Brian Shilling
Roaster Owner
Ask Brian
Hopefully you are here because you want to learn more about coffee, maybe test your knowledge, or challenge mine! Either way, I am glad you are here. I may not have all of the answers, but I will do my best to share from my perspective.
Please share any questions you have, along with your favorite coffee recipe. I will post your recipe, along with a quote from you!
Bean Basics
Considered Specialty Grade
Highest grade
Rarest and most expensive
0 quakers (unripe beans)
Distinct unifying attributes like taste, acidity, body, or aroma
Considered Premium Grade
Premium beans
Up to 3 quakers
Most widely available
Commonly used in coffee shops
Considered Exchange Grade
May have up to 23 defects and 5 quakers
Commonly used for supermarket brands
I don’t recommend buying grade 3 unless it is Ethiopian, which compares to grade 1 beans of other varieties.
Considered Standard and Off Grade
Undesirable beans
Very low quality
Sour and unpleasant
Prepare & Care
Most roasts will pair well with all with any type of brew method.
Purified or spring water is better for fresh coffee.
Store beans in an airtight container in a cool dry area.
Typically 1:15 or one part coffee per 15 parts of water by weight. Some use 1-2 tablespoons per 6 oz of water. I like a little more coffee for a stronger cup.
Never reuse coffee grounds, unless they are going to be repurposed like being used in soap.
Coffee grounds love to be composted and provide soil with added nitrogen.
Some might freeze their coffee in an air tight container, but my coffee is always fresh and should be used in a timely manner for optimal flavor.
Sip & Savor
Everything is good cold, but I will recommend which ones are better in the product description.
Strong brewed coffees with a bold, big body lend themselves to a little milk and/or sweetener. There are many great dried milks like dried heavy cream and non-dairy coconut milk. I have had nice results with Allulose, a net zero-carb sweetener.
Yes, but be very careful reheating coffee. A microwave can easily cook your coffee, giving it a
bitter taste. My favorite reheating method is with a steam wand if you have an espresso machine with frothing capabilities.
Of course! Stay tuned for ideas.
Brian's Beans
Decaf is not available at this time.
My beans can be ordered either way. I suggest buying them whole and ground them when needed. Keeping the beans whole will help maintain their freshness.
Need answer
Gift certificates in the amount of $15, $25, and $50 are in the works!
Not yet, but there might be in the future.
