Free local delivery in Grayslake Great prices and no driving!! Subscriptions-NEW
We are...
...a small, local shop that provides...
Micro-batch, hand-roasted and hand-packed, single origin and house blend coffees.
Who we are and what we do...
Some history. Our philosophy. Relationships. Grayslake Focus.
History
Some of you know us, we are Tom and Krista Bean (no coffee pun) and we've been living and raising kids here in Grayslake
for the past 25 (yikes!) years. Krista is a former teacher, now working in curriculum development. I'm a retired
educator of 45 years, having taught for 13 years, school administrator for 15 years, school district HR for 17 years,
and retiring in 2022. During that time we have greatly enjoyed life here in Grayslake, a wonderful small town, and
have seen it grow into a vibrant area with lots of opportunities for families.
In 2016 Krista gave me a coffee subscription as a gift and we started enjoying a lot of coffee from
around the world. Being naturally curious, I wondered how we could 'ramp up' that experience by roasting
here at home. Enter the popcorn popper and a 1-pound bag of green beans ordered online. Presto, drinkable coffee!
From there a dedicated 'fluid bed' roaster, followed by an electric drum roaster with integrated software for data logging and profile development. And now, a gas powered drum roaster that offers all of the control necessary to 'tweak' profiles, to bring out the best flavors within the bean.
With a retirement goal of providing fresh coffee to coffee lovers, family and friends, enter 1951 Roasters LLC.
Philosophy
Staying small, on purpose. Word-of-mouth works just fine.
We have no need to compete with larger operations. I'm retired and enjoy some flexibility with my schedule.
My goal for everyone is fresh coffee; roasted on demand; packaged and delivered locally.
Relationships
Coffee can be a very personal experience. My goal is to work with each of you individually, find out what your coffee likes/dislikes are, a flavor profile and roast degree that makes you happy, and then provide that experience by way of roasting specifically for you. End goal: really good coffee that brings you happiness.
Grayslake Focus
As previously stated, we like it here in Grayslake. We think this is a great community to live, work and grow. We have enjoyed and appreciate the growth and energy in the downtown area. We've met and become friends with a lot of you, through school or sports, or just being at different local events. The purpose of 1951 Roasters is to provide you with an excellent coffee experience right here in Grayslake.
(That said...we will ship anywhere!)
Roasted on demand. Hand packaged and delivered. For coffee lovers, friends, family.
Pretty simple.
SCA-Certified Roaster
I am a Certified Roaster through training from the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA). I also have SCA training in Green Coffee Evaluation and Sensory Skills.
Get Started and Ordering
You may notice that this site is not "e-commerced". Ordering is a process of finding out exactly what you want via conversation (email, text, phone, etc...). Payment is handled according to the options at the bottom of this page. Apologies if that seems a bit cumbersome, but it goes to the importance of personal relationships.
To get our coffee conversation stared, use the "Contact Us" link at the top or bottom. Once received I'll get in touch to learn more about your preferences. Your coffee experience is about to get a lot better!
NOTE: Shipping...when requested or necessary
First, all local (Grayslake and nearby) deliveries are free! If we need to ship further, all coffee is shipped via USPS Ground Advantage. Typical 1-pound shipping charge is typically around $7.50, depending on weight and distance, and will be quoted per order. If we need to ship, please provide an address in your email.
Single Origin & Signature Blends
At 1951 we don't keep roasted coffee on hand, waiting to be sold. We roast fresh when you order!
We will roast any single origin to the degree you'd like - light, medium or dark roast.
Stock single origin roast levels are predetermined.
House blend roast levels are also predetermined .
NOTE: Most roasted coffee needs to "rest" and "degas" for a period of time, usually 4 or 5 days, before it reaches peak flavor. Coffee is roasted "as needed" and will be delivered after the rest period.
Or...create your own blend!
If you don't see a blend that you think will suit your taste, try creating your own! Take a look at the in-stock coffee list and associated flavor notes. Select two, decide on blend percentages, and then get in touch. It's that easy!
We can create a 1/2-caff with any origin.
Minimum order of 2 pounds for a custom blend, prices will be quoted based on the beans you've chosen.
Be brave - give it a try!
House regulars
Current Coffee Lineup
Inventory is subject to change without notice, with new greens added from time to time. New organic options to be added, or introduced as replacements, as time/supply permits. NOTE: If, as we discuss your coffee preferences, I don't have something in the lineup to match, I'll order new stock. Your positive coffee experience is my goal! "Flavor Notes" are provided by the supplier or ours from cupping. Your experience may be different based on personal taste variations, grind and brew styles.
** JUST ARRIVED **
Guatemala Huehuetenango
$19-lb • $15-12oz
Region: Huehuetenango; La Libertad
Altitude: 1,200 - 1,500 masl
Process: Wet-milled, sun dried
Notes at a light roast might include: a vibrant, tangy acidity with more delicate fruity and wine-like notes.
Notes at a medium roast night include: baker's chocolate, candied pecans, and a hint of orange citrus. Expect a syrupy body and a clean finish.
Notes at a dark roast level might include: deep cocoa and bittersweet chocolate flavors, perfect for a classic espresso
Nicaragua - Cafe Diego
$17-lb • $13.-12oz
Region: Matagalpa
Altitude: 700-1,000 masl
Notes: Creamy body, caramel sweetness; smooth and aromatic
Matagalpa has been the "Coffee Capital" of Nicaragua since the mid-19th century. The region's high altitude and old shade canopy create a microclimate that slows bean maturation. This slow growth is exactly what develops the dense cellular structure in a specialty-grade Strictly High Grown (SHG) bean.
• Reliable Standards
Brazil Salmo '26 (NEW)
$17-lb • $13.25-12oz
This was one of the regular coffees served at 129 Center Cut here in town!
Flavor notes: Milk chocolate, raisin, cane sugar, roasted peanuts
Region: Cerrado, Minas Gerias
Altitude: 1200 masl
Process: Natural, patio dried
The Cerrado blend soaks up all the delicious flavors of the region. Sun-ripened coffee cherries are left on the branch until bursting with concentrated sugars. Once dried, the cherries are harvested, sorted, and set out on patios to absorb sugar and flavor from the fruit.
Colombia Huila Pitalito El Tiple Supremo
$17-lb • $13.25-12oz
Flavor notes: Bittersweet Chocolate, Nougat, Cherry, Stone Fruit, Mandarin Orange
Region: Pitalito
Altitude: 1,500 - 1,800 masl
Process: Washed
All the coffees in this blend are sourced from small, family-owned farms in Pitalito, grown at altitudes ranging from 1,500 to 1,800 masl. These carefully selected Colombian Supremo green coffee beans showcase the best of what Huila has to offer.
Peru Minca 2026 (FRESH) Organic Certified
$18-lb • $14-12oz
This is a Grade 1 coffee, great as a single origin, roasted for espresso, or used as part of a blend.
Flavor notes: Dark chocolate, brown spice, cane sugar, green tea.
Region: Chanchamayo
Altitude: 1,500 - 2,400 masl
Process: Washed
Note of Interest: Minca refers to a special camaraderie between farmers. During non-harvest periods, groups of neighbors travel from farm to farm, working together until everyone’s needs are met. This idea of caring for the whole - this bond - is known as Minca.
Mexico Chiapas - Organic Certified
$17-lb • $13.25-12oz
Flavor Notes: Chocolate, citrus, lemon
Single origin is "Tequila" a dark roast
Region: Chiapas
Altitude: 900 - 1,100 masl
Process: Washed, patio dried
Arabica coffee from Mexico is traditionally wash processed. With a delightful flavor profile that includes milk chocolate, roasted almond, raisin and citrus. This coffee, with gentle acidity, is a classic example of Chiapas’ agricultural excellence.
Espresso Blend New '26
$17-lb • $13.25-12oz
Ever have an espresso martini at 129 Center Cut? This was the stuff!
Notes: Chocolate, a touch of cranberry, raisin
Country-Region: Brazil and Colombia
Process: Brazil-Natural; Colombia-Washed
Ethiopia Yirgacheffe
$17-lb • $13.25-12oz
Flavor Notes: Green apple, citrus, chocolate, floral
Region: Yirgacheffe, Kochere
Altitude: 1,900 - 2,100 masl
Process: Washed
Ethiopian coffees are some of the best in the world. Washed- process Ethiopian coffees can possess sparkling-bright acidity, with citric fruited suggestions, while sweet spice and florals can dominate the aromatics.
Swiss Water Colombian Decaf -NEW
$18-lb • $14-12oz
Region: Colombia
Altitude: Up to 2,000 masl
Process: Swiss water Decaffeination
Medium roast notes might include a profile of cherry and chocolate with hints of cedar.
A medium-dark level will further develop the chocolatey notes.
The Swiss Water process is an environmentally friendly method that uses only water, temperature, and time to gently remove 99.9% of the caffeine. This preserves the coffee's inherent flavors, so you're starting with a truly premium green bean.
• Signature Blends
Our current house blends. Have an idea of your own? Get in touch and we'll work with you to create a custom blend. One-pound increments only.
• Walking After Midnight (Tom's daily cup) Always available
$18-lb
40% Ethiopia (light) / 60% Mexico (dark)
• K's Special Half-Caf (Krista's fave!) Always available
$18-lb
50% Brazil (Medium) / 50% Colombia Decaf (dark)
• Current Seasonal
Spring / Summer Blend '26
$18-lb • $14-12oz
This blend uses greens from Ethiopia and Brazil. The Ethiopian is light-roasted and the Brazil is a light/medium roast. A great combination and an option for warmer spring and summer weather!
Flavor notes: Citrus and chocolate
Inventory on hand subject to change without notice (but we'll order again soon!)
"Good coffee, roasted just for you, the way you like it. Every time."
1951 Roasters Payment Options
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@Thomas-Bean-42
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Cash
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Our good friend Brandi said, "Cash is King". Local delivery option only.
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