FAQ

What’s the story behind the name ‘Three Strands Coffee Co.’?

The name Three Strands Coffee Co. is inspired by the biblical
saying, “A cord of three strands is not easily broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12). As
a Christian family, this verse reflects our values of faith, strength, and
unity, serving as a reminder that we are stronger when we stand together.

The name also holds deep personal meaning for our family, as it
symbolizes the bond between our three daughters. Each of them is unique, with
their own talents and strengths, but together they form an unbreakable
connection that is greater than the sum of its parts. This idea of being
stronger together is a core value not only in our family but also in the way we
approach our business, our community, and the relationships we build through
coffee.

At Three Strands Coffee Co., we see coffee as more than a
beverage—it’s a way to bring people together, to create meaningful moments, and
to strengthen the bonds that matter most.

Where do you source your coffee?

At Three Strands Coffee Co., we source our coffee from a trusted
importer that has been building relationships with coffee producers since 1993.
While buying directly from farmers can be a great way to support producers,
it’s often impractical for small-scale roasters like us. Direct trade requires
significant resources to navigate logistics, shipping, and payments across
international borders, which can limit the ability to provide consistent
support to farmers.

By working with an experienced importer, we ensure that the farmers
receive fair compensation for their beans—often more than they would through
direct trade. These importers have the expertise, infrastructure, and
established relationships needed to connect with high-quality farms worldwide,
while also providing ongoing support to producers through training,
certifications, and community initiatives.

This approach allows us to focus on what we do best—roasting exceptional
coffee—while knowing that our sourcing supports ethical and sustainable
practices at origin.

What roast levels should I choose?

The roast level of coffee has a significant impact on its flavor profile
and how it tastes in your cup. Here’s a breakdown of how different roast levels
change the coffee’s character, helping you choose the perfect roast for your
preferences and brewing method:

Light Roast:

Lightly roasted coffee retains more of the beans’ natural flavors,
influenced by their origin, such as fruity, floral, or bright citrus
notes. The acidity tends to be higher, and the body lighter, making it a
great choice for pour-over or drip brewing methods where the nuances can
shine.

Medium Roast:

Medium roasts strike a balance between the coffee’s natural flavors and
the caramelization of sugars that develop during roasting. Expect a fuller
body with a sweeter, smoother profile that may include nutty or chocolatey
undertones. Medium roasts are versatile and pair well with most brewing
methods, including drip, French press, and espresso.

Dark Roast:

Dark roasts highlight the bold, rich flavors that come from the roasting
process itself, such as chocolate, caramel, and smoky notes. Acidity is
lower, and the body is typically heavier. These roasts are ideal for those
who enjoy a strong, robust cup and work beautifully for espresso and
French press brewing.

Each roast level offers a unique experience, and the “right” choice
depends on your flavor preferences and brewing method. At Three Strands
Coffee Co.
, we recommend experimenting with different roasts to discover
your perfect cup.

How do you handle roasting and shipping?

At Three Strands Coffee Co., we roast our coffee fresh every Tuesday and/or Wednesday to ensure you receive the best quality and flavor. Once roasted, orders are shipped or delivered (for those in our free delivery area) on Wednesday and Thursday.

This schedule allows us to get your roasted coffee to you quickly, ensuring it arrives as fresh as possible. We take pride in delivering our products promptly and at their peak.

How should I store my coffee?

To keep your coffee fresh and flavorful, we recommend storing it in an
airtight container in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and heat.
Avoid refrigeration or freezing, as moisture can degrade the quality of the
beans. For best results, grind your coffee just before brewing and enjoy it
within four weeks of the roast date.

Why should I grind my own coffee?

Grinding your own coffee is one of the easiest ways to improve the flavor
of your brew. Whole coffee beans retain their freshness and flavor much longer
than pre-ground coffee. Once coffee is ground, it begins to lose its aromatic
oils and delicate flavors as it’s exposed to air, resulting in a duller, less
vibrant cup over time.

By grinding your coffee just before brewing, you can:

Maximize Freshness: Preserve the full flavor and
aroma of your coffee.

Customize Your Grind: Match the grind size to your
brewing method (e.g., coarse for French press, medium for drip, fine for
espresso) for the best extraction.

Control Your Flavor: Experiment with grind size to
adjust the strength and flavor of your coffee.

At Three Strands Coffee Co., we recommend grinding your beans
right before brewing to get the most out of our carefully roasted coffees.
Invest in a quality burr grinder for consistent results and elevate your coffee
experience with every cup.

Are your coffees certified organic?

Our shop is not certified organic, which means we cannot label or market
any of our coffees as organic—even if they are sourced from farms that hold
organic certifications.

The process of becoming and maintaining organic certification is costly
and complex, both for coffee producers and for shops like ours. While many of
the coffees we offer may use organic practices or even hold certifications
themselves, our lack of certification prevents us from formally labeling any of
our coffees as organic.

It’s also important to note that small-scale coffee farmers often use
traditional, sustainable farming practices out of necessity. Many cannot afford
chemical inputs, so their farming methods naturally align with organic
principles—even without the official certification.

If you’d like to know more about the farming practices behind any of our
coffees, feel free to reach out. We’re happy to share the story behind your
cup.

What is the difference between single-origin and blends?

Single-origin coffees come from a specific country, region, or even a single farm.
These coffees showcase the unique flavors of their origin, influenced by
factors like soil, altitude, and climate. For example, an Ethiopian coffee
might have bright, fruity, and floral notes, while a Sumatran coffee could
offer bold, earthy, and complex flavors. Single-origin coffees are ideal for
those who love exploring the distinct characteristics of different growing
regions.

Blends, on the other hand, combine beans from multiple origins to create a
balanced, consistent flavor profile. Blends are carefully crafted to highlight
complementary flavors, offering a versatile cup that appeals to a broader
audience. For example, our Golden Hour blend combines beans from Mexico,
Peru, and Ethiopia, resulting in a smooth, rich cup with layers of sweetness
and complexity.