The Black Dog Coffee Company.....World Debut!

[Black Dog]

Many of you know that I've had a fanatic obsession with home-roasting coffee for a some time now. Friends and family have become hooked on the stuff and have been urging me to offer coffee for sale but with the small capacity of my machines it just wasn't feasible. Well, having recently acquired a larger rig I'm proud to announce the birth of The Black Dog Coffee Company!

Black Dog Coffee will be offering select lots of Specialty Grade coffees, fresh roasted to the peak of flavor. If you prefer your beans at a lighter or darker roast, no problem. Just let me know. It's like having your own personal coffee roaster!

I'm in the early stages of this business so as I go along you'll see some changes. Starting out, I'll be offering small quantities of the many beans I already have on hand so the offerings will vary from day to day. I have a considerable amount of coffee in my stash, but some is not available for sale due to agreements made when I purchased it and I need to sort it for beans I can make available to you. Rather than me trying to keep up with changing the list of available coffee and risk not having what you want, it will be best at first if you shoot me a PM to see what is currently being roasted.

I'm waiting for cupping samples to arrive and in the next couple weeks I'll be ordering my first big burlap sacks of green coffee. After that I'll post what coffees are available and as time goes on the selection will increase.

I'm having a great time delving even deeper into this passion of mine and I look forward to being able to offer you the fresh coffee experience that you've heard us home-roasters raving about!

Enjoy!

Brian
Black Dog Coffee

Pricing: All current coffees will be $10 per pound or $5 per half pound. The only exceptions to this would be special lots like Kona, JBM or Galapagos.
Note: These will be full weight 8oz and 16oz packages, not 6oz and 12oz as many outfits are selling now.

Shipping: Packages will be shipped USPS Priority Mail. Up to 1lb will be $4.05, 2-3lbs will be $5.60+-. I believe that more than 3lbs will put it in the Flat Rate box at $8.10. I'll get the rates down to more of a science as I go along.

PM me for payment options.

[cvm4]

Congrats on starting up your own company Brian! You think you might could offer to pregrind the cigars and may'be vacuum seal it for freshness or something like that? My grinder sucks and I don't buy whole beans that often to actually get an expensive grinder. Just wondering because it would seperate you from the others, IMO. I know I'd buy more often if it was preground (sp?).

[caudio51]

Congrats Brian! You got a PM coming!

[MangoMike]

Great news Brian. I'm standing in line waiting for the announcement of what's available. Best of luck to you bro...

Mike

[David]

You think you might could offer to pregrind the cigars and may'be vacuum seal it for freshness or something like that?

He ain't pregrinding my cigars!...no thank you Cliff!!

:grin:

[caudio51]

Just bought some!

[CWS]

Congrats. Starting a new business is like having kids. Ups and downs, bumps and bruises. But when they grow up...look out world. Way to change the things you can!

[indyrob]

He ain't pregrinding my cigars!...no thank you Cliff!!

:grin:

:rofl:
I was gonna say the same thing!

[stogies&hoagies]

Awesome news, Brain. Good luck.

Do you plan on selling green beans also, or only roasted?

[DocLogic77]

Guys this coffee is unreal. I'm not exaggerating. I had a couple cups again this am and was floored. Brian the packaging is very professional. I love the company statement on the back.

[pharmgator]

Are you going to have a website?

[caudio51]

Are you going to have a website?

Calling Larry:headroll:

[jasontp]

Congrats Brian!!!! I'm glad to hear that you're really getting into something that I love more every day I do it. As a matter of fact here in a few minutes I'm going to go roast probably 25-30lbs of coffee for the shop. If you ever need anything that you can't get your hands on let me know.

[cvm4]

He ain't pregrinding my cigars!...no thank you Cliff!!

:grin:

:rofl: I meant coffee, I swear! :blush:

[Wasch_24]

PM coming. :thumbsup:

[sunivy]

Congrats! Looking forward to trying some.

[Black Dog]

Do you plan on selling green beans also, or only roasted?
Probably not at first, but as I make more contacts with importers and can buy in larger quantities I'll surely consider it.

[caudio51]

Love the avatar Brian!

[Black Dog]

Are you going to have a website?
Most likely but it will take me a little while to get there.

[Black Dog]

Congrats on starting up your own company Brian! You think you might could offer to pregrind the cigars and may'be vacuum seal it for freshness or something like that? My grinder sucks and I don't buy whole beans that often to actually get an expensive grinder. Just wondering because it would seperate you from the others, IMO. I know I'd buy more often if it was preground (sp?).
I don't have a commercial grade grinder but would consider it on a limited basis. It would probably be just as good to ship it in a valve bag as ground fresh roasted coffee would still be off-gassing anyway and would puff up and possibly burst a vac sealed bag. Either way, the coffee will stale faster once it's ground.

[DocLogic77]

Well Brian I would suggest a couple commercial grinders and a 24 hour team of illegals in the sweat shop you call your basement. It's about to get crazy. :smile:

[caudio51]

Don't forget hot broads running customer servicing....er I mean customer service.

[caudio51]

Woohooo mines all roasted! Can't wait to press some!

[Black Dog]

:1st: Tom gets the First In Coffee award!
Thank you for being my first ever online customer and I hope you enjoy the coffee!

[caudio51]

:1st: Tom gets the First In Coffee award!
Thank you for being my first ever online customer and I hope you enjoy the coffee!

Very proud to be first! I can't wait to try it!

[DocLogic77]

:1st: Tom gets the First In Coffee award!
Thank you for being my first ever online customer and I hope you enjoy the coffee!

Boo...at least I got an autographed bag from the man himself. Brian, when you hit the starbucks level believe I'm selling that for big cash. :smokingbo

[tedski]

When is the IPO?

[caudio51]

When is the IPO?

Now that is the right question

[DocLogic77]

i have already offered to buy stock.

[tobby4]

Very nice Brian... i will be getting into contact with you soon..

[Poni]

Congrats, love that logo!

[tubaman]

Hey Brian, congrats on starting up your coffee business!!!!

I'm not a coffee drinker, but I wish you luck.

[Black Dog]

Thank you all for the well wishes! Between here at BOTL and the local market, the response has been very encouraging. Things are moving faster than I had anticipated and that's fantastic! Starbucks isn't running scared yet but I hear they called a special meeting this morning to plan their strategy for dealing with this new threat from PoDunk WV (yeah right! :rofl:)
But seriously, things are going great and I thank you all for your support!

[CWS]

So I'm sitting here way too early :sleep: in the AM in California staring forlornly at the damn empty coffee bean container, knowing that I used the last of my beans yesterday and that I should have got more last night. Man, you have got to help a brother from getting into these situations. Coffeeeeeeeeeeee :sadstare: Well at least Im not hung over. :agreeclen

[geoffrie]

Coffee arrived yesterday - great packaging.

Sitting here this morning with a fresh cup of DELICIOUS kona coffee waiting for Germany/Sweden match to begin.

When are the T-shirts coming out?

[caudio51]

A black dog t-shit would be awesome!

[Black Dog]

A black dog t-shit would be awesome!
:rofl: I'm working on that but I think I'll call them T-shirts!!!

[Black Dog]

So I'm sitting here way too early :sleep: in the AM in California staring forlornly at the damn empty coffee bean container, knowing that I used the last of my beans yesterday and that I should have got more last night. Man, you have got to help a brother from getting into these situations. Coffeeeeeeeeeeee :sadstare: Well at least Im not hung over. :agreeclen
Man, Chuck. We can't let this happen again:hanghead:

[caudio51]

:rofl: I'm working on that but I think I'll call them T-shirts!!!

:rofl:

Wooops ain't that a crappy typo (pun intended)

[Black Dog]

Sitting here this morning with a fresh cup of DELICIOUS kona coffee
Glad you like it!

[Wasch_24]

Since we can't post in the forum this thread is in I am posting here.

http://www.botl.org/community/forums/showthread.php?t=8033


This packaging is very cool Brian. I was really impressed with the original when I first saw it and adding the Mylar, foil, and a gas valve is a great idea.

Also, sending the coffee out in 1/2 pound bags is a great idea! :thumbsup:

[Greg]

I love this coffee!!

Gotta order more soon.

[Headbanger]

Todd, you seem back in the groove my man. Good thought to post the new packaging here, I too liked all those ideas.

[Wasch_24]

It's a nice distraction for now.

[CWS]

Good coffee, good coffee.

[caudio51]

Awesome idea about the packaging. Especially since it takes me longer to get through coffee than it really should. I only drink one 12 or 16oz cup in the morning so....

[Wasch_24]

Same here.

[Wasch_24]

My latest order just arrived today and it is in the new bags.

Very nice Brian. :thumbsup:

It would be very hard for someone to figure out you are working out of your garage...very professional looking.

[AZsteelman]

I just had a cup of my Millstone from Safeway's coffee isle! Easy now, don't hit me...I don't know any better...

[Wasch_24]

You will be very surprised by the flavor once you try some Black Dog.

[Black Dog]

My latest order just arrived today and it is in the new bags.

Very nice Brian. :thumbsup:

It would be very hard for someone to figure out you are working out of your garage...very professional looking.
Thanks Todd! I hope you enjoy the coffee.

[katietilley]

Brian (coffee guy), did you read about the tsunamis in Java???
see
http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/asiapcf/07/19/indonesia.earthquake/index.html
you just roasted some java the other night... just wondering if you all knew about the stuff at java island... it would be horrible to say it (but I will), will this affect your supply and will it affect our A.M. pot of coffee?? I mean this in the most socially correct way possible. 270+ people missing is bad news, I realize...

[Black Dog]

It was horrible to hear that this happened so soon after the last tsunami and my prayers are with the people in that region.
The coffee estates are at high elevation so it's unlikely that the crop itself was harmed but the economic effect on the island could well affect the harvesting and exportation of the coffee. I haven't read any reports on the effect it might have though.

[caudio51]

Man terrible situation over there. Hopefully the money from the exports can help them get back on their feet.

[crossbow]

Thanks for the coffee Geoff. I now have 8 jars of different roasted coffee.

Thank you Brian! Even my colleaues on my unit at the hospital have "demanded "that I grind a enough for a pot for our coffeemaker at work. (I work the night shift so we thrive on our "fuel")

Please PM me the list of available coffee for ordering.

[Jwrussell]

Folks, I just wanted to put in a good word for Brian. He really went above and beyond for me. I waited until the last moment to figure out a gift for my Dad's birthday. I finally decided to go with some Black Dog Coffee as the man at least drinks coffee, but I knew for a fact that he wouldn't have a grinder. I asked Brian if he happened to have some in his inventory that he could combine with a couple bags of coffee. The next PM I received from him was one telling me he'd stopped on his way home that day to pick one up. That's service right there folks.

Thank you so much Brian.

[avid toker]

I echo that sentiment. Emailed him my order and he roasts it that night and ships it to me the next day. I needed it in a rush and Brian came through like a champ.
Thanks Brian!

[Wasch_24]

LOL, same here.

I PM'd him on Monday to sign up for the Black Dog Coffee Club and told him we needed it by Thursday because of the move and our Kenya AA running out and he got it to me in two days, the night before the Kenya AA ran out.

[Greg]

Even my colleagues... have "demanded "that I grind a enough for a pot for our coffeemaker at work. Ditto!

I can't keep enough of it around, which reminds me, I need more.....

PM sent Brian.

[CWS]

I have so many different coffees now that each morning is a new experience. Man that Coffee Club is a kick!!!!! Go Brian.:blob:

[Texas Cop]

I'm on the way out there door, but I saw this thread, and wanted to drop in my couple of pennies, I just got my order from B a couple days ago....And the coffee is fantabulous!!! I have already gone through my 1/2lb of Australian MT, and just popped into the Costa Rican..

If you are wanting a website B, let me know...I haven't done any designing in the last couple years, but I can probably get something basic set up for you, or set you in touch with a professional if that is what you want!



drew

[tripp]

I love the ethieopian horse's ass coffee. (That may not be the exact name):grin: Just got two pounds of it today!!!!!

[caudio51]

The ethiopian harrar is awesome!

[tripp]

Yeah That What I Meant

[Ratbert]

Cannot say enough good things about Black Dog Coffee (also can't say it without that LZ tune running through my head! :guitar: ).

Question for Brian...I have a burr grinder and when I ground up some Guatamala Huehuetenango for the first time, there was A LOT of grounds remaining on the grinder. That's okay I thought, chalking it up to static.

Then I brewed some Ethiopian Horse's Ass (as it will now forever be known) and it did not cling to the burrs at all...very clean. Tried the GH again and had the same result of coffee coating the grinder.

My question...is the Guatamalan just more of an oily bean? Is that what is making it stick? Just curious. Great taste for both, especially the GH...no acid, excellent taste w/pleasant finish. Perfect for drinking black, which is my yardstick for measuring how tasty a coffee is.

Looking forward to trying some more roasts after these are gone. :thumbsup:

[CWS]

I love the ethieopian horse's ass coffee. (That may not be the exact name):grin: Just got two pounds of it today!!!!!

Then I brewed some Ethiopian Horse's Ass (as it will now forever be known) :

I just can't stand it. Employees are asking why I falling out of my chair laughing.:hysterica :hysterica :hysterica

[AZsteelman]

And people think I'm wierd!

[Black Dog]

Thank you for the kind words guys! I'm happy to hear you're enjoying the coffee. It gladdens a roasters heart to hear that!
As for service, I'm only trying to give the kind of service I appeciate myself from vendors. It's the least I can do after all your help getting me going.

My apologies for taking so long to reply here. I had a tough day today and have a long night ahead. I owe some of you PM's and will be in touch later this evening.
Thanks Again!

[DocLogic77]

I love the ethiopian sidamo...thats terrific.

[caudio51]

I'm almost through my first order. I need to wake up earlier to brew a pot. Yes, I get up late.

I also still need to pick up a good grinder instead of my crappy whirl grinder.

[pdonlin]

I'm still working on my first order as well.... mainly b/c I dont get up early enough either Tom. By crappy whirl grinder do you mean one of those cheapo blade grinders you can find at places like Bed Bath & Beyond / Walmart? Mine works alright, but has a very uneven grind so I get some really fine parts that makes it thru the filter on my press and some larger bits of bean.

[caudio51]

Yea, kinda like that Patrick. I use an up and down motion as I grind to help even it out. I just need to get a Capresso grinder

[ATCDub]

I have really enjoyed all the different coffees that I've gotten, but I got to tell you it's starting to make me feel like a crack dealer. Whenever I take a bag into work (to enjoy a late morning pot of fine brew), these junkies seem to appear wanting to rob my stash in their little mini zip-locks. Brian will turn me into a dealer before it's over with. Currently I've got everyone jonesin' on the guatamalan huehuetenango. Good stuff.

[caudio51]

You need some business cards to hand out for Brian so they can get their own fix! Like the cheez-it commercial, get your own box!/coffee!

[DocLogic77]

I know this sounds funny but I use a very cheap grinder. I noticed the grind was very uneven so I give the grinder a little shake while I grind and it seemed to have helped. I guess I shouldn't be so cheap and just buy a real grinder.

[caudio51]

I know this sounds funny but I use a very cheap grinder. I noticed the grind was very uneven so I give the grinder a little shake while I grind and it seemed to have helped. I guess I shouldn't be so cheap and just buy a real grinder.

Yes you should. The grind is so important. I need to buy one too.,

[pdonlin]

Alright coffee experts, how does this look?

http://www.amazon.com/Capresso-560.01-Infinity/dp/B0000AR7SY/sr=8-10/qid=1154754828/ref=pd_bbs_10/102-0065248-3392168?ie=UTF8

Also, any reason you mention Capresso Tom? Are they a top-line coffee product manufacturer?

[caudio51]

I researched entry level grinders that will get the job done. I found two, the Capresso Infinity and the Solis Maestro. The capresso seemed to have a bit more press and reviews.

Also, the capresso comes in a metal version which is supposed to keep the static electricity down.

http://www.amazon.com/Capresso-565.04-Infinity/dp/B0000AR7TC/sr=1-1/qid=1154755636/ref=pd_bbs_1/104-6215757-3453549?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden

[cvm4]

Damn that's expensive

[DocLogic77]

140 bucks? Seriously....like I need more expensive hobbies. You guys are going to get me divorced.

[Black Dog]

My question...is the Guatamalan just more of an oily bean? Is that what is making it stick?
That would be the only explanation I could think of. The Ethiopian is a lighter roast (just at the verge of second crack) which means more of the oils are still captured inside the cell structure of the bean because they haven't been released by the snap, crackle, pop of the cell walls breaking down at second crack. The Guat is roasted to the dark side of medium, a little ways into second crack. Meaning that more of the oil has been released from the bean.
I'm intrigued. I'll have to study that some.

[caudio51]

The funny part, that isn't even an expensive grinder. You can spend a whole lot more on one.

[Ratbert]

That is the one that I use, the Capresso Infinity that is metal, rather than the ABS plastic. From what I could understand when I read up on them, the blade grinders build up more heat that can destroy the grind's flavor before you even brew, while a burr grinder (like the Capresso) does not do this. (Sounded inconsequential to me at first, but then I likened it to lighting my cigar with a butane lighter rather than a zippo...both will light the cigar, but one way is simply better, for minute reasons of taste that are not always readily apparent)

It also will give you a very even grind and will grind it as fine as you could ever want for esspresso or french press coffee. I don't have an esspresso maker, but use a Technivorm drip coffeemaker that makes the best cup of coffee I have ever tasted.

The Capresso doesn't have a pulse button, but you can nudge the timer for the same effect.

I loooked at the Solis Maestro also, but read some reviews about it breaking, so I went with the Capresso. I expect that this rascal will outlast me.

My only complaint is that it can be a headache to clean the thing out everytime. The first time that I cleaned it, I made the mistake of trying to blow through the chute and ended up with a face full of grounds.

[Black Dog]

Grinders:
A good grinder is essential if you want to continue to explore fine coffee. Shawn, with your new found passion you'll do yourself an injustice if you don't upgrade your grinder (IMO).
A blade grinder breaks the bean by continually slapping it with the rotating blade, resulting in coffee particles ranging from dust to boulders.
A burr grinder shaves the coffee bean at a much slower rate giving you a more consistent grind (you'll still get some dust) and causes less heat buildup during the grinding process.
The Infinity is a good mid-range grinder for drip, vac, press pot, etc. That's what I currently use. Another is the Bodum Antigua HERE (http://www.1st-line.com/machines/home_mod/bodum/5671.htm). I'll be carrying these once I get the website up and running. I'll also probably stock the Bodum blade grinder for more of an entry level machine. At some point I hope to add top quality machines like the Mazzer Mini (http://www.1st-line.com/machines/home_mod/mazzer/mazzerminisilver.htm) and the Macap (http://www.1st-line.com/machines/home_mod/macap/M4.htm). This type of grinder is essential if you get seriously into espresso. I know from trying to do espresso with my Infinity. It'll work but not nearly as well. Just like a blade vs. burr grinder.

[Black Dog]

Good post Ted! We were writing at the same time.
Have you tried Uncle Bens Minute Rice for cleaning your grinder? There's also a product called Grindz that is supposed to be good. I find that Uncle Bens does well at a much lower cost. You do have to blow out the white dust afterwards though.

[DocLogic77]

Thanks for the info Brian.

[DocLogic77]

Anyone have experience with the Antigua? Is it the best bang for the buck?

[Ratbert]

Have you tried Uncle Bens Minute Rice for cleaning your grinder? There's also a product called Grindz that is supposed to be good. I find that Uncle Bens does well at a much lower cost. You do have to blow out the white dust afterwards though.

Thanks, I'm going to give this a try! I can get it pretty clean now, but it seems to take a lot of brushing, wiping, shaking, etc. I've even thought about taking the damn thing outside and hitting it with a couple of shots from a can of compressed air.

[pdonlin]

I figured the difference between the ABS Infinity and the Brushed Chrome Infinity was simply looks; is it really worth the $50 more?

[Ratbert]

I figured the difference between the ABS Infinity and the Brushed Chrome Infinity was simply looks; is it really worth the $50 more?

It might depend on how much use it will see. Weekends only and the ABS might be fine, but with daily use you might want the heavier-duty version.

I believe that the die-cast housing with brushed chrome finish is much heavier and more substantial than the plastic. I can tell you that its weight keeps it glued to the counter! I don't know whether or not the plastic one would vibrate and "walk" when grinding, but this one certainly will not.

The additional price was worth it to me because I don't intend to ever have to buy another grinder.

The metal is also supposed to conduct less static when grinding, but I can't say whether this is true or not. Quality-wise, I think you'd be happy with either one.

[caudio51]

All the points above about the metal housing are what I have heard as well.

[Rank_Tyro]

Once again, my insomnia is working overtime......

I know that topping this thread this late is probably bad form, but I have to relate the "Worst Coffee Story Ever...."

It was yesterday morning, 3:00 am and I woke up to a stupid Labrador licking my elbow. Normally, I just smack her on the snout and go back to sleep, but she did it a couple of times indicating that she needed to go outside and take a leak or something.

I stumbled to the back door yelling "DOGS OUT"and both of the hounds followed me to the door and and then outside. I locked the door, fully intending to leave them outside for the rest of the night.

(Stephanie will let them out and then stay up for a bit and then let them back in. Not me. [fuckin' dogs])

At 3:30 am I woke up because I thought I smelled something burning. Instantly awake, I hopped out of bed and took a cruise through the house. Nope......nothing on fire. Looked down, and realized I was naked, (it was cold too, but I would appreciate it if you all just keep any remarks to yourselves).

No smoke, no fire, no dogs..... No dogs on fire.

It took me a few minutes, but I finally figured it out. We sleep with the windows open when it is cool outside. At first I thought it was one of the neighbors with an open kitchen window and a coffee pot on "auto".

When I figured out that the smell was coming in ALL of the windows, I remembered that there is a local coffee shop 2 blocks away that roasts their own coffe beans in huge kettles. Last night the wind was blowing opposite from the normal direction.

Coffee definitely wakes me up in the morning...

[cvm4]

Damn I love your stories! :hysterica

[caudio51]

Those stories are fantastic!

[pdonlin]

Hah thats great, thanks for sharing.

[CWS]

You really should start a book. Your stories are the best. I keep hoping for pictures of a stuffed mockingbird.

[MangoMike]

Brian,

You menitoned that you'd like to carry the Mazzer grinders; certainly the top end of home grinders. I wonder if you've thought about the Rancilio Rocky? I believe the price is similiar to the Macap, but I wonder if the quality is also equal.

My old Gaggia is holding up to my new found love of freshly roasted and ground coffee, but I don't know for how long. Which means I will be in the market for a new grinder. I sent you pictures of my new automatic espresso machine, which has it's own grinder, so I don't have to worry about espresso grind. But I do want something that's going to hold up to daily use.

Naturally I'd like to spend as little as possible, but quality is more important than price. Any suggestions?

BTW, I've PM'd this, but I will add my public praise to the others listed here. BD coffee is fantastic. Thanks. Now that I'm roasting my own, you've set the standard.

Mike

[caudio51]

The rancilo is a great machine