BY BTL STAFF
Uncommon Coffee Roasters, a certified LGBT business (LGBTBE) in Saugatuck, Michigan, has launched three new Cold Brew Coffee products with the help of Guernsey Farms Dairy, including one that they call Straight*.
Saugatuck – Since Uncommon Coffee Roasters (UCR) opened in 1994, it has always been known as "the local gay coffee shop" in Saugatuck. Gay and Lesbian youths (and adults) have always found it welcoming and comfortable and have always been greeted by the rainbow flag. UCR has worked with the Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce of Chicago since 2009, becoming officially certified as a LGBT Business Enterprise through the National GLCC in Washington, D.C. in 2012.
UCR has been brewing Cold Brew Coffee for more than 10 years. Instead of pouring hot brewed coffee over ice as many people used to do, Cold Brew Coffee is brewed cold. This brew method uses time (sometimes up to 24 hours) and cold water, rather than heat, to extract the coffee's sugars, oils and caffeine and produces a smooth, less bitter and more refreshing cup.
In the Spring of 2016, UCR and GFD introduced three Cold Brew Coffee products; Cold Brew Coffee Straight*, Cold Brew Coffee with Half & Half, and Cold Brew Coffee with Chocolate. All three flavors have been met with positive feedback from UCR and GFD fans, and reviews have been pouring in with a surprisingly overwhelming response for the Straight* coffee.
Jason from ThirstyDudes.com says, "This is the smoothest coffee I have ever tasted, not to mention the best tasting. I have always loved the way that ground coffee beans smell, and this is the first time I've ever tasted it brewed where the flavor matched that smell."
Not only is the flavor catching attention, the packaging is too. When UCR was in the planning stages of their Cold Brew Coffee, they went through different flavors and names for each carton. They decided that "Cold Brew Coffee" wouldn't be enough. They needed a descriptor that would set them apart from the rest of RTD coffees and fully represent their brand while showcasing their natural and delicious product. That is when someone mentioned the word "straight." Straight coffee made by an LGBT company. Owner, Guy Darienzo, jumped at the idea. Guy has always promoted UCR as a gay-owned business and said this was a perfect opportunity for him to promote the LGBT community and all of the great work done by the NGLCC with an interesting marketing campaign.
