Coffee just got an upgrade.

In a town overflowing with coffee shops, Hogg Batch brings a truly unique flavor to the java scene. Located at 2327 Central Avenue, the shop quietly opened a few weeks ago in St. Pete’s Grand Central District. Although the shop mainly operates as a pick-up location for online orders, and not as a traditional coffee bar, the owners may host the occasional pop-up event or coffee tasting in the future.

The founders, twin brothers David and Duane Hogg, call their method of roasting coffee something of a disruption -- and fully a delight. Every last coffee bean is sourced and roasted with care; innovative and inspiring, their coffee is aged in used spirit barrels. This process infuses each cup of joe with a taste unlike anything else in the area. Some examples of what these two are brewing up in the kitchen include flavors such as: Coffee + Bourbon, Coffee + Whiskey, Coffee + Gin, and Coffee + Jamaican Rum.

The brothers originally hail from Hartford, CT. However, after finishing their BFAs at a private art school in Tampa, they decided to stick around, going on to continue their studies at USF. It was St. Pete’s spirit of community and togetherness -- as well as the continued support for local companies -- that kept them here. Growing up so close to large cities, they understand the power community support has on small businesses.

While there is a level of science that goes into the coffee-making process, the Hogg brothers honor creativity and embrace spontaneity. Sometimes, a disruption can be a good thing. Sometimes, it happens to make some truly unique coffee.

They began by roasting beans at home in a cast iron skillet with the goal of bringing out something special in each bean.

Hogg Batch keeps their products transparent and accessible. The website, for instance, lists the Coffee + Whiskey creation as having “brown sugar, milk chocolate,” tones, and even suggests methods of brewing, such as espresso and drip. Each flavor goes through a comprehensive creative process; each bean is analyzed to decide which barrel with which it will pair best.

The shop itself brings the coffee-making process to front and center. Upon entering, you’ll note “Gold Soul,” a giant roaster, on display to remind guests of how their coffee came to be. Hogg Batch’s interior, at 700 square feet, glows with an ambiance combining “motivation, art, and hip hop soul,” according to the owners.

If you’re interested in trying some of their coffee, they sell it in 8oz to 1lb bags, ranging in prices from $20 to $36. For a more in-depth look at what’s offered, check out the shop page on their website.

And if you find yourself a dedicated fan, consider joining the Hogg Batch monthly subscription service, called the “Disrupt Coffee Club,” at either of the two tiers -- Roaster’s Select or Neat Choice. The former provides you with one of their favorite fresh roasted bags (available in a variety of sizes) once a month. On the other hand, Neat Choice will surprise you with a Whiskey or Bourbon coffee once a month.

The subscription service also goes beyond a monthly bag of coffee; as a subscriber, you’ll have access to exclusive merch, events, and offers, as well as 10% off regular prices. If you feel more inclined to give, and with the holiday season right around the bend, Hogg Batch offers gift cards, too.

It’s not just coffee the brothers are investing in -- it’s community. Before COVID-19, you could find David and Duane Hogg selling their coffee at the local markets in downtown St. Pete. Now, customers are encouraged to visit the retail shop at 2327 Central Avenue to pick up the latest batch of coffee. To keep up with what Hogg Batch has to offer St. Pete, visit the Hogg Batch’s Instagram and Facebook. Find their website here.