The Number Nine brought to you by Ambex, Monin and Espresso Supply (RG Retreat 9)

McMenamin’s Lodge, Forest Grove, Oregon some nine years ago… a cadre of committed coffee roasters gets together for a first ever event dedicated to the craft of roasting coffee. This event- The 1st annual Roaster’s Guild Retreat, was historic, a first in number and intention. That intention- expand the knowledge of coffee and coffee roasting. Who can forget roasting in the basement morgue? the ghosts setting off the fire alarm; that first sensory analysis test; cupping with Ken Davids (many of us for the first time); shared bathrooms; and the open discussions on the picnic tables. We learned, made new friends, got very little sleep and began to raise the level of our craft. Most importantly, we made a commitment to ensure that this event and the Roaster’s Guild would continue, driven and inspired by the desire for knowledge, quality and community.

So, on we went… first to Delevan, Wisconsin where the Roaster’s Cup Challenge and the Saturday night bonfire were born; the Certified Specialty concept was put to rest; the defect cupping class (Yuck!); and the family of committed specialty roasters continued building a strong foundation.

The next year found us in, what would become our beloved playground for many years- Sugar Lake Lodge in Minnesota. Roasting outdoors during a Midwest thunderstorm; the Master Roaster program unveiled; Challenge Cup competition grew white hot; contact croquet; The RG Coastal Navy was formed; and roasters cemented their hardest working, hardest playing reputation. 

In 2004 we traded roasting in the land of 10,000 lakes for roasting at 10,000 feet in Keystone, Colorado. Huffing and puffing, roasters learned the challenges of roasting at altitude; how to create a Mocha Java blend; Joseph Rivera’s Organic Acid class; the sub-zero bon-fire; and the future SCAA Director is finally on a winning Challenge Cup team.

For the next 4 years the Roaster’s Guild returned to Sugar Lake, where we welcomed the first Origin Sponsor, competing in the 1st single origin challenge. We enjoyed more sophisticated cuppings; debuted the Thursday beginner classes; the Silent Auction; the Merry Roaster’s Road Trip; the Gorilla Girls scooter trips. Roasted in standing water (boo!) and under a tent (yay!), went on snipe hunts. Got harassed by geriatric security and locked out of the boathouse, the bon-fires now lasting till dawn. 

Now we return to the Great Northwest along the Lewis and Clark trail. Like those trailblazers, roasters are themselves faced with many unknowns: the worst recession in three generations, unavailable or unaffordable credit, a troubled retail sector. When better to learn new things, exchange ideas with peers and help move your craft, your business, your industry forward? Having a little fun in the process.

Your Host Sponsor Team- Ambex Roast and Control; Monin Gourmet Syrups; and Espresso Supply have come together to support your commitment to increasing your knowledge, strengthening the roasting community and roasting better coffee. In keeping with the spirit of Lewis and Clark and the original event pioneers; it’s not dangerous, but who is your next of kin?