As you step into the “Old Adobe” house on Main Street in Payson, the inviting scent of caramel fills the air, blending seamlessly with the storied past of the building, the oldest standing structure in the area. Inside, the walls of this historic mud adobe shelter cradle a coffee-roasting tradition that echoes back to the 15th century.
Rock Top Coffee, established in Payson in 2015, has become a prominent name in local coffee culture. Under the ownership of Alfonso Rodriquez since 2021, the company has expanded its reach, providing single-origin beans and unique blends to coffee shops across Rim Country. Notable clients include Common Grounds, Noley’s Art Gallery & Bookstore, and the Pinon Café, with a total of 20 Arizona businesses benefiting from their offerings.
David Southworth, who manages daily operations at Rock Top Coffee, emphasizes the freshness of their products. “Everything we’re roasting is harvested within the last year,” he explains. Currently, the farm is yielding 4,000 pounds of coffee beans, while an additional 3,000 pounds are available for roasting. “Our supply is pretty good. It’s adequate for our needs,” he adds, showcasing their commitment to quality and sustainability.
Initially, Southworth implemented automation in the roasting process, but he has since returned to a more hands-on approach, personally monitoring roast times and temperatures. He prefers using an electric roaster over a gas one, explaining, “Gas can kind of leak into the bean and change the flavor.” This attention to detail is essential in maintaining the quality of their coffee.
In addition to their standout Colombian beans, Rock Top Coffee sources its coffee from regions such as Sumatra, Ethiopia, Guatemala, and Brazil. These beans are procured from Genuine Origin, a coffee importer recognized for its ethical sourcing practices. Rodriquez’s family farm in Colombia operates year-round, with his brothers actively working to protect the land from environmental threats. They manage over 80,000 coffee plants and are collaborating with the Colombian government to reforest previously deforested areas by planting approximately 40,000 native trees.
Rock Top Coffee made its new home in the “Old Adobe” house in October. This historical building, constructed in 1882 by Paul Vogel for Henry Sidles, carries a rich legacy. In 1889, it was acquired by August and Wilhelmina Pieper, who resided there while constructing their adjacent mansion. The property has undergone various ownership changes, with Geoff and Sandi Wolfe acquiring it in 2017. The Wolfs undertook a comprehensive restoration, salvaging original materials to revive the long-neglected structure.
Designed to withstand fire and potential Native American raids, the mud adobe construction of the hut provides a unique and fitting backdrop for the coffee roastery. Southworth envisions the space as more than just a roastery; he aims to create an inviting lounge where customers can enjoy a cup of coffee. “We want to be a little bit more public,” he states, expressing a desire to establish a “tasting room” atmosphere rather than a typical coffee shop. Customers can purchase beans directly from the roastery, fostering a sense of connection to the product.
For now, Southworth engages with the community through social media, posting daily updates about his presence at the roastery. “People can come in and buy bags off the shelves,” he explains, sharing that families have already visited the historical building to learn about the coffee roasting process.
Rodriquez’s commitment to the local community extends beyond his business. His wife teaches at the Payson Unified School District, where their children graduated. Recently, Rock Top Coffee has supported local schools by supplying beans for a student-run coffee cart at Payson High School. The company even crafted a special Longhorn Blend for this initiative, reflecting Southworth’s enthusiasm for mentoring students and helping them apply their learning in practical settings.
Local coffee shop owner Miki Kilby praises the quality of Rock Top’s beans, particularly their house blend sourced from Rodriquez’s family farm in Colombia. “I think it’s the best coffee I’ve ever had,” she enthuses, adding that her favorite combination is the Sumatra and Colombia blend. “It really is phenomenal. I don’t know if I can have any others anymore.” Kilby appreciates the local connection, stating, “It’s nice that it’s local because it makes it feel more connected. We’re a local coffee shop, and it’s local beans.”
The “Old Adobe” house and the nearby Pieper Mansion, located at 505 W. Main Street, offer a glimpse into the historical tapestry of Payson. The three cabins constructed in the 1930s adjacent to the hut are available as short-term rentals through Airbnb, providing visitors a chance to experience the charm of the area while enjoying the rich flavors of locally roasted coffee.
As Rock Top Coffee continues to grow and engage with the community, it remains rooted in a deep respect for both its heritage and the environment, ensuring that the aroma of freshly roasted coffee will linger in Payson for years to come.
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