Savor how a really great cup of coffee should taste at Fig Leaf Coffee Company

By Mary Malik

David Letterman admitted that without coffee he’d have “no identifiable personality.” Hasn’t every coffee lover felt the same? Tom Nemeth, founder of Fig Leaf Coffee Company in Chesterland, a specialty coffee roaster, knows the feeling. He also knows the quality of the coffee is directly related to the quality of the personality.

“Bad coffee was how this all started,” says Tom. “I worked in the financial industry for several years and enjoyed it, but I didn’t enjoy the horrible coffee I was drinking. I started experimenting, roasting my own beans in my garage and educating myself on the process.”

So many people don’t know the journey their food takes before it gets to them. Coffee is no exception. Tom wants to change that and educate people, because, the truth is, it matters.

Understanding how coffee beans are grown and processed in different parts of the world is a great conversation to have with Tom if you’re interested. However, the proof is in the cup, right?

“It starts with the quality of the beans,” says Tom. “We’ve built relationships with farmers around the world to ensure we get the finest, most consistent beans available. Then it’s up to us.”

The beans arrive green, or unroasted, and Tom begins the process of roasting them to perfection.

“Once the beans are picked, the processing, either by a dry or wet method, begins quickly to prevent spoilage,” explains Tom. “Each method produces different flavor profiles. Understanding these details determines the roasting time and temperature we use.”

Tom’s roasting knowledge and attention to detail guarantee a quality flavor experience no matter what your taste preference might be. Some beans are roasted lighter and some darker. It depends on the origin of the bean, desired outcome and the brewing style that will be used.

“Honestly, a lot of it is also just feel,” says Tom. “Experience, trial and error and understanding how different beans react to heat are all factors in getting the best flavor and individual nuances out of each roast. I love that challenge.”

Helping Tom along the way in his journey to coffee perfection is his biggest fan and fellow coffee lover—his mom, Gail.

“I love helping Tom live his dream,” says Gail. “Educating customers is fun for me. There is an informational piece of the puzzle of how coffee should taste. Come in, tell us what you like, and we’ll find you something in that flavor profile like you’ve never tasted before. Take it home and prepare to taste coffee done the right way, from seed to cup.”

Tom says that your home brew method has a lot to do with how your coffee tastes. He recommends the Chemex pour-over method for achieving the best flavor. The French press comes in at second best.

Fig Leaf carries Chemex and French press coffee makers, specialty teas, local maple syrup and honey, chocolates, mugs, T-shirts and more.

And don’t let the caffeine scare you. Multiple water-processed decaffeinated options are available and Tom promises you won’t be able to tell the difference.

“I can also do half-caffeinated,” says Tom. “I do the work that produces the best product—just the way you like it, only better.”

Fig Leaf Coffee Company is located at 12628 Chillicothe Road, in Chesterland. Hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. For more information, call 216-645-6167, email tom@figleafcoffeecompany.com or check the website FigLeafCoffeeCompany.com to order online.