grade, single origin coffee has added a new product option to its online store. In addition to one pound bags, coffee shoppers can now order six ounce bags of beans, roasted to order. The six ounce option is available in any of the 14 origins available. Coffee beans can be ordered in either medium or dark roast. Customers may select either whole beans or request them ground for any brew method.

“With so many people staying at home more often and relying upon online ordering we have made our six ounce option available online,” said Brian Abernathy, master roaster and founder of Grumpy Goat Coffee. “ The six ounce bags are a great option to try coffee from the top growing regions in the world and can be bundled to create a variety pack.”

In addition, the company has enhanced its free shipping offer to anywhere in the continental United States for orders of $35 or more. Local customers may also make an appointment to pick up their roasted-to-order beans at the Grumpy Goat roastery in Bonita Springs located at 28280 Old 41 Rd., Suite M-11 in the Causeway Commerce Park.

4 Ways Coffee is Similar to Wine

When we meet coffee lovers at farmers markets, microbreweries and other special events, we have fun talking  and answering questions about coffee. 

A comparison we often make that is relatable is wine.  Much like wine enthusiasts seek out  highly-rated wines to try, they also appreciate the aroma and tasting notes of the best coffee on the planet.

Here are four ways that the coffee and wine experience are similar.

1. Scoring

Most people we speak with don’t realize that coffee is scored on a 100 point system. This is similar to the wine industry. When you visit a wine store the point score that a wine has earned is usually prominently displayed on the shelf tag.

Expertly trained and licensed professional “cuppers” grade the coffees. These very skilled individuals have completed testing requirements much like the Master Sommeliers in the world of wine.

After undergoing rigorous evaluation, coffees scoring 86 points and above  (Grumpy Goat only selects beans rated 86 points or higher) can be categorized as “Specialty Coffee.” This designation applies to only 1% of the world’s coffee.

But the similarities between coffee and wine go beyond the scoring system.

2. Terroir

Wine requires growing grapes and coffee requires growing beans.

France and Australia are famous for their wine making. Countries like Ethiopia and Kenya are considered the most ideal growing regions for specialty coffee. The highest quality coffee beans and grapes are produced in special microclimates within these larger regions.

Perhaps the most magical thing that impacts both beverages are the environmental characteristics in which the grapes and beans grow.

Soil, altitude and climate factors like sun exposure (i.e., a growing region’s terroir) all contribute to the unique flavor, tasting notes and aroma of what ultimately becomes your glass of wine or cup of coffee.

3. Tasting Notes

The use of flavor profiles are one of the most obvious similarities between wines and coffees. Both beverages exude a unique bouquet of aromas, textures and tasting notes.
Finish and acidity are also characteristics commonly used to describe these beverages.

The roasting process impacts the coffee much in the same way that wine making choices in the cellar will affect the final outcome of a wine.

Grumpy Goat spends a lot of time researching coffee beans available around the world. We learn about the flavor profile of the coffee and craft a roasting that will allow the flavors of the beans to come through at their finest.

The similarities between wine and coffee don’t stop there.

4. Serving

Fans of both coffee and wine each have their own rituals for preparation and serving too. When wine enthusiasts uncork a bottle, they serve it at the right temperature. They decant the wine when necessary. They even use specific types of stemware designed to capture the bouquet of the wine.

Similarly, coffee lovers embrace their own favorite serving methods. For instance, the brewing method and device used to make the coffee is a highly personal preference.

Grumpy Goat will grind your coffee to any level of coarseness or fineness if you don’t have your own grinder.

Just like it matters to properly prepare and serve wine, it is important to properly prepare and serve coffee to experience the best cup possible.

Now that you see ways that coffee and wine are similar you’ll never taste a cup of coffee the same way again. Being inquisitive about how a coffee scores, the uniqueness of the growing region, the tasting notes and how they’re impacted by the preparation and serving will allow you to be an enlightened coffee enthusiast.

Grumpy Goat Announces Expansion in Bonita Springs

Grumpy Goat Coffee Company, a microroaster of gourmet grade, single origin coffee is celebrating National Coffee Day, Sunday, September 29, by announcing they are under contract to expand their roasting operations with a location in Bonita Springs. Grumpy Goat’s roastery will be in close proximity to historic downtown Bonita Springs and is expected to be open in late 2019.

In addition to housing its roasting operations, Grumpy Goat’s facility will feature a tasting room, offer coffee roasting classes, special events and be a new option for customers to pick-up their orders of fresh roasted coffee beans.

“Our roastery will help us fulfill our mission to make freshly roasted, single-origin, fully traceable gourmet grade coffee both exciting and approachable for everyone,” said Brian Abernathy, master roaster and founder of Grumpy Goat Coffee. ”Fully traceable means that I know where the beans are coming from. I know when they are harvested, when they’re sent to the washing station, when they’re set afloat.”

Similar to wines, coffee is graded on a 100 point system by professional cuppers. Grumpy Goat is committed to only selecting coffee beans rated 86 points or higher which is considered gourmet grade.

Abernathy added, “I know if they have certifications like USDA certified organic,  Fair Trade Organic or Women Produced. In terms of single origin, it’s a lot like wine. I know the regions, I know the altitudes, I know the varietals that make up the coffee I bring in.”

How to Decipher Coffee Packaging Claims

Understanding the various labels and logos on your gourmet coffee package can be confusing. It’s ironic because the purpose of these symbols is to make it easier to identify coffee and other products that you can trust. Each image tries to tell you something about how the coffee was grown.

Packages of coffee you encounter may display one or more of a variety of badges or seals. Each symbol has a message. However, some are more meaningful but others are more for marketing purposes.

Fairtrade Certified

Coffee packages displaying a Fairtrade badge means that coffee farmers and the producer groups they belong to are paid a minimum fairtrade price for their coffee to cover production costs.

Coffee is an unpredictable crop from season to season depending upon weather. Therefore, Fairtrade helps farmers sustain a more stable income stream, especially in developing countries.

In addition, a portion of the fairtrade revenue earned by the farmers is reinvested in production facility and community improvements.

Fairtrade International is probably the most well known fair trade label worldwide.

Fair Trade USA

Similar to Fairtrade International, Fair Trade USA is an independent, nonprofit organization. This group certifies and labels products that adhere to standards for sustainable livelihoods for farmers and works to protect the environment.

Coffee is the most popular fair trade product. However, Fair Trade USA also certifies several other commodities such as tea.

Fair Trade organization (FTO) and
Fair Trade Organic (FTO)

Organizations focused on Fair Trade organizations (FTOs) abide by the Fair Trade principles. They are vocal advocates of producers.  Also, FTOs raise awareness of Fair Trade issues.  They actively work toward adherence to Fair Trade principles across all international trade practices.

As the global certification body for Fairtrade, FLOCERT is on a mission to assure fairness. They support companies in sourcing on Fairtrade principles, where no Fairtrade Standard applies. Also, FLOCERT helps producers, traders and brands build fair supply chains around the world.

Women Coffee Producers

According to Cafe Imports, “as much as 70 percent of labor on coffee farms—planting, picking, processing, sorting—is done by women, though women’s legal representation as land owners and association members is distinctly lower,” ranging from only 5-20 percent.

The Women Coffee Producers program intends to raise awareness of gender inequity and inequality issues in coffee-producing countries.  In addition, the program financially empowers women growers. Coffee packages bearing a label referring to women producers are sourced from women in associations and cooperatives.  This means a gender-equity premium is paid on top of the quality-based initial price of their coffee.

For example, in Mexico the population involved in coffee is more than 500,000 families. There is a growing percentage of women producers. Many of the women own or have inherited coffee farms. Purchasing coffee rewards women’s contributions.  Buyers pay a premium to the women who contribute to the production. In turn, this premium is invested in projects within their communities and for the families.

Organic

It is possible for a product to bear a label “Made With Organic Ingredients.” However, this does not qualify it to use the USDA Organic Seal (explained further below).

In this case up to 30 percent of agricultural or other allowable ingredients can be non-organic.

USDA Organic

An organic label is just a label. The USDA Organic Seal is a privilege of certified products. The United States Department of Agriculture governs this labeling term.

It refers to an agricultural product produced in accordance with the The Organic Foods Production Act of 1990. The USDA organic regulations cover four categories of products. Categories include crops, livestock, processed products and wild crops

To earn the right to display the USDA Organic seal, producers must abide by strict rules. Examples of these rules include sanitation, commingling and contact with non-organic products, pest, weed, and disease controls, soil fertility and much more.

Even if a product is certified organic in its country of origin it is recertified upon entry into the United States to ensure it meets USDA standards.

“Rainforest Alliance Certified” or “Bird Friendly”

Both “Bird Friendly” and “Rainforest Alliance Certified” seals inform consumers that the coffee maintains some habitat for birds. However, the Bird Friendly designation is a higher standard as established by scientists at the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center.

These certifications require farmers to maintain or restore a sufficient amount of canopy cover. This cover approximates a “forest-like” environment. In addition, these designations prohibit harmful pesticides, which limit prey for birds.

Shade Grown

When you see a “shade-grown” label on a package of coffee it can refer to a variety of growing conditions that are conducive to protecting migratory songbirds.

Deforestation is presenting an ecological disruption in some coffee growing regions. As a result, shade-coffee farms established within areas with a natural forest canopy are diminishing.

This trend is affecting several species of North American birds.  This means they now have fewer options of places to migrate for the winter.

Should You Store Gourmet Coffee in the Freezer?

One of the most common questions we are asked is whether storing coffee in a freezer will preserve its freshness longer. You may get different answers from different people and since education is important to us at Grumpy Goat we want to help separate fact from fiction.

Fact: Coffee should be consumed as quickly as possible after it is roasted.

You deserve better than dull flavored coffee so don’t accept it.  Gourmet grade coffee is very affordable and offers tremendous flavor profiles. But, improper storage will quickly compromise those flavors.

The Enemies of Coffee Storage

Before we answer whether to store coffee in a freezer, first take a quick glance through the main enemies of coffee freshness. If you are determined to enjoy the freshest cup of coffee it is important to know what to avoid during coffee storage.

Fact: Preserving peak freshness and flavor of gourmet coffee requires proper storage.

Enemy #1 – Light

Store coffee in an opaque container.  Opaque means that no light can reach the container contents. The original package that your gourmet coffee comes in may be suitable for short-term storage. For example, Grumpy Goat selects coffee packaging suitable for you to store your gourmet coffee in a cool, dry, dark place such as a kitchen cabinet.

Enemy #2 – Air

Store gourmet coffee in an airtight container. Effective food and coffee storage includes limiting the access to air flow by using a tight seal. Plastic containers tend to be a poor option because the lids are not airtight and plastic can retains flavors and odors from foods previously stored in them.

Enemy #3 – Humidity

Storage temperature can affect the flavor of your coffee. Growth of bacteria is promoted in higher heat and humidity where moisture can form. For example, storing coffee in a kitchen cabinet next to your oven will be exposed to heat when you bake and broil so select a cabinet further away.

4 Secrets to Effective Coffee Storage in a Freezer

So, should you store gourmet coffee in the freezer?

We don’t recommend it but if you choose to freeze your coffee beans here are the secrets to do it effectively and minimize the risks of ruining your supply.

Fact: Coffee absorbs moisture (aka hygroscopic) from the air around it. The flavor of your gourmet coffee will be altered by odors in the air it is exposed to.

Secret #1 – Be Quick

Quickly remove as much as you need for no more than a week at a time, and return the rest to the freezer before any condensation forms on the frozen coffee.

Why do we suggest quick removal?

Condensation will quickly accumulate on your frozen coffee as soon as you open the airtight storage container.  This moisture causes humidity – enemy #3 – and gives rise to potential bacteria growth and can compromise the intended coffee flavor.

Secret #2 – Airtight Storage

The key to storing gourmet coffee in the freezer is to avoid freezer burn. Food and coffee that is not securely stored in completely airtight containers will be damaged by the air that reaches it.  This exposure causes oxidation and dehydration and can alter the flavor of the coffee. The moisture will crystallize on the coffee and transfer various freezer odors to it.

Imagine, the chicken, steaks, ribs and fish and other items stored in your freezer may contribute to the flavor alteration of your coffee. Not exactly a refreshing thought.

The ultimate airtight storage for coffee is vacuum-sealing.  But most people do not own a vacuum sealer and practice this at home with their foods so it’s not a practical solution for everyone.

Secret #3 – Make Batches

If you purchase coffee in bulk and intend to freeze it, we suggest that you create batches that will last you a week at a time and store each one in a completely airtight container.

Plan for enough time for your coffee to thaw and reach room temperature before brewing it.

This coffee storage system will help you avoid the condensation challenge explained in Secret #1 above.

Secret #4 – Deep Freeze

If you have deep freezer at home and choose to store excess coffee beans they will keep better there than in your refrigerator’s freezer.

Should You Store Gourmet Coffee in the Refrigerator?

 

Easy answer. No !   

Coffee (whole beans or ground) will suffer in a refrigerator for a couple of reasons. First, your fridge is not cold enough to maintain coffee freshness.

Second, the coffee roasting process, the beans lose moisture and the moisture in a refrigerator is the perfect culprit to ruin the quality of your beans. Worse, since coffee also absorbs aromas. all the other items in your refrigerator will put your coffee taste at risk, even if you’re using an airtight storage container.

Our Recommendation for Coffee Storage in a Freezer

Freezer storage of coffee beans is not an ideal solution if you want the freshest, most flavorful gourmet coffee experience.

Our recommendation to enjoy peak freshness and flavor is to buy enough coffee as you will brew in a 2-3 week period. Store it in a cool, dark, dry place away from heat and humidity.

If you choose to store coffee in the freezer follow the secrets described above for deep freezing and thawing your whole beans. Ideally. take the vacuum-sealed route.  Otherwise, use resealable freezer bags and squeeze the air from them before sealing.

Now that you have the pros and cons regarding freezer storage of coffee beans you can make an informed choice that works best for your daily coffee ritual.

10 of the best coffee beers in Florida

The craft beer industry in the United States has been growing as microbreweries experiment with all kinds of ingredients to create innovative flavors. According to the Brewers Association craft brewer sales continued to grow at a rate of 5% by volume in 2017, reaching 12.7% of the U.S. beer market by volume. Craft production grew the most for microbreweries which account for 23% of the $111.4 billion U.S. beer market.

Coffee is a popular ingredient in several styles of beer brewing such as stouts and porters and even brown ales. With more than 6,300 breweries operating during the year in the U.S. it’s hard to recognize all the best coffee inspired brews. Check out our top ten list of Florida based craft brewers who have earned bragging rights in the coffee beer category.

10 of the best coffee beers in Florida

1. Grumpy Goat Coffee is a featured ingredient in one award winning Florida beer. Specifically, the Grumpy Goat Ethiopian dark roast lends its notes to The Goat, a stout created by Momentum Brewery in Bonita Springs, Florida. This collaboration earned a silver medal (among 16 entries) at the 2019 Brewer’s Ball and Best Florida Beer (BFB) competition (coffee stout/porter division) held in Tampa, Florida.

The Ethiopian coffee beans are harvested from the famed Yirgacheffe region and are rated by professional cuppers at 86 points. Their rich, intense jasmine and toffee flavor give The Goat beer a unique, pleasant taste that finishes nicely.

2. Angry Chair Brewing in Tampa, Florida makes Dulce De Pepe, a coffee stout style beer, in collaboration with Civil Society Brewing in Jupiter, Florida. This teamwork has resulted in one of the highest rated in the world according to Untappd, a mobile app for social sharing amongst beer fans. This highly rated beer has a coffee flavor blended with the smooth sweetness of chocolate and caramel. More than 1,100 Untappd reviews have resulted in a 4.3 / 5.0 rating.

3. Brew Bus Brewing earned a gold medal for its Gong Show at the 2019 Brewer’s Ball and Best Florida Beer (BFB) competition in the coffee stout/porter division. This Vietnamese-style coffee beer is a smooth, tasty brew. Beer enthusiasts in the Tampa area should seek this one out.

4 & 5. Funky Buddha Brewery in Oakland Park, Florida has a duo of the most highly rated coffee porters globally. Both sport a 6.4% ABV and 4.3 / 5.0 rating on Untappd with more than 30,000 reviews. Their Maple Bacon Coffee Porter was the 2016 gold medal winner of the World Beer Cup^SM (specialty beer division). Its creamy mouth feel and layers of sweet malt, coffee and salted chocolate make it sound luxurious. Meanwhile, Last Snow is a coconut and coffee porter option.

6. All the way across the Florida peninsula on the Gulf coast in Fort Myers is Bury Me Brewing.  This small batch craft brewer features a very popular coffee coconut pairing called Hell Bound.  The American brown ale is rated 4.2 / 5.0 by Untappd users. Look out for its notes of chocolate and honey.

7. Whiskey Jitters SB by Side Door Brewing Co. took the bronze medal at the 2019 Brewer’s Ball and Best Florida Beer (BFB) competition in the coffee stout/porter division. Besides the whiskey and coffee flavor, expect your tongue to pick up Kahlua, caramel, and vanilla flavors too.

8. South Cypress Brewing of Naples, Florida has a staple coffee beer called Cacophany, a coconut-coffee brown ale. “It’s got a good balance between maltiness, coffee and coconut,” brewer Mike Rose says. “If you’re going to have a beer early in the day, it’s a great way to transition from your coffee to your beer.”

9. Brew Hub earned the gold medal for its coffee beer, Matte Black at the BFB event. This gem is the product of a partnership between Brew Hub & Concord Coffee in Lakeland.  The German black lager (aka Schwarzbier) features coffee from Guatemalan beans. The cold brew process is used to protect the subtle flavors. This results in a rich but smooth, velvety experience.

10. Meanwhile, at the same BFB competition, six year old Fort Myers Brewing Company earned a medal for its chocolate beer, Somebody ELse’s Dream (SB). This isn’t the hardware earned by this recipe.  Their chocolate stout, also won a gold medal at the 2018 U.S. Open Beer Championships and a silver award at the 2018 World Beer Cup, an international competition often referred to as “The Olympics of Beer Competitions.”

BONUS COFFEE BEER TIP! 
One of the newest Florida brew pubs on the scene is Eight-Foot Brewing located in Cape Coral. “Black, viscous and strong,” is how they describe their Russian Imperial Stout.  It warms you up during Florida’s harsh winters (giggle) with its strong coffee flavor and bitter chocolate taste.