Frequently Asked Questions

We’re happy to try and answer any questions you have. If you don’t see your question in the list below, email us and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can. If your question bewilders us or involves trigonometry, we’ll find someone with the answer and pass it on to you (though it might take a little longer). 

How does GATO work?
You fill out your order online by noon on Sunday. We roast your coffee on Monday. If you live in Salida, we’ll bring it to you Tuesday (usually afternoon). If you live beyond Salida, we’ll ship it to you priority mail and you’ll receive it within a few days.
When should I grind and drink my coffee for the very best taste?
You’ll find a lot of different opinions on this point, but our rule of thumb is that fresh-roasted coffee needs to rest for at least 24 hours before you grind, brew and drink it (optimal wait time is a few days). When you receive your coffee from Gato, it will have made it through the resting window and will be ready for you to enjoy.
Why do you only offer a medium and a medium-dark roast?

At GATO, we prefer to drink (and roast) medium to medium-dark. We think these offer the best balance of body, acidity and complexity of flavor. They preserve the beans’ character but pull out their potential by coaxing them to a mid-range roast level. We want to taste the bean not the roast. Also the oils released in heavy roasts cause dark roasted coffee to lose its freshness much more quickly.

My coffee just showed up but what if I don’t want to drink it right away?

Call us immediately and we’ll get through this together.

Ok, kidding, but as a micro-roaster, we do time the roasting, delivery and shipping of our coffee so it’s ready for you to grind and enjoy as soon as it arrives. Our sincere wish is that you do exactly that, but if for some reason you have to wait, store your beans in a dark, truly airtight container, somewhere cool—moisture, light, heat and air will all wreak serious havoc. Grind your beans and drink your coffee as soon as you want your life to get better.

Should I freeze my coffee?

According to coffee guru Scott Rau, freezing roasted beans is a very good way to store them long term. Make sure they’re completely air tight and you should be good for a few weeks — time you can spend reviewing the questionable choices that led to deliciously fresh coffee being forsaken and left in a sad, cold box. Alone. 

How does the subscription work?

We like to think it works really well. Simply choose a coffee and then choose a delivery frequency. We don’t charge until the day your coffee is roasted and delivered, or shipped.

How does our non-profit become a Gato Coffee beneficiary?

Please send us an email and some information and we’ll review your organization. If its mission seems like a good fit for Gato’s giving program, we’ll be in touch. Please reach out at: emailus@gatocoffee.com