Placer Roasting Company, a new venture spearheaded by the husband-and-wife team Katie and Shawn Clouse, has recently inaugurated a distinct tasting room within California's historic Gold Country. Situated in Rocklin, this innovative space transcends the typical coffee shop experience, offering patrons an immersive journey into the world of specialty coffee. The establishment skillfully merges modern design aesthetics with a profound respect for local heritage, creating an inviting atmosphere where the appreciation of fine coffee and community engagement are paramount. This new hub serves not only as a showcase for their meticulously roasted beans but also as a testament to their dedication to quality, ethical sourcing, and a unique customer experience.
Nestled about a thirty-minute drive northeast of downtown Sacramento, Placer Roasting Company's new facility captivates visitors with its thoughtfully designed interior. A striking landscape mural, adorned with the motto "Good People Good Coffee," artfully depicts the region's rugged topography, setting a harmonious tone. The space is further enhanced by vibrant green and black accents that complement natural wood finishes and a lustrous white quartz bar, where the true stars of the show—espresso concoctions, batch brews, and delicate single-cup pourovers—are meticulously prepared. Shawn Clouse articulated their vision, highlighting a desire for an environment that is bright, purposeful, and welcoming, fostering curiosity and dialogue about specialty coffee without feeling overly cluttered.
A central feature of the new tasting room is its dedicated brew bar, specifically designed for Hario V60 pourovers. This setup encourages direct interaction, allowing guests to witness the precise brewing techniques employed by expert baristas. Clouse emphasized that this transparency and engagement were fundamental to their design philosophy, aiming to celebrate the artistry behind each cup. The tasting room has quickly garnered recognition for its exceptional single-origin pourovers, alongside a diverse menu of specialty coffee drinks and innovative seasonal offerings. The company's connection to its namesake, Placer County, a core area of the Gold Country, is subtly woven into its identity. The elegant quartz counter serves as a tribute to the area’s storied past, while all their coffee blends proudly bear the names of historic local mines, forging a deeper connection to the community and its rich legacy.
The journey of Placer Roasting Company began in the summer of 2024, stemming from Shawn Clouse's extensive background as a home roaster and Katie Clouse's valuable experience in sales and management. Their 400-square-foot roastery, conveniently adjacent to the coffee shop, is where Shawn expertly develops each coffee's optimal flavor profile. This process involves initial sample roasting with a Nucleus Link device, followed by full production on a custom-painted Diedrich IR-12. The majority of their green coffee beans are sourced through Covoya Coffee, supplemented by direct relationships with growers in Mexico and Costa Rica, underscoring their commitment to responsible and transparent sourcing practices. Shawn prioritizes traceability, ethical trade, and superior cup quality, seeking out beans that offer distinct flavor notes such as vibrant fruit, delicate floral aromas, or profound sweetness.
Beyond providing a direct avenue for consumers to explore the nuances of specialty coffee, Placer Roasting Company is actively pursuing growth in the wholesale market. The Clouses are keen on cultivating robust partnerships with cafes and shops that share their unwavering dedication to quality. Their core mission, "Good People Making Good Coffee," serves as a guiding principle as they aspire to expand their roastery and tasting room presence, all while contributing positively to the local community.