This Month's News

New Organic, Fair Trade, and Direct Trade logos

New Organic House Blend

Ekobrew for Keurig and more

Organic Fair Trade

As you already know, we don't push our political correctness but rather focus on the quality of our cup.  However, we have been asked to explain a bit about our Organic and Fair Trade offerings - so here goes.

As one of the first Eco-Roasters in the world, we obviously consider every aspect of the product we roast  - from planting thru harvest to cup.  We are most proud of our Direct Trade relationships that we've cultivated over the years.  You will see in our new labels beginning to appear in a month or so, that we more clearly indicate those coffee farms with which we have had long lasting connections, pay higher premiums to insure higher wages and benefits and continually receive amazing Estate coffees.

Our new labeling will also identify those coffees that are certified as Organically grown as well as those that are also Fair Trade certified.  At any time you could delve into our website to read the complete stories of our coffees.

Direct Trade:  Farmers we have dealt with over a period of time.  We love their coffee and feel a commitment to making their lives and the lives of their workers better.  So, we contract with them early in the preseason, set pricing above standard Fair Trade prices, and let them know the quantities we can use so that they have guaranteed sales.  The extra money goes toward increased wages, sustainable practices and community development.  It could mean a library one year and a better road the next.

Organic:  These coffees are third party certified to insure that no chemicals or pesticides are used in the growing of the beans.  It is a painstaking effort and often means dramatically reduced crops for those farmers committed to the effort.  Most of our organics come from very small family farms or cooperatives.  Our objective is to support sustainability and provide enough income to allow farmers to safely produce a clean product.  In addition, it means that our Eco-Roasting facility is also certified as organic and we are happy to partner with M.O.F.G.A. to provide a paper trail from soil to your door.

Fair Trade:  Transfair is an organization that established a method of identifying coffee communities in need and reaching out to the roasting community to chip in to provide funding to enhance infrastructure efforts as well as provide increased earnings.  They ask that everyone in the loop pay a bit more with those proceeds going to the farmers.  A simple but effective idea.

Not all coffees are alike:  Our primary objective is to first find great coffees.  As you can see from our descriptions on this site, our offerings usually fit into one of the above categories. However, it is important to note that not all farmers who grow organically and sustainably have the resources to become certified as Organic growers.  And not all farmers wish to have their coffees traded through a cooperative as is part of the mission of Fair Traded coffee but rather opt to deal directly with importers or roasters.

What you can be assured of is that whether your favorite coffee is produced by one of our Direct Trade partners, is Organically Grown, or is a Fair Trade certified coffee, that that coffee first meets the stringent test of being an exceptionally great tasting coffee.

New!  Organic House Blend

We know you’ll like this new edition.  We’ve been cupping test samples for several weeks just to get it right.  It’s a unique blend of our Organic Colombian and our Organic Mexican.  We’ve roasted the Organic Mex to a French style roast while keeping the Organic Colombian at what most would call a Full city roast.  The combination highlights the smooth rich body of the Colombian with the cocoa smooth flavor of the Mexican.  



K-cup Alternative

K-Cups are big.  The coffee coming out of them isn’t great and there is a small consumer backlash to the environmental irresponsibility of disposing of hundreds of thousands of these cups each day.  A simple solution for using the Keurig system, getting better coffee, being ecological responsibility and saving money in the process is the Eko-Brew (a reusable brewing cup).  It is nicely package and easy to use.   You can order them with your regular order (no additional shipping charges).  $16.95

 Samplers

5 x 12oz bags  

$45 w/free shipping

Estate Sampler:  Nutty Fisherman, Doka Estate, Pacamara Matagalpa, Organic Breakfast Blend, Organic Exotica

Dark Roast Sampler:  Black Magic, Sheik Yeur Booti, Organic French Roast, Organic Red Sky, Organic Mountain Blend

Your Own Choice Sampler:  Chose Your Own 5

THE FIRST TIME YOU LOG IN AND PLACE AN ORDER FOR 5LBS OR MORE

WE'LL SEND YOU A FREE LB. OF OUR FEATURED ORGANIC GUATEMALAN

Organic Guatemalan Finca Santa Isabel is located in the Department of Santa Rosa, about 60k southeast of Guatemala City.  The highest area of the property is a protected nature reserve where biodiversity and sustainability are key components in the production of Santa Isabel coffee and the preservation of the natural habitat.

Each coffee cherry at Santa Isabel is carefully selected, handpicked and then sorted, guaranteeing a consistent and high quality product.  The majority of this premiere coffee is exported to Asian and European markets with a small amount being imported by a few specialty roasters into the United States.

Altitude: 3885 feet
Variety: Catuai, Bourbon, Caturra
Processing Method: Washed
Grade: Strictly Hard Bean
Species: Arabica
Harvest: November to February

Cup Characteristics: Consistent cup, chocolate, sweet vanilla aroma, slight citrus tones and a smooth body with a floral finish

Local Pick Up

Order on line and your coffee will be ready for Pick Up the next day. 

Monday thru Saturday 9am-7pm     Or by special arrangement call: 288-2552

*check Pick up In-Store...under delivery method 

for each 5lbs order we will add an extra 1lb. free (20% savings) 

Nestled in the heart of Bar Harbor Maine. Benbows Coffee Roaster is dedicated to roasting Fine Estate and Organic Coffees. We express our passion by seeking the finest green coffees and meticulously roasting them to perfection. Our facility is based in environmentally sound practices and provides a bright and comfortable work environment. We support our farmers who work tirelessly to produce the finest sustainable crops and provide better living conditions in their communities. Above all we are committed to providing the best coffee to our extremely loyal customers.