We at Seattle Gourmet Coffee believe in educating our customers to the best of our ability. The more you know about our product and services, the easier it is for you to order from us and feel confident in referring us to others. Our coffees are served world-wide from homes in Japan to military bases around the world. Our commercial accounts range from drive thru espresso locations in New York to Alaska, and coffee houses and cafes from Indiana to Puerto Rico.

FAQ: Coffee

Q: Where does your coffee come from?

A: Most if not all coffee roasters purchase green beans from brokers or directly from coffee plantations.

Q: What is the difference between Robusta and Arabica coffees?

A: Robusta beans are usually grown at the lower attitudes, while Arabica are grown at the higher elevations and are higher in quality.

Q: What is the difference between espresso coffee and drip coffee?

A: This is a two-part answer. #1-the extraction method, and #2-the characteristics of the drink. Espresso is pushed through the machine under a highly pressurized system, whereas drip coffee is brewed using a gravity drawn method. As for the taste differences. Espresso has a fuller, bolder taste profile, whereas drip has a milder body, and taste.

Q: Can you use espresso beans for drip coffee?

A: Yes, as a matter of fact, those that prefer the fuller tasting coffee generally purchase espresso roasted and grind them for drip brewing.

Q: Will beans stay fresh if you keep them in the refrigerator?

A: As long as you keep beans stored in a cool dry place (before opening), it is not necessary to keep them refrigerated. After opening store in an airtight container.

Q: Does the temperature of the water make a difference?

A: Yes, temperatures vary. Usually, espresso machines get up to approximately 195 degrees from extraction, whereas drip coffee is considerably less. However, water temperatures will depend on the complexity of the equipment, quality, and grind of the coffee.

Q: Is it better to get your coffee in whole bean or ground?

A: That depends on how quickly you plan to brew and drink it. Beans will begin to loose some freshness and taste once they're ground. Whole bean is generally preferred. Grind what you need and store the remaining beans in an airtight container. If you plan to use a majority at one time, then ground coffee is more convenient.

Q: Does packaging really make a difference in maintaining freshness?

A: Yes, solid foil gusted bags with one way valves are the package of choice. This type of packaging keeps the product airtight and protects coffee from light.

Q: What is the shelf life of beans in their packaging?

A: Shelf life depends a lot on the type of roast, and the storage conditions. If stored in cooler temperatures and dryer locations, flavor and freshness will keep longer than if stored in warmer temperatures and with higher humidity.

Q: What is the difference in roasts?

A: There are several types of roasts depending on the flavor profile you're trying to achieve. Names for these specialty roasts differ from roaster to roaster. They may range from American roast (lighter) commonly used when roasting straight single origin coffees to Full City roast (darker) for richer tasting blends.

FAQ: Ordering and Shipping

Q: How long doers it take to get my order?

A: That depends on when you placed the order and the method of shipping you select.

Q: What methods of shipping are available?

A: Currently UPS Ground, UPS Next Day Air, UPS 2nd Day Air, UPS 3 Day Select, and USPS Priority Mail.

Q: What is the process after my order is placed?

A: If you order Monday through Friday, your order is usually processed the same day. If ordered on the weekend, the next available work day. Coffee is roasted and degassed (usually 24 hours). Then shipped per your shipper choice. EXAMPLE: Ordered on Monday morning, roasted and degassed, packaged on Tuesday, then shipped. If UPS is selected shipper, they do not include the day of pick up or weekends as shipping days. Whereas the US Postal Service does count weekends as shipping days.

Q: What is shipping weight and how do you calulate?

A: Your order consists of the weight of the coffee and the shipping material, i.e., the weight of the box, packaging and the coffee.  That is your total shipping weight.

Q: Can I place an order but ship to a different address?

A: Yes, as a matter of fact, many customers order coffees and have them shipped to others as gifts. Our secure shopping cart system will walk you through the procedure.

Q: Can you ship coffee out of the country or to the military?

A: Yes, providing that coffee is not restricted to the country you wish to ship. We urge you to contact either UPS or USPS first before placing your coffee order with us.