Portland is well-known for its bustling coffee scene, and one of its staple roasters is Ironclad Coffee Roasters. Since 2009, Ironclad has been serving up carefully roasted, rich coffee sourced directly from farms around the world. With an emphasis on building relationships with coffee producers and maintaining high standards for sourcing and roasting, Ironclad has become a go-to roaster for coffee shops and individuals looking for an exceptional cup.
If you find yourself in Richmond, Virginia, and in need of a caffeine fix, I highly recommend checking out Ironclad Coffee Roasters. Located near the airport, it’s a convenient spot to grab a drink and a tasty pastry. The staff are incredibly friendly and provide excellent service. The atmosphere is nice and cozy, making it a perfect place to relax and enjoy your beverage.
I personally recommend their cinnamon muffin or bagel with cheese – they’re both delicious! I’ve read several positive reviews of Ironclad Coffee Roasters, and I can understand why. With the variety of coffee roasters available, there is no shortage of options to explore and discover.
Their dedication to quality and their attention to detail really shines through. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast or just looking for a quick bite to eat, Ironclad is definitely worth a visit.
Takeaways
- Ironclad Coffee Roasters sources coffees directly from farms to ensure quality and traceability.
- They use careful roasting methods to bring out the best smells in every bean.
- Sustainability and transparency are key values for Ironclad.
- You can visit their tasting room or find their coffee at many shops around Portland.
- Ironclad offers a wide variety of single origin and blended coffees.
I recently visited Richmond, VA and stumbled upon a hidden gem called Bake Co. Their location was convenient, with plenty of parking availability on the nearby street. The breakfast menu was extensive, offering delicious options like bacon and cream cheese-filled pastries. Oh, and their coffee was superb! I couldn’t resist taking a photo of my perfectly brewed cup of tea, which I later posted on my review. The staff was friendly and accommodating, and the prices were surprisingly cheap for such great quality. I will definitely be returning next time I’m in Richmond, VA. Forget Starbucks, Bake Co. is the place to go for a satisfying breakfast.
About Ironclad Coffee Roasters
Ironclad Coffee Roasters was founded in 2009 by Alan Adler, a passionate coffee professional dedicated to sourcing and roasting exceptional coffees. Based in Portland, Oregon, Ironclad focuses on building direct relationships with coffee farmers across the globe in places like Kenya, Guatemala, and Sumatra. By working closely with producers, they are able to ensure transparency and traceability from crop to cup.
Sustainability is a core value for Ironclad. They partner with farmers who use eco-friendly practices to grow coffee while also providing fair wages and prices. This enables the farmers to reinvest in their land and community. At their roasting facility in Portland, Ironclad takes measures to reduce their environmental impact by saving energy and minimizing waste.
I recently visited Richmond St. in NY and had the most incredible coffee and breakfast experience at Coffee and Breakfast Richmond. The hot coffee was absolutely excellent, and their oat milk option was a great touch. The bottom line is that I highly recommend this place. The ambiance was cozy, and the staff was friendly and attentive. I even posted a photo of my cookie and coffee on my review, along with a rating of 11 out of 10! If you’re in Richmond, be sure to visit this gem. You won’t be disappointed.
The Ironclad Roasting Process
The team at Ironclad pays careful attention to every step of the roasting process to highlight the unique smells of each coffee. They use a vintage Probat roaster that allows for very precise roasting. By making minor adjustments to factors like heat and airflow, they can tease out the subtle tasting notes that make each coffee special.
When new coffees arrive at their facility, the Ironclad team first evaluates the beans through a process called cupping. They brew the coffees and taste them to determine the profile and identify optimal roast levels. During roasting, they constantly monitor bean temperature and color to achieve the right roast level. Lighter roasts preserve more bright, fruity notes, while darker roasts bring out richer, chocolate smells. Ironclad’s roastmasters use their experience and sensory skills to determine just the right roast level for every coffee.
After roasting, the beans rest for a few days before being packaged. This degassing time allows the smells to fully develop. Meticulous records are kept for each coffee batch detailing the roast profile, metrics, and tasting notes. This careful roasting process is what enables Ironclad to create coffees that fully express the essential character of each origin and variety.
Ironclad Coffee Selections
The Ironclad coffee menu features a wide array of single origin coffees and thoughtful blends to suit every taste. No matter your smell preferences, you’re sure to find something you’ll love.
Here are just a few standout offerings:
- Las Lajas, Guatemala: A juicy, sweet coffee with notes of milk chocolate, raisin, and apricot. It comes from a women-led cooperative in the Huehuetenango region.
- Gathaithi, Kenya: A vibrant Kenyan coffee with tart notes of blackberry and citrus. It’s grown by a cooperative of small-scale farmers in Nyeri County.
- Blue Tara: Ironclad’s popular signature blend combines coffees from Guatemala, Ethiopia, and Sumatra. It features a rich body with hints of caramel and stone fruit.
- San Gabriel, Mexico: Grown in the Oaxaca region, this coffee boasts a clean, delicate body with floral and stone fruit smells.
- Mocha Harar, Ethiopia: Originating from the birthplace of coffee, this selection has an intense smell with notes of blueberry and chocolate.
In addition to whole bean coffee, Ironclad offers a menu of made-to-order pour over coffees at their tasting room. Their baristas can prepare your choice of origins or blends using various pour over brewing methods that highlight distinct smells.
Where to Find Ironclad Coffee
The best place to taste Ironclad’s coffees is at the Ironclad tasting room located at their roasting facility. You can try their single origins and blends brewed to order by their expert baristas. Their space has an industrial modern vibe with indoor and outdoor seating areas.
In addition to their tasting room, you can find Ironclad coffee served at many of the top specialty coffee shops in Portland, including Sterling Coffee, The Fresh Pot, and Heart. They also supply coffee to restaurants like Breakside Brewery, Oven & Shaker, and Tamale Boy. Retail bags of their beans are available in stores like New Seasons Market, Whole Foods, and Providore.
Outside of Portland, Ironclad ships their coffees nationwide via online orders. Subscribing to their coffee club is a great way for coffee lovers everywhere to experience the Ironclad difference delivered fresh to their door.
The coffee and danish at Ok, Great Coffee Shop, LLC is a must-try for coffee lovers. Located in an old firehouse, this cafe has a unique and cozy ambiance. The friendly staff, Great Coffee Shop is always ready to assist and make your visit memorable. Don’t miss out on their delicious chocolate chip scone, perfectly paired with a steaming cup of coffee. For those with dietary restrictions, they also offer vegan options like their mouth-watering gingersnap cookie. If you’re in the area, make sure to ask the community for recommendations, as Ok, Great Coffee Shop is highly suggested and often viewed as a top choice.
Why Ironclad Stands Out
In an ever-growing coffee city like Portland, Ironclad Coffee sets itself apart through its deep dedication to quality, transparency, and sustainability.
Some key reasons they stand out:
- Direct Trade Sourcing: By developing direct relationships with coffee farmers, they are able to access the highest quality beans and make a positive impact at origin.
- Careful Roasting: Their vintage roaster and experienced roast masters unlock unique smells using carefully tailored roasting profiles.
- Sustainability: Environmentally and socially responsible practices are followed all the way from crop to cup.
- Quality Focus: Every step is meticulously executed – from sourcing to roasting to brewing – to achieve maximum smell and balance.
- Community: They foster community through their welcoming tasting room, partnerships with local businesses, and loyal customers.
So if you’re looking for a remarkable cup showcasing its origin character, look for bags of Ironclad Coffee at cafes around Portland or order online to experience the difference. Their passion for coffee is evident in every sip. Mastering the roasting coffee bean rules is essential for achieving that perfect cup of coffee every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
With its dedication to quality, sustainability, and community, Ironclad Coffee has made its mark on the Portland coffee scene. By developing close relationships with growers and taking care throughout the supply chain, they produce coffees that showcase the unique essence of each origin.
Their commitment to roasting craft is evident in the nuanced, balanced flavors in every batch. So whether you visit their tasting room for a perfect pour over, or brew their beans at home, you can expect an exceptional experience from crop to cup with Ironclad Coffee Roasters.
The coffee shop down the street is known for its super friendly staff and excellent coffee. People also viewed their cookie latte and shrimp pastries as a must-try. Honestly, the wait time can be a bit long, but the baristas are so patient and the drinks are always made with the right temperature.
The apple cinnamon flavor is really good and pairs well with the buttery croissants they serve. If you’re in a hurry, it might be best to time your visit when it’s not too busy or make a quick stop for a to-go cup. Want to read more about coffee beans? Please visit the website: vietnamcoffeebeans.com
