Commonly Asked Questions
What is the difference between espresso and brewed coffee?
The term “espresso bean” on a bag of coffee is a bit of a misnomer. “Espresso” actually describes the extraction technique used to make a drink. However, there are certain beans that are better suited for this process. Thus, a bag of coffee called “espresso” is likely a darker bean that has bean roasted longer.
How much caffeine is in coffee?
On average there is around 95mg of caffeine in an 8oz cup of brewed coffee. The same size brewed cup of decaf coffee can contain 2 to 12 milligrams of caffeine.
Where are your beans from?
As of October 2023, our brewed coffee is Vienna’s Highlands (Maryville, TN) and our espresso comes from Coal Creek Coffee (in Clinton, TN).
What drinks are gluten free?
Almost all of our drinks are gluten free. We use Monin and Jordan’s Skinny Syrups (neither contain gluten) and both our oat and almond milk are gluten free. However, we use Ghirardelli in our mocha and white mocha and they state they cannot call their products gluten free.
Do you have sugar free options?
We sure do! We believe coffee should be accessible to everyone. That’s why Calamity’s has seven sugar free options! We even have sugar free raspberry and caramel whipped cream!
What dairy free options do you have?
We carry oat, almond and coconut milk. With the exception of our chocolate based drinks, all beverages can be made dairy free. In fact, we have a dairy free lavender whipped cream and can make cold foam with any of our alternative milks!
How do you come up with all these drinks?
A combination of experience, research and listening makes the creative process flow. You’ll note that our drinks are uniquely named; this is because we take our customers’ requests seriously. Though we thoroughly enjoy making sugary and/or abstract concoctions, our “go to” is a plain cup of black coffee. Thus, we rely heavily on your feedback and common trends. That’s not to minimize experience in the profession. As someone dedicated to the craft, I have learned to ask questions like, “do you prefer a sweeter drink,” “what is the best coffee beverage you’ve had at other shops,” and utilize my knowledge of flavor profiles that work well to make new drinks.
Do you make a lot of money?
People have no problem asking an assortment of potentially sensitive questions. As a startup, the answer is absolutely not. That said, the support Calamity’s has received has helped us grow quickly. Our customers are dedicated and others in the business have been extremely helpful. The coffee industry can be lucrative. However, most startups fail within the first two years. If you want to be successful, be sure you are ready to work long hours, have a set of values that you can stand behind (e.g. we are community focused. From the products we buy to hiring practices, we are always looking for ways to support our community), and be prepared for the unpredictable. Most importantly, have fun and build a strong network!
Why is it called “The Other Macchiato?”
There is a popular coffee shop that took liberty in naming one of its most popular drinks. In Italian, the term “macchiato” translates as “marked” or “stained.” In other words, a true “macchiato” is simply espresso “marked” with foam. The aforementioned chain opted to “mark” a latte with espresso and top it with caramel. If you order a caramel macchiato from independent shops, we will usually confirm that you want espresso with foam and caramel (one step further and we’ll ask if you want caramel syrup or sauce). Calamity’s decided it best to acknowledge there is some confusion when it comes to this drink. By putting it on our menu, we can offer both the traditional version and educate those who are used to the chain option.
What’s the best coffee?
It may seem like a cop out, but I think the best coffee is the one you enjoy most. When I tell people I own a shop, it is common for me to hear, “I’m embarrassed to admit that we make X cheap coffee or instant at home.” I’m not here to judge. If Folgers is the only coffee you find makes you consistently happy, then it is the best coffee for you. I believe coffee is an experience. Yes, I have preferred brands and drinks, and some roasters are better for the environment and/or employees, but ultimately, the great thing about coffee is that its combinations of tastes and flavors are endless. When you find the right drink(s), they have the ability to make the morning a bit better, meetings a little more bearable, and conversations with friends and family more inviting. No one can tell you what the best coffee is—that’s up to you—but we can work with you to make the Calamity’s drink best suited for your tastes.
What is the best temperature to brew coffee?
I am often surprised by the questions my customers ask. This particular question always catches me off guard. Frankly, until I started Calamity’s, this subject wasn’t even on my radar. The optimal water temperature for drip coffee is 195 to 205°F.
Should I freeze coffee beans for maximum freshness?
This is a highly debated question. The short answer is: under certain circumstances, you can, but you shouldn’t. According to the National Coffee Association, you can freeze whole coffee beans for up to a month. It’s best practice to freeze your coffee beans in airtight bags. It’s equally important to leave your coffee beans to thaw once removed from the freezer and to consume within two weeks. Note: this is for whole beans, ground coffee should be brewed shortly after purchase.
Are you dog friendly?
Absolutely! There are a few rules for pets in the shop. Pets must be on a short leash (no extractable leashes) and comfortable around people (including children). Calamity’s can get busy and while I love dogs, some people (for a variety of reasons) are not at ease around them. It is our aim to make all of our patrons comfortable. Please ask others if they want to meet your animal before letting them walk up to strangers. Please also remember that we serve food and drinks; for sanitation reasons, animals cannot come behind the coffee counter at any time. If your pup begins to show signs of anxiety, we may request that you take them outside. This is not because we dislike animals, quite the contrary. Their comfort is equally important to us and we do not want to create a situation wherein they may feel threatened or overwhelmed.
Are you kid friendly?
Some of our favorite regulars are youngsters. Like pets, we do have a few requests. People come to coffee shops for a variety of reasons, and we have planned our building to meet as many needs as possible. Please respect that many of our guests come to study or work and while they understand a coffee shop won’t be quiet, they don’t want to be interrupted. Children should be supervised by an adult they know at all times. Our staff is paid to serve coffee, and we cannot be held responsible for our patrons (regardless of age). Additionally, we do have merchandise (coffee cups, etc.) that can break. For the most part, these items are provided by local vendors who rely on sales from our shop. We maintain the “you break it, you buy it rule” to ensure our vendors are compensated for their products.