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coffee philosophy

Roasting technology

Gillies Coffee Company operates a unique specialty coffee facility. The heart of the operation is an environmentally friendly Lilla Model CG-20 S natural gas fired smokeless roasting system with self cleaning and integral chaff elimination. At Gillies, our old-fashioned hand-tended roasting technique is enhanced by computerization, not replaced by it. We produce batch yields from 165Kg-235 Kg. Roasting cycles are approximately 12-minutes. Following the European standard (there is none in the USA) residual coffee moisture content is controlled under 5%.

The plant design permits optimum flexibility by incorporating the use of 19th Century style hands-on craftsmanship throughout. "My friend, Mr. Schoenholt, who is known to be a stickler for detail in the preparation of his coffees, has spared nothing in bringing the force of good minds and the best of roasting and handling technology to bear in this project," said Ciro Lilla, the man many consider one of the most knowledgeable in the world's coffee roaster business.

Roasting Philosophy

Skill in roasting is critical for the resulting beverage to please. It is a process controlled by scientific laws, but the outcome is strictly in the hands of man. Gillies is a “Perfect Point” roaster. A phrase coined by Don Schoenholt to describe our philosophy that every coffee has its own special degree of roast that brings out just the qualities that we want to find in the cup.

Our roasting credo has been likened to Goldilocks; not too dark, not too light, just right. If you think its kid's play you are mistaken. It has taken us countless hours of small batch craft roasting and cupping to find the perfect roast point for each coffee in the Gillies collection.

Roasting Philosophy

Kosher food certification is big business. The market for Kosher food is very strong throughout the world. Though the term "Kosher" applies specifically to Jewish dietary laws, other religious and secular groups have a dietary regimen much akin to that of Judaism. Kosher products appeal to the Islamic world, vegetarians, Seventh Day Adventists, and others, who look for a Kosher symbol on the foods they purchase. Savvy retailers are aware of the added value that Kosher Certification brings to the goods they sell and choose the goods they offer for sale in part because they bear a strong Kosher Certification.

STAR-K Kosher Certification star-k.org is a leader in the international world of kosher certification providing strict Orthodox kosher supervision for more than a half-century.

Gillies Coffee Company has been Certified Kosher by STAR-K for decades

All our coffee products are Star-K Kosher for use throughout the year. Our Regular and Decaffeinated coffees are Certified Kosher for Passover each year. Flavored coffees (certified Kosher for year-round use) are not Certified Kosher for Passover use and are not manufactured or sold during the Passover holiday period. You will find a copy of our Kosher Certified letter here. For more on Coffee and Kosher Certification see coffeeman, Donald Schoenholt’s article on the subject here.

Sustainability

All our coffee products are Star-K Kosher for use throughout the year. Our Regular and Decaffeinated coffees are Certified Kosher for Passover each year. Flavored coffees (certified Kosher for year-round use) are not Certified Kosher for Passover use and are not manufactured or sold during the Passover holiday period. You will find a copy of our Kosher Certified letter here. For more on Coffee and Kosher Certification see coffeeman, Donald Schoenholt’s article on the subject here.

Shop Organic and Fair Trade Coffee

Surely there is more that each of us can do to further sustain our communities at home and in origin lands. Gillies has a selection of fine coffees that may help you take the first steps toward sustainable practices in your business. Why not add one to your coffee selection, and help sensitize your customers, through an enlightening cup, to see the world a little differently tomorrow.

OFT Coffees