Roasting Notes
“Roasting notes” are our shorthand for what a coffee actually tastes like — the aromas, flavors, and finish you can expect once it hits the cup. Think of them as a map, not a rulebook: your water, your brewer, and your palate all shape the final flavor.
Reading a roast level
We roast every coffee to one of three levels, chosen to flatter the bean rather than a one-size-fits-all curve.
- Light — Stopped just after first crack. Bright acidity, delicate body, and the most origin character: florals, citrus, and stone fruit come forward.
- Medium — Our most versatile profile. Balanced acidity and sweetness with rounder body — caramel, toasted nut, and ripe fruit. Forgiving across brew methods.
- Dark — Developed toward second crack for low acidity and a heavy, syrupy body. Expect cocoa, dried fruit, and a bittersweet, lingering finish.
A small tasting glossary
The words on our bags aren’t marketing filler — each one points at something specific.
- Acidity — The bright, lively sparkle in a cup, not sourness. Good acidity tastes like biting into fresh fruit.
- Body — How heavy or full the coffee feels on your tongue, from tea-like to creamy.
- Finish — The flavor that lingers after you swallow. Clean and short, or rich and long.
- Notes — The flavors we actually taste while cupping. We don’t add anything; it’s all in the bean and the roast.
Getting the most from your beans
Freshness is only half the equation — here’s how to honor it at home:
- Grind right before brewing for the brightest, most aromatic cup.
- Mind your water — aim for about 200°F, just off the boil.
- Weigh your coffee — a kitchen scale beats a scoop every time. Start near 1:16 coffee to water and adjust to taste.
- Store cool and sealed, away from light and heat. Skip the freezer for everyday beans.
Let the coffee guide you
Use these notes as a starting point, then trust your own palate. The best roast level is the one that makes you want a second cup — and with a subscription, the next fresh bag is already on its way.