Question 1

Where is Hardhat Coffee Co. coffee roasted?

Accepted Answer

Our coffees are roasted in Southern California in a FDA Registered, FSMA Compliant, and State-Licensed roasting facility that specializes in small-batch specialty-grade production. Each roast is dialed in to ensure fresh, specialty-grade quality.

Question 2

Why does Hardhat Coffee Co. offer two bag colors?

Accepted Answer

Our bag colors reflect both product purpose and philanthropic impact: Black bags (12 oz., 2 lb., and 5 lb.) feature our male logo and fund our Boots & Belts Grant and our General Scholarship Fund - both supporting the broader skilled trades workforce. White bags (12 oz. only) feature our female logo and exclusively fund our Female Workforce Development Scholarship Fund, which supports women pursuing careers in construction and related trades. The color isn’t just for style - it tells a story and backs our mission.

Question 3

What is specialty-grade coffee, and do you sell it?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All Hardhat Coffee Co. offerings are specialty-grade, meaning they score 80+ points on the SCA scale. Specialty coffee represents the top tier of beans, carefully grown, processed, and roasted for flavor and quality. Only ~5–10% of global coffee meets this standard.

Question 4

What types of processing do your coffees undergo?

Accepted Answer

We feature coffees processed through washed, natural, and wet-hulled methods. Each method affects flavor differently: washed coffees tend to be bright and clean, naturals are fruity and sweet, and wet-hulled are rich and earthy.

Question 5

Are Hardhat Coffee Co. coffees organic?

Accepted Answer

All of our single-origin coffees come from certified organic farms. While Hardhat Coffee Co. itself is not yet certified, our sourcing standards meet organic criteria.

Question 6

What bag sizes do you offer?

Accepted Answer

Most coffees are available in 12 oz., 2 lb., and 5 lb. bags. We also offer a Best Sellers Sample Pack with four (4) 2 oz. bags.

Question 7

Do you sell single-origin or blends?

Accepted Answer

Both. Our lineup includes single-origin coffees like Fairtrade Peru, Colombia, Guatemala, and Sumatra, alongside blends such as Day Shift, Swing Shift, Night Shift, 24-Hr. Shift, Blonde, and Cold Brew.

Question 8

Is organic Fairtrade®, is Fairtrade® organic - what's the difference?

Accepted Answer

Organic certifies how the coffee is grown (chemical-free). Fairtrade certifies labor ethics and farmer compensation. Most of our single origin coffees are sourced from organic Fairtrade Certified farms.

Question 9

How does farm elevation affect coffee flavors?

Accepted Answer

Low (<2,500 ft): heavier body, earthy. Mid (2,500-4,500 ft): balanced, sweet. High (>4,500 ft): bright acidity, floral or tea-like. We list elevation when available on each coffee description.

Question 10

How does soil type affect coffee flavors, and where are these soil types found?

Accepted Answer

Soil composition influences how nutrients and minerals are absorbed by the coffee plant, which directly impacts bean density and flavor clarity. Volcanic Soil (e.g., Guatemala, Sumatra): mineral-rich, enhances complexity, brightness, and depth. Clay-heavy Soil: slower drainage, often leads to richer body and deeper chocolate or spice notes. Sandy/Loamy Soil: lighter structure, often contributes to brighter acidity and floral aromatics. Organic-heavy Soil (often in shade-grown systems): balances acidity and sweetness, boosts body and aroma.

Question 11

How should I brew Hardhat Coffee Co. depending on grind size?

Accepted Answer

Coarse grind – best for French press or cold brew. Medium grind – best for drip coffee or pour over. Fine grind – best for espresso.

Question 12

What is the ideal ratio of coffee to water for a light, regular, and strong cup of coffee?

Accepted Answer

We recommend the following brew ratios, measured in grams of coffee per milliliter of water: Light: 1:18 – Clean and mellow, ideal for subtle, complex coffees. Medium: 1:17 – Balanced and smooth, a great starting point. Strong: 1:16 – Fuller-bodied with more intensity, good for cream or milk drinkers. Example (for an 8 oz. cup ≈ 240ml): 1:18 is 13.3g of coffee; 1:17 is 14.1g of coffee; 1:16 is 15g of coffee. Start with 1:17 and adjust based on taste and brew method - finer grinds often require lighter ratios to avoid over-extraction.

Question 13

How fresh is your coffee compared to commercial or grocery store coffee?

Accepted Answer

Our specialty-grade coffee is roasted fresh and shipped quickly. By contrast, many commercial coffees are roasted 6–24 months before sale and blended from multiple sources with little concern for freshness.

Question 14

How much does a cup of Hardhat Coffee Co. cost compared to Starbucks?

Accepted Answer

A cup of Hardhat Coffee Co. costs around $0.50 – $0.70, compared to $2–$3 for Starbucks or other retail coffeehouses.