Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Shepherd’s Crook Coffee special?
First of all, we source only organically-grown, specialty-grade beans. We use an air roaster, which produces a smooth and low-acidic cup of coffee. Roasting in micro batches means that I can focus on consistently delivering maximum quality. Virtually roasted to order and delivered fast, SCC is the fresher, better-tasting and healthier choice. You’ll have to try it to believe the difference!
Is your coffee organic?
We only source organically-grown beans (i.e. certified organic or organic practice - as verified by our importer). We ourselves are not a certified facility, so we cannot use the "organic" label.
Where do you get your beans?
We partner with a couple of different importers who have direct trade relationships with farmers. We work with these importers to source organically-grown, specialty-grade beans.
Is your coffee flavored?
No. As we like to say, great coffee needs no disguise. The subtle “notes” are natural and vary based on the climate and soil where the bean is grown.
What is the best way to store coffee?
Your worst enemies are air, light and moisture. The bags I use are ideal for storage as long as you make sure the zip top stays sealed. If you have to transfer from my bag to another container, use an airtight, opaque container. Also, always keep at room temperature.
What is the “shelf life” of roasted beans?
Ideally, whole beans should be used within 4-6 weeks to enjoy them at their best!
Do you test for mold? (Is mold in coffee something I should be concerned about?)
This became a hot topic after certain high-visibility companies built their entire brand on “mold-free coffee” (as if this set them apart from all others) and then media coverage sensationalized the issue. Here at SCC, we focus on awareness and education. The truth is, while mold/mycotoxins in coffee can be a real thing, this should only be a concern if you’re buying low-quality coffee that hasn’t been properly stored and is, quite frankly, old. As a micro roaster, we cannot justify costly testing but we do only source specialty-grade beans that are grown, organically, at high altitudes and then properly processed. From there our beans are climate-controlled and the turnaround time is lightning-quick. We can assure you that, farm-to-cup, it doesn’t get any fresher!
Why should I buy whole bean instead of pre-ground coffee?
When coffee is ground it immediately begins an oxidation process, losing most of its natural flavor within 20-30 minutes of grinding. That’s why we encourage our customers to invest in their own at-home grinder and grinding per use - to extend the life of the bean, maximizing freshness in every cup!
Here are a couple of our un-biased recommendations:
Good: SHARDOR Electric Burr Coffee Grinder
Better: SHARDOR Conical Burr Coffee Grinder
Best: Capresso Infinity Plus Commercial Burr Grinder
While there are many options and price points out there, I would say you will be happiest with a conical burr grinder. TIP: Lightly spritz the beans with water to minimize any static/mess with grinding.
Please feel free to contact me if you need additional help!