As I learn more and more about coffee, I have come to appreciate the various groups and organizations which help the public learn more about the drink they enjoy so much. Here in Indianapolis, there's the Indy Coffee Association.
http://indycoffeeassociation.org
Groups like this offer cuppings, barista jams, educational talks, as well as promoting local coffee businesses. Mostly they encourage a thriving coffee culture within a community.
So why is this important? I think the public deserves to know there is more than Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts. Yes, I know they are easy targets, but let's be honest, those companies are not interested in developing a culture and refining specialty coffee like your local roaster or coffee house. Starbucks comes closer in the corporate world than DD. Still it's good when local people come together to promote local businesses, and really roasting and brewing good coffee.
It's also the local roaster that is being innovative and creative with their coffee. Even their roasting failures may taste better than anything you've had from the drive-thru. Am I being unfair to the more corporate coffee companies? Possibly, but the driving force in coffee isn't the big boys, it's the smaller roasters and coffee companies who are leading the way.
Intelligentsia and Stumptown weren't always the companies you know them today. They started small, and in some manner are still acting small. Check out organizations like a local coffee association, but more importantly buy local.
Charlie
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