Colorado Coffee Merchants

These folks really think their coffee is really something special. While in reality they produce below average air roasted beans at outrageous prices. They use an air roaster which they will tout as a superior method but for some reason most of the award winning micro roasters across the country shy away from this method which is basically a giant popcorn popper that quickly roasts the coffee as opposed to a slower more crafted process (I recommend doing your own research air vs drum roasting). Air roasting is in fact a less accurate (lazy man's method) to roasting. This largely due to the fact there is no way to sample the roast as it progresses and it basically takes most the human crafting element out of the process. The problem is at this altitude roasting conditions are quite variable depending on barometric pressure and humidity and to not being able to sample the beans as they roast (which air roasting does not allow, you just set the temp and forget it) creates an inconsistent product (although I'm sure they would say its more consistent b/c they roast it for the same time every time). In addition, these guys think $1 an ounce for coffee is a good price which is in all honesty highway robbery. The owner and his wife are very proud of their establishment but in fact know very little about coffee and have really not been in the industry that long. When asked simple questions about freshness and how to store coffee they provided incorrect answers. They promote storing coffee in a freezer which they sell in other shops. Freezing beans is one of the worst ways to store coffee which is now widely understood by most serious coffee drinkers ( freezing expands the few water molecules in the beans and generally affects the overall flavor). In addition, they claim to be Fair Trade certified but the website does not list them as members. Colorado Springs for whatever reason has a lot of local coffee roasters and these folks really do fall on the bottom of the totem pole. Just don't settle on these guys beans you can find a superior product for 30% less without looking very hard at all. Try looking at any of the roasters that have been here for 10 years + there's a reason they've lasted that long and it certainly has nothing to do with there not being a Colorado Coffee Merchants around before. Pros: Good location Cons: Coffee more

Colorado Coffee Merchants is one of the top local roasters, if not the best in Colorado Springs. Eric's blends are spot on. From bright and light to rich and robust there is something for every style of coffee drinker. The two house brands, Umpire Estate and Idle Truck provide a fantastic selection to chose from. The staff is always friendly and more than willing to help you make a selection if you're not quite sure what you want. If you're hanging out for awhile the atmosphere is very welcoming...you're virtually guaranteed to meet a new friend every time you visit. For an extra special treat stop by when they've got the roaster fired up. If you enjoy a great cup of coffee or are searching for a local source for beans, don't miss out on Colorado Coffee Merchants. Pros: outstanding coffee, friendly atmosphere, knowledgeable and genuinely helpful staff, online shopping option Cons: semi-awkward location more