During these incredibly strange and brutal days, there’s a temptation to imagine we’re simply weathering something. That if we can hang in there, and for long enough, we’ll get to resume life as usual.
But, “This isn’t a temporary disruption,” the MIT Technology Review shared recently, offering a stark reality check. “It’s the start of a completely different way of life.”
The reality we’ll eventually emerge into is unclear. So much is unclear right now. To the hundreds and hundreds of businesses we work with — businesses of every size and philosophy and location — the best advice we can offer is: Focus on what’s working and minimize your risk.
In large part, over the weeks ahead, the latter will mean buying spot coffee.
In nearly every instance, our spot coffees are selected from lineups of options by our incredible QC teams and our partners in each origin country. Together, pre-shipment samples are cupped and approved; arrival samples are cupped and approved. And for roasters, a dozen other variables — from whether the producer can deliver, to whether the mills can function or the port workers are on the job or the shipping lines can function — are removed.
An enormous variety of coffees are here and fresh. We know exactly how they taste. Most are in Grain Pro or similar quality-sealing materials. The pricing is clear. And you can save your energy for the things that truly need your attention right now.
Variety is also not an issue. Our inventory runs from regional coffees; to producer-, estate- and co-op–traceable coffees; to microlots — like the limited number of Forca Café–winning coffees that arrived this week.
If it’s daunting to click on Colombia and decide between a Macizo del Guarapas and a Finca Palmichal, please just ask. Every trader is familiar with our inventory, can speak to the differences — and may have even been to the farm or region you’re wondering about. If you don’t already have a trader, email traders.iacus@nkg.coffee and someone will be in touch right away.
These are uncertain times, in which no one can know what the next few weeks or months will look like. So please. Keep drinking good coffee. Be safe. Be wise. And order spot. •
