Higher Ground Roasters built its identity around specialty coffee and responsible sourcing. The company focused on coffees connected to independent farming communities. Its approach also emphasized Fair Trade, shade-grown, and organic coffees.
That philosophy shaped how the company approached specialty coffee. Farmer relationships remained an important part of its sourcing strategy. The original interview described these relationships as central to the company's future vision.
What Inspired the Higher Ground Name?
The name Higher Ground had a surprisingly simple origin. Co-founder Alex Varner owned an old truck without radio or air conditioning. During his drives, he often sang to himself.
One song he frequently sang was “Higher Ground” by Stevie Wonder. Co-founder Glenn Smith and the team liked the name. They eventually chose it for their new roasting business.
A Commitment to Specialty Coffee
Higher Ground's roasting story grew from a deeper interest in coffee. Josh Kelly described his early career as a local barista. Reading about coffee history helped expand his understanding of the industry.
That curiosity eventually led him toward learning coffee more deeply. His interest covered sourcing, roasting, flavor, and coffee production. The original interview connected that commitment with the company's recognition.
Recognition for the Roasting Craft
Higher Ground Roasters received ROAST magazine's Micro Roaster of the Year award in 2008. The recognition highlighted the company's work during its early years. It also reflected the team's commitment to specialty coffee.
For Josh Kelly, coffee education played an important role. His interest grew after working as a barista. Learning about coffee history encouraged him to study coffee more deeply.
Roasting Coffee Uses Every Sense
Kelly described roasting as a process involving several different senses. The roaster watches, listens, smells, feels, and tastes the coffee. Each sensory detail provides information during the roast.
The green coffee changes noticeably as roasting progresses. Beans begin releasing moisture as they heat. Their aroma changes as sugars develop and caramelize. The sound of first crack also signals an important stage.
Appearance provides another useful roasting signal. Oils can begin appearing on beans at darker roast levels. Taste samples then help evaluate the finished coffee. These sensory observations help guide roasting decisions.
Building Relationships With Coffee Producers
Higher Ground worked with farming cooperatives around the world. The original interview mentioned relationships with eleven different cooperatives. These connections helped bring coffees from diverse growing regions to customers.
One coffee featured during the interview came from Bolivia. The Bolivian CELCCAR Caranavi coffee came from the Yungas region. The coffee was described as balanced, clean, and floral.
Its aroma included syrupy sweetness and pecan-like notes. Nutty characteristics also appeared in the described cup profile. The example showed how origin can influence a coffee's character.
The Roaster as a Link Between Farm and Cup
Kelly described roasting as more than simply heating coffee beans. Roasters connect producers with the people drinking their coffee. That connection gives the roasting process greater meaning.
Every coffee begins with the work of farmers. Their growing decisions influence the beans reaching the roastery. Roasting then helps reveal the character already present within those beans.
Higher Ground Roasters: Frequently Asked Questions
What is Higher Ground Roasters known for?
The original interview highlighted its specialty coffee and sourcing philosophy. It also described relationships with farming cooperatives worldwide.
How did Higher Ground Roasters get its name?
The name came from Stevie Wonder's song “Higher Ground.” Co-founder Alex Varner frequently sang it while driving his old truck.
What senses does coffee roasting involve?
Roasting involves sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste. Roasters use these sensory signals throughout the roasting process.
Why are farmer relationships important?
Farmer relationships connect roasters with the people producing coffee. They can also help roasters understand different origins and growing communities.
What coffee was discussed during the interview?
The interview featured Bolivian CELCCAR Caranavi coffee from the Yungas region. It was described as balanced, clean, floral, sweet, and nutty.
Final Thoughts
The story of Higher Ground Roasters highlights coffee's many moving parts. Farmers, roasters, buyers, and drinkers all shape the coffee journey. Each step can influence what eventually reaches your cup.
The roasting process combines technical knowledge with sensory judgment. Great coffee requires attention long before brewing begins. Understanding that process can make every cup more interesting.
Taste the Craft
Great coffee starts with quality beans and careful roasting. Explore the Blackout Coffee collection.
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