JUNE Coffee
213 25th Street, N, C Birmingham, AL 53203
Riffing on a lyric from the Decemberists, June Hymn, an anthem of springtime bounty… Here’s a shop to welcome in the day! We went on a wedding womple in the Magic City (Birmingham AL) that led to a lot of love and a great coffee find that, coupled with an exemplary bakery, left us smiling ear-to-ear. June is this shop’s name, the owner’s favorite month, and the month of their 2022 opening. Just like the song, June has a lot going for it. Womple on in and we’re sure you’ll agree.
Coffee:
The coffee was their Colombia-La Reserva which is true to its’ olfactory and tasting of vanilla and berry (I had problems with identifying the peach but that could be me). These beans used a lactic honey processing where fresh coffee cherries are placed in tanks without oxygen, resulting in a higher sugar content, producing a sweet cup with a medium-high body (mouth feel) an elevated lactic acid profile, and a fruity aftertaste. It’s a complex process, fraught with incremental risks, but done well, one that can produce unique and rewarding results. My experience was indeed a sweet cup, distinctly aromatic, and highly pleasant with an enduring flavor profile that appreciatively lingered.
Barista:
A smile greets you accompanied by a cheery hello, setting the mood for attentive and comfortable service. They were careful to answer questions/explain process and genuinely interested in our day and the adventure that brought us here. I think everyone in our party felt the service was attentive and with four people behind the counter, prompt, and comprehensive.
Vibe:
On a gorgeous Sunday morning in the Ham, we journeyed to a sleepy street where Last Call Bakery (their bakery is “on tap” at June) and June share a cool one story brick building. June has a very sleek yet warm interior, with concrete floors, Terrazzo backsplash and counters, and an open architecture that couples well with warm, wood-slatted walls and an interesting counter made from on-site, reclaimed brick. A garage doored wall opens to a great courtyard rimmed by attractively cut concrete slabs standing on end. It’s a comfortable spot in front of June’s side entrance. The other option is inside seating where there are plenty of outlets should you need to plug in, and a chill music that soothes. The bakery items are fantabulous (we think the Queen-Kougin Amann and the olive oil cake are must haves) however, if you want to explore further, take a quick walk over to Last Call for a more diverse selection of excellence. June also serves up Ladybird Tacos.
Make You Better
Their design aesthetic is compelling, both for their plant (it includes and on-site roastery) and their logo, but they are obviously still developing their merch. A bigger presence in this area would likely help them expand reach, even with locals. We chatted with several who did not know June existed . Shame! June was previously Epilogue Roasters, a wholesale roasting company.
We are grateful for a fantastic weekend crowned by a great coffee experience in Birmingham, AL. June amply fulfills their stated goal of “crafting an amazing product while delivering genuine hospitality in a warm and inviting space.” To that, we say, welcome in your day… at June.
Matt & Clyde <3 (a joint review)