Highlander Grogg
A popular flavored coffee that is frequently described by customers as the best coffee they have ever tasted.
Original roaster or listing source US Brand Directory
Rapid City, South Dakota, South Dakota · Specialty Coffee Brand Deep Dive
Black Hills Coffee Company
IndependentRoasts its own coffeeSourcing: Limited public info
Visit Black Hills Coffee Company's site Black Hills Coffee Company is a long-standing specialty coffee roaster based in Rapid City, South Dakota, that has served the region for three decades. Founded in 1995, the company evolved from a small garage-based operation into a recognized local brand known for its commitment to quality roasting and community connection. They offer a diverse range of products, including signature flavored coffees, presidential-themed blends, and traditional espresso roasts. The brand emphasizes a connection to the local Black Hills landscape and maintains a strong presence in the regional coffee market.
Ownership
The company is independent and was founded by Jim DeForrest. In March 2024, ownership transitioned to Nick Van Dyne and Patrick Schuster, who continue to operate the business as a local entity.
Founded
1995
Roasting
Reported to roast in-house.
What it's known for
Black Hills Coffee Company is known for its long-standing presence in the Rapid City coffee scene and its signature flavored coffee blends, such as Highlander Grogg.
Farm-level sourcing
The brand does not publicly disclose specific farm, farmer, or washing station information for its coffee offerings. Their product line consists of a mix of house blends, flavored coffees, and various roasts.
Notable coffees
- — Highlander Grogg
- — Abe's Blend
- — Jefferson's Blend
- — Black Hills Gold Espresso
- — Pejuta Sapa (Black Medicine)
- — Roosevelt's Blend
Documented coffee offerings
Coffees researched from Black Hills Coffee Company
These are examples recorded during editorial research. They are not a live product feed. The coffee, lot, price, and availability may have changed. We have not necessarily brewed these coffees ourselves.
Jefferson's Blend
A signature blend that is highly regarded by repeat customers for its smooth and delicious flavor profile.
Original roaster or listing sourceHouse Blend
A reliable daily drinker that customers frequently order on recurring subscription cycles.
Original roaster or listing sourceCoconut Caramel Crunch
A flavored coffee offering noted by customers for its enjoyable and fun taste profile.
Original roaster or listing sourceSpiced Almond Toffee
A flavored coffee selection that is highlighted by customers as a delicious and gift-worthy option.
Original roaster or listing sourceExternal customer, cafe, marketplace, and class ratings are not comparable measures of the quality of an individual coffee. We do not convert them into original tasting scores or brand-wide star ratings. Our independent reviews are published separately after a coffee has actually been brewed and evaluated.
Verify original product sources
Retailer information: Black Hills Coffee Company
Documented physical retailers
Historical source note (not live inventory): Carries the brand's coffee products in Rapid City.
Physical
Historical source note (not live inventory): Stocks the brand's whole bean coffee.
Physical
Historical source note (not live inventory): Retail location in Rapid City that sells the brand's coffee.
Physical
Historical source note (not live inventory): Local retailer carrying the brand's coffee.
Physical
Historical source note (not live inventory): Retailer located in Badlands National Park that sells the brand's coffee.
Physical
Historical source note (not live inventory): Retailer in Hill City that carries the brand's coffee.
Physical
Documented online sources
Historical source note (not live inventory): The brand's official website offering their full range of coffee products for direct purchase.
Website
I verified the brand's primary online store and several physical retail partners in South Dakota through the company's official FAQ page and local news reporting; other locations listed on their FAQ (such as Aqua and Acre or Bashful Bison) were identified but not included due to the 8-item limit.
These references come from public store locators, retailer listings and brand materials. Last checked Nov 1, 2026. They are research links, not proof of current stock or a buying recommendation. Verify availability, price and location directly with the source.
In the news
Recent news and media coverage about Black Hills Coffee Company, as documented by outside outlets. We link to the original reporting and do not rewrite or endorse it.
2025-03-28 · Elevate Rapid City
Black Hills Coffee Company Celebrates 30 Years of Roasting and Community Connection Black Hills Coffee Company marked its 30th anniversary in 2025, highlighting its evolution from a small garage-based roasting operation to a established local brand. The article notes the company's continued commitment to wholesale and retail customers under the leadership of new owners Nick Van Dyne and Patrick Schuster.
Sources used in this deep dive
- https://www.blackhillscoffee.com/pages/faqs
- https://www.blackhillscoffee.com/collections/all-coffee-products
- https://www.elevaterapidcity.com/news/2025/03/28/investor-spotlights/black-hills-coffee-company-celebrates-30-years-of-roasting-and-community-connection
- https://blackhillscoffee.com/
- https://blackhillscoffee.com/collections/all-coffee-products
- https://joe.coffee/locations/sd/rapid-city/black-hills-coffee-company-rapid-city
- https://blackhillscoffee.com/pages/about
- https://mycoffeeexplorer.com/guides/rapid-city-sd
- https://www.blackhillscoffee.com/pages/about
- https://www.elevaterapidcity.com/news/2025/03/28/investor-spotlights/black-hills
- https://linkedin.com/in/nick-van-dyne-481668256
Research disclosure — this profile was compiled from public online sources on 2026-10-03. This company overview is not a tasting review. Original tasting reviews are labeled separately when they exist. Ownership, roasting and sourcing details are attributed to documented sources. I could not verify specific sourcing countries or formal philanthropy programs through the brand's official website or reliable public documentation.