Calling all coffee lovers! Grind City Coffee Xpo is back and bigger than ever
Grind. Sip. Repeat. It’s a mantra coffee aficionados know well.
It’s also the hashtag for the third annual Grind City Coffee Xpo that’s happening Saturday at Wiseacre Brewing Co. in Downtown Memphis.
Whether you are a coffee expert or someone who just loves a good cup of joe, this event offers something for every type of coffee lover.
Grind City Coffee Xpo is focused on celebrating the exploding Memphis coffee culture. From roasters to shops, the expo is meant to show Memphians all the great coffee options available by bringing the very best of the region’s coffee community together under one roof.
Event Founder Daniel Lynn said this year will be the biggest Xpo yet. Here are five this to know.
The coffee roasters and shops
18 coffee vendors will be featured at this year’s event. Vendors will sample their product and discuss different brewing processes.
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Returning Memphis participants include coffee roasters and shops such as Belltower Coffeehouse, Boycott Coffee, Comeback Coffee, Dr. Bean’s Coffee & Tea Emporium, French Truck Coffee, J. Brooks Coffee Roasters, Ugly Mug Coffee and Vice & Virtue. New this year will be Muggin’ Coffee House and Crazy Gander Coffee Company.
Out-of-town coffee vendors include the likes of Frothy Monkey from Nashville and Rishi Tea & Botanicals.
The coffee talks
During the day-long expo, attendees can sample various brewing and roasting methods, as well as attend demos and discussions on the art of brewing the perfect cup of joe.
From pour-overs to coffee sodas to roasting techniques, this event will highlight all the buzzworthy (no pun intended) new trends in the coffee industry.
The Memphis Coffee Community, a group of coffee professionals who want to see the coffee community in Memphis grow, will have a demonstrations throughout the day, ranging from a Latte Art Demo to a discussion of At-Home Brew Techniques.
Behind the scenes at Wiseacre HQ
Grind City Coffee Xpo will take place at Wiseacre HQ for the second year in a row. The event is held not just in the taproom, but in the actual brewery.
“We will be back where the fermenting tanks are, as well as in the taproom,” Lynn said. “It will give people a rare behind-the-scenes look at the brewery.”
Help the mission of Protect Our Aquifer
The event is a labor of love for Lynn. All proceeds benefit Memphis nonprofit Protect Our Aquifer.
“There is a saying you can’t have great coffee without great water,” Lynn said. “The purity of our water is so important. We need to protect that.”
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Get to know the coffee makers
The event is a rare opportunity to get to meet and talk with the top coffee roasters and baristas in Memphis. It’s the perfect time to inquire about the best ways to brew and serve your favorite coffees.
“Everyone that attends this event will learn more about coffee and the community that surrounds it,” Lynn said.
Grind City Coffee Xpo has three different ticketed entry times throughout the day: 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
We recommend going to one of the earlier times so you do not miss out on any of the more intricate demos that may not be repeated. Plus, the earlier you enjoy all the coffee samples, the better chance you have to be able to sleep on Saturday night.
Jennifer Chandler is the Food & Dining reporter at The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at jennifer.chandler@commercialappeal.com and you can follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @cookwjennifer.
Grind City Coffee Xpo
When: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 5
Where: Wiseacre Brewing Co. HQ, 398 S. B.B. King Blvd.
Tickets: Prices based on entry time: $35 for 9 a.m.; $30 for 11 a.m.; $25 for 1 p.m. Advance ticket purchase recommended.
Online: grindcitycoffee.com
Grind City Latte Art Throwdown
In addition to the flagship event, Grind City Coffee Xpo has partnered with the Memphis Coffee Community for the Grind City Latte Art Throwdown Nov. 4 at Comeback Coffee (358 N. Main St.)
You can cheer on your favorite barista while enjoying beer from Grind City Brewing Co., food from Kinfolk, and coffee from Comeback Coffee.
If you fancy yourself a latte artist, and would like to try your hand in the competition, register to compete at grindcitycoffee.com.
Doors open at 6 p.m.; the first latte pour is at 7 p.m. This is no cost to attend.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Grind City Coffee Xpo 2022 celebrates coffee in Memphis
