High Altitude Coffee Roastery in Wyoming Wins Big Awards in World’s Largest Roasting Competition
Snowy Elk Coffee Co., a high-altitude roastery located in southeast Wyoming, won four awards at the largest coffee roasting competition in the world. The 2022 Golden Bean was held in Columbus, Ohio, with over 700 entries from North American specialty coffee roasters.
The medals awarded included:
An award of silver for Guatemalan Natural Swiss Water Decaf (decaf category)
Howlin’ Wolf Espresso Blend received a bronze medal (milk-based latte category)
Bronze medal awarded to Vedauwoo Moon dark roast (milk-based latte category)
Snowy Elk Coffee has won medals in the Golden Bean competition for the second year in a row. Julie Gondzar, co-owner of Snowy Elk Coffee, states that “The Golden Bean is a valuable experience for us.” “It’s gratifying to share our coffee at such a prestigious event, and we’re proud that our high altitude roasts consistently stand out in the specialty coffee industry.”
Owners Scott and Julie Gondzar are members of the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) and work diligently to maintain high standards, selecting only specialty coffee beans from sustainable farms and achieving excellence in the craft roasting process. According to Scott Gondzar, the science of roasting coffee can be a lifelong education. Being a part of the Golden Bean allows us to learn, develop, and improve our roasts.
Snowy Elk Coffee was established in 2017 in Cheyenne, Wyoming, at an elevation of 6,100 feet above sea level. The roastery was constructed out of a desire to produce exceptional coffee based on a philosophy that promotes a life of exploration, balance, and preservation. Julie explains, “We view Snowy Elk as more than just a coffee company.” “Our coffee and brand represent encouragement and inspiration to connect with nature, explore the great outdoors, and seek out new adventures that push you further. That is the goal of each of our coffee roasts.”
