Discover the Bold Flavors of Our Mexico Dana Montana Roast: A Coffee Journey from Chiapas to Billings

At Rock Creek Coffee Roasters in Billings, Montana, we take pride in offering some of the best coffee in the region. Today, we want to take you on a journey to Chiapas, Mexico, where one of our favorite roasts—Mexico Dana Montana—originates. This coffee roast is more than just a morning brew; it's a story of heritage, craftsmanship, and environmental consciousness. Let’s dive into what makes this coffee truly special.

The Origins of Mexico Dana Montana

Mexico Dana Montana comes from the southernmost state of Mexico, Chiapas, a region known for its tropical climate and rich history. This area is not only home to ancient Mayan ruins but also to some of the highest quality coffee beans in the world. The unique growing conditions in Chiapas create an ideal environment for cultivating flavorful coffee beans that carry distinct and bold flavors.

Our Dana Montana roast is sourced from a collective of farmers dedicated to sustainable and socially responsible coffee production. These farmers, primarily part of the Movimiento Campesino de Belisario (MOCABE), work together to ensure their coffee is grown with respect for both the land and the people who cultivate it.

The Story Behind the Name

The name Dana Montana is a nod to a coffee trader who spent years sourcing coffee from Mexico and who, like us, has deep ties to Montana. Dana spent much of her life riding horses in Montana, and when she visited Chiapas, the nickname "Dana Montana" stuck, perfectly blending her love for both places. The logo on the coffee bags even features an image of Dana on horseback, a symbol of her connection to both Montana and Mexico.

Sustainable Farming Practices

MOCABE, the farmer collective responsible for much of the coffee in this roast, was established in 1999 with a mission to create social and environmental improvements for coffee farmers in the region. They started with just a small group of farmers but have since grown to over 500 farms. Their focus is not only on producing excellent coffee but also on offering better prices to farmers, reducing environmental impact, and improving the health of their communities.

In addition to MOCABE, another key contributor to the Dana Montana roast is CAFECO, a cooperative of over 260 producers who aim to promote high-quality coffee culture. These farmers focus on organic methods and sustainable farming, which means that every cup of Dana Montana coffee you enjoy supports both the environment and the people who produce it.

The Roasting Process

When the beans arrive at Rock Creek Coffee Roasters in Billings, we take great care in roasting them to perfection. The roasting process is an art form that transforms green coffee beans into the aromatic, flavorful brew you enjoy.

For the Dana Montana roast, we use a washed processing method. This method enhances the bean’s natural flavors, creating a balance of acidity and sweetness. As the beans roast, they change from green to yellow to brown, and finally to almost black, releasing their complex flavors along the way.

The careful control of time and temperature during the roasting process is essential. Longer roasting results in a darker, fuller-bodied coffee, while shorter roasting times preserve more of the bean’s natural brightness and fruitiness. For Dana Montana, we aim for a balance—highlighting its fruity notes while allowing for a rich, full body.

Tasting Notes

Now, let’s get into the flavor profile of Mexico Dana Montana. This coffee is truly a flavor journey, with every sip offering something new. You’ll notice hints of pecan, brown sugar, and maple, accompanied by a subtle fruity note of apple and tangerine. The complex layers of sweetness and acidity make it a perfect coffee for any time of day.

When brewed as an espresso, Dana Montana offers a bright citrus acidity balanced by flavors of hazelnut, maple, and brown sugar. The smooth, creamy body makes it a delightful choice for espresso lovers, while the bright acidity ensures a lively and refreshing finish.

Whether you prefer your coffee black or with milk, you’ll find that Dana Montana adapts beautifully to a variety of brewing methods. Its balanced flavor profile makes it equally enjoyable as a pour-over, French press, or espresso.

The Science Behind the Roast

Roasting coffee is not just about time and temperature; it also involves an understanding of heat transfer. At Rock Creek Coffee Roasters, we use a combination of conduction, convection, and radiation to ensure that each bean roasts evenly.

• Conduction refers to the heat transferred through direct contact between the hot surfaces of the roaster and the beans.
• Convection is the movement of hot air around the beans, ensuring that they are heated evenly from all sides.
• Radiation is heat transferred from the walls of the roaster or the burner flame to the beans.
• By carefully controlling these heat transfer methods, we’re able to produce a roast that highlights the best qualities of the beans, bringing out the flavors that make Dana Montana so unique.

Why You Should Try Dana Montana

If you’re looking for the best coffee in Billings, Dana Montana is a must-try. This roast embodies the spirit of Rock Creek Coffee Roasters—crafted with care, sourced with integrity, and roasted to perfection. Every cup tells a story of the farmers in Chiapas, the journey from bean to brew, and the attention to detail that goes into every roast.

Whether you’re enjoying it as a morning pick-me-up or as an afternoon treat, Dana Montana is a coffee that will transport you to the lush landscapes of Chiapas, all from the comfort of your home or our coffee shop in downtown Billings.

At Rock Creek Coffee Roasters, we’re passionate about bringing high-quality, sustainably sourced coffee to Billings, Montana. Our Mexico Dana Montana roast is a testament to this commitment. From its origins in the tropical hills of Chiapas to the roasters in our shop, this coffee is an experience in every cup.

So, the next time you’re searching for the best coffee in Billings, come by Rock Creek Coffee Roasters and ask for a cup of Dana Montana. You’ll be treated to a complex and flavorful brew that’s as rich in story as it is in taste.

Stop by our shop or visit our website to explore all our offerings. We can’t wait to share this incredible coffee with you!