On the tail end of Better on Draft’s Dry January, I would like to take the opportunity to introduce you to Steph Mora. She is the energetic force behind Coffee by Steph, a roastery and coffee shop in Grayling’s quaint downtown district. Visitors can discover Coffee by Steph nestled between the Paddle Hard Brewing and Ausable Artisan Village.
Photo Credit – Coffee by Steph
When asked about a recommendation for a French press coffee Steph shared her enthusiasm of the Honduras Finca Deborah Red honey-method processed coffee with the excitement of a child on Christmas morning. Steph shared that when the coffee beans are being washed, the outer skin is removed while allowing some of the sticky fruit residue to remain to concentrate its sweetness as the beans dry. Further along in processing, the beans are further cleaned after the fruit has imparted subtle tart fruit and brandy note into the beans. Through her experimenting with small batches in her air bed roaster, Steph has found a light roast offers the greatest presentation of these particular beans.
After a home grind and four minutes of brewing in my French press, I found this coffee presented a delicate brew with a pillowy mouthfeel, creating an elixir without need of any of my typical coffee additions. It is fruit forward with slight notes of cherry, raspberry, and honeysuckle notes along with a slight citrus zest all while the flavor of soft roasted cacao nibs remain throughout the background.
Having been a frequent visitor to her shop, I have learned more about coffee, roasting, and the economic and environmental impact of fair trade coffee than I could have ever thought to inquire about on my own. For that, I am thankful. Not just a coffee shop, her roastery is the center of her business model. Steph purchases green coffee beans with a focus on supporting organic, fair/direct trade coffee practices. As a woman-owned business, Steph also choose to support other women owner coffee growers and producers whenever possible. As is the case with this featured coffee, which is brought to harvest by a woman who is a former pharmacist in Honduras, who is the current owner of her family coffee farm.
Photo Credit – Coffee by Steph
If you are heading into Northern Michigan along the I-75, US-127, and M-72 corridors, stop by to visit Steph’s shop at 223 Michigan Ave in Grayling. You can visit her website to send in a coffee order to go, to peruse her selection to create a shipment to your home, or sign up for her coffee subscription service.
It’s now time to brew a fresh batch to enjoy, see ya!
– Weasel
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