Chilmark Coffee Company: Martha’s Personal Coffee Roaster
Everyone loves a good cup of coffee, but not everyone has had an amazing one. I’m not talking about the Star to your Bucks, or the stuff “America Runs On” I’m talking about having a hot cup of the best in-season, fair trade coffee from some of best plantations in the world. I’m talking about Chilmark Coffee Company on Martha’s Vineyard.
It all started with Todd Christy. Raised in rural Virginia, Todd had the opportunity to study in a prestigious college in Pennsylvania, where his roommate introduced him to great coffee due to the fact that his mother had a stand at the farmer’s market and sold the coffee that introduced Todd to this world.
“The nearly 30 year obsession with coffee is my college roommate’s fault. I blame him for exposing me to very good coffee during our developmental years masquerading as college. My college roommate’s mother had a stand in the Lancaster farmers market that sold nuts and coffees and tea amidst Amish vegetables and some of the freshest foods I have ever seen.” -Todd
While in Pennsylvania in 1987, he met his girlfriend Jennifer, a native to Martha’s Vineyard. Chris started visiting her on Martha’s Vineyard and fell in love with both the island and the girl. They got married in 1991 and June 29th of this year will be their 20th anniversary. On the Vineyard, the Christy’s wanted a life of simplicity, a life that they enjoyed all while meeting their basic necessities and that of their children. Todd is an avid bike rider and every summer rides with friends. One of these bike rides, the idea came to them.
“I ride bikes with Chris Fisher, a very talented young chef on a daily basis during the summer months. We sample many small batch roasted coffees at 5 am every day, many from famous niche roasters. He realized I just needed to make a few extra dollars a week to pay all my bills for a family of five and suggested I learn to roast, so I did!”
Todd explains to me his dedication to learning everything he can about mélange coffee roasting, “which involves roasting the same coffee bean at two different levels and then combining those. This allows all the slight variations of that bean to be tasted in each brew.” His passion can be sensed through his words; this is a man that lives for coffee.
Being able to taste coffee flavors, whether you drink your coffee black or with cream and sugar (as Todd does) is what it’s all about. It’s about enjoying a locally roasted bean, that’s processed with intense love by someone so passionate about this craft.
Not much of a coffee drinker yourself but would love to explore the world of Café? Todd suggests trying different coffees: dark and light roasts; low and high grown beans; island and continental. It’s all about trying to find that one cup that you love. It’s all about learning to explore flavors, sensations and styles.
Last thoughts on where Chilmark Coffee is headed and what Todd wishes to see on MV and Islands:
“I hope to create a demand that allows me to roast great coffee for all to enjoy locally; to run a business that earns respect for the process and the product… I also love what I’m seeing on MV: more young people taking an interest in their food and island and stepping up to make better choices; better food… We’re getting there… I want to be a part of that solution.”
Todd lives in Chilmark, MA with his wife Jennifer, his three children Dashiell, Eloise and Adrienne and an 18-pound cat named Zeph. You can purchase Chilmark Coffee at Beetlebung Farm in Chilmark, run by Chris Fisher, Todd’s best friend. Chris Fischer has cooked in Boston, New York and Italy. His grandparents are 94 and 96 and still tend to the farm every day.
Chilmark’s Coffee Company Tips on Brewing
- Weigh your coffee and water because knowing the ratio of it will consistently deliver the same great flavor. (Todd uses about an ounce of whole bean coffee for 6-8 ounces of water).
- Brew freshly ground coffee and try to purchase beans that have a “Roasted On” date on the bag.
Contact Information:
Todd Christy
Chilmark Coffee Co.
12 Lagemann Lane,Chilmark, MA 02535
Phone Number: 508-560-1061
Email: chilmarkcoffeeco@gmail.com
Twitter: @ChilmarkCoffee
Beetlebung Farm
Chris Fisher
410 Middle Rd, Chilmark, MA 02535
508-645-2280
