Nordic Thunder (Jan 2016 Limited Blend)

Nordic Thunder (Jan 2016 Limited Blend)

"It takes a lotta something to be a professional idiot. If you're goint to deem yourself one, such as I have, you must take full ownership of that responsibility. My Thor-given mission is to spread peace and understanding through the absurd act of playing an invisible axe. I have found air guitar to be a vessel that has paved my path to a more compassionate, way of living. Air guitar is a unversal language anyone can understand. It's a tool that can be used to immediately connect with anyone, anywhere, at any given time. You just have to abandon logic and believe. By having the willingness to make fools of ourselves and put absurdity on center stage, I truly believe that air guitarists and idiots alike have the capability to change the world."
                                                                                                     Justin "Nordic Thunder" Howard 
                                                                                                     2013 World Air Guitar Champion 

 

The words written above paint a picture of someone who looks a life through glass that most of us only dream of, the ability to optimistically see every day as one of only opportunity. Nordic Thunder's focus is making everyone who watches him perform feel that same optimism and the point of this entire project. 

To the average person the words Nordic Thunder, sound like a character from a viking folklore. But to some individuals, these words have become a symbol of bigotry, hate and Nazi fascism. A neo-nazi "music" group called themselves Nordic Thunder in the early 1990's, before disbanding. The name carried on, helping to sell the hate and ugliness long associated with both the band and pathetic cause. 

Fast forward to 2012, when Justin Howard wins the Air Guitar World Championship as Nordic Thunder! Pretty badass eh? That's when the resistance from the white power/neo nazi groups began and haven't stopped since. Why you may ask? The domain name, NordicThunder.com, was already taken by a neo nazi group and they didn't like Justin's use of the name. This attention was not only disheartening but also prevented Justin from actually promoting himself as Nordic Thunder. But not any more! 

The Nordic Thunder coffee is a project representing a group of friends who decided the evil skinhead bullshit was no longer going to dictate how the Nordic Thunder name would be viewed. Together, Justin, Jourdon Gullet, Collin James Diederich, CH Distillery and DMC teamed up to release the new Nordic Thunder! A new website, instructional video and coffee will all help lead this charge to allow love to conquer hate for good! 

The bag artwork is from Jourdon Gullet, known for his Bluetown skateboards and Solemn Oath Brewery designs. Collin's video captures Nordic Thunder himself teaching viewers how to become their own air guitar hero, with snake oil salesman charm. Not to be out-done, CH Distillery & DMC teamed up to create a cask conditioned Aquavit cask conditioned coffee using a custom Aquavit. This Scandinavian spirit pulls at the heart strings of Justin, as he has consumed large amounts during multiple trips to Finland as a cultural ambassador.  

The project consists entirely of Caturra & Catuai, a blend of steel cask conditioned and non conditioned versions of the bean. CH Distillery was also kind enough to build a specific recipe for this project involving a much heavier dose of fresh dill, caraway, fennel, cardamom, etc. and a much higher proof of alcohol.

Unfamiliar with aquavit? Click here and learn more.

Coffee 

Country: Guatemala
Farm: Finca San Jeronimo Miramar
Cultivar: Caturra and Catuai
Process: Washed and Cask Conditioned

Notes: Milk Chocolate, Honey, Juniper Berry