FAQ
Where do you get your coffee from?
"The Nine Bar" coffees are proprietary blends of coffees. This is a culmination of years of acquiring coffees that are superior in quality to other coffee beans. We only use high grade, arabica beans grown from the greatest coffee growing regions in the world. We do not use Robusta coffee beans. Robusta coffee is grown at lower elevations, therefore it is easier to cultivate. It grows faster, and is much higher in caffeine. It is cheaper, and it is commonly added to bulk coffee, and espresso to add caffeine. While there are some Robusta beans out there that are exceptional, we simply do not use them.
"The Nine Bar" coffees are proprietary blends of coffees. This is a culmination of years of acquiring coffees that are superior in quality to other coffee beans. We only use high grade, arabica beans grown from the greatest coffee growing regions in the world. We do not use Robusta coffee beans. Robusta coffee is grown at lower elevations, therefore it is easier to cultivate. It grows faster, and is much higher in caffeine. It is cheaper, and it is commonly added to bulk coffee, and espresso to add caffeine. While there are some Robusta beans out there that are exceptional, we simply do not use them.
Why do you call your company "The Nine Bar"?
Way before the company was started, I was dreaming one night about coffee perfection, as I usually do. I was thinking (obsessing) of perfect espresso. The perfect shot of espresso requires nine bars of atmospheric pressure, equal to about 135 pounds of pressure per square inch. So, I thought that if I ever opened up a business, I would call it "The Nine Bar".
What do you use to roast your coffee?
Before "The Nine Bar" was created, I roasted coffee out of a stainless steel, perforated roasting drum that I had (someone else) make for my barbeque rotisserie. I used this for years for home use. There are many methods used by "home roasters" to roast coffee, but I have learned that true precision can only be attained with professional coffee roasting equipment, and an experienced roaster running it. I use a Diedrich IR12 with an electrostatic precipitator attached to the exhaust to clean the emissions produced from roasting. We are commited to minimizing the pollutive effects of coffee roasting while providing the best fresh roasted coffee to you. The Diedrich IR 12 is a small batch roaster that allows the experienced operator the ability to apply convective, and conductive heat uniformly to the beans while precisely controlling the temperature, and airflow. This, coupled with tried and true roast profiles created by myself make a truly exceptional roast!
I should keep my coffee in the refridgerator or freezer, right?
Generally freezing, or refrigerating coffee is a very bad idea. Moisture, and food smells will leave your coffee rancid in no time. You put it in an airtight container you say? Excellent, you should be storing it in an airtight container. Also purchase zipper bags or containers that allow you to vacuum seal them. This will mimimize the oxiditative effect of staling the coffee. There is one guy (whose acheived quite a legendary status in the coffee industry for developing an air type coffee roaster) in the coffee industry named Michael Sivetz who says that if this airtight container is stored at -20 degrees or lower, it will retain its optimum flavor. So set your thermostat accordingly. I prefer to keep a small quantity (4oz-8oz), in airtight pouches. That way, the rest stays fresh and ready when I open up the next pouch. This is the way "The Nine Bar" packages your coffee for you when you order it. It will arrive in small eight ounce bags with one way valves to let the Carbon dioxide gasses out, without letting oxygen in. That way, the coffee is always at it freshest possible when you make it. This is something that the big companies simply do not do for you.
Are your coffees fair trade, or organic?
I acquire my coffees for "Belladora" and "Don Jose" directly from the coffee growing familys. This method establishes a direct relationship with the coffee growers ensuring that this benefits the workers and families of that particular growing region. While the coffee growers that I purchase from do not use pesticides in the growing and cultivation of their coffee, they cannot afford to be "certified organic", therefore I do not make any claims to be "certified organic", or "fair trade".
