The Spicery Brings Old-Time Flavor, Fair Trade Coffees, and Organic Teas to Kimmswick

Business Spotlight

That is exactly the feeling owner Carol wanted to create when she and her daughter, Emily Luci, opened the shop 11 years ago on Kimmswick’s Main Street. The store carries coffees, teas, herbs, spices, rubs, jams, jellies, sauces, breads, dips, soups, cookbooks, and other food-centered gifts, all arranged with the kind of warmth and care that encourages customers to browse, ask questions and try something new.

A Teacher’s Touch

Carol’s background makes The Spicery more than just a retail shop. Before opening the business, she spent 31 years as a culinary arts and family and consumer science teacher, including time at Windsor. That teaching experience still shapes the way she runs the store.

Customers who are unsure what spice to use, what tea to try, or how to season a dish are not left to figure it out alone. Carol said she and her staff help guide people toward the right flavor, whether they are making spaghetti for the first time, looking for a seasoning for fish, or trying to understand the difference between herbs, peppers and rubs.

That spirit of experimentation is part of what makes the shop stand out. The Spicery carries a wide range of seasonings by origin and style, including Italian, Mediterranean, Asian, Mexican, American and barbecue blends. Carol also created a Spicery Blend, an all-around pepper blend with a smoky flavor, and the store offers customer favorites such as the Kimmswick Blend, Liberty Latte, Miss M’s Peruvian Spice Blend and Cheesy Jalapeño Beer Bread.

Fair Trade Coffees and Customer Favorites

The shop’s coffee selection is another point of pride. The Spicery works with a local roaster whose family has been roasting coffee for four generations. Carol said the roaster studied in Italy, purchased an Italian roasting machine, and has been serving high-end restaurants and specialty shops for decades.

Unlike some flavored coffees that rely on syrups or sugary additives, Carol said The Spicery’s flavored coffees are roasted in a way that keeps each cup consistent. The coffees are also fair trade, calorie-free and allergen-free.

Some coffee flavors have become customer favorites. Frosty’s Favorite, a seasonal flavor available from November through the end of February, has a loyal following. Carol said customers still ask for it even when it is out of season. Her personal favorite is crème brûlée, while the shop’s top-selling coffee is bourbon pecan.

Organic Teas and Gluten-Free Options

Tea is another major part of the business. Carol said The Spicery carries around 78 teas, including organic teas sourced through two of the largest tea companies in the world. The selection includes traditional teas, fruit and herb teas, green teas, chamomile, turmeric and ginger blends, and other options customers often seek out for taste, comfort, or wellness routines.

Carol is careful not to give medical advice, but she said many customers come in looking for teas connected to relaxation, inflammation support, or simply getting away from sugary drinks. She has also taught homeschool groups about tea, including its history and different varieties, and has hosted community groups for private visits.

The shop also pays close attention to food sensitivities. Carol said nearly all of The Spicery’s spices are gluten-free, with only two spice mixes in the store that are not. The jams, jellies and sauces are also gluten-free and contain no preservatives.

That kind of care carries through the whole business. Carol said the shop bags its own spices, herbs, coffees, and teas. Spices are kept in smaller amounts because air can hurt the quality and freshness of a spice over time. Rather than selling oversized bottles that may sit unused for years, The Spicery focuses on smaller portions customers can actually use while the flavor is still strong.

Rooted in Kimmswick

The Spicery is also shaped by its location. Sitting across from popular Kimmswick destinations such as the Blue Owl and Dough Depot, the shop benefits from the foot traffic and historic feel of the town. Carol said Kimmswick feels safe, walkable, and full of old-town charm.

For Carol, being part of Kimmswick also means being part of a community where small businesses matter. She believes family-owned shops offer something larger stores cannot: personal service, local knowledge, and a welcoming experience.

After more than a decade in business, The Spicery remains a place where food, family, community and old-fashioned customer service come together. Whether someone is looking for a new coffee, a loose-leaf tea, a gluten-free spice blend, a jar of apple butter, or simply a little advice before trying a new recipe, Carol hopes they leave with more than a purchase.

She hopes they leave inspired to cook.

Visit The Spicery in Historic Kimmswick

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