The "Try That In A Small Town" Collection And How It Started
- Peacemaker Coffee Company
- Apr 18
- 8 min read
There is something sacred about a morning in a small town. It’s the sound of a diesel engine warming up in a driveway, the sight of the American flag catching the first rays of light, and the quiet resolve of people who wake up ready to serve their communities. In these moments, coffee is more than just a caffeine kick; it is the fuel for a lifestyle built on grit, integrity, and purpose.
However, not all coffee is created equal. While many of us reach for whatever bag is on the grocery store shelf, there is a hidden side to the coffee industry that most big brands don’t want to talk about: mold and mycotoxins. If you’ve ever felt a "jittery" crash, a mid-morning headache, or digestive discomfort after your cup of joe, your coffee might be the culprit.
At Peacemaker Coffee Company, we believe that those who work the hardest deserve the cleanest fuel. That is why we’ve dedicated ourselves to providing a small-town lifestyle experience through our specialty-grade, mold-free coffee. This guide will walk you through why clean coffee matters, the science of mycotoxins, and how our "Try That In A Small Town" collection got its start.
Why Does "Clean" Coffee Matter?
When we talk about "clean" coffee, we aren't just talking about organic farming. We are talking about the absence of harmful fungi and their toxic byproducts. Coffee beans are organic seeds, and if they aren't handled with extreme care from harvest to bagging, they can become a breeding ground for mold.
The Danger of Mycotoxins
Mycotoxins, specifically Ochratoxin A and Aflatoxin, are toxic compounds produced by certain molds that can grow on coffee beans during harvesting, processing, and storage. Research shows that these toxins are heat-stable, meaning that even the high temperatures of a commercial roaster won't always eliminate them.
Consistent exposure to these toxins can lead to chronic inflammation, brain fog, and long-term health issues. For the first responders, veterans, and medical personnel we support, mental clarity and physical readiness aren't optional: they are requirements. You shouldn't have to worry if your morning ritual is actually undermining your health.
The Science of Purity: Our Testing Process
We don't just claim to have mold-free coffee; we prove it. To ensure every bag meets the high standards of the Peacemaker family, we utilize 3rd-party laboratory testing.
96% Reduction in Mycotoxins
Our commitment to quality has resulted in a staggering 96% reduction in mycotoxins compared to standard commercial-grade coffees. By working with labs that specialize in food safety, we can verify that our beans are free from the contaminants that cause that "heavy" feeling or digestive upset.
Specialty-Grade Standards (SCA 82+)
The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) uses a rigorous 100-point scale to grade coffee. Most "supermarket" coffee falls into the "commodity" category, which often allows for a certain percentage of defects, including moldy beans.
At Peacemaker Coffee Company, we only source specialty-grade beans with an SCA score of 82 or higher. This ensures that the beans are not only clean but also possess superior flavor profiles, natural sweetness, and a smooth finish. When you choose a specialty coffee bundle, you are choosing the top 5-7% of all coffee grown globally.
The "Try That In A Small Town" Collection
Inspired by the resilience and traditional values of rural America, our Try That In A Small Town Collection is more than just a set of coffee bags. It is a tribute to a way of life that refuses to compromise on quality or character.
How this collection started:
The Songwriters Behind "Try That in a Small Town"
"Try That in a Small Town" was written by four Nashville veterans: Kelley Lovelace, Neil Thrasher, Tully Kennedy, and Kurt Allison. The song became a cultural lightning rod in 2023, but before the controversy, there was a fascinating creative story behind it.
Kelley Lovelace
Lovelace is one of Nashville's most respected songwriters, with an impressive track record of hit songs. He is known for co-writing Brad Paisley's "Online," 103.3 WJOD, among many other credits. At the No. 1 celebration, Lovelace expressed sincere gratitude to Aldean, saying, "I'm incredibly thankful to you, Jason, for recording this song." MusicRow
Lovelace is also credited with sparking the writing session after watching troubling news footage one morning and praying. He grew increasingly angry, and the phrase "Try That In A Small Town" came to him. He then called Neil Thrasher to come write. American Songwriter
Neil Thrasher
Thrasher is well known for co-writing Rascal Flatts' "Fast Cars and Freedom," 103.3 WJOD, and has been a fixture in country music publishing for decades. He and Lovelace have a long creative partnership. When Lovelace called him the day the idea struck, Thrasher had his golf clothes on and was ready for their usual Tuesday outing, but he set the clubs aside to write instead. American Songwriter
Tully Kennedy
Kennedy is unique among the four writers in that he is also Jason Aldean's bassist, making him both a live bandmate and a studio collaborator. His personal connection to the song runs especially deep. Kennedy was onstage at the Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas in 2017 during the deadliest mass shooting by a lone gunman in U.S. history.
A bullet struck his bass guitar and lodged in it, likely saving his life. Taste of Country
That trauma shaped the emotional core of what the writers were trying to say.
Kennedy said the song was "all about positivity," conveying the message of a tight-knit community that looks out for one another: "We've got each other's back. That's not going to fly in a small town, and I was really proud of that." American Songwriter
Kurt Allison
Allison hails from Des Moines, Iowa, 103.3 WJOD, and, like Kennedy, is a member of Jason Aldean's touring band, serving as his lead guitarist. At the No. 1 party, Allison noted that Aldean "owned" the song as if he had written it himself: "We kind of felt like Jason wrote the song with us because he owned it like it was his. When all this heat was happening, he didn't deflect onto us, songwriters." MusicRow
The Song's Impact
After its music video was released in July 2023 and subsequently pulled from CMT, the song surged in popularity, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, Aldean's first ever on that all-genre chart, and experienced the biggest sales week for a country song in over a decade. Wikipedia
It became Aldean's 28th No. 1 on the country charts.
The four writers later launched a podcast called Try That in a Small Town, where they shared the song's origin story and addressed the criticism head-on, saying they were "stunned" by the backlash to what they considered a straightforward message about community values. Taste of Country
This collection was designed for those who value transparency and strength. It features a curated selection of our best-selling roasts, all of which undergo rigorous cleaning and testing.
What makes this collection special?
3rd Party Lab Tested: Verified mold-free and low-toxin.
Low Acidity: Our roasting process is designed to reduce the high acid content that can cause heartburn, making it easier on your stomach.
Specialty-Grade Quality: Only the highest quality beans make the cut.
Mission Driven: Every purchase helps us support veterans, first responders, and medical personnel through our donations and community outreach.
Whether you are looking for the full experience with the Try That In A Small Town Collection or you need the high-volume reliability of our 5 lb Small Town bag, you are getting a product built for the roast.
Health Benefits of Switching to Mold-Free Coffee
If you are a regular coffee drinker, switching to a lab-tested, mold-free brand can produce noticeable changes in how you feel throughout the day.
Sustained Energy Without the Crash: Many people attribute their "coffee crash" to caffeine, but it is often a reaction to mycotoxins. Clean coffee provides a smoother energy curve.
Reduced Digestive Irritation: Our low-acidity roasting process is a game-changer for people with sensitive stomachs or acid reflux.
Enhanced Mental Clarity: By removing inflammatory toxins, you let the coffee's natural antioxidants do their job, protecting your brain and improving focus.
Better Long-term Wellness: Reducing your daily toxin load is one of the simplest ways to support your immune system and overall longevity.
For those looking to take their wellness ritual to the next level, we also recommend exploring how to boost your morning with protein coffee, which pairs perfectly with our clean roasts.
Supporting the Backbone of America
At Peacemaker Coffee Company, we aren't just selling beans; we are building a community. As a specialty coffee roaster located in Toledo, Ohio, we believe in the "Small Town" ethos: taking care of your own and standing up for what’s right. This is why we prioritize supporting our nation's heroes and creating real community impact through every bag we roast.
Our company is founded on the principles of service and sacrifice. When you wear our Small Town "Raised Up Right" T-shirt or sip from a Small Town Tumbler, you are signaling that you stand with the men and women who keep our communities safe. We are proud to be a visionary brand that looks toward a future where quality, health, and community values go hand in hand.
How to Maintain Your Coffee's Purity at Home
Buying the right beans is the first step, but how you handle them at home matters too. To ensure your coffee stays mold-free and fresh, follow these simple tips:
1. Store it Right
Keep your coffee in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing it in the refrigerator or freezer, as moisture fluctuations can cause condensation inside the bag, which encourages mold growth. Use an airtight container or keep it in our moisture-resistant packaging.
2. Check Your Water Quality
Your cup of coffee is 98% water. Using unfiltered tap water can introduce chlorine and heavy metals that mask the flavor of specialty beans. Use a high-quality water filter to ensure your brew is as clean as the beans themselves.
3. Clean Your Equipment
Coffee oils can turn rancid, and old grounds tucked away in your grinder or brewer can attract moisture. Make it a habit to deep-clean your coffee maker and grinder every two weeks.
4. Brew with Intention
Whether you prefer a French Press or a standard drip, pay attention to your ratios. We recommend starting with 2 tablespoons of ground coffee for every 6 ounces of water. Adjust to your taste, but keep the quality of the brew as your top priority.
Join the Peacemaker Movement
The world doesn't need more mass-produced, toxin-filled coffee. It needs coffee that inspires us to be better, work harder, and treat each other with respect. It needs a coffee that embodies the best of small-town life.
We invite you to experience the difference that 3rd-party lab testing and specialty-grade sourcing make. When you choose Peacemaker Coffee, you aren't just buying a bag of beans: you're investing in your health, supporting community impact, and backing a specialty coffee roaster in Toledo, Ohio that looks out for veterans, first responders, teachers, medical personnel, and the communities they serve.
Ready to upgrade your morning ritual? It’s time to choose a coffee that stands for something.
Shop the Try That In A Small Town Collection Today
Whether you’re out on patrol, heading into the hospital for a 12-hour shift, or simply watching the sunrise from your porch, do it with the confidence that only the cleanest coffee can provide.
Welcome to the Peacemaker family. Let's fuel the roast together.
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