Wicked Joe Coffee

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To Antigua and beyond! 
Guatemala, February 2012

We rang in February with a trip to Guatemala, one of coffees most beautiful and historic origins.  Landing in Guatemala, Bob went straight from the airport to the cupping lab at Camec's Guatemala City headquarters.  He was rewarded with a number of stellar coffees and a peek inside Guatemala's oldest and most distinguished coffee sourcing operations.  Over the next 4 days, Bob visited some extremely impressive milling operations - notably the Santa Isabel dry mill in Chinautla and the La Esperanza wet mill in Antigua - and some model farms, of which, Finca Ceylan in San Miguel Pochuta was without a doubt the standout.  Finca Ceylan is located in Chimeltenango on the outskirts of the Atitlan region.  The farm was founded in 1870 and has been owned and run by the same family since.  Bob met with and toured the operation with Dariush Echeveria Zachrison, who currently runs the farm and is the great grandson of the founder, Carlos Herrera, who in addition to extensive farming in Sugar Cane and Coffee was also President of Guatemala.  You could feel the history here, and the pride that comes with it making this visit very special.  The conditions on the farm were outstanding in every way.  The farm itself stretches from lower elevations to higher and they grow a number of different varieties along the way, making the farm very interesting.  They have Mundo Novo at the lower altitudes and Typica, Bourbon, Maragogype, and Geisha at the higher altitudes.  There are over 20 species of shade trees including coconut, orange, avocado, cedar and mahogany, while Pito and Matilisguate add shade and exceptional beauty with orange and purple flowers, respectively.  Also abundant are La Cieva, the national tree of Guatemala that add a layer of beautiful shade and can be seen on coffee farms throughout Guatemala.  The local town, San Miguel Pochuta, translates to "place with a lot of Ceivas".  The farm is certified Organic , Rainforest Alliance and Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center certified Bird Friendly - the environmental gold standard.  In addition, the farm provides housing, clean fresh water, electric, and medical services for their employees.  Most significantly, Bob cupped Finca Ceylan's coffee on several different days and it was one of the standouts - balanced and sweet, with notes of orange, honey and a cocoa finish.  Bob finished the trip in Antigua one of the world's most charming cities marked by the remarkable Spanish colonial architecture and churches.  Situated in the basin between breathtaking volcanoes at over 5000 feet the city itself is dotted with coffee farms making it truly unique and in some ways reminiscent of California's Napa Valley.  A perfect way to end a great coffee trip.






Feliz Ano Nuevo! 
Nicaragua, January 2012

Coming off a great 2011, Wicked Joe started 2012 off with a bang.....literally......Joe, our lead roaster, managed a flat tire leaving the airport in Managua!  From there, though, it was all uphill.  First stop was the dry mill in Sebaco, a small mill town about an hour north of Managua where our parchment coffee is milled, sorted and prepared for shipping.  Over the next five days Joe visited a number of farms, all of which were remarkable in many ways, but the highlight of his trip was without a doubt Finca La Hammonia, the source of one of our direct partnership Rainforest Alliance certified coffees.   Finca La Hammonia is also the origin of our lovely Bird Friendly, Organic and Rainforest Alliance certified Selva Negra coffee which is sourced for our friends at Birds and Beans.  Located in Matagalpa, Finca La Hammonia is an ecological wonder - from composting and recycling to power and energy generating and recapturing, they truly are a model of sustainability.  They compost 1.5 million pounds per year, feeding their three million strong worm farm, which in turn produces not only amazing solid fertilizer but thick black “liquid gold” fertilizer.   Not far from the composting facility is their own hydro-electric power plant which produces all of the electricity for both the farm and the workers who live there.  All water used during the washing of the coffee is stored in two underground tanks roughly 15 feet across and 45 feet deep that purify the water and break down the vast amount of sugar in it into methane gas which is harvested and primarily used for cooking and heating water.  Coffee isn’t the only thing grown on the farm, they also grow many fruits and vegetables from lettuce, carrots, and beets to papaya, bananas, lemons, and grapefruit.  They raise their own cattle, pigs, goats, and chickens and produce their own eggs, cheese, and meats.  Sitting in a cloud forest the farm is lush and dense with trees of all varieties.  It is also home to howler monkeys, sloths, dozens of species of reptiles and amphibians as well as many species of migratory birds from both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts thanks in part to being uniquely situated on the continental divide.   The highlight as always was sample roasting and tasting the new crop.  Joe is happy to report that this year's crop is better than ever - bright, sweet and balanced.  Look forward to this coffee arriving later this spring.






Coffee roasting company in Brunswick brewing success
Special to Business
By Patrick Gabrion, Times Record Business Editor
Published: Wednesday, May 4, 2011 2:02 PM EDT

BRUNSWICK — There’s no doubt that Americans love their coffee. And a provider of this important beverage is located right here in Brunswick — Wicked Joe Coffee Roasting Co.

“Americans consume 400 million cups of coffee per day, making America the world’s largest consumer of coffee,” said Bob Garver, who owns the Water Street business along with his wife, Carmen. “Clearly, Americans love coffee and for many this is the most relaxing and enjoyable part of the day.”

The Times Record recently conducted a question-and-answer session with the Garvers to talk about, among other things, the art and science of coffee roasting, the important connections with their direct-trade partners in Central America and other places, the special project coffees they offer, and how the success of their small company is tied to their dedicated team of employees. Read the full article here

Pura Vida - This is Living!  Costa Rica Style. February 5, 2011
I spent the first week of February in Costa Rica, both strengthening long term relationships and building new ones.   The week began in the up and coming Naranjo region with our long time partner CooproNaranjo, a Cooperative of Rainforest Alliance farms.  We have purchased a number of great coffees from this cooperative over the years, most notably our "Pepe"  microlot of honey-processed yellow catuai from the farm of Jose Francisco Aguilar.  This farm was the focus of my trip to Naranjo this year as we had already arranged to purchase this coffee  going forward as a "Direct Trade - Relationship" coffee.  We were delighted when our "Pepe"  was the standout each time it was on the table during "blind cuppings" (blind meaning we did not know what the coffees were until after we had evaluated and scored each coffee).  Especially impressive given the overall quality of the coffees we were sampling.  My cupping notes on Pepe included "bright and sweet, nicely balanced with notes of orange and peach up front and finishing with chocolate and hints of walnut".   Mid-week we moved on to the famed Tarrazu region and visited some of the most beautiful farms imaginable and cupped a number of remarkable coffees.  Our big "find" in Tarrazu is our new "Direct Trade - Relationship" with Finca Las Gravileas.  Finca Las Gravileas is a picturesque Fair Trade and Organic farm run by farther and son Roberto and Fabrizio Marin, with whom we have segregated a great microlot.  This coffee was also a standout on the cupping tables of Tarrazu.  Bob's  tasting notes on this coffee include "nice acidity and sweetness with a creamy mouthfeel and notes of cherry, apricot, vanilla and lemon".   Both our Rainforest Alliance Certified "Pepe" and our Fair Trade Organic certified "Finca Las Gravileas"  coffees should be arriving at our Roastery in late May or
early June.  - Bob

Honduras gets Wicked! February 12, 2011
I spent the 2nd week of February trekking through the mountains of Honduras.  What a revelation -  staggeringly beautiful and at the same time incredibly soulful.    I started the week in the Santa Barbara region at the San Vicente Mill where an inordinate number of past Cup of Excellence National Champions have emanated from.   We set out with the goal of developing  a Direct Trade Relationship with one of these exceptional farmers.  To this end we cupped table after table of  remarkable coffees and visited some of the most beautiful farms imaginable........I know.......but somebody's got to do it!    The one coffee that really stood out from the rest was from Finca Los Portillos in El Cielito.  This coffee was delightful.  My cupping notes included "floral, very sweet, bright citrus, peach, dried fruit, very complex."  After spending time with Bertillio Reyes Portillo and his family, we knew we had the right fit.  We are proud to be the exclusive roaster of Bertilio's coffee, the 2009 Honduras Cup of Excellence Champion.

Next I set off for theMarcala region to visit and strengthen our relationship with Comsa one of our top Fair Trade Organic Cooperatives.  Marcala was beautiful and we began by cupping several tables of fine coffees loaded with the bright citrus and floral notes that the region is famous for.    We then spent the  next few days visiting a number of our producer farms in the area as well as the mill.  What a pleasure it was to spend time with farmers and their families who are so committed to Organic and Sustainable practices.  The farms were models of biodiversity with lush shade and an abundance of varied plants and animals.  One of the highlights of the trip was my final farm visit to Finca Los Cascabeles, home to Mario Perez Manueles, his wife Donna Linda and their children Mario Rudolpho and Linda Carlota.  We began by touring the farm and I was blown away by the state of the art organic farming practices employed by Mario on the farm.  It came as no surprise when we sample roasted and cupped his coffee on site that it was very good - nicely balanced with a medium body and lots of bright citrus, primarily orange.  The visit culminated with the most delicious impromptu meal of chicharrones, tortillas, goat butter, and fruit - every tasty element coming directly from the farm.  The best part is that upon my return, I met with Brunswick's own Seth Kroek and his wife Maura who operate our local CSA Crystal Spring Farm.  I to ld them about my experience on this farm and we are now working together to establish a "sister farm" relationship between Crystal Spring Farm and Finca Los Cascabeles, the purpose of which is to foster an exchange of ideas and techniques  for the benefit of both farms.  Cheers!  - Bob

World's Greenest Coffee Roaster built for Wicked Joe March 1, 2011
We are proud to announce that a Kestrel S35 Loring Smart Roaster is being built to our exact specifications and should be arriving at the Wicked Joe Roastery in June 2011.  The new Loring Smart Roast System  is considered the world's greenest roaster and addresses many shortcomings of current roaster technology using a unique and ultra efficient recirculating process.  The Loring Smart Roast concept is a unique hybrid roasting technology that cuts greenhouse gas production by up to 80%, lowers emissions and reduces oxygen during the roast.  The smokeless process seals off the coffee from ambient conditions and gently roasts the coffee beans in an atmosphere virtually free of oxygen, the enemy of great taste resulting in both a cleaner cup but also in dramatic reductions in greenhouse gas emmisions and dramatic reductions in energy consumption.  Most importantly the Loring Smart Roast system relies on convection for heat transfer which will enable us to continue to produce the clean,  bright, coffees of distinction that is our signature.

Welcome Joe DelaTerre -  the newest member of our team! April 11, 2011
Our Roastmaster and newest team member Joe Delaterre started roasting coffee  and subsequently  began his lifelong coffee journey in 1995 at Allegro Coffee in Boulder, Colorado  under the guidance of Roastmaster  Kevin Knox.  Since then,  Joe has participated in just about every facet of coffee  including founding Boulder Organic Coffee Company.  He has run a coffee house, and done everything from bagging coffee to cupping coffees to sourcing green coffees along the way.  The one thing though that has remained constant throughout these past 16 years is that he has been roasting coffee the entire time.  He is the proud husband to Amy and father to his two sons Isaiah and Quinn.  He moved to Maine to live "life the way it should be" and to keep on roastin'!  On a final note,  It is a great relief to the rest of the staff to finally have someone to point to when we are asked "which one of you is Joe?"!

Wicked Joe adds new Manual Brewing equipment to offerings. May 1,  2011
If you want to insure that you are bringing out the best attributes in your coffee when you are brewing it each morning  then you're in the right place!  Wicked Joe has just received our initial inventory of  Chemex, Siphon, Clever, Hario and Aeropress alternative brewing equipment along with all of the accessories you will need to keep up with the pros and make your coffee sing.  Also coming soon but not yet in - Kalita.   We will get all of these items up and available in our offerings as soon as possible, so please bear with us!

What a great start to the New Year!
GAIA ESTATE, NICARAGUA ‘Gaia, Goddess of the Earth’
Carmen & Bob Garver began the New Year traveling to Nicaragua in the company of renowned birders Kenn & Kim Kaufman in an effort to expand Wicked Joe's Direct Trade relationships; develop equitable relationships with the farmers; continue to support the preservation of migratory birds through the purchase and sale of exceptional 'Birds & Beans' coffee; and continue to conserve wildlife habitat. See Wicked Joe Special Projects for additional information.

In pursuit of these goals, we begin with certified SMBC shade grown, Arabica beans, because they ripen slowly and are full of the rich flavor and subtle nuances we love to taste. Then we want to make sure our farmers are getting fair prices, that they are being good stewards of their farmland, and that the cultural integrity of the indigenous communities are protected. That is why we travel to far reaching independent farms like the Gaia Estate in Nicaragua and why we are continuing to develop ‘direct’ relationships with the farmers to ensure that they are adhering to strict Organic/Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center standards of cultivating and farming, that avoid use of pesticides & protect tree canopy, while making every effort to preserve old growth shade trees and wildlife habitat.

Therefore, Carmen & Bob have partnered with Jefferson Shriver & Gabriela Navarez, owners/farmers of the Gaia Estate, to bring all of the 2010/2011 coffee harvest to Wicked Joe.  We are looking forward to many more wonderful crops/years to come of epic Gaia coffee and therefore have provided advanced funding to the farm in an effort to ensure the pickers & farmers are supported during the “growing season”.

This year’s Gaia coffee harvest begins with a lovely floral aroma with a lush and silky mouth feel. One will discover notes of Swiss chocolate, butter & caramel; with a sweet balance of lemon acidity in every cup. In addition to this wonderful coffee, Wicked Joe is also working with the farmer to separate several micro-lots of Peaberry, Bourbon, and Yellow Catuai. We can’t wait to cup!!!

As a special bonus, Bob, Carmen, Kenn, & Kim enjoyed hours of bird watching on their trip to Nicaragua. Approximately 85 bird species were identified. According to Kenn Kaufman, it is safe to estimate that during migration movement the Gaia Estate hosts approximately 150 bird’s species annually. Special thanks to Jefferson and Gabriela Navarez for their tireless efforts to protect the habitats of these birds while growing exceptional coffee!

Maine Government News

First Time Campers Program Offers Free Weekend of Camping to Lucky Maine Families

March 31, 2011
Conservation

AUGUSTA, Maine – The snow is melting, the robins are returning, and it’s not too soon to start thinking about summer camping fun...

“We really want to get people out to enjoy Maine’s parks, so they get to experience what the state of Maine has to offer,” said Park Manager Andy Haskell of Sebago Lake State Park, who this year is organizing the BPL program. “We really want people to leave the technology, computers, and TVs behind and get out and enjoy nature. There’s so much benefit to camping. It’s about making family memories, and it’s also good for the soul.”

The program, part of BPL’s “Take It Outside” initiative, is designed to encourage Maine families to experience the fun and rewards of summer camping at Maine state park campgrounds. This year, the program is sponsored by L.L.Bean, Kittery Trading Post, Coleman, Hannaford, Oakhurst Dairy, Wicked Joe Coffee and Poland Springs. Read more...

What a year!

2010 has been a banner year at Wicked Joe and and we want to express our gratitude and thanks to our staff, customers, farmers, family and friends who continue to support our growing company  - we couldn't have done it without you! 

We continue to strive towards the "perfect cup" while developing more meaningful and direct relationships with the farmers who cultivate and grow our amazing coffees.

With little fanfare Wicked Joe continues to have a big impact in both our local community and also in coffee growing communities around the globe - not bad for a little company in Maine!

We wish you all peace and prosperity in the coming year.

Bob and Carmen

Honduras Cever School Project

Honduras Partnership Coffees are Here!

When you purchase a bag of Honduras Partnership coffee, $2 of the sale price goes to the CEVER vocational school in Yoro, Honduras. At CEVER, students from many backgrounds are able to take basic education classes and learn a trade, such as woodworking, welding, sewing, auto mechanics, or industrial mechanics. Honduras Partnership organic and fair trade coffee helps to empower Honduran youth to get some of the few well-paying jobs available in Honduras. By purchasing this coffee, you not only support small-scale, organic coffee farmers in Honduras, but you provide opportunities for their children. CEVER stands for Centro de Educacion Vocacional Evangelica y Reformada; translated from Spanish, this means the Evangelical and Reformed Center for Vocational Education.

Here's how it works – the coffee travels from where it is grown in Honduras to be enjoyed in the United States. In turn, $2 travels from Wicked Joe Coffee Roasters, through the Maine Conference, United Church of Christ to its partner, the Evangelical and Reformed Church of Honduras, which runs the CEVER school. In this way, you are supporting the education of youth in Honduras every time you enjoy this coffee! Thank you for supporting this project. www.theceverproject.org

Click here to buy the Honduras Partnership Coffees!

Getting Wicked with the Governor!

For 75 years, Maine’s State Parks have been a place of discovery, inspiration and joy. From forts to lighthouses, and from spectacular ocean beaches to expansive mountain views, our state parks and historic sites symbolize Maine’s diverse natural and cultural resources. 2010 is a big year for Maine State Parks with an unprecedented lineup of special events. Please join us in celebrating our 75th Anniversary!  Visit the events calendar at www.parksandlands.com to find the events that interest you. Wicked Joe has artisan roasted and hand-crafted this delicious coffee in support and celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the Maine State Parks.

By purchasing this product, you are supporting Maine’s Bureau of Parks and Lands, the steward of Maine’s 48 state parks, historic sites and river corridors.

Click here to buy the Maine State Parks Blend!

Featured above Governor John Baldacci, Bob Garver, Carmen Garver, Bryden Smith and Justin McEdward

Wicked Joe’s Bob Garver as Featured in Downeast Magazine January 2010

"If you’re looking for one of the best cups of coffee in the state, Bob Garver’s brew is a safe bet. The owner of Wicked Joe’s Coffee, a wholesale roasting company based in Brunswick, Garver decided to explore the retail side of coffee and opened Bard Coffee last April. With Garver and partners Jeremy Pelkey and Tom Bard at the helm, Bard Coffee is quickly becoming a local favorite. Garver is the official roaster for the shop, and he has been roasting coffee for more than seventeen years. “Even as a kid, I loved pungent smells and things,” says Garver. Now’s he’s a World Barista Championship-certified sensory judge — one of only five Americans. “But probably more than anything,” says Garver, “I like the rituals of coffee, like sitting with my friends after dinner.” He’s captured a perfect place to do just that." Read more...

Happy Holidays to our troops!

During the holidays and through the year, it’s important that we reflect on the great service our men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan provide. In addition, our appreciation goes out to our Maine Veterans who our back in our community.
We thank you for your service!

Featured above COL Michael Aid - Deputy Director Strategic Effects and other members of the J9 leadership.

December 2008 Wicked Joe's Bob Garver has been certified as a WBC judge.
Visit the World Barista Championship website for additional details.




August 2008 Wicked Joe goes to the Olympics!

July 2008 Governor's Carbon Challenge Environmental Leader: Brunswick's Wicked Joe Sustainable Coffees
In just one year, Wicked Joe Sustainable Coffees has achieved a 54% reduction in carbon emissions as a participant in the Governor’s Carbon Challenge—already far exceeding their goal of a 20% reduction by 2010.  A growing small business four years young and located on Water Street in Brunswick, Wicked Joe is presently producing ‘specialty’ coffee for distribution to more than 120 Hannaford, Shaws, and Whole Foods supermarkets, as well as to a wide selection of local farmers markets, fine gourmet and natural food stores, restaurants, and independent grocers.  Wicked Joe specializes in organic, Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, shade grown and bird friendly coffees, the production of which is kinder to the environment and more equitable to the farmers and their families. Read More...

July 2008 Take It Outside! Terrific Response to the First Time Camper Program
The First Time Camper program kicks off July 11 at Lily Bay and Mount Blue State Parks. Out of over 680 entries, 32 families were picked at random to participate in the program. Read More...