November 2025: I.XXI Roasters

November 2025 – I.XXI Roasters

Secret Sip Coffee Club is proud to feature I.XXI Roasters as our November 2025 partner. Based in multiple locations across Ontario, this innovative roasting company merges nostalgia, technology, and craftsmanship into every cup. Their story is one of passion, family, and a touch of cinematic inspiration — a tribute to timeless creativity and the boundless spirit of innovation that continues to drive coffee culture forward.

Our Namesake

For founder Neil Madden, the name I.XXI — or One Point Twenty One — carries far more than a nod to pop culture. Growing up in the eighties, Neil was captivated by the sense of possibility that defined the decade: the music, the movies, and the optimism about the future. Few films captured that spirit better than Back to the Future — and to this day, it remains a favourite in the Madden household.

When Neil’s daughter suggested matching 1.21 tattoos — referencing Doc Brown’s unforgettable “1.21 gigawatts” line — it sparked a connection between family, memory, and energy. Around the same time, Neil and his team introduced a Bellwether zero-emissions roaster into their business — an all-electric machine heralded as “the future of coffee roasting.” The phrase resonated deeply. In an instant, the name I.XXI was born: a symbol of energy, innovation, and the lightning bolt that continues to push their craft forward.

In February 2020, Neil and his daughter made it official with matching tattoos — a permanent mark of both their bond and the brand’s ethos.

Roasting Philosophy

I.XXI Roasters operates at the intersection of sustainability and precision. While many of their coffees are roasted in-house using their Bellwether zero-emissions roaster, their more popular blends are roasted weekly through trusted partners Reunion Coffee Roasters (Oakville) and Propeller Coffee (Toronto). Both are Certified B Corporations known for their environmental and social commitment, ensuring that every roast remains as responsible as it is flavourful.

Our Blends

I.XXI’s lineup is a celebration of creativity and storytelling. Many blends bear references to Neil’s favourite movie trilogy — with names like Sandman, Giggawatt, 88mph, Great Scott, and Atomic — each a playful tribute to the adventure and innovation that inspire their brand.

But I.XXI is more than clever names — it’s a roastery grounded in experimentation and discovery. One of their most notable creations is their Colombian Espresso, developed after months of testing, calibration, and — of course — plenty of sleepless nights. Neil and the team wanted to challenge convention: why should espresso always be a blend? The result is a single-origin espresso that performs beautifully as both espresso and drip — rich, sweet, and endlessly versatile.

This Month’s Secret Roast: Colombian Espresso

This month, Secret Sip members are treated to I.XXI’s Colombian Espresso, roasted weekly by Reunion Coffee Roasters exclusively for I.XXI. This standout coffee offers a sweetly bright and balanced profile, featuring creamy tasting notes of orange and milk chocolate. It’s smooth, comforting, and perfectly suited to both pour-over and espresso brewing — a reflection of the care, creativity, and precision that define the I.XXI philosophy.

This coffee represents the best of both worlds: a nod to the nostalgic energy of the past and a bold stride toward the sustainable future of roasting.

Secret Sip Coffee Club, Canada’s coffee club, is pleased to feature I.XXI Roasters as our November 2025 partner — a roaster whose innovation, story, and heart remind us that great coffee is as much about connection as it is about craft.

Burlington, Ontario, Canada | www.onepointtwentyone.com