Brown & Jenkins Coffee Roasters

Brown & Jenkins Coffee Roasters was founded in 1984 by Ken Brown and Carol Jenkins in Burlington, Vermont. Since its inception, the company has operated as a family-owned business, maintaining a focus on small-batch roasting techniques. The brand has transitioned through ownership changes over its four-decade history and is currently operated by its third owners, Sandy and Rich Riggen, who relocated the roasting operations to Jeffersonville, Vermont.

The company’s operational model centers on a direct-to-consumer approach, emphasizing the freshness of its product by roasting beans daily for internet and wholesale orders. This commitment to freshness is a core component of their brand identity, with the roastery shipping products directly to customers across the United States. The business maintains a physical presence in Vermont, including local retail partnerships such as the Vermont Maple Outlet.

Brown & Jenkins utilizes 100% Arabica beans across its product line, which includes a diverse range of single-origin offerings, signature blends, and flavored coffees. Their approach to blending is described as a research-intensive process, where the goal is to create a final product that surpasses the individual characteristics of its component beans. Notable examples of their signature blends include the Vermont Breakfast Blend, Bistro Blend, and Rise & Shine Blend.

Beyond traditional offerings, the company has developed a line of flavored coffees that extend beyond standard profiles like vanilla or hazelnut. One documented example is their 'Mountain Magic' blend, which incorporates a combination of caramel, cinnamon, vanilla, pecan, and rum flavors. They also provide specialized products, such as vacuum-sealed 'Survival Coffee' designed for long-term storage in home freezers.

In terms of sourcing and quality control, the company emphasizes the use of high-grade beans, such as Colombian Supremo, which is noted for its large bean size and consistent flavor profile. Their product descriptions often highlight specific sensory attributes, such as the nut and caramel notes found in their medium-roast Colombian offerings, catering to both coffee connoisseurs and casual drinkers.

The company maintains an educational component through 'The Vermont Coffee Blog,' which serves as a platform for sharing coffee tips, brewing history, and information about their roasting philosophy. This digital presence supports their long-standing mail-order business, which has been a primary channel for the company since its early years in Burlington.

Today, Brown & Jenkins continues to operate as a niche specialty food producer within Vermont. By focusing on small-batch production and a consistent, direct-shipping model, the company has sustained its operations for over 40 years, positioning itself as a legacy brand within the regional Vermont coffee landscape.