The Taste of Freedom

Top 5 Veteran-Owned Independent Coffee Brands

by Richard Baimbridge

With the holiday season just around the corner, you might already be thinking about what gifts to give friends and family members this year. Or, if you’re like me, you probably don’t start thinking about that until around 8pm on December 23^rd . But in any case, I try to support family-run businesses that support the ideals of patriotism and freedom whenever possible – especially those that are veteran-owned and give back to their communities. People who I might run into at a local Veterans Day event, out on the shooting range, or helping others in times of need.    

Despite being subjected to some of the most terrible instant coffee on the planet in their MREs, military veterans are renowned as some of the top coffee connoisseurs on the planet these days. I won’t rehash the story of Black Rifle Coffee Company, which I’m sure you know already. No doubt, BRCC sells some great coffee and gives back a lot to the veteran community. But there are many smaller, privately-operated veteran-owned coffee companies putting out excellent products and providing jobs for veterans that you might also consider giving a shot.   

If you love a strong, delicious cup of coffee for yourself, or are looking for a perfect holiday gift that also helps veterans, this is our list of the 5 Best Independent Veteran-Owned Coffee Companies. We chose each one based on quality, reputation, community outreach, and the philosophy that their brand represents. Some, like Austin, Texas-based Invader Coffee, offer care package donations for troops deployed overseas – which just might be the next best thing to coming home for the holidays.  

 Scars & Stripes Coffee

If you’re looking for a company that stands up for American values, supports veterans and delivers a delicious cup of coffee, these guys (and gals) are the real deal. Founded by Oklahomans Chad Watts and Lt. Col. Brad Dean, Scars & Stripes is more than just a place to buy coffee, it’s also a direct-marketing e-commerce company that exclusively employs veterans and gives them both a job and a personal mentor for creating a successful sales business or franchise, and helps them re-integrate back into civilian life. You can either buy from the sales reps in your area, or direct from the company website. Green Zone, Downrange Coffee, and At Ease Espresso are some of the best-sellers, with beans sourced from family-owned Brazilian farms. And if you need further convincing, check out their promo video, which is just 100% pure bad-ass.

Got Your Six Coffee

Navy Veteran Eric Hadley founded this company together with a “band of brothers” using his own retirement savings after being laid off from his job on an offshore drill platform. Based in Springfield, Missouri, GY6CC now operates like a well-trained unit. They’re extremely active on the ground, showing up for first responders in times of need and supporting numerous charities as well as troops stationed overseas. The brand has been around now for over six years and is growing rapidly. And they sell a mean cup of coffee – flavored roasts, dark roasts, gift packages, and my personal favorite, “IFACK” (Individual First Aid Coffee Kit), consisting of chocolate-covered espresso beans.

Invader Coffee

Invader coffee started under Marine Veteran Wes Whitlock’s iconic Rogue American Apparel Store, based in in Austin, Texas. Picture a place where you might expect Joe Rogan buys all his t-shirts. Much like the store, Whitlock’s coffee boasts a “Don’t Tread on Me” attitude matched by top quality beans with extreme caffeine levels and exquisite taste. This is coffee for serious coffee drinkers – but don’t bother asking for the decaf, as Whitlock’s “Death Before Decaf” t-shirt attests. With blends like “Wake the Bones,” Invader works with Move America Forward, allowing online customers to donate bags of coffee to troops deployed overseas.

Bonefrog Coffee

Founded by retired Navy SEAL Tim Cruickshank, Bonefrog honors the sacrifice of fallen SEALs. With blends like "Frogman Dark Roast" and "Zenfrog Decaf," the company offers a wide range of flavors to suit all tastes. Bonefrog Coffee partners with veteran organizations, donating proceeds to causes like the Navy SEAL Foundation. They have digital gift cards, monthly subscriptions, cool merch and great holiday gift boxes. Check out their video explaining the bonefrog motto.  

Arrowhead Coffee, Canada

Arrowhead is a Canadian coffee company owned by Leen Bolle, a 16-year veteran of the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command. They offer some outstanding special blends, like Cleared Hot, Flash Over, and Salute. Arrowhead is also highly involved in supporting Canadian Veteran and First Responder communities, working with organizations like Team Rubicon Canada, Walk for the Wounded, and V-42 Foundation. And they have an excellent blog section on their website with interesting articles for true coffee connoisseurs, covering topics like Nitro Cold Brews…guess the folks up there in the Great White North enjoy their iced-coffee, too.

So, now that you’ve got your caffeine fix and several great options in front of you, there’s no excuse to buy your coffee at Starbucks or the grocery store anymore. This is some of the finest coffee in the world, family-owned, delivered right to your door at affordable prices – and it tastes even better knowing you’re supporting our veterans and first responders rather than blue-haired baristas.

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