In the heart of Maryland, a new coffee roastery has emerged, blending tradition with innovation. The Celtic Cup Coffee roastery and tasting room, nestled in Silver Spring, offers a unique experience for coffee enthusiasts. Founder Doug Ilg, a former computer scientist, has designed an innovative pneumatic tube system that delivers green coffee beans into stainless steel hoppers. Customers can either pre-order roasted coffee online or choose their favorite green beans for on-the-spot roasting. This compact yet efficient 550-square-foot space showcases a blend of modern technology and rustic charm, featuring bright vermillion cabinetry and a live-edge wood counter made from sustainably sourced Guanacaste wood. The shop also plans to introduce an outdoor seating area as the weather warms up.
A Symphony of Tradition and Technology in Celtic Cup Coffee Roastery
In the charming town of Silver Spring, Maryland, during a season marked by vibrant foliage, the Celtic Cup Coffee roastery and tasting room has opened its doors to the public. This innovative establishment, led by Doug Ilg, invites visitors to witness the art of coffee roasting firsthand. Ilg, who previously worked on satellite data systems for NASA, has crafted a conveyance system using vertically oriented pneumatic tubes to transport green coffee beans into stainless steel hoppers. Behind the customer-facing counter, multiple Sonofresco fluid-bed roasters are ready to roast small batches of coffee, ensuring each cup is perfectly tailored to individual preferences.
The facility, spanning approximately 550 square feet, houses up to seven full bags of coffee and six 65-pound boxes on built-in shelves. A single smoke hood connects all roasters to an eco-friendly VortX EF-800 Ecofilter emission mitigation system. For brewing, the shop boasts four Curtis Seraphim brew heads, a Fetco batch brewer, and two Philips 3300 super-automatic espresso makers. The interior design, featuring bright vermillion cabinetry and a live-edge wood counter from Costa Rica’s sustainable forestry program, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Customers can enjoy their coffee in its purest form at the tasting room bar, where milk and sugar are omitted by default. The Celtic Cup Coffee brand, inspired by Ilg's Irish dancing pastime, began as a cottage food business in 2019 and has since grown through word-of-mouth and online reviews. As warmer weather approaches, the shop plans to expand with an outdoor seating area and host a grand opening celebration featuring live Irish traditional music, drink specials, and giveaways.
From a journalist's perspective, the Celtic Cup Coffee roastery exemplifies the perfect fusion of tradition and modernity. It not only offers a delightful coffee experience but also emphasizes sustainability and community engagement. Ilg’s transition from a computer scientist to a roaster highlights the versatility of skills and passions, proving that following one’s dreams can lead to unexpected yet fulfilling ventures. This establishment serves as a reminder that innovation thrives when rooted in personal passion and cultural heritage.