Unveiling Portland’s Rich Coffee Culture: A Journey with Third Wave Coffee Tours
Portland, Oregon, a city renowned for its innovative culinary scene and vibrant arts community, also boasts a thriving coffee culture that’s deeply ingrained in the city’s identity. Growing up in Portland, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee has always been a constant companion. From late-night study sessions in cozy Old Town cafes to early morning pick-me-ups, coffee is more than just a beverage here – it’s a way of life.
If you’re new to Portland, planning a visit, or simply looking to deepen your appreciation for the art of coffee, Third Wave Coffee Tours offers an exceptional way to explore the city’s caffeine-fueled streets. These guided tours provide an immersive experience into the world of artisanal coffee, connecting you with local roasters and showcasing the diverse flavors and brewing techniques that make Portland a coffee lover’s paradise.
Embark on a Portland Coffee Adventure: Third Wave Coffee Tours
Founded by Lora Woodruff, Third Wave Coffee Tours aims to introduce participants to the passionate individuals behind Portland’s thriving coffee scene. More than just a tasting experience, these tours are designed to be educational, delving into various brewing methods, exploring the nuances of single-origin coffees from around the globe, and culminating in a traditional coffee cupping session, a professional tasting method used to evaluate coffee quality.
Recently, I had the pleasure of joining the NW Portland/Pearl District Coffee Tour. This engaging three-hour walking tour took us on a journey through seven distinct coffee destinations, each offering a unique perspective on the art of coffee. Keep in mind that all of Lora’s tours involve walking, so comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate attire are highly recommended.
A Coffee Lover’s Itinerary: Exploring the Stops on the Tour
The Third Wave Coffee Tour offers a curated selection of coffee experiences, each meticulously chosen to highlight the diversity and quality of Portland’s coffee scene. Here’s a glimpse into the stops we visited:
Stop 1: Red E Café – Sustainability and Single-Origin Excellence
Our first stop was Red E Café, a local favorite with two locations, including the one we visited in the EcoTrust building in the Pearl District. Red E Café is more than just a coffee shop; it’s a hub for espresso catering and wholesale coffee sales. We had the opportunity to meet co-owner Keith and savor exquisite single macchiatos in the café’s thoughtfully designed, sustainable space.
Stop 2: Christopher David Design Experience – Coffee Meets Creative Design
A visit to Christopher David is an immersive experience that combines exceptional coffee with stunning design. The space, formerly Sip & Kranz, has been transformed by owners Chris, Cosmin, and Kevin into a multi-sensory haven overlooking Jamison Square Park.
Christopher David is primarily a commercial and residential design firm, but they’ve expanded into floral and event design. Lucky for us, they’ve opened a café where we can enjoy their creativity while sipping on expertly crafted coffee.
Kevin introduced us to the pour-over method using a Chemex, brewing a single-origin coffee that showcased the method’s ability to extract rich, pure flavors.
Stop 3: Sisters Coffee Company – A Family Legacy of Social Responsibility
Our next destination was Sisters Coffee Company, a welcoming café located on the corner of NW 13th and Lovejoy. Founded in 1989 in Sisters, Oregon, by the Durham family, Sisters Coffee Company remains family-owned and committed to social responsibility while serving exceptional coffee.
Wholesale manager Jen guided us through another pour-over demonstration, this time using a Hario V60 to brew a single-origin “Cup of Excellence” Guatemalan coffee. The meticulous four-minute process allowed us to appreciate the distinct notes and complexities of the coffee.
Stop 4: Barista – The Science of Siphon Brewing
We then strolled a few blocks southwest to BARISTA, a small shop situated on the corner of NW 13th and Hoyt. Here, we witnessed the mesmerizing Siphon Brew method, a spectacle reminiscent of a mad scientist’s laboratory. Invented in 1838, the Siphon Brew utilizes 12 ounces of water heated by a 300-watt halogen lamp, completing the brewing process in approximately two minutes. We savored another single-origin coffee, this time an Ethiopian selection from Heart Roasters.
Stop 5: Sterling Coffee Roasters – Award-Winning Hot Chocolate and Coffee History
From BARISTA, we crossed the I-405 overpass to Sterling Coffee Roasters, a charming space on NW 21st that transforms from a coffee shop during the day to a bar at night. Here, we indulged in their award-winning hot chocolate.
It was pure bliss. The hot chocolate had a rich, cocoa flavor. A cup of hot heaven.
We spoke to Anna, co-owner, who shared history of Sterling Coffee Roasters. They have an online store where you can purchase coffee and more.
Stop 6: Local Roasting Company – Shakeratos: A Summer Coffee Delight
Local Roasting Company, our sixth stop, has been roasting beans since 2012. They roast small batches two to three times a week in space on NW Lovejoy.
At Local Roasting Company, we were treated to Shakeratos: a double shot of espresso shaken with raw sugar and ice. This is what I want to drink from now on during the summer. The mix of the raw sugar crystals with the espresso and the cool ice is a fantastic combo.
Final Stop: Nossa Familia – Coffee Cupping: A Sensory Experience
Our last stop on this Portland coffee tour was at Nossa Familia, a family-owned coffee operation run by Augusto Carvalho Dias. His family has been in the coffee business for six generations, starting with their family coffee farm in Brazil in 1890. Nossa Familia is committed to social responsibility in all of its business practices, from start to finish.
Here, we participated in a Cupping, the international standard for coffee tasting, lead by Lead Roaster, Rob.
The coffee is brewed here using the full immersion process. First, you start by smelling the coffee grounds. We each took turns deeply inhaling the different aromas.
Then, Rob immersed the grounds in hot water. While waiting for the coffee to steep, we inhaled the aromas again, noting differences in aromas while the grounds mingled with the hot water (they were minimal for some of the coffees; noticeable for others).
Next, we took turns “breaking” the upper crust layer that formed on each sample with the back of our spoons. Then we took spoonfuls of each and slurped in the liquid. It was interesting to me that one of the flavors I initially did not enjoy the aroma actually tasted much better than it had smelled, but the coffee that I loved from first sniff was also, in the end, still my favorite after being brewed.
The Verdict: A Must-Do for Coffee Enthusiasts
Portland is truly one of the best places to immerse yourself in coffee culture. This tour exceeded my expectations, providing a comprehensive and engaging experience. The three-hour duration flew by, thanks to Lora’s thoughtful curation of stops and the passion of the participating businesses. It was a delightful blend of fun and education.
I particularly appreciated the diversity of information shared, from brewing methods to coffee origins and philosophies. Even as a lifelong Portland resident and coffee drinker, I found the tour to be an eye-opening and enriching experience.
One of the highlights was the opportunity to meet and learn from the owners, managers, roasters, and baristas who pour their hearts into the coffee industry. Their dedication and passion are palpable, something that the average coffee drinker may not fully appreciate when ordering their daily cup. Lora’s own enthusiasm for socially responsible, fair-trade coffee permeates the tour, making it impossible not to share her passion.
Third Wave Coffee Tours would make a fantastic gift for any coffee lover. Consider booking a tour for visiting friends or family, or surprising a co-worker who appreciates a good cup of joe. The Sunday morning Streetcar tours offer a perfect weekend adventure for groups, and the Friday morning city running group tour is a unique and Portland-esque experience.
Book Your Third Wave Portland Coffee Tour Today!
Ready to embark on your own coffee adventure? Visit the Third Wave Coffee Tour website to learn more and book your tour.
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