The Story
Common Roots Coffee grew out of Common Roots Brewing Company, a beloved craft brewery founded by father and son Bert and Christian Weber in South Glens Falls, New York, in the foothills of the Adirondacks . After a decade of building one of upstate New York’s most respected breweries, the Webers saw a natural opportunity to bring the same care, sustainability ethos, and community spirit to specialty coffee . The coffee operation officially launched in 2024 as a one-person roasting venture led by brewery employee John Reed, who took on the role of roaster and operations director.
The team quickly expanded when seasoned New York coffee professional Luke Rock joined as barista and director of coffee, bringing years of specialty coffee experience to the young operation . Together, Reed and Rock set up their roastery inside one of the oldest working buildings in South Glens Falls, a structure dating back to 1831 that now houses some of the most modern electric roasting equipment available . The cafe at the Common Roots Bierhall serves as the public-facing home for the coffee program, where guests can drink freshly roasted pour-overs alongside the brewery’s craft beer lineup.
Common Roots Coffee has quickly earned attention as one of the most promising new roasters to watch, standing out for its all-electric roasting operation, deep commitment to sustainability, and the quality infrastructure inherited from a decade of brewery-building . The Adirondack location gives the brand a distinct identity, far from the coastal specialty coffee hubs but firmly connected to a community that values local production, environmental stewardship, and doing things the right way.
Sourcing & Relationships
Common Roots sources its green coffee through trusted partners including Covoya and Bellwether’s curated offerings, selecting lots that feature detailed information on farming practices and certifications . The team prioritizes coffees with fair trade, Rainforest Alliance, and organic farming certifications, reflecting the broader sustainability commitments that define the Common Roots brand . Each bag of Common Roots coffee ships with a QR code that introduces customers to the specific origin of those beans, creating a direct line of transparency between the farm and the cup.
As the coffee program matures, the sourcing strategy is expected to deepen, with John Reed and Luke Rock building more direct connections with producers and cooperatives . The foundation is already strong: an emphasis on traceability, fair compensation, and environmental responsibility that mirrors the values the Weber family established through a decade of sustainable brewing . For a roaster less than two years old, the sourcing infrastructure is remarkably intentional.
Roasting Philosophy
Common Roots roasts on two small electric machines: a Santoker and a Bellwether Shop Roaster, both chosen specifically for their alignment with the company’s environmental mission . The all-electric Bellwether produces zero direct emissions during roasting, fitting neatly into a broader sustainability program that includes solar energy, hundreds of pounds of weekly composting with Adirondack worm farmers, and donations of biomass for local farm soil enrichment . This makes Common Roots one of a small but growing number of specialty roasters operating with a near-zero carbon footprint in their production process.
The roasting approach itself prioritizes clean, sweet, and balanced cups that let the origin character of each coffee come through . John Reed’s background in quality control from the brewery side translates naturally to the precision required in specialty roasting, and Luke Rock’s coffee expertise ensures that each profile is dialed in with intention . The small batch sizes afforded by their equipment mean every roast gets individual attention, a luxury that larger operations often sacrifice in the name of efficiency.
What to Try
Common Roots keeps their menu focused and seasonal, rotating single-origin offerings as new lots arrive and harvests shift throughout the year . The rotating lineup tends to feature coffees from Central and South America alongside East African origins, with detailed tasting notes and origin information provided for each release . The QR code on every bag makes it easy to learn about the specific farm or cooperative behind the coffee you are drinking.
For those in the Adirondack region, the best way to experience Common Roots Coffee is at the cafe inside the Bierhall in South Glens Falls, where the coffee is brewed fresh daily and served alongside the brewery’s food menu . The company also ships nationally through their website, making these sustainably roasted Adirondack coffees accessible well beyond upstate New York . As one of the most notable new roasters to emerge in recent years, Common Roots is worth watching closely as the program continues to develop under Reed and Rock’s direction.