The Nomadic Coffee Lab

Discover The Nomadic Coffee Lab

At VSSL, we’re passionate about exceptional coffee gear and extraordinary adventures. This summer, we’re taking our love for both on the road with the Nomadic Coffee Lab, a mobile coffee van traveling across the Rocky Mountain West. The coffee lab is powered by the impressive craftsmanship of Vanspeed, who transformed this van into a top-notch mobile coffee station, complete with everything we need to showcase VSSL’s coffee gear in style. We’re equipped to bring high-quality coffee directly to you at outdoor shows, pop-ups, and various events throughout the region.

When you come across the Nomadic Coffee Lab you can expect to see VSSL’s entire range of products in action with live demonstrations, along with complementary pour-overs, so you can taste the quality of freshly ground and brewed coffee. If you’re inspired by what you taste, you can purchase our products right then and there, because we will have our whole selection available for you to explore!

Meet Jake and Lucy

Our journey began when we worked together at a coffee shop in Bend, Oregon. Jake and I bonded over our love for hospitality and connecting with others, and making coffee is a great avenue to fulfill that. In our off time, you can find us out together doing just about any outdoor activity like fly fishing, trail running, biking, and skiing. Traveling in the Nomadic Coffee Lab has allowed us to blend these passions seamlessly. Each day on the road is an opportunity to share the love of coffee and the outdoors, making this journey as fulfilling as it is exciting.

 

The Journey so far

Their journey with the Nomadic Coffee Lab has been nothing short of exhilarating. In the past two months, we have visited six states and countless stunning locations, including Lake Tahoe NV, Flagstaff AZ, Durango CO, and Mammoth Lakes CA. Each of these places brings their own unique views and beauty. One of our favorite parts of these events is the surprise factor we get from people. When we were in Durango, we did a pop-up at a busy local park, and as people were out for their morning walk or workout, they were shocked to see a van giving away free coffee! The surprise and joy it brings people is priceless. While on the road, Jake and I look at each other at least once a day and say, “I can’t believe this is what we get to do for work!”

One of the standout features of the Nomadic Coffee Lab is our commitment to delivering the freshest cup of coffee possible, thanks to VSSL’s innovative products. Our setup is designed to ensure that every cup we serve is as vibrant and flavorful as it can be. At the heart of this process is the Java Grinder, which allows us to grind coffee beans to the perfect consistency right before brewing. This ensures that the coffee’s essential oils and aromas are preserved, leading to a more aromatic and flavorful cup. Once the beans are ground, they’re brewed using VSSL’s Insulated Pour-Over Kit. This kit not only maintains optimal brewing temperatures but also features a sleek, efficient design that enhances extraction. The result? A rich, full-bodied coffee that showcases the true essence of the beans. By using these high-quality tools, we’re able to offer a coffee experience that stands out for its freshness and excellence.

Pour-over Tips

Mastering the pour-over method can seem complicated at first, but with a few simple tips, you can elevate your coffee game and brew an exceptional cup every time. Here are some key pointers to help you achieve that perfect cup.

1. Grind Size Matters: Use a medium to medium-coarse grind for pour-overs. Too fine, and your coffee might become bitter; too coarse, and it could be under-extracted. VSSL’s precise Java Grinder can help you achieve consistent grinds every time!
   
   
2. Brewing Time: Typically, a pour-over should take about 3-4 minutes. Adjust based on your grind size and taste preference.
   
   
3. Measure Your Coffee and Water: A standard ratio is 1 gram of coffee to 15-17 grams of water, but you can adjust based on your taste preferences. Typically, 20 grams of coffee to 300 grams of water is a good starting point for a single cup.

In no time you will be brewing a pour-over like a pro!

Favorite Recipes on the Road

Throughout our summer adventures in the Nomadic Coffee Lab, we have crafted over a thousand pour-overs, perfecting their technique with each cup. Our favorite choice? Natural Ethiopia Coffee. Known for its light, fruity, and delicious profile, this coffee has become a staple in our travels. One of the highlights of using VSSL’s gear this summer has been the ability to enjoy a refreshing iced coffee, even while on the move. To create your iced coffee, simply brew a pour-over using only half the usual amount of water. This results in a concentrated, bold coffee you can then chill it or pour it over ice. For added convenience, use the nesting storage container as a shaker to mix and chill your coffee, making it ideal for those moments when you need a cool pick-me-up during your outdoor adventures. This method not only delivers a delicious iced coffee but also showcases the practicality and innovation of VSSL’s gear, making it an essential part of our journey, especially on those hot days!

Our adventure with the Nomadic Coffee Lab across the Rocky Mountain West is far from over. Over the coming months, Jake and I will continue the journey, sharing our passion for exceptional coffee with as many people as possible.

Follow @vssl on Instagram to stay updated on our travels and discover where the adventures will take us next. If you’re fortunate, you might even stumble upon one of our surprise pop-ups and enjoy a freshly brewed pour-over firsthand.