The undisputed Italian 'spro masters.
With Chris Battagli from 416 Coffee
1. Tell us more about 416 Coffee (Genesis, general overview, the community, ect)
1.) Our founder Carmine Battagli was born into an Italian family living in their new Canadian home on St. Clair Street West in Toronto. Growing up in an Italian community Carmine quickly became fascinated with coffee, in particular espresso. After living in Italy for 4 years Carmine returned to his hometown, Toronto. Upon his return he became an apprentice espresso machine technician, learning from his cousin John, a master coffee roaster and veteran of the coffee industry. Battagli studied his craft and soon became a fantastic technician, well known across the city. However Carmine was not satisfied with the flavors of the coffees that everyone seemed to just "suck back". He began roasting coffees in any machine that was available for him to use, slowly but surely learning this delicate art form.
Finally an opportunity arose for Carmine to purchase his own coffee roaster, another roaster had went out of business and was selling all the contents of his roasting facility. Battagli purchased the factory and began experimenting with different coffees from around the globe, learning how each coffee liked to be roasted and how they should be blended to form the perfect cup. Over the last 24 years Carmine has led a group of like minded people on this caffeine fueled journey, we source coffees from around the globe ethically, roast them to perfection and we ensure that all of our coffees are enjoyed. 416 Coffee Co is a celebration of life's simple pleasures, our coffees are a simple enjoyment that can be celebrated everytime someone brews a cup.
2. Why did you decide to get into coffee?
I personally felt like there was a need for specialty coffee in the Niagara region so I jumped in to fill the void of a truly local roaster. It was an opportunity that fit well with my skill set in marketing and felt like a massively exciting challenge.
3. What is your roast philosophy?
Balance over everything. Make something that's sweet and smooth!
4. What is your go to brewing method, and why?
Espresso - we're Italian (duhh!)