June 2020: Sissiboo Coffee Roaster
Secret Sip Coffee Club could not be more pleased to unveil June’s secret roasting partner. Nestled at the southwest end of the abundant Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia is an artist haven tucked off the beaten path, steeped in a history of boat building and dotted with centuries-old buildings, some perched on stilts. In a valley filled with creeks flowing down to a tidal river and surrounded by the Acadian wilderness is the community of Bear River, alive with the creativity and ingenuity of those who call it home. Add to this the seductive smell of freshly roasted coffee floating through the village and you’ve got the cornerstone to a good life. Sissiboo Coffee Roaster continues to caffeinate its Nova Scotian patrons with incredible coffee.
Inspired by the wildness of the rugged Acadian coastline and forests, the incredible power of the Bay of Fundy and the reminder of constant change that comes with living on a tidal river, a business name was chosen that would reflect this unique corner of the world. The name Sissiboo, said to be an Acadian word meaning “six owls”, refers to a local river system that borders on one of the largest wilderness areas in eastern Canada—an area rich with rivers and lakes and a favorite outdoor destination for their family.
After a fifteen-year love affair with tree planting out west, Jonathan Welch found himself drawn back to the province where he grew up ready to turn his attention to other passions: namely following a connoisseur’s obsession with the perfect cup of coffee and a love for restoring old buildings. The old I.O.O.F hall in Bear River was on the market, just waiting for an entrepreneur with fresh ideas. Fronting the picturesque main street and backing onto the beautiful Harris Brook, Jon felt that this building would be the perfect setting to embark on his family’s new adventure: producing the finest fair-trade organic coffee around while nurturing the visual and musical arts.
Jon and his partner Erin are among those who have made the choice to live rurally, recognizing the beauty of operating on a smaller scale and the rewards of knowing one’s neighbors well. By hosting and supporting local music and art events, they help bring culture to their community. They’re part of a new generation exploring old values of living with a little less, entertaining one’s self a little more and helping cultivate a good life in a small, rural community.
Of course, Jon and Erin know one of the keys to a good life is the luxury of a delicious, freshly roasted cup of coffee. Inspired by the coffee culture of BC, where you find micro-roasters in many small towns, Jon and Erin felt there was space in the Maritimes for another roaster offering premium fair trade organic coffee.
June’s secret roast was an unbelievable single origin from Honduras, from the San Marcos “Cocafelol” region, which brought together a magical peanut and caramel tasting note, wrapped in a delicate and subtle floral and citrus aroma.
“This ‘in tents’ roast leaves behind the everyday grinds and offers a smooth and mellow soulful retreat that will take you deep into the sublime of the Acadian forest. Open yourself to the pure, fresh flavour of this low acid brew that will spark memories of when it was just you and your canoe, the sunrise and your coffee perking on the fire…whether you have been there or not. (We hope you dust off your tent soon.)”
Secret Sip Coffee Club is so pleased to have partnered with Sissiboo Coffee Roaster to bring you this month's secret roast, and what we believe to be, one of Canada’s best coffees. To learn more about Sissiboo Coffee Roaster, check out their website below: