In this article, you will get detail regarding Ukrainian coffee roaster brings craft beans to midcoast
A year after the bombs fell on Maksim Isakov’s Ukrainian community, he launched his coffee roasting business on the Midcoast of Maine.
Camden-based Kavka is a new mid-coast coffee roaster selling beans locally and nationwide. Roasted coffees – which are all blends of beans instead of a single origin – differ from American coffees in their nuanced flavors.
“In Ukraine, we allow malt aroma [to develop]”, Isakov said. “I think it’s something in the baking process,” Isakov said.
Kavka offers two Ukrainian Craft Blend coffees. Mriya is a medium roast with citrus and berry notes and earthy undertones. Zori is a dark roast with floral, citrus aromas and a full, smooth body. A decaffeinated dark roast blend is also available. Each pound of coffee costs $15.99, and $1 from each bag is donated to humanitarian efforts in Ukraine through the Zhytomyr Humanitarian Center.
Business is already picking up. Isakov shipped coffee across the United States to customers in places including Texas and Florida.
It also aims to deliver extra fresh coffee. He roasts and delivers the beans the same day to ensure the beans are as fresh as possible, rather than sitting on shelves for months. It takes 24 hours for the flavors in the roasted coffee beans to fully develop, he said, but with a delivery time that works well.
This is Isakov’s second time in the coffee business. His first — a small Ukrainian chain — was inspired by something he experienced in the United States: Starbucks.
“Before that, we didn’t have such cafes [in Ukraine] — you know, a pleasant atmosphere and sweet drinks,” said Isakov.
The business was successful, it grew to about 10 locations and sold franchises. Isakov eventually sold it and reinvested his money in other businesses. He dreamed of buying land and growing grain, and in the meantime he ran a car dealership.
“After the war started, you know, cars became a piece of metal,” Isakov said.
Leaving Ukraine over the summer with his young family, he lost money in the business, but was happy to bring it back to the United States and Maine, in particular. This was his second time in Maine. In 2014, he lived in Lincolnville for about four months through an educational program. During this time he also became engaged to his wife – he proposed with a ring bought in Bangor on top of the Empire State Building in New York – who was also in the US for residency at the time.
“I never thought I would come back to Maine. “Probably if we didn’t have the war it would never have happened,” Isakov said. But Maine was special to him and now he feels like his time as a student was destiny – he found so much support in the Camden area.
Isakov and his family arrived in August from Vinnytsia, Ukraine, with the help of the United for Ukraine program.
“I’m grateful to be here. I am sure. My children are safe. That’s the most important thing for me,” he said.
His older son, who attends a program at the local YMCA, is learning English. His younger son does not speak yet. Meanwhile, his wife also begins to make friends, although the language barrier is difficult. She speaks English.
“I want Americans to know that Ukrainians are grateful and happy to have such friends,” he said. “Without all the support, we would never have made it.”
Kavka coffee is available online and can be delivered nationally. Also available for free delivery from Belfast to Thomaston. The Gypsy Rose Tavern in Camden also serves coffee and can be used as a pick-up location.
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