Intelligentsia Coffee is a third wave coffee pioneer and one of the most respected coffee roasters and retailers in the world. Founded in 1995 by Doug Zell and Emily Mange, Intelligentsia is known for its commitment to quality, its focus on single-origin coffees, and its dedication to sustainability.
In this blog post, we will explore the history of Intelligentsia Coffee, its impact on the coffee industry, and its unique approach to coffee roasting and retailing. We will also share some of our favorite Intelligentsia coffees and tips for brewing them at home.
History of Intelligentsia Coffee
Zell and Mange founded Intelligentsia Coffee in Chicago, Illinois, in 1995. They were inspired by the third wave coffee movement, which emphasized the importance of quality, freshness, and transparency in the coffee supply chain.
Intelligentsia quickly gained a reputation for its high-quality coffee and its commitment to social responsibility. The company sources its coffee beans directly from farmers around the world and pays them fair prices. Intelligentsia also supports sustainable coffee farming practices and works to improve the lives of coffee farmers and their communities.
Intelligentsia Coffee’s Impact on the Coffee Industry
Intelligentsia Coffee has played a major role in shaping the third wave coffee movement. The company was one of the first coffee roasters to focus on single-origin coffees and to educate consumers about the different flavors and aromas of coffee from different regions of the world.
Intelligentsia has also been a pioneer in the coffee shop industry. The company’s cafes are known for their minimalist design, their focus on quality coffee, and their knowledgeable baristas.
Intelligentsia Coffee’s Approach to Coffee Roasting and Retailing
Intelligentsia Coffee roasts its coffee beans in small batches to ensure freshness and quality. The company’s roasters are experts in their field and they carefully craft each roast to bring out the unique flavors of each coffee bean.
Intelligentsia sells its coffee beans online and in its cafes. The company also offers a coffee subscription service that delivers fresh coffee beans to customers’ doors on a regular basis.
Our Favorite Intelligentsia Coffees
Here are some of our favorite Intelligentsia coffees:
- Black Cat Espresso: A rich and complex espresso blend that is perfect for lattes and cappuccinos.
- El Diablo: A bold and flavorful espresso blend that is made with coffees from Colombia and Ethiopia.
- Black Cat Pour-Over: A single-origin coffee from Ethiopia that has bright and fruity flavors.
- Guatemala Las Moritas Pacamara: A single-origin coffee from Guatemala that has sweet and floral flavors.
- Kenya Gatagua: A single-origin coffee from Kenya that has bright and citrusy flavors.
Tips for Brewing Intelligentsia Coffee at Home
Here are some tips for brewing Intelligentsia coffee at home:
- Use fresh, cold water.
- Grind your coffee beans just before brewing.
- Use a scale to measure your coffee beans and water.
- Follow the brewing instructions on the coffee bag or website.
- Experiment with different brewing methods to find what you like best.
Conclusion
Intelligentsia Coffee is a third wave coffee pioneer that is known for its commitment to quality, its focus on single-origin coffees, and its dedication to sustainability. The company’s coffees are some of the best in the world and its cafes are a great place to experience the best of coffee culture.
