The best coffee in Kent will be determined Thursday, Oct. 16 at “Nuts About Coffee,” a blind coffee tasting contest hosted by Kent State’s Williamson Alumni Center. Local coffee shops will anonymously showcase their signature coffee outside of the center from 10 a.m. to noon, offering free samples for all to test. The coffee will be ranked based on aroma, taste and freshness, and the winner will be awarded a plaque along with earning the title, “Best Coffee in Kent.”

“This is a fun way to kick off Homecoming, and it will promote the community and the university together,” said Joy Wesoloski, the Alumni Association assistant director. 

Participating in the competition are four coffee shops: Dunkin’ Donuts, Sheetz, Scribbles Coffee and Bent Tree Coffee Roasters. 

Last year’s award winner was Bent Tree Coffee Roasters, located on 313 N. Water Street. Bent Tree distributes coffee to local restaurants Wild Goats Cafe, Tree City Coffee and Taco Tantos, to name a few.

“We work directly with the distributors to produce the best quality coffee we can,” said Chris Uhler, a manager at Bent Tree Coffee Roasters. 

Uhler said he believes winning the competition in 2013 increased business for the roasting company as they compete to hold onto the title this second time around.

Check back after the event on Thursday night to see who has the best coffee!

Contact Gabrielle Martinez at [email protected].