Intelligentsia Coffee Roasters was founded in 1995 by Emily Mange and Doug Zell. Over the years they have strived to buy, roast, and serve the finest coffees available. Their attention to detail results in distinctive, award-winning coffees that will please the most discriminating palate.

Intelligentsia’s coffee is roasted in small batches by trained artisan roasters. The company roasts on gas-fired, cast iron, vintage German Ideal Rapid Gothot roasters from the 1950’s, which they shipped in, believing the machines give the coffee a distinctive taste. Green coffee is stored on racks in the company’s warehouse, and includes shipments from countries such as Brazil, Ethiopia, Nicaragua, Yemen, Sumatra and Tanzania, which arrive weekly.

The company’s coffee buyer, Geoff Watts, spends over half his year traveling at source to ensure the quality in the consumer’s cup. Each year Intelligentsia invests at least seven months traveling to our coffee’s source. He visits the farms, rolls up his sleeves, and gets to it. He takes 24-hour redeye flights and 10-hour, high-altitude pick-up rides over serpentine roads.

The Black Cat Espresso Blend is their signature espresso blend, the Black Cat, is not timid. It’s a full, syrupy body and is accompanied by dried fruit, caramel and hints of fresh cherries. The flavors taper into a finish of chocolate that lingers pleasantly on the tongue. Designed specifically for espresso extraction but suitable for drip as well.

Intelligentsia Roasting Works tours (1850 W. Fulton) are offered on the first Saturday of every month. $7 admission includes a half pound bag of coffee, so the tour pretty much pays for itself.

POSTED: Monday, March 24, 2008