Belleville coffee shop creates new roast, just in time for eclipse. What’s the connection?
In 2017, LongStory Coffee owner Erik Busch drove to Sparta to view the eclipse. At that time, he worked for Schlafly, which launched an eclipse-themed beer.
For the upcoming eclipse, he wants to celebrate in a similar way with coffee.
So, in time for the April 8 solar eclipse, Longstory will offer Totality, a medium roast organic coffee that is available from March 1 through April 8, Busch said.
He said he’s been thinking about the roast over the last year and actively worked on it for the last month and a half.
Busch wants a coffee that appeals to as many coffee drinkers as possible. So opted for a medium roast and create a perfect balance between a roasty bitter and acidic flavor. He chose an organic bean for those who prefer organic goods.
“This medium roasted Peruvian organic coffee showcases the balance between light and dark, with sweet flavors of brown sugar and chocolate blending with hints of nuttiness,” stated an email from LongStory Coffee to its mailing list subscribers.
It all sounds good to me!
The back of the Totality bag includes information about how eclipses were seen in ancient cultures.
“In ancient Chinese lore, an eclipse was seen as an ancient dragon attacking the sun,” the label says.
It also includes Native American, African and ancient Greek lore and the date for this year’s total solar eclipse.
I should also mention that each bag comes with a pair of eclipse glasses (while supplies last, of course). Busch found a company online that makes glasses ideal for viewing an eclipse and bought a bundle two months ago.
Totality also is available through April 8 through LongStory’s website.
After that, remaining bags will be pulled from the shelves, and the baristas get to take it all home, said Busch.
LongStory, the podcast
In addition to roasting coffee, Busch keeps pretty busy.
In December, he and regular LongStory customer Owen Pye launched a new podcast.
“LongStory Short” features “a collection of side hustles, cool jobs, and interesting hobbies from your coffee shop regulars.”
Pye is a videographer, content creator and regular who, according to Busch, wanted to launch a podcast without being in a podcast. (He is included in two episodes, one as interviewer and another as interviewee.)
Busch says he often chats up the regulars and learns about their jobs and interests. Those that stand out are invited to be guests in a podcast.
Some of these include a pastor/bartender, artists, musicians and others. Upcoming episodes feature a bee keeper and a fire spinner.
Busch said they shoot the podcasts in batches with the goal of releasing one every other week.
You can find all of the “LongStory Short” podcasts on YouTube.
Farmer’s market ends soon
The coffee shop at the old train depot is also the setting of a monthly farmer’s market, which takes place 8 a.m. to noon on the third Saturday of each month.
Busch said Market at the Station is doing well and that after the last two dates in March and April, the idea of hosting the market during the regular season will be revisited.
He is also collaborating with Mike Johnson and Jeremy Hall at Shoehorn Brewing to create a new brew.
I’ll have more on that in a separate story very soon, so keep reading.
On top of all that, Busch has many other projects and events in the works for 2024. You can keep up with the activities via the LongStory Coffee Facebook page.
About LongStory Coffee
LongStory Coffee is located at 732 S. Illinois St. in Belleville. Hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
For more information, call 618-975-7398, visit longstorycoffee.com or check out the Facebook page.
This story was originally published March 2, 2024 at 6:00 AM.
