06.20
The fashionable, eco-conscious lifestyle company Nau, is no stranger to collaborations. Their latest project is a deluxe titanium coffee set designed with Snow Peak that’s sure to improve any campsite or picnic. The set includes a French press, double-walled mug, milk frother, a bag of Stumptown coffee, and a clever cutting board that encases a Japanese-made knife. It’s the brunch kit in a bag that you never knew you needed.
I’ve been a huge fan of Nau since their early days as a company—before they were almost a casualty of the economic crash in 2008. In fact, all of my outerwear comes from their collection. So if the integrity and quality of their collaborations are as solid as their own products, this is most likely an equally good investment.
With summer upon us, you will hopefully get to spend some quality time outdoors. Here in Sweden, there are 5 weeks of mandatory holiday were most of the country runs off to a cabin, boat or archipelago—but coffee is still a daily necessity.
My preferred coffee companion while traveling may be an AeroPress, but in some cases a French press may be more practical—and it’s still an appreciated brew method. My only complaint is that it comes with a milk frother instead of a hand grinder—a much more practical and necessary tool for great coffee.
Nau x Snow Peak Café Luxe Kit ($125)
12.14
Intelligentsia has experimented with collaborations in the past, from partnerships with indie band Wilco to custom skate decks—but this latest project with Quintin really throws their hat into the ring as a full on lifestyle brand.
Our good friend and BMX pro Kevin Porter put us in touch with the great guys at Quintin, and a just few months later we’re launching this collaboration cap. Designed by Intelligentsia but build by Quintin just a few blocks away from our LA Roasting Works, this limited edition hat is one of our proudest collaborations to date. -Intelligenstia
I know I talk about Intelligenstia a lot—but they continue doing really awesome stuff. I’d take this over a moc croc Jimmy Choo coffee sleeve any day. $32 bucks and made in LA.
This collaboration is a celebration of the idea that the customer deserves to buy into more than just the product that a brand offers, whether that be a freshly brewed cup of coffee or a hat, fresh off the production line. We are happy to present to you a fine collaboration for the end of 2011. Look for Quintin Co. select coffee soon on our online store. -Quintin
Intelligentsia X Quintin Hat
06.17
Now available for purchase from Stumptown!
Stumptown’s support of indie art and design has always been a big part of their brand, it’s one of the things I really appreciate about it. There isn’t just one logo that’s applied to everything they produce, the look of the brand continually evolves and changes while successfully evoking a consistent voice and feeling of who they are.
The company recently teamed up with New York artist Wes Lang to produce a limited edition set of Stumptown mugs. Last night was the release party and one of many times I really wished I lived in Portland. Not sure how to get my hands on a set—anyone?
via OMFGCO
11.23
In what may be one of the oddest collaborations I’ve seen, Chicago-based indie band Wilco have teamed up with Chicago-based coffee roaster Intelligentsia to offer “A Wilco Selection.” The coffee—which is Intelligentsia’s Organic Ethiopia Sidama renamed—will be sold as part of a Wilco Coffee Lover’s bundle that will include 2lbs of coffee and 2 designer mugs. They will also offer a decaf version of the bundle if you’re interested in that sort of thing.
While I think this is an odd partnership, I’m excited about the exposure it will give Intelligentsia—who roast some of the best coffee you can buy—and their Direct Trade program that pay farmers even more than Fair Trade. You can pre-order now, and the coffee will be roasted and shipped beginning December 6.
Organic Ethiopia Sidama Homecho Waeno
The aromatics of coffee blossom and violet make way for an incredibly graceful and elegant cup. The body has a light and silky quality, like fresh whipped cream, that beautifully compliments the ever-present note of citron, juniper berry and vanilla. As it cools, the cup blossoms into notes of confectioner’s sugar, rosehips, and soft raisin, resonating on a pristine finish with a touch of milk chocolate.
04.11
I’m excited to announce the first ever collaboration for Dear Coffee, I Love You. We partnered with the great people at Mug Hug™ to bring our readers the first “Give your mug a hug!” contest. All you need to do to enter is take a photo of your favorite mug and upload it to the Dear Coffee, I Love You fan page on Facebook—before Monday, April 19th. Beginning on Monday, whichever mug gets the most votes (i.e. “likes”) by 3pm est on Friday, April 23rd, will win a free Mug Hug™. The lucky winner will be able to carry coffee in your favorite mug wherever you go!
Mug Hug™ | DCILY Facebook page
12.09
Seth Ciferri has been making custom tattoo machines since 1994 creating a range of unique liners and shaders. One of his latest is the “Light Roast” liner and in keeping with the roast theme, Seth partnered with fellow Portland business Courier Coffee Roasters to create a special packaging that combines the liner with ½ pound of coffee. Bringing together the two entities was Keegan Wenkman, who created some lovely lettering and illustration compositions for each, and printing those on a kraft paper bag. The result is something we will call Rustic Independent Chic. Or not. Point being, it’s very nice.
I love the unique collaboration between these two companies. The beautiful letterpress illustrations that represent Seth’s incredible machines really add to the handcrafted love that go into each venture. I haven’t tried the coffee, but coming from Portland, I bet it’s decent.
Check out Seth’s machines and Curier Coffee Roasters. More on the design at FPO.
