Frequently Asked Questions
About First Light
What is First Light Coffee all about?
We’re a Maryland-roasted, mom-owned coffee brand devoted to remaking mornings, building community, and giving back—one fresh cup at a time.
Where are your coffees roasted?
Our coffees are roasted in small batches by Orinoco Coffee & Tea in Jessup, MD.
Which coffees do you offer right now?
Our core lineup features an Ethiopian medium roast and a Colombian dark roast—both small-batch roasted and crafted for everyday, no-fuss deliciousness.
Do you offer decaf?
Not yet, but it’s on our roadmap. Join our email list/Substack to be first to know when it drops.
Ordering & Shipping
What size are your bags?
12 oz resealable bags with a one-way freshness valve.
Whole bean or ground?
We currently sell both whole bean and ground coffee.
How quickly do orders ship?
We typically ship 2–3 times per week (Mon/Wed/Fri). You’ll get tracking once your order is on the way.
Which carriers do you use and how long does delivery take?
We use USPS within the U.S. Most orders arrive in 2–5 business days after shipping.
Do you ship internationally?
Not at this time. We ship across the U.S.
Can I pick up locally?
Sure! Email me at annie@firstlightcoffeemd.com, and we can arrange. Otherwise, look out for where you can find us locally for in person events.
Freshness & Storage
How fresh is the coffee?
Very! Our small-batch model means beans move quickly. Each bag includes a freshness/best-by indicator.
What’s the shelf life?
Unopened, our coffee is best within 6 months of roasting. Once opened, aim to enjoy within 2–4 weeks for peak flavor.
How should I store it?
Keep beans in their sealed, resealable bag or in an airtight container, away from heat, light, and moisture.
Brewing Basics
What’s a good starting brew ratio?
Follow package instructions. In general, for brewed coffee, start with 1 tbsp for one cup of coffee.
Water temperature?
About 195–205°F (90–96°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, bring water to a boil and let it sit 30–45 seconds.
Grind size tips?
Drip maker: medium
Pour-over: medium-fine to medium
French press: coarse
Espresso: fine (dial in to taste)
My coffee tastes bitter/sour—help?
Bitter: grind coarser or brew a little shorter.
Sour: grind finer or brew slightly longer.
Flat: use fresher beans, check water temp, or raise your dose.
Wholesale, Corporate & Events
Do you offer wholesale?
Yes. Email annie@firstlightcoffeemd.com for pricing, samples, and terms.
Can we book your mobile coffee setup for events?
We’re building our mobile unit and selectively booking special events. Email details (date, location, guest count, service window) to annie@firstlightcoffeemd.com and we’ll confirm availability.
Giving Back & Community
How do you give back?
We regularly support local causes and community partners and share those efforts in our newsletter/Substack. Your purchases help us do more of that work. At this time, a portion of our profits go to World Central Kitchen.
How can we partner with you?
From fundraisers to co-branded projects, we love community ideas. Send a note to annie@firstlightcoffeemd.com with your concept and timeline.
Orders, Returns & Support
Can I change or cancel my order?
Yes, in most cases. Email us as soon as possible—if it hasn’t shipped, we’ll do our best to help.
What if my package is delayed, lost, or arrives damaged?
We’ll make it right. Email us with your order number and photos (if damaged) and we’ll reship or refund as appropriate.
Do you accept returns?
Because coffee is perishable, we can’t accept returns on opened bags. If something isn’t right, please reach out—we genuinely want you to love your coffee.
Stay Connected
Where can I follow along?
Instagram: @firstlightcoffeemd
Newsletter/Substack: Sunrise Dispatch (behind-the-scenes, morning tips, product drops)