Roasting coffee close to home - By Rob McClure

Coffee. 

What is it about this insanely popular beverage that has 56 percent of the adult population drinking it? If you can’t answer, then there is a good chance you are part of the 44 percent who don’t. If you are new to the world of fine coffee or merely searching for that perfect cup of joe, head on down to the Good Life Market in Raymond. Some of you may be saying to yourself, “I love coffee, but no thanks, coffee is coffee”. Not so fast. Sample their Swift River line and you will understand why fresh roasting of the bean is so critical to the process. Freshly roasted, the beans are then bagged, walked over and placed on the shelf. It doesn’t get any better than that. 

Walt Manchester, store owner, along with his wife Linda, first decided to enter the coffee market four years ago when their vendor went out of business. Walt found himself unhappy with the coffee available at that time so he decided to invest in a roaster and go it alone. Now fast forward four years, today head roaster and fellow coffee connoisseur Ian Ballingall is busy roasting beans from all over the world in the dedicated roasting room. Entering the space, you are instantly filled with the wonderfully aromatic smell of cooking coffee beans. According to Ian, “the aroma is critical to the experience of enjoying fine coffee as it is directly connected to our taste.” 

Green coffee beans are placed into the roaster for 15 to 20 minutes and released into a container with a cloud of smoke, and the smell is absolutely delicious. Walt and Ian, both trained by the manufacturer and the SCAA (Specialty Coffee Association of America) in the art of roasting, said they “always start with full flavor and high quality beans.” 

The equipment is computerized and high tech for the perfect roast. “The technology of this roaster provides a consistent roast, which is important to the customer”, according to Walt. Roasting up to four hundred pounds a week ensures customers are always going to get a fresh bag. The darker roast means the beans are cooked longer or at higher temperatures, which reduces the caffeine as it is partially burned off by the heat. Darker bean = less caffeine.

While the bulk of the coffee sold is whole bean and caffeinated, if preferred, one can grind right at the store or grab some decaffeinated. The process for Swift River decaffeinated beans is the environmentally friendly “Swiss water style” not the chemical process found in many other brands. The beans come from all over South and Central America in huge burlap bags and provide for a wide range of taste, depending on the customer’s preference. Over 30 different blends and varieties are offered, including flavors such as pumpkin spice and blueberry. Looking for something exotic? Try the Sumatra Mandhelling, it is superb all around and has a very low acid level that is easy on the stomach. Or how about Tanzanian Peaberry or Ethiopian Harrar?

 “We do private label fundraising for charity, schools, and sports programs and also provide a private label for Rosemont Market and Bakery as well as other outlets,” said Walt. He also said he’s not looking to compete with the bigger brands, but looking for a niche with slow and steady growth. 

No matter what your coffee taste are, if you enjoy great coffee then you owe it to yourself to stop by the Good Life Market and experience some fresh roast. While you are there, speak with Walt or Ian who will be happy to share their favorite recommendations and love for Americas most popular brew.