Interview with Conor Conway, Co-founder of Epoch Chemistry
Why did you decide to offer these unique coffee tasting experiences?
When opening our business in Moncton in 2020, we quickly realized that we were going to have to do more than just offer great coffee; we had to educate our community about what quality transparent coffee tastes like. Traditionally, coffee experiences and education are centered around cupping. We wanted to take the approach of entertainment combined with experience and hospitality to make everyone feel included, excited, and meet them where they’re at with their journey.
What is the preparation and experimentation process like for these events?
Our tasting experience was developed over four and a half years of research and development focused on bringing the most exciting experiences we can. We have to consider things like timing, caffeine, and purpose of each section while making sure people feel safe and comfortable to leave pre-existing ideas at the door. We believe in the “IKEA effect”; we want people to brew, touch, and interact with the experience so they feel a sense of ownership over their coffee journey. We also love to create theatrical beverages that take quite a bit of work—trust me, I’m the one who drinks all the bad versions! The result ends up being one of the most unique coffee presentations you can enjoy.
How has the reception been? Are there any differences between Moncton and Toronto?
We are extremely grateful for the reception we have received. Since December of 2019, we have done tastings for over 9000 people. When we did it in Toronto, I was quite nervous to be in a different space and city, but we were so surprised and grateful for the support and excitement we received. It was a real proof-of-concept moment that this type of coffee experience is one anyone can be a part of and enjoy.
How would you recommend people create their own specialty beverage or coffee tasting experience at home?
First off, reach out to us. We are so passionate about growing the specialty market to the levels we know it can be. For drinks, we take a lot of inspiration from cocktails and culinary experiences, but most importantly authentic recollections of memory. For example, one of the drinks that I displayed in Toronto was inspired by a camping trip I had taken with my kids that involved fire-burnt apple pie. We have a database and library of books, magazines and personal connections that has really inspired our signature beverages.
What have you learned from creating these experiences?
That everyone has the ability and capacity to enjoy coffee, no one is a bad taster. Your preferences are not wrong, you just might not have had the experience to try something new. Coffee is the affordable luxury of the future and we feel so honoured to present the hard work of our producers and everyone on the supply chain.
Karen Duong
Want to try three new coffees every month?
Take our quiz and you’ll receive three new coffees from three new Canadian roasters, freshly roasted just for you!
Change your profile, upgrade or downgrade your sizing, skip a shipment or cancel at any time.
