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Archive by category 'GENERAL INFO'
We always eagerly anticipate the arrival of the work of Jeff Holmberg (www.holmbergdesign.com), our design partner. Whether it is a pencil concept-sketch or as in this time, a number of custom coffee display pieces, they exceed our expectations. On this project, we needed some custom pieces that tied into existing millwork at our coffeebar and also provided some Bull Run branding and functionality. Specifically, we needed the following:
WHOLE BEAN DISPLAY: Jeff designed these display blocks that designate specific coffees for sale and also provide a slot to hold coffee information cards for each coffee. These blocks connect together and provide the flexibility to add or remove them as needed for the appropriate number of coffees available.
COFFEE BAR SIGN: Our coffee bar is inside of Rustica Bakery. We needed a subtle coffee bar sign and Jeff created one that fit right inside one of the shelves above the coffee bar. He even stained it with our Dogwood Espresso.
COFFEE CONDIMENT CUBBIES: We needed storage for napkins, utensils, etc and Jeff designed a wood cubby system that was distressed to match the island it is placed on.
We’re always trying to further our own education here at Bull Run, as well as provide information to others. The coffee industry has a great collection of online community resources, and in my opinion, a few of the most awesome trade magazines. Here are a few sites that a lot of us take a daily moment to peruse. Click on the name of the website to be directed:
COFFEED: A low post, high quality forum for discussion on all areas of the industry. In order to post, one needs to apply and be accepted, but the threads are accessible to view by anyone.
SWEET MARIAS: The ultimate home roasting website. Provides awesome tips on all areas of coffee cultivation. Check out the coffee library!! Also check out Coffee Shrub, sister site and building an interesting resource section.
BARISTA EXCHANGE: Online social networking site for baristas and other coffee professionals. Higher post count on the forum than Coffeed, but lots of activity and a great way to connect with other industry people.
ROASTERS GUILD FORUM: The new and improved roasters guild forum is still working on getting post counts up, but the discussions on the nuances of roasting are invaluable.
BREW METHODS: A collection of brew method presentations by various roasting companies organized by method. Super fun to see the different takes on brewing with Chemex, siphon, Aeropress and more! We’re working on being a contributor to this site… stay tuned!
BARISTA MAGAZINE: One of my favorite trade magazines, they usually post the current issue to view online. The website also features a blog, as well as a “media” section with recommended videos etc.
ROAST MAGAZINE: Another awesome trade magazine geared towards roasters, lots of articles from the current issues get posted online. This month’s issue has a really interesting article on cupping.
BULL RUN ROASTING COMPANY: What a bomb website! Blogs, coffee, tea, brewing stuff… Clickity-click-click!
Of course, this is just a small sampling of what’s out there. I’ll do another later post on some of my favorite blogs. Get into it!
Cheers! –stephanie
Our Reserve Mocha Java just received a 91 point review from Coffee Review.
Blind Assessment: Aroma and flavor display intense, pungent pine and cedar wood with soft hints of earth, cocoa and grapefruit. Balanced acidity, medium to full body. The flavor characteristics are sustained in the long, dry finish. (Kenneth Davids, Coffee Review, January 2009)
Read the whole review here: http://www.coffeereview.com/review.cfm?ID=2047
You can purchase this coffee here: http://www.bullrunroasting.com/shop/reserve-mocha-java/
Our Ethiopia Amaro just received a 93 point review from Coffee Review.
“Blind Assessment: The edge of fruit ferment typical of this style of dry-processed coffee richly complicates the profile. Sweet cherryish fruit, distinct brandy-like notes and a hint of chocolate in the aroma. In the cup quietly vibrant acidity, full mouthfeel, continued rich brandy and chocolate notes with a suggestion of lemon. All carry into a surprisingly clean, balanced but deep finish.” (Kenneth Davids, Coffee Review, December 2009)
Read the whole review here: http://www.coffeereview.com/review.cfm?ID=2021
You can purchase this coffee here: http://www.bullrunroasting.com/shop/ethiopia-amaro-natural/
*photo by Ninety Plus Coffee
We are so excited about our new reserve coffee labels. We worked with Jeff at http://www.holmbergdesign.com/ on the design of the labels and had them made by Ben & his crew at http://studioonfire.com/ , an amazing letterpress studio here in Minneapolis. They really turned out great and add an extra hands-on touch to a few exceptional coffees that we have. We currently have the Ethiopia Beloya #10 and Rwanda C.O.E. #16 as our Reserve coffee selections.
Here is a link to Studio on Fire’s blog post about the labels: http://www.beastpieces.com/2009/12/reserve-collection-coffee-package-labels/
Here are a few photos of the Letterpress production:
 
 
Eric Faust, at Heavy Table, wrote an article about us and our new coffee bar.
http://heavytable.com/bull-run-roasting-companys-new-cafe/
At Bull Run, we view coffee as a journey. Our goal is to meet people where they are at, and encourage them forward in their journey. For some, it may be learning a new trick for brewing great coffee at home. For others, it’s geeking out about roast profiles on a home roaster. There are so many facets to coffee and so many steps involved from seed to cup. There is so much to learn. One of the great aspects of our industry is it’s collective tone of collaboration. As we set out with our new online and retail presence, it seems only appropriate to acknowledge some of the people who have directly impacted our coffee journey. So from Bull Run, we give a collective thank you to:
Counter Culture, Tracy Allen, Tim Schilling, Rwashoscco and the farmers of Rwanda, Intelligentsia, Sweet Marias, Terroir, Ninety Plus, John Puckett, Ken Davids, SCAA, Marty Curtis, Cup of Excellence, Metropolis, Aleco Chigounis, Emily Naber Spende, Carlos Palacios, Cafe Imports, Francisco Mena, Gina Palandri, Brent Ringate, and Andrew Kopplin.
We also have a very special thank you to AJ and Kevin at GoKart, Jeff at Holmberg Design, Marianne – our tea journey guide, and the whole crew at Bull Run for contributing so much to this site.
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