Aerís Roasting Co

Aerís Roasting Co is a family-owned micro-roastery located in Iroquois, South Dakota. Founded in 2015 by brothers Shawn and Brandon Ensz, the company emerged from a home-based experiment using an air popcorn popper to test the viability of fresh-roasted coffee. Following the success of these initial trials, the brothers transitioned to a 6-pound air roaster, which allowed for increased production capacity and greater control over roast profiles while maintaining a small-batch focus.

The company operates on a roast-to-order model, a deliberate strategy designed to avoid the distribution of stale coffee often associated with large-scale warehouse storage. By roasting only after an order is placed, the roastery emphasizes the importance of freshness in the final cup. This operational philosophy extends to their customer-facing interactions, where the founders manage the sourcing, roasting, and direct communication with their clientele.

Aerís Roasting Co sources a variety of specialty-grade green coffees from diverse origins, including Costa Rica, Ethiopia, Peru, and Honduras. Their product catalog is categorized into 'Everyday' selections for daily consumption and 'Specialty' lots, which feature premium, limited-availability beans. The company also maintains a sister brand, Aerís Signature, which offers customizable subscription models and specific lot sizes to accommodate different consumer preferences.

Beyond its e-commerce presence, the company maintains a physical roastery and espresso bar in Iroquois. This location serves as a community hub, offering nitro cold brew, kombucha, and espresso-based beverages. The roastery has gained recognition for its accessibility and hospitality, often serving as a destination for visitors in the region who seek a specialty coffee experience in a rural setting.

The brothers maintain a transparent approach to their business, often detailing their roasting schedule and lot sizes to customers. By keeping their operations lean and focused on direct-to-consumer sales, they aim to provide high-quality coffee at competitive price points. This model reflects a commitment to the 'third wave' coffee movement, which prioritizes the origin, processing method, and roast quality of the bean.

Today, Aerís Roasting Co continues to operate as a small-scale, family-run enterprise. Their growth is characterized by a steady expansion of their roasting capabilities and a focus on maintaining personal relationships with their customers. The company remains a notable example of how specialty coffee culture can be cultivated and sustained in smaller, non-urban markets through a combination of technical precision and direct engagement.