At Midwest Dog Coffee we manage our coffees by theme rather than origin or roast level. This is a different approach, but as a small roaster we need the flexibility and variety that it offers us. You see, we buy green (unroasted) coffee beans in small lots, and often the beans available from our supplier changes between lots. While we do our best to keep coffees true to theme (e.g. 316 Roast will always be a sweeter and fruit-forward Ethiopian), you may notice small changes between orders. We find this variation fun and exciting, and we hope that you do too!​
The themes reflect a number of Midwestern values that we were raised with and still hold dear. Read about each theme below to learn both about our coffees, and who we are as a company!
316 Roast
Our flagship product. The reason we started roasting coffee. Our 316 will always be a natural process, Ethiopian single origin.
Origin: Bensa woreda (district). Sidama zone. Ethiopia.
Roast: Light to medium-light
Production: Natural/dry process
​​Notes: Fruit forward, jasmine, mango, tea.
Acidity: Bright
Body: Light
Backstory: The name highlights two things we hold dear. Our kids (most of the time) - two born on the 3rd of the month, and the other on the 16th. It is also the chapter and verse of a favorite Bible passage – John 3:16. We may not love as purely and perfectly as God, but if Midwest Dog Coffee is anything, it is a passion project born out of a love of coffee, our children, neighbors, dogs, family, God, and our Midwestern roots.
15-2 Roast
Fifteen two, fifteen four, and a pair is …. If you instinctively finished that sentence then this is probably your roast.
Origin: Nariño department (municipality). Colombia.
Roast: Medium
Production: Washed/wet process. Organically-grown.
Notes: Nutty, almond, cane sugar, hints of citrus.
Acidity: Bright
Body: Medium
Backstory: This Central or South American origin will vary depending on the exact origin, but will generally have notes of: chocolate, nutty, toffee, and molasses. If you haven’t figured out where the name comes from you need to drive to the nearest store and pick yourself up a cribbage board, because you are missing out on the Midwest’s greatest pastimes. If that store doesn't carry cribbage boards then you need to move. Also popular in the Midwest are Central and South American coffees – Colombian, Costa Rican, and Brazilian are very common. If this is your preference and palette, then the 15-2 is sure to satisfy. Oh, and knobs is seven.
Shady Spot
This high-scoring, organically-grown coffee produces a smooth cup with complex, yet balanced flavors and aromas that are sure to please.
Origin: Gugi region of Ethiopia
Roast: Light to medium-light
Production: Natural/dry process. Organically-grown.
Notes: Delicious. Fruity and aromatic. White Grape, Mango, Papaya, Tea, Lemon
Acidity: Bright
Body: Light
Backstory: For generations farmers have been sowing and reaping, feeding neighbors, and growing families in the Midwest. Farming has evolved over time, but through the change farmers have remained the bedrock of America. Shady Spot is named after the farming practice of growing coffee in the shade to inhibit weeds. While the exact origin may change, Shady Spot will always be high-scoring and organically-grown. Regardless whether a farm is conventional, organic, two acres, 5,000 acres, or anywhere in between, we tip our hat to the hard-working Midwestern farmers who built and sustain our home.
