Matt Higgins is the man behind one of Stone’s newest enterprises, Distinguished Roasts. A father, a husband, a football coach, and a seasoned engineer in the energy sector, Matt is no stranger to donning multiple hats. His latest cap, however, is perhaps the most aromatic yet – a coffee roaster extraordinaire!
The journey to Distinguished Roasts began with Matt’s love for coffee, which eventually led him to explore the art of coffee roasting. After a deep dive into the science behind roasting and completing a Specialty Coffee Association recognised course, he’s ready to share his knowledge and passion with the people of Stone. But he’s not stopping at just sharing his love for coffee. Matt has big plans for introducing Stone to some truly distinguished flavours through his unique roasting techniques.
Having called Stone home for over 11 years, Matt is well aware of the town’s love for a quality cup of coffee. His goal? To provide the first speciality coffee roasting service in Stone with an emphasis on environmental sustainability.
While Distinguished Roasts begins as an online venture, don’t fret about missing out on the delightful aroma of freshly roasted beans. Matt will be around at many of the local markets and events, and longer term, he plans to set up his own coffee house, offering locals not just a fantastic brew, but also insights into the magic of coffee roasting.
What makes Distinguished Roasts stand out? Well, they’re the only speciality coffee roaster in town, for starters. But Matt’s commitment to unique offerings doesn’t stop there. From standard roasts to bespoke concoctions for the coffee connoisseur, and even personalised roasts (the first being for Stone Old Alleynians FC), Matt is all set to make his mark in Stone’s coffee scene.
But it’s not just about the coffee for Matt. It’s about the people of Stone, the appeal of the local canal town, and the bustling marketplace. He’s keen to contribute to the local vibe by sourcing locally and maintaining strong relationships with other businesses.
Keep tabs on the journey of Distinguished Roasts by following them on their website www.distinguished-roasts.com, Instagram @distinguishedroasts, and Facebook distinguishedroasts.
So, what’s the ultimate goal for Matt and Distinguished Roasts? In Matt’s own words, “To make coffee a special experience rather than an instant bore!” With a steaming mug of his speciality coffee in hand, we can’t help but believe he’s already well on his way.
