CAMDEN—A cold-brew coffee shop has just opened on the quiet side of the Camden harbor this spring. Tom and Holly Griffin opened their first Camden-based business in the Lyman-Morse Marina April 5 serving cold brewed coffee and home-baked goods.

“We’re not a traditional coffee shop,” he explained. “We’re on the edge of being a brewery. Cold-brewed coffee means no heat is applied to the coffee. We brew in five seven-gallon S.S. Brewtech brewers designed for the coffee industry; it’s brewed for 16 hours, then goes into a three-day mellowing phase. At that point, we’ll either keep the coffee in its natural state or we will use distiller’s flavor. Right now we have a Spring Clover essence.”

The coffee beans are sourced from all over the world from Nicaragua/Costa Rica, and Kenya, with teas sourced from Sri Lanka and India.

Contrary to what people often think, cold-brewed coffee can also be served hot.

“People have a hard time associating cold-brew served hot, but, that’s what we do,” said Tom Griffin. “The cold-brew process just removed nearly 75 percent of the coffee’s acid than if it were just brewed hot. The chemical reaction that occurs by applying heat never happens with cold brewing. So, people with sensitive stomachs can enjoy our coffee without the acid; the coffee is uniquely different.”

Similarly, those who enjoy iced coffee can be served straight from the taps at the counter, as well.

“We can also froth the cream for them or add it with milk or drink it black,” he said.

The hours are Wednesday to Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tom and Holly often get there by 6 a.m. to prep for the day and to bake coffee cake, muffins, cookies, brownies, and the house specialty—whaler biscuits.

Having owned a couple of cold-brew coffee businesses before moving to Maine three years ago, the Griffins are looking forward to a busy, summer season. As boaters themselves, they feel right at home on the marina. In fact, their Whistling Whale logo and the nautical poem (written by Tom) that decorates the wall are a nod to their new marina community.

“We know what to expect,” he said. “But our philosophy is every person standing at the counter is important and if it takes 10 minutes to deal with that person’s transaction, that’s what it takes. We’re not here to churn through the orders. We’re craft brewers and if you really like coffee—you’re in the right place.”

The Griffins have utilized the small space well in that they have collaborated with Maine Cup, which promotes Maine roasters.

“Each month, Maine Cup will come here with a Maine roaster from a different corner of the state who will give an educational seminar about his or her roasting process and introduce the product to the public.”

For more info visit: wwcoffeebar.com

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com