What is your roastery’s story/ where did it all begin?
We’re on a never-ending quest for specialty, ethically sourced beans that we can prepare and roast for the ultimate cup. That’s because Gavin Gam, Black Drum Roasters CEO, is, first and foremost, a coffee snob.
Gavin opened Rose Bay’s Espresso on Dover in the early-’90s, and it instantly became a favourite among locals. However, he soon realised that it was nearly impossible for him to find coffee that met his exceptionally high standard of sustainably sourced specialty beans from his coffee supplier, which set him on a global quest for the perfect beans.
Gavin travelled the world, and along the way, savoured sweet Ethiopian beans, tasted the richness of Kenyan soil and delighted in the smoothness of Brazilian beans.
This search led him to Aroma Coffee Roastery in 1998, where he built a strong team of coffee elitists who shared in his pursuit.
Off the back of Aroma’s success, Gavin and his team desired to expand their footprint and allow more people to go where they hadn’t gone before – tasting beans from all over the world. This transpired to the acquisition of Black Drum Roasters in 2020.
None of this would be possible without the high-performing production, quality, and sales team. Each team member reflects the strength, passion, and innovation of the coffee produced. Our staff are determined to grow and harness their craft, which is the key to ensuring Black Drum Roasters consistently delivers harmonious blends and single origins.
When did you start/date founded?
We acquired Aroma Coffee in 1998 and Black Drum Roasters in January 2020.
Who started the business/roastery?
We acquired the businesses from various entrepreneurs. Gavin and the team have implemented several changes to make the companies run more efficiently and sustainably.
Who is the head roaster?
Gavin Gam is the Master Roaster.
What makes you unique?
To make the finest coffee, you need the highest quality beans.
That’s why, to this day, we traverse the globe to source the perfect beans and connect with our farmers to support them on their sustainability journey. The incredible friendships we’ve formed with our farmers and significant people in the industry over the years has meant that we have access to the finest beans from across the world.
It’s our uncompromising obsession with finding the perfect beans to masterfully roast in-house that defines who we are.
What is your roastery’s ethos?
We work every day to offer an exceptional product based on our ethos of transparency, growth, respect, and passion.
Where is your roastery heading/ plans for the future?
We’re committed to creating an even greener future, and we are getting there by supporting our farmers and reducing plastic. We invest in the communities we work with and trade directly with them to ensure that they are well-treated and that our coffee is ethically sourced and made with love.
Why are you passionate about the coffee industry?
While our quest is built on sourcing the most exceptional beans, it’s the relationships we’ve made along the way that keeps us tapping along. We’ve fostered strong friendships with everyone on our coffee journey – from the coffee farmer in Ethiopia to the local coffee drinker in Sydney.
To us, it’s the incredible people we’ve connected with around the world that makes the industry so special.
Any coffee competition wins?
We won the Roaster of the Year Award in 2014 and 2015 and have won multiple silver and bronze awards since.
Gavin was also honoured to be an international judge for the Best of Panama competition in 2019.
Any special roasting technology you are using?
We have a beautiful vintage Probat roasting machine that we have refurbished to include all the modern bells and whistles.
This week on the Beanhunter Coffee Club you will be drinking…
Guji Uraga
If you like your coffee sweet, juicy and fruity, Uraga is the one for you.
This grade 1 Ethiopian single origin has been naturally hand-picked and sorted, boasting flavour notes of blueberry, complemented perfectly by silky smooth dark chocolate. It’s rounded off flawlessly with a delicate honey finish.
Flavour Notes: blueberry jam and dark chocolate, with a drizzle of honey.
Origin: Ethiopia.
6Eight
6Eight is a complex and full-bodied coffee with exotic chocolates, deep stone fruit and smooth nutty flavours. 6Eight boasts a velvety mouthfeel and is an outstanding all-rounder, performing well in a broad range of beverages, everything from your dark, strong black coffee to one that’s sweet and milk-based.
Flavour Notes: dark chocolate and stewed red plum with roasted walnuts.
Origins: East Africa, Central America and South America.
Any famous last words?
Let’s make the world better with every cup!
We hope you enjoy this week’s cup. The Beanhunter Coffee Club is the best way to discover amazing coffee – join today!