It’s been a while since I’ve done a coffee post, but I’m getting back in the swing of things in 2022. Got some great veteran/LEO/First Responder Owned companies to highlight this year.
In my pursuit of the greatest veteran/first responder-owned coffee, I’ve set out to try as many as I possibly can.
Getting Caffeinated, is my blog series journaling just that, how I get my caffeine fix from the finest men and women on the planet.
Featured for February 2022:
Ballistic Coffee Company
www.ballisticcoffeeco.com
Ballistic Coffee is owned by Daniel McCreary.
Daniel, a US Army Veteran turned Police Officer, started BCC in 2021. Officer Mac, as he’s otherwise known as, understands the importance of a good cup of joe.
Recently BCC has partnered with Stop Soldier Suicide to focus on reducing the military suicide rate by providing confidential, personalized, and innovative care, at NO COST to the client.
The Brew:
Trajectory, Medium Roast
A rustic, sweet, smooth roast that is rich while offering notes of toffee and chocolate.
I like to go for a good medium roast, because i’ve found that’s what suits me best. It’s not light, but it’s not dark either. I prefer a medium roast first thing in the morning, and a dark roast later in the day.
However, I have been known to brew a dark roast in the morning. Just depends. But I like a medium roast that gives me a little of both, so we’ll see how Trajectory stacks up.
Preparation:
I prepared Trajectory in a pour-over first, and a french press the next day (more on that below).
At first impression when you open the bag heavy hints of chocolate and toffee hit your nose hard like a dark roast is expected to. I had to double-check that this was a medium roast because I could have sworn it wasn’t. The aroma was very good!
The blume I got from the roast when the water first hit it was outstanding, and I let it sit for about 45 seconds. Trajectory opened up very well, and continued to pump out a great aroma.
For the french press I adjusted my grinder so I’d have larger grinds to work with. I used water to just cover the grinds at first, letting them blume and open up. Then I filled it up and let it sit with the lid on for a few minutes to steep. Same great aromas out of this process as well!
The Cup:
A dark, but not super dark cup is what my chemex brewed up, and again, the aroma kept teasing me. The first sip was outstanding, and as the coffee aged in the air it only got smoother.
I add a little bit of organic honey after the first sip as a slight sweetener (and to fight off allergies), and this roast only complimented it. For a medium roast that comes off dark, very aromatic, and in your face, it sure was smooth.
Might be my favorite medium roast so far.
The french press was much of the same, only a little more creamy. From what I understand and have witnessed, this is what happens with a french press. I enjoyed this blend both ways, if I’m being totally honest.
Extras:
BCC has a great subscription program that rivals the giant companies, and even comes in slightly cheaper.
Monthly: $14.39 a bag
Weekly: $13.59 a bag
When my shipment came in, it included a note and a wooden Ballistic keychain, which is a nice touch. I like it when companies make an attempt to add a personal connection, and I appreciate them including it in the packaging.
Dan has also been a big supporter of my podcast, and I can’t thank him enough for the additional promotions & shoutouts.
BCC has some great extra merchandise on their website, including the keychain, and you should check it out.
Social:
Do you know of a veteran/LEO/First Responder-owned company that would like to be featured?