Country Roads Coffee, a small-town roastery based in Albion, has reached the Final Four of the “Coolest Thing Made IN Indiana” tournament. Hosted by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, the annual event celebrates Indiana’s rich manufacturing heritage.
This year’s competition began with more than 90 entrants, narrowed down to a bracket of 64 contestants through fan voting. Country Roads Coffee has risen through multiple rounds to secure its spot in the semifinals.
The business, operated by Kerry and Jocelyn Clouse since 2018, began as a hobby using a popcorn popper to roast coffee at home. What started as a cost-saving venture quickly evolved into a thriving business. “The orders just kept coming bigger and bigger to where we couldn’t keep up,” Jocelyn recalled.
Now selling over 2,000 pounds of coffee each month, Kerry marveled at the growth compared to their modest beginnings. “It seems weird to me … the first bag six years ago was just like, ‘let’s make an extra $100,’” he said.
The Clouses are thrilled by the support they’ve received from their community and beyond. “We’re from a little town — Albion — kind of out in the middle of nowhere,” Jocelyn said. “Starting with nothing to people hearing about us all over, it’s pretty exciting.”
Country Roads Coffee products are available online, at the YLNI Farmers Market, and in several stores across northeast Indiana.
In the semifinals, the Albion roastery faces Hard Truth Whiskey Co. of Nashville, which was the 2023 runner-up. Other finalists include Guardian Bikes in Seymour and Harpsicle Harps in Rising Sun. Country Roads Coffee hopes to become the second northeast Indiana business to win the title, following Maple Leaf Farms, which won in 2022 for its roast half duck.
The tournament continues to spotlight the diversity and creativity of Indiana-made products, with fans eagerly awaiting the final results.
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