Historic Building, Cutting Edge Coffee
In the heart of historic Charleston, Black Tap Coffee is carving out a place for craft coffee in the South’s culinary capital. Opened in February 2012 by Ross Jet and Jayme Scott, Black Tap exists to make “good, handcrafted coffee products.”
Low Country Charm
The bright orange and purple building starkly contrasts with the white interior, which features big windows and clean design. The hip, inviting space attracts its fair share of college kids and young professionals, who clearly seem to enjoy the coffee. As their name implies, Black Tap specializes in cold brewed iced coffee, which is served from a cask ale-style tap.This forte formed out of the necessity to adapt to Charleston’s hot and sticky climate, where most customers would rather drink something cold and refreshing. Black Tap makes the syrups for specialty drinks and sodas in-house.
Counter Culture Coffee
Like so many of the Compass’s other favorite cafes, Black Tap serves coffee roasted by North Carolina’s Counter Culture Coffee. I tried a pour over of the Finca Nueva Armenia from Guatemala, which featured flavors of green apple, grape and a crisp acidity. Overall, a very drinkable coffee that was not too bitter. I also tried an Americano and an iced blueberry hibiscus tea; both were well crafted and refreshing.
The delicious coffee, voguish design, and friendly Southern atmosphere make Black Tap a great stop for a drink. So if you ever find yourself in Charleston, strolling down historic King St., skip over a few blocks to 70 & ½ Beaufain St. and check out Black Tap Coffee.
About Tim Harris
Tim Harris is a visual journalist from Louisville, Ky and a recent graduate of Western Kentucky University’s photojournalism program.
When not taking pictures or telling stories he likes to ride his bike, play drums and garden.
He has interned and worked for The New York Times, The Courier-Journal, The Chautauquan Daily and Nadus Films and has traveled the world taking pictures in New Zealand, Dominican Republic, Australia, Sudan, Uganda, Czech Republic and Italy. He is available for assignment anywhere in the world.
Definitely a must do on a Charleston coffee crawl. Always my first stop when I’m in town.
That’s great! What are some of your favorite Charleston shops?