stories

Brewing Methods
Brewing Methods: Tips and Tricks THIS IS ALL LOREM IPSUM? After origin, processing method is one of the most important pieces of the puzzle when it comes to understanding what’s inside your bag of coffee. There are many different nuances to processing methods, but for our purposes, we’re going to explain the ones you’ll most likely encounter on our shelves. SO, WHAT EXACTLY IS PROCESSING? Coffee beans are not actually beans—they’re seeds of a cherry-like fruit. Processing refers to what happens—at the origin location—to separate the cherry flesh and the... Read more...
FAQ's
FAQ's
FREQUENTLY ASKED Q’s If you have any other questions, reach out at info@boomtowncoffee.com. + Is your coffee Fair-Trade certified? Our coffee may or may not be Fair Trade Certified. That... Read more...
Wholesale
Wholesale
Our philosophy is simple when developing wholesale relationships: we want to enable our wholesale partners to provide the best coffee to their customers in turn. We are excited to work... Read more...
Latte Art
How to Pour Latte Art THIS IS ALL LOREM IPSUM? After origin, processing method is one of the most important pieces of the puzzle when it comes to understanding what’s inside your bag of coffee. There are many different nuances to processing methods, but for our purposes, we’re going to explain the ones you’ll most likely encounter on our shelves. SO, WHAT EXACTLY IS PROCESSING? Coffee beans are not actually beans—they’re seeds of a cherry-like fruit. Processing refers to what happens—at the origin location—to separate the cherry flesh and the... Read more...
Varietals
Reading Your Coffee Bag Part 5: Blend vs. Single Origin The difference between a single origin coffee vs. a coffee blend is pretty simple! Single origin coffees come from one location. Often, this is one farmer’s lot, but we’ll also consider a coffee as single origin if it’s from a cooperative of various farmers within a small geographical area that process their coffee in the same place. These coffees can be special to you for different reasons—you might appreciate tasting the differences between different origins, or you might like that... Read more...
Blend vs. Single Origin
Reading Your Coffee Bag Part 5: Blend vs. Single Origin The difference between a single origin coffee vs. a coffee blend is pretty simple! Single origin coffees come from one location. Often, this is one farmer’s lot, but we’ll also consider a coffee as single origin if it’s from a cooperative of various farmers within a small geographical area that process their coffee in the same place. These coffees can be special to you for different reasons—you might appreciate tasting the differences between different origins, or you might like that... Read more...
Flavor Notes
Reading Your Coffee Bag Part 4: Flavor Notes The flavor notes on our bags are taken from the notes of the roasting team from their cupping forms (learn more about cupping here). If four of the staff tasted peach in the cup, we want to share that on our bag so that our guests (you!) can know what to expect. These flavors come from the actual beans themselves—there are no artificial flavors or additives in our coffees. We try to not include “sensational” tasting notes—a hint of apricot in coffee... Read more...
Roast Level
Reading Your Coffee Bag Part 3: Roast Level Light, Medium Dark. What’s the difference? Whereas parts one and two of this series focused on things that happen at origin, roast level is where Boomtown gets to put its own signature on the coffee supply chain. Roasting coffee is just like cooking. If you’ve never seen it before, “raw” coffee is actually green in color, and smells nothing like the coffee you smell at home (it’s kind of hard to describe, but the closest we can think of is underripe bananas).... Read more...
Processing
Reading Your Coffee Bag Part 2: Process How does processing method affect your cup? After origin, processing method is one of the most important pieces of the puzzle when it comes to understanding what’s inside your bag of coffee. There are many different nuances to processing methods, but for our purposes, we’re going to explain the ones you’ll most likely encounter on our shelves. SO, WHAT EXACTLY IS PROCESSING? Coffee beans are not actually beans—they’re seeds of a cherry-like fruit. Processing refers to what happens—at the origin location—to separate the... Read more...
Coffee Origin
Reading Your Coffee Bag Part 1: Origin Where does the best coffee come from? There are a lot of different pieces of information on your coffee bag. Origin, processing, roast level, flavor notes, blend/single origin, varietals… when you look at a bag, you may be thinking, “What do all these things mean?” And more importantly, “How do these things affect the flavor in the cup?” Great questions! There’s a lot on there, so we wanted to write this series of articles to explain what they mean in simple terms so... Read more...
Our Partnership with World Coffee Research
Our Partnership with World Coffee Research
As some of you might recall, we became 1% for the Planet members back in April 2021. Since then, we’ve donated 1% of all roasted coffee sales to World Coffee... Read more...
Coffee Prices Are Going Up
Coffee Prices Are Going Up
We never approach the decision to increase our prices lightly. We understand how fortunate we are to serve this community, and your continued support for our craft means the absolute... Read more...
Boomtown is a 1% for the Planet Partner. What does that mean?
Boomtown is a 1% for the Planet Partner. What does that mean?
As a 1% for the Planet Partner, Boomtown has committed to donating 1% of all roasted coffee sales to charities in the 1% network. Interested to see who’s in that... Read more...
Of all the things you could drink coffee out of, these are my faves.
Of all the things you could drink coffee out of, these are my faves.
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1500"] Bauscher mug at Boomtown [/caption] I don’t know a lot about ceramics/porcelain. I love the Bauscher mugs we use in the shop, but, for me personally,... Read more...
5/14 Updates: Masks for Sale, Increased Hours, Coffee Food Workers Relief Boxes, Donating Cold Brew
5/14 Updates: Masks for Sale, Increased Hours, Coffee Food Workers Relief Boxes, Donating Cold Brew
Now selling in-store: AirX Coffee Masks We have masks for sale, and they’re made from coffee! These AirX masks are AATCC 100 certified (American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists),... Read more...
Sweet, earthy, tangy, chuggable. Crüd half-gallons are here.
Sweet, earthy, tangy, chuggable. Crüd half-gallons are here.
It's here. Y'all asked and we pulled espresso shots for three hours yesterday to make it happen. Crüd half gallons are IN THE FRIDGE! Until sold out. $40 each. Add... Read more...
This Aeropress attachment is one of our favorite ways to make a strong "espresso-like" drink at home.
This Aeropress attachment is one of our favorite ways to make a strong "espresso-like" drink at home.
Much love from the Boomtown Crü during these social distancing orders. If you have young kids, I’m sure trying new hobbies is the last thing on your mind. If you... Read more...
Four Tips for Making Coffee at Home, Especially if You're New To it During Coronavirus Social Distancing
Four Tips for Making Coffee at Home, Especially if You're New To it During Coronavirus Social Distancing
If you’re anything like me, self-distancing has made certain hobbies much more viable. I’m cooking way harder recipes, I’ve become a dangerously incompetent interior designer, and I’ve lost count at... Read more...
3/26 Update -- Boomtown's open on the patio, and we're still roasting for online!
3/26 Update -- Boomtown's open on the patio, and we're still roasting for online!
Hey y’all, it’s been amazing to see the outpouring of support at the Heights shop—which is now open on the patio! Stay safe and please use your best judgement when... Read more...
Coffee as Comfort
Coffee as Comfort
This virus is a lot. Last week, I wasn’t sure if I was going to have to postpone my April wedding because I was worried my parents wouldn’t be able... Read more...
COVID-19 and Coffee: Boomtown's Response
COVID-19 and Coffee: Boomtown's Response
Given how quickly COVID-19 action and reaction has accelerated in the past week, we’ve wanted to check in with our Boomtown guests and clients. Extra precautions Boomtown takes serious our... Read more...
Even though I love mine, it’s a unitasker: gooseneck kettle alternatives
Even though I love mine, it’s a unitasker: gooseneck kettle alternatives
In my humble opinion, the gooseneck kettle is the prettiest part of any coffee station. Whether it’s the beautiful minimalism of the Fellow Kettle or the Japanese heritage of something... Read more...
Caffeine Crawl 2020
Caffeine Crawl 2020
For the 2020 Houston Caffeine Crawl, we had a chance to show off our new Ethiopian Natural Shantawene as an espresso, Chemex, and iced Chemex. It’s a great experience to... Read more...
Dana Caldera art now showing at Heights
Dana Caldera art now showing at Heights
We’ve got new art on the walls of Heights! Visit Dana Caldera’s website here, and swing by the shop to enjoy the artwork or take a piece home with you!... Read more...
Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony with Yoli Coffee
Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony with Yoli Coffee
Beautiful morning with the women of @yolicoffee. Even though they were our guests, they were so hospitable and welcoming, explaining the process of the coffee ceremony and answering all of... Read more...
Nashville Coffee Champs 2020 Roundup
Nashville Coffee Champs 2020 Roundup
Hey y’all! Chris here, fresh off a weekend in Nashville for the US Coffee Champ Qualifiers to compete in the US Brewers Cup. I presented a washed Ethiopia Sidama from... Read more...
Happy Holidays — Tons of News!
Happy Holidays — Tons of News!
The chestnuts are roasting, the snow is falling, and the coffee is brewing (only two out of those three are probably true in Houston). We’ve got a ton of stuff... Read more...
Pour Over Competition at Giant Leap
Pour Over Competition at Giant Leap
Thanks to the crü at Giant Leap and the Houston Coffee Collective for setting up this competition! Always fun to test barista skills and see the industry come together. Vivian... Read more...
What is Green Coffee (and what does Boomtown do with it)?
What is Green Coffee (and what does Boomtown do with it)?
If you’ve ever been to Boomtown, there’s a chance you’ve seen this graphic: Boomtown is way down there in the bottom third. Coffee touches many hands before it gets to... Read more...
Brewing Night at BlendIn with the World Brewers Champion Du Jianing
Brewing Night at BlendIn with the World Brewers Champion Du Jianing
It’s not everyday you get to meet the world champion. Huge thanks to BlendIn for hosting an amazing brew demo and competition with Du Jianing! She’s the World Brewers Cup... Read more...
Understory Throwdown
Understory Throwdown
Thanks to everyone for coming to hang out at the @understoryhtx throwdown this weekend! Nick from @blendincoffeeclub took first place!-Special thanks to the folks at @skanskausa and @transwestern for a... Read more...
Sofar Sounds Houston came to Boomtown!
Sofar Sounds Houston came to Boomtown!
We hosted Sofar Sounds last night! From their website: What's a Sofar Sounds show? Sofar transforms everyday spaces - like a living room or retail shop - and turns it... Read more...
Where can coffee go from here? Some thoughts on the fourth wave of coffee.
Where can coffee go from here? Some thoughts on the fourth wave of coffee.
Boomtown Heights opened just over seven years ago, quite a few years after the big players that started the “third wave” of coffee (companies like Intelligentsia, Stumptown, Blue Bottle, and... Read more...
Unpopular Coffee Opinion #1: The Clever is better than the Aeropress for traveling
Unpopular Coffee Opinion #1: The Clever is better than the Aeropress for traveling
I love the Aeropress! It’s undoubtedly the most popular brewer for a camping trip or vacation because it’s small, tough, and has markings on the side for easy no-scale brewing.... Read more...
Boomtown Understory is OPEN!
Boomtown Understory is OPEN!
Boomtown Understory is finally open! We're in the new Understory Food Hall at 800 Capitol St in downtown with @flipnpatties, @monaitalianfood, and more coming soon. The space is open to... Read more...
What We Can Learn from Netflix's “The Chef Show”
What We Can Learn from Netflix's “The Chef Show”
Jon Favreau’s new “The Chef Show” on Netflix is good for the soul. “Are we doing, like, a simple syrup? Is that what you call it—when you use half and... Read more...
Reflecting on People + Pages / Coffee
Reflecting on People + Pages / Coffee
This past week, several coffee professionals from around Houston gathered for the first People + Pages / Coffee event to reflect on the Specialty Coffee Association White Paper “Gender Equality... Read more...
How to make an AM margarita!
How to make an AM margarita!
One of our favorites for brunch (but let’s be honest, any time really): Read more...
Second Sunday Revival Recap
Second Sunday Revival Recap
Happy Mother’s Day! We spent the morning at Second Sunday Revival at Market Square Park, serving up Bloody Mary’s to go with amazing weather and the sounds of New Orleans... Read more...
Tea Sip Brew Guide - Hot and Iced Tea
Tea Sip Brew Guide - Hot and Iced Tea
We met up with Tea Sip’s CEO and Founder Jessica Boyd to talk tea! She gave us some tips on the different tea types and how to brew them. You... Read more...
Dialing-in Your Coffee: Going Beyond the Brew Guide
Dialing-in Your Coffee: Going Beyond the Brew Guide
Coffee brewing guides are all over the internet (we’ve been posting several on our Instagram Stories). They're essentially recipes with directions on how to brew a coffee--ingredient amounts, water temperature,... Read more...
Barista Battle: What's a Latte Art Throwdown?
Barista Battle: What's a Latte Art Throwdown?
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1500"] On the count of three, the judges point at their favorite pour [/caption] [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="2048"] A throwdown in pre-renovation Boomtown! Can’t believe I still... Read more...
Specialty Coffee Expo 2019: Boston RECAP
Specialty Coffee Expo 2019: Boston RECAP
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="2500"] The Boston Convention and Exhibition Center [/caption] Every year, thousands of specialty coffee professionals descend on an unsuspecting city (this year it’s Boston) to attend the... Read more...
Best Coffee-Related YouTube Videos
Best Coffee-Related YouTube Videos
Hey y’all. I’m addicted to YouTube. My TV is almost solely used for YouTube Premium (and the occasional HBO subscription for GoT) and I’ve never looked back. I believe that... Read more...
Our Favorite Daily Pour Over Recipe: Printable Kalita Wave Brew Guide
Our Favorite Daily Pour Over Recipe: Printable Kalita Wave Brew Guide
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="2500"] Click to download and print! [/caption] Don’t be intimidated by your pour over! We made this handy dandy, printable recipe card to help guide you through... Read more...
What is cupping? - How We Taste and Grade Coffee
What is cupping? - How We Taste and Grade Coffee
It’s Friday morning at the Boomtown Roastery, and trays of coffee are set out in the lab. There are five cups—well, more like five small, white bowls—per tray. Each tray... Read more...
Reflecting on "Sour Grapes": Could Someone Counterfeit Coffee?
Reflecting on "Sour Grapes": Could Someone Counterfeit Coffee?
There’s a documentary on Netflix called “Sour Grapes” by filmmakers Jerry Rothwell and Reuben Atlas. It tells the fascinating story of Rudy Kurniawan – a man who took the wine... Read more...
New Merch Drop for the Holidays!
New Merch Drop for the Holidays!
On sale now: New logo tees (in a crew, v-neck, and deep v) and camp mug by Miir! Read more...
HTX Coffee Collective Photography Competition
HTX Coffee Collective Photography Competition
Chris from Boomtown here! With the help of the wonderful Ernesto, Mitch, and Hillary, we won HTX Coffee Collective’s photography competition! Here are the photos — warning, they’re pretty fierce!... Read more...
Throwdown at A 2nd Cup
Throwdown at A 2nd Cup
Boomtown client A 2nd Cup held an amazing latte art throwdown last night to raise money for their “Brazen Table” program — they’re teaching survivors of human trafficking coffee, culinary,... Read more...