We've bean Roasting Coffee in our store since 1984.  For us, that's just the coolest thing - the reality is that we just love beverages.  A really good beverage is the cornerstone to so much - in fact everything we have here at Upson's.

Next to a great Wine, Coffee and Tea are our two favorite beverages. 

We offer a variety of Leaf Teas which we acquire directly from the Importer in Seattle, which can be purchased in bulk.  The teas from Adagio are equally lovely, with the convenience of their wonderfully designed pyramid bags for easy brewing (we like the size that allows for tea leaf freedom during brewing). We hope you'll stop by and enjoy the many beverages of Upson's. 

The story of Upson's Fresh Roasted Coffee.  The idea of Roasting Coffee started back in 1982, and came from my brother who lives in Southern California.  He felt the link of fine wines and fresh quality coffee was a significant and natural one.  He was so right.  He wanted us to experience the coffees of his favorite Cafe' - Diedrich.  Carl Diedrich and his wife were fifth generation coffee people.  They owned plantations in Guatemala and Mexico, they imported green coffees, and most importantly - they built coffee roasters. They were one of a handful of people in the United States that truly understood every aspect of coffee.  After tasting their coffee, we understood why it was so special.  It starts with exceptional coffee, freshness is critical, and how you prepare the brewed coffee all goes into have the "best cup of coffee you've ever had".  It took us a couple years to save enough money to buy our roaster from Carl, but it gave us the opportunity to learn how to roast from the master! 

If you enjoy the seductive aromas of coffee, but often found it to be absent of distinctive character, you need to experience Upson Coffees. 

Coffee Roasting. Whew, we just unloaded 1,460 pounds of GREEN coffee beans from a semi-trailer, and oh our aching back.  But, we're ready to roast coffee! For over two decades we have roasted our pure natural high grown Arabica Coffees right in our store.  By the way, in 1984 it was estimated that we were one of only 50 independent roasters in the country.  Coffee fresh from our roaster!  Above is a picture of our Colombia Supremo coffee, as it leaves the roaster.  This roast is coming out of the roaster dark, shiny and hot.  It will cool quickly, with the oils retracting and the bean will have a  soft satin finish - with a full rich flavor. There is marvelous diversity to the coffees we roast, each one has its own unique cup characteristics. They're so good that we have never considered flavor coating them (sorry, no hazelnut here).

There are four important factors that contribute to a great cup of coffee.

• Start with exceptional Quality Beans (we only roast High Grown Arabica species coffees).  If the quality is superior - there is no need to blend, except to create a style.

• Roasting to compliment the individual characteristics of each unique coffee bean. 

• Freshness - it is critical.  The oils that develop during roasting (as seen in the picture above) will go stale or rancid (just like a potato chip), and will effect the taste of your coffee.  We encourage you grind your coffee as you use it, and to buy only what you will use in a week or two.

• Brewing and storage is the important role you play (brew to a strength that you have a finish).

We invite you to stop in and pick up our Coffee Brochure (it's full of tips on how to enjoy a fabulous cup of coffee), and have a sample of our daily brew. 

To place and order, or to receive our informational Coffee Pamphlet  call us at 269.381.4500.

Copyright © 2001 W. J. UPSON. WINE MERCHANT.KALAMAZOO.MI.USA.TELEPHONE.269.381.4500

Last modified:  01 April 2008