Blue Bottle's majority share holder is Nestle, but they were in existence before that and have a great product. So I wouldn't say they are a "Nestle product." And let's be honest, Peet's is no bueno, it's high volume which means it needs to be inexpensive and gathered from many sources. Many sources means an inconsistency in flavor profile, and the only way to fix that is to over roast the beans so they all taste burnt.
You are correct sir in everything you state here. But let’s be honest, it’s not all about me or you. I have to take into consideration the impact of my actions such as supporting a corporation who does not take responsibility for their actions. The water issues in CA and the bait and switch to get nursing mothers to stop lactating in Africa borders on criminal. So whilst Blue Bottle might do small batch, I can not support the machine.
Isn’t Stumptown owned by Blue Bottle now? I know I enjoyed their coffee a few years back when I visited Portland, but I don’t know if anything’s changed.
That said, my favorite coffee is one that’s roasted locally, wherever that might be. I enjoy Doma’s & Thomas Hammer’s stuff, as well as Craven’s. They all roast their own within 100 miles of me.