Ask the Roaster - Josh from Kickback Coffee

 

How was the Roastery founded, what was the inspiration?

The Roastery was created by a hobby getting too expensive for Alex. He originally started with a popcorn machine in his kitchen, after learning about roasting coffee from a visit to 200 degrees in Nottingham around 10 years ago. Since then, we have moved into our Roastery on the Brickworks in Pott Shrigley, Cheshire. It’s an incredible location for our adventurous customers as it’s one of of the most popular cycle routes in the North West. Not only that, it has some stunning views of the Peak District, making it a pretty cool place to call the office.

What's your favourite part about working at the Roastery?

My favourite part has to be being able to select the coffee we have on offer. Being able to profile an array of different coffee’s from so many amazing origins is pretty cool. But along with our offerings, it’s the customers when they walk in being able to see one of the final steps in the journey. When people walk into a roastery for the first time and ask if the roaster is a big grinder is always a great conversation starter about who we are and what we do.

What's your proudest accomplishment?

Except becoming a father to my little girl. I have two.

The Brewing Marathon was and is still something I get asked about a lot. Being able to bring 48 coffee professionals from all over the world live on Instagram for 24 hours to talk and raise money for three amazing producers who had struggled with disasters and Covid. But the way the coffee community got together in support for this was something I’ll always be proud of.

The next one is more of a personal triumph. During lockdown 1, I started running everyday. So I May 2021, I decided to raise money for Cancer Research UK by running 200 miles in May. I lost my mum on May 29th 2016 to Cancer and it was a nice way to try and raise money in the fight to stop Cancer.

What's your favourite place to enjoy a coffee, and what coffee would that be?

I don’t think you can beat brewing coffee outdoors. There is a lake near me which is just the best place on the planet. I have a little travel kit which is use. Orea brewer, hand grinder, little jug with a gooseneck spout and a bottle of hot water. So I’d usually bring a coffee that is good for filter.

What three words best describe your Roastery?

Rural - Rustic - Fun.

What is your favourite snack or treat to have to accompany your coffee?

Nothing will ever beat Chips Ahoy. If you don’t know what they are, you have been missing out.

What would you drink if there was no coffee?

I’d like to think it would be tea as you can just as easily fall into that rabbit hole. But other than coffee currently, I just drink water and the odd diet coke.

What is your favourite tasting notes to find in coffee?

Mango. The first time I had specialty coffee, it was nice and i could tell it was better than the chains. But 2019, I did a coffee swap with Lewis Tanner and he sent me a Natural Ethiopia Bale Mountain. That was and probably still is the best coffee i’ve ever had. I just blew my mind. Tasted like Mango and Cola Bottles. That coffee opened the door for me to want to continue exploring coffee.

Where would you recommend for food and drink in your local area?

I’m not a vegan but Herbivorous in Withington is some of the best food i’ve had. That’s about 25 minutes from the roastery. A more local place for me is Hawarden Estate Farm. I love this place. And Shrub in Chester. Blanchflower in Altrincham is where I used to work and the food there is amazing. Detailer in Knutsford do amazing Cinnamon Buns!

Finally, what Dog & Hat combination would you choose?

German Shepard wearing a baseball cap. When my little girl was born, I put my hat on my dog and it was one of the first times she did a little laugh.