Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Rees Walther, and I’m the founder of Rocket Smoked Coffee and author of the novel Where There’s Smoke: A Texas Love Story. At Rocket Smoked Coffee, we do things a little differently. We work with a local roaster in Buffalo, MN who roasts our select, single-origin beans to our specifications — then we finish them with a delicate touch of smoke. The result is a smooth, sweet, and creamy coffee with a signature depth and no bitterness. We craft small-batch smoked coffee, offer seasonal flavors, and pair our products with storytelling and music for a full sensory experience.
How did you get started in your art/business?
After retiring from government service, I leaned into the things I love: family, barbecue, and coffee. One day, after loading ribs into the smoker, my wife joked, “Why don’t you just smoke your coffee too?” Challenge accepted. I experimented for months, going through tens of pounds of beans, until I perfected the process of adding just the right amount of smoke at the end of the roast — enhancing a beautifully roasted single-origin bean without overpowering it.
Similarly, my novel started with another challenge — also from my wife. She was tired of me spoiling her Hallmark movies by guessing the plot in the first five minutes, so she dared me to write one myself. What started as a joke turned into something deeply personal. Writing became a journey of self-healing as I worked through the grief of losing my mom. That emotional thread is woven into the story — and it’s what readers tell me they connect with the most.
Where did your business name come from?
“Rocket” was my call sign during my time in government service. Now it’s a piece of my brand legacy — showing up in Rocket Ribs and BBQ, Rocket Smoked Coffee, and my newest venture, Rocket Smoked Publishing. It’s about boldness, flavor, and lifting others up.
Is this a full-time business for you?
This is my retirement — and also my passion. After 27 years in the Air National Guard and Reserves (including multiple combat tours), and later retiring from the U.S. Department of State, I’m now focused full-time on building something creative and lasting. These life experiences — grounded in service, resilience, and connection — shape every story I write and every cup of coffee we craft.
What has been your favorite moment since creating your art/business?
My favorite moment is always seeing someone take their first sip of our smoked coffee and light up at how different it is. I regularly hear, “I usually need cream and sugar, but not with this coffee.” That kind of reaction — realizing it’s something truly special — is exactly what I set out to create.
What motivates you to create?
I create to connect — through the rich aroma of smoked coffee or the emotional pull of a well-told story. There’s something powerful about touching both the senses and the heart at the same time.
What do your customers love most about your product(s)?
People are amazed at how smooth and flavorful our coffee is — with a depth that’s truly unique. And when it comes to the book, readers often tell me it feels like “comfort food for the soul,” especially for those walking through grief or rediscovering what makes them happy.
What is the latest thing you have been working on?
I’m currently celebrating a big moment: Where There’s Smoke: A Texas Love Story — my debut novel — was just named a Finalist in the 2025 American Fiction Awards in the Inspirational Fiction category. It’s a slow-burn romance rooted in themes of grief, healing, and finding your way back home — and fun fact: it also features the origin story of Rocket Smoked Coffee. This holiday season, we’re thrilled to offer gift bundles pairing the book and the coffee together.
Will you be featuring any special holiday items?
Yes! We’ll be debuting our festive gift boxes and exclusive “Read & Roast” bundles, which include a signed copy of the novel and a holiday assortment of our smoked coffee. They’re perfect for gift-giving and cozy nights by the fireplace.
What will you be bringing to the Gift & Art Expo for attendees to purchase?
We’ll be offering our signature smoked coffee in both medium and dark roasts, as well as a seasonal holiday variety. Attendees can also pick up signed copies of Where There’s Smoke and our gift-ready bundles that include both the book and coffee — perfect for book lovers, coffee drinkers, and anyone who enjoys something heartfelt and unique.
Instagram & Facebook: @rocketribsandbbq
Website: www.rocketsmokedcoffee.com