Best Veteran-Owned Coffee Brands That Actually Deliver

Why Veteran-Owned Coffee Deserves Your Attention

If you're searching for a coffee brand that delivers more than just caffeine, veteran-owned companies are where purpose meets performance. These brands are often run by men and women who know what it means to wake up early, grind hard, and serve something bigger than themselves. But with all the patriotic packaging and camo-themed marketing, how do you know which brands actually live up to the hype?

This guide breaks it down.

Whether you're looking to switch from a big-box roast, support a real mission, or find the boldest coffee for your daily routine — this list is for you.

And yes, we’re including some of the big names. Not because we owe them anything. But because you’re already searching for them — and we’re here to give it to you straight.

What Makes a Veteran-Owned Coffee Brand Worth It?

Not all veteran-owned coffee companies are created equal. Here’s what separates the real ones from the "patriotic packaging only" crowd:

Actual Veteran Leadership – Not just a figurehead or distant founder.

Clear Mission Support – Where does your money go? Who benefits?

Roast Quality & Freshness – Hand-roasted beats warehouse blends every time.

Transparency – Can you see who’s behind the scenes?

Variety & Delivery Options – Do they offer subscriptions, samplers, and brewing formats that work for you?

Now let’s break it down — starting with the one you probably haven’t tried (yet), but should.

1. Aerial Resupply Coffee – Best for Bold Flavor and Mission-First Values

Founded by: Mike Klemmer, U.S. Army (20 years in logistics)

Location: Charlottesville, VA

Mission: Support veterans, military families, and first responders — especially those in overlooked support roles.

What Stands Out:

Hand-roasted in small batches

Subscriptions available for all roasts

No politics, no pandering — just caffeine and community

Offers light, medium, dark, espresso, flavored, and tactical teas

Veteran-owned and veteran-operated

Best Sellers:

MOAB – Medium roast, double the caffeine

15W40 – Dark roast tribute to mechanics and motor pool heroes

Firewatch – Light roast built for overnight guard shifts

Sampler Packs – Try multiple roasts without committing

Why Choose ARC:
If you want a company that walks the walk — not just talks about service — Aerial Resupply Coffee delivers. From the roast names to the packaging to the impact, this brand is mission-critical for anyone who drinks coffee with purpose.

📦 Shop ARC Coffee Now

2. Black Rifle Coffee Company – Best for Brand Recognition

Founded by: SOF veterans

Mission: Serve coffee to people who love America

Strengths:

Widely available in retail (Walmart, Bass Pro)

Strong brand identity and huge following

Offers a wide variety of roasts and gear

Things to Know:

May feel more like a lifestyle brand than a coffee company

Less focus on small-batch or specialty flavors

If you’re into merch drops and mainstream visibility, BRCC is the go-to. But if you’re chasing freshness and veteran authenticity, there are stronger brews out there.

3. Fire Department Coffee – Best for First Responder Support

Founded by: Veterans and firefighters

Mission: Support injured and ill first responders

Strengths:

Roasts beans in-house

Specialty lines like Skull-Crushing Espresso

Portion of proceeds go to charity

Limitations:

Limited customization or roast frequency options

Brand skews heavily toward firefighter identity

A solid pick for those who want a good cause and strong branding. Less variety, but solid execution.

4. Got Your Six Coffee – Best for Community Vibes

Founded by: Army Veteran

Mission: Serve coffee and give back to first responders and veteran groups

Strengths:

Feels grassroots and community-driven

Emphasis on real-world impact

Limitations:

Limited roast and format availability

Smaller operation = slower shipping in some cases

A good underdog choice for buyers who want to support a small mission-driven roaster.

Final Word: You Came for a List. You Leave With a Mission.

Every company listed above is veteran-owned. Every one supports a mission. But only one is built on logistics, brewed for sustainers, and created to support everyone behind the scenes.

Aerial Resupply Coffee is more than a bag of beans — it’s a salute in every sip.

So if you're looking for:

The strongest roasts

The realest mission

And the most slept-on veteran-owned coffee company in America

Then it's time to try ARC.

🎯 Explore the Sampler →

☕ Start Your Subscription →

About the Author:
Mike Klemmer is the founder of Aerial Resupply Coffee. After 20 years in Army logistics, he launched ARC to support veterans, military spouses, and the overlooked sustainment community. He drinks his 15W40 black, roasted weekly, and mission-ready.

Back to The Resupply Blog

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FAQs

The standard coffee-to-water ratio is 1:16 (1 gram of coffee for every 16 grams of water). For example, a 12-ounce cup (about 355 grams) would need approximately 22 grams of coffee. Adjust to your taste: 1:15 for stronger coffee or 1:17 for lighter brews.

Grind size directly impacts how water extracts flavor from coffee grounds. A grind too fine can result in over-extraction and bitterness, while a grind too coarse can lead to weak, under-extracted coffee. Match the grind to your brewing method:

  • French press: Coarse grind (like sea salt)
  • Drip coffee: Medium grind (like sand)
  • Espresso: Fine grind (like powdered sugar)

Bitterness can result from:

  • Water that’s too hot (above 205°F).
  • Brewing for too long.
  • Using too fine a grind for your brewing method.

To fix this, lower the water temperature, shorten your brew time, or switch to a coarser grind.

Store coffee in an airtight, opaque container like the Fellow Atmos Vacuum Canister. Keep it in a cool, dark place away from heat, light, and moisture. Avoid storing coffee in the fridge or freezer, as condensation can degrade the flavor.

Use a thermometer or a temperature-controlled kettle like the Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Kettle. The ideal brewing temperature is 195°F–205°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, let boiled water sit for 30 seconds before using it.

A burr grinder is strongly recommended for consistency. Burr grinders produce uniform grind sizes, which ensure even extraction and better-tasting coffee. Blade grinders, on the other hand, create uneven particles that can lead to inconsistent flavor.

For the best flavor, use beans within 2–3 weeks of roasting. Check the roast date when buying coffee. At Aerial Resupply Coffee, our beans are roasted in small batches to ensure maximum freshness when they reach your door.

Start with these three simple upgrades:

  1. Use freshly roasted, high-quality beans like MOAB Medium Roast.
  2. Invest in a burr grinder for precise grind sizes.
  3. Measure coffee and water with a digital scale to ensure consistent ratios.

The French press is a great starting point for beginners. It’s straightforward, requires minimal equipment, and delivers rich, full-bodied coffee. Pair it with a reliable burr grinder and a scale for consistent results.

At Aerial Resupply Coffee, every purchase helps support veterans, military spouses, and first responders. By choosing our coffee, you’re not just enjoying bold, flavorful blends—you’re contributing to a meaningful mission and honoring those who serve.