Stumptown Coffee hailed as leading coffee's "third wave"

PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland is getting a little love from "Time" magazine.

Portland's own Stumptown Coffee Roasters is being hailed as the front-runner in what's known as coffee's "third wave," according to the magazine.

The story says Folgers and Tasters Choice led coffee's "first wave." Starbucks then took coffee to a new level.

However, Stumptown is being hailed for creating the latest cutting edge – by treating coffee beans more like wines. "Time" magazine says the big difference is that Stumptown doesn't roast its beans as long as Starbucks, leaving more complexity in the different beans (and less burnt taste).

Stumptown's organization is based at 3377 S.E. Division St. in Portland, with an additional office in Seattle. It runs five coffee shops in Portland, two in Seattle and one in New York City, according to its Web site. 

Related links:

• Stumptown Coffee Roaster's Web site
• "Time" magazine's article: "Is Stumptown the New Starbucks — or Better?"