Rare Breed Coffee

Rare Breed Coffee is a specialty coffee roastery headquartered in Nashua, New Hampshire. Founded in 2001, the company positions itself as a brand designed for consumers with demanding, fast-paced lifestyles, emphasizing a rejection of traditional industry pretension in favor of an approachable, high-energy brand identity. The company is led by President John Resnick, with a core team including VP of Operations Emeran Langmaid, Quality Control lead Rachel Niemi, and Roastmaster Mike Harney.

The roastery operates out of a facility on Pittsburgh Avenue in Nashua. Their production philosophy centers on what they term the 'Fusion Roast' technique. Unlike conventional methods where individual coffee origins are roasted separately and blended post-roast, Rare Breed roasts multiple green coffee origins together in a single, precise pass. The company describes this as a high-risk, high-reward process intended to amplify the natural characteristics of each bean while achieving a consistent flavor profile that remains stable despite seasonal harvest fluctuations.

Sustainability is a central pillar of the company's operational model. Rare Breed Coffee exclusively roasts certified organic coffees and utilizes packaging made from 100% recyclable, post-consumer steel cans. This choice is framed as a commitment to reducing the environmental footprint of the coffee supply chain, ensuring that the pursuit of specialty-grade coffee does not come at the expense of the planet.

Regarding sourcing, the company maintains relationships with global partners who utilize sustainable and ethical production methods. Their catalog features a variety of origins, such as the Poabs Estate in the Nelliyampathy Hills of Kerala, India. By highlighting specific estates and regions, the company attempts to connect the consumer to the agricultural origins of their product, emphasizing the work of local planters and the specific climatic conditions of the growing regions.

The company’s internal culture is characterized by a self-described 'rebellious' and 'unapologetic' tone, targeting what they call 'primal screamers' and 'accidental entrepreneurs.' This branding is reflected in their product naming conventions, such as 'Off Leash' and 'Super Groove,' which prioritize a fun, energetic consumer experience over the traditional, often formal, language of specialty coffee.

Quality control is managed by a dedicated team that oversees the roasting and fulfillment process to ensure that the final product meets their internal standards before reaching the customer. The company offers its coffee in both whole bean and ground formats, catering to various brewing methods including drip, pour-over, French press, AeroPress, and espresso. Through this combination of technical roasting innovation, sustainable packaging, and a distinct brand voice, Rare Breed Coffee seeks to carve out a unique space in the competitive specialty coffee market.