Carrier Roasting Company
/There’s something quietly magical about a great cup of coffee. It’s comfort and clarity in the same sip. It’s ritual, reset, and “okay, now I can talk to humans.”
In Vermont, we’re lucky to have makers who treat coffee like craft—not commodity. And that’s exactly why we’re thrilled to spotlight Carrier Roasting Company, a local roaster rooted in Northfield with a deep commitment to quality, community, and transparency.
Meet Carrier Roasting Company
Carrier Roasting Co. is driven by a set of core values that feel very Vermont: hospitality, quality, community, transparency, and a desire to improve.
They roast in Northfield, a rural town where relationships matter—where local milk deliveries, nearby farm-made caramel sauce, and pastries from the neighborhood baker are simply part of everyday life.
That close connection to small-scale food production influences how Carrier approaches coffee: sourcing, roasting, and serving in ways that reflect clear supply chains, real relationships, and care for the people behind the product.
What’s in a Name? The “Carrier” Story
Their name is a nod to the carrier pigeon—the humble messenger who finds her way home from far away, delivering something important.
For Carrier Roasting Co., the “distant place” might be Ethiopia or Peru, and the “message” is the story and flavor of a coffee grown with skill and intention—now arriving in your mug.
What They Roast
Carrier offers a lineup of coffees designed for real life (and real tastebuds), including:
Whole bean coffees for daily brewing
Subscriptions for the “never run out” crowd
Options like instant coffee for ultra-easy, high-quality coffee moments
Whether you’re a pour-over purist or a “give me caffeine, I have meetings” realist, they’ve built a range that keeps quality front and center.
Sourcing: Quality + Transparency, Always
Carrier keeps sourcing simple—but not easy. Their two main criteria are:
Quality
Transparency of supply
They prioritize these over third-party certifications (which can sometimes fall short), choosing instead to do the extra work to understand where coffee comes from and who produced it.
One detail we love: Carrier notes that by focusing on quality and transparency, they can pay higher prices—on average nearly 3x more than the current Fair Trade minimum price—and return to the same producers again and again through long-term relationships.
That’s the kind of behind-the-scenes integrity you can taste.
Roasting: Data-Driven Craft (With a Human Heart)
Carrier’s roasting philosophy starts with respect: the hardest work happens at origin, and the coffee bean is the seed of a fruit.
Their goal is to develop each coffee’s unique flavors—think ripe fruit and caramel notes—without obscuring them through uneven, under-, or over-roasting.
They take a data-driven, progressive approach, and they taste every single batch they roast to ensure quality and consistency.
In other words: no coasting. Just constant refinement.
Serving: Methodical, Recipe-Driven, and Relationship-Focused
Great coffee isn’t just roasted well—it’s brewed and served well, too.
Carrier believes in a methodical, recipe-driven approach for consistent brewing, paired with transparency and relationship-building whether they’re serving in their own cafe, working with wholesale partners, or supporting home brewers.
And yes, they say the quiet part out loud: even the best coffee won’t shine if it isn’t served with care.
Visit Them (Or Make a Day of It)
If you find yourself near either of their coffee bars, it’s worth the detour.
Northfield (Flagship Coffee Bar)
A newly renovated cafe (renovated in 2024) with espresso drinks, drip coffee, tea, and locally made baked goods—plus indoor and seasonal outdoor seating.
17 East Street, Northfield
Open daily, 7:30am–3:00pm
Burlington Coffee Bar (Inside Jake’s ONE Market)
Located in Burlington’s Old North End, serving espresso drinks, drip coffee, tea, and locally made baked goods.
242 N. Winooski Ave, Burlington
7:30am–1:00pm Tuesday–Saturday (closed Sunday & Monday)
How to Enjoy Carrier at Home
A few simple (and delicious) ways to make the most of your beans:
Keep it fresh: Grind just before brewing when you can.
Try one variable at a time: Adjust grind size, then dose, then brew time—small changes, big payoff.
Pair intentionally: A bright, fruit-forward coffee loves a buttery pastry; a deeper, chocolatey cup is excellent with a nutty biscotti or simple toast with good jam.
And if you like your coffee routine to feel effortless: subscriptions exist for a reason.
Why We Love Them
Carrier Roasting Company brings together everything we want in a local producer: craft, transparency, and heart.
They’re building something that reflects Vermont at its best—community-minded, quality-driven, and grounded in real relationships from farm to cup.
Next time you’re choosing beans, consider this your sign from the universe (delivered by carrier pigeon, naturally).