Getting Roasted (Coffee) in the Hudson Valley

Once at a mature age, alarm clocks are no longer needed to get you up in the morning. It could be the aged bladder that wakes you, or the years of repetition the sets your biological clock. If you’re lucky, it’s the aroma of freshly brewed coffee on a programmable machine. That very first cup of morning coffee, indeed, the very first sip even, that can make or break the start of a day. Personally, it is all of the above that gets me going by 5am, but let’s talk about the coffee.

As the daughter of a former Marine, single father, Folgers was the coffee to be found in the house. And it was the instant type, where you just add boiling water. With a bold fragrance, and a frothy top, it will forever remind me of my Dad, and will remain my instant coffee of choice. As I explored other coffee options, and upgraded to drip blends for brewing, Chock-Full-O-Nuts became the young family budget-friendly go-to. Then came the emergence of Keurig machines and k-cups to revolutionize the at-home coffee brewing experience with cup-at-a-time convenience.

Eventually, I moved away from the plastic cups, and found myself spending a decent amount of money on a daily basis for cappuccinos and lattes. At that point, I decided to make a moderate investment into the purchase of the Ninja coffee system. Now, I was able to make a full pot, a cup, a travel size mug, cappuccinos and espressos. I felt like I had “arrived” with this addition to my kitchen. This also began my embarkment on quality coffee selections. Fortunately, the Hudson Valley is chock full of local roasters to source the quintessential cup-o-Joe.

Noble Coffee Roasters can be found on Route 207 in Campbell Hall. Originally founded by Jack Deckaj as Liberty House Coffee, based out of Newburgh, in 1996. In 2002, they moved to where we find them today in rural Orange County, now operated by the founder’s sons, Robert and Paul. A welcoming cafe, and outdoor seating area was incorporated, giving customers an opportunity to gather, converse and compliment their hot beverage selection with a bite to eat. A window gives view to the roasting process for the intrigued. Noble Coffee Roasters is a full service wholesaler, while still offering the individual customers the pleasure of their craft.

Bear Mountain Coffee Roasters can be found on the other side of the Hudson River in Mahopac, NY. Unlike Noble, their facility is not open to the public, and rather, focuses on wholesale distribution. They offer a wide range of beans, flavored coffees, and even a rather extensive organic coffee selection. Although their doors are not open for retail, they can easily be found in local markets, such as Adam’s Fairacre Farms.

One place that has been recommended to me multiple times, but I’ve yet to experience for myself, is Big Mouth Coffee Roasters, located on Main Street of the hip Beacon strip. They do offer a cafe, and are open seven days. It’s a great location to start a day trip of strolling all the wonderful venues that the area has to offer. When I do manage to get myself over there, I will be sure to update you all on my experience.

Finally, we come to my favorite source, Trax Espresso Bar & Coffee Roasters, also based in Beacon, but opposite end of Main Street. Like Noble, they offer a quaint cafe to heighten the experience, and a few bistro tables outdoors for the naturalists and people watchers. I pick up my weekly bag of No Sleep ‘Til Beacon at Adam’s locations, though you can find them at other retailers, too, like DeCicco & Sons. Open seven days, you can order online for pick up, or take advantage of their local same-day delivery from the Beacon or Fishkill location.

To heighten your home coffee experience, make sure you have a good grinder for your whole beans, if you don’t opt to have them ground for you. I have had my grinder for ten years, and still works perfectly, and worth recommending. Although I love my Ninja, I also keep a less expensive, traditional drip brew, primarily for a separate decaf pot when we have company. You can’t go wrong with a Mr. Coffee, which I believe delivers the hottest cup out of any machine.

The Hudson Valley proves itself to be a source of great local shopping and sourcing, with coffee being no exception. If you’re familiar with any of these places, you know this to be true. Be sure to share your local coffee experiences and favorites in the comments!

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