Coffee Beans

Roast Profile: Light, Medium, or Dark

The roast profile of coffee beans makes a big difference in flavour:

• Light Roast: These coffee beans are roasted for a shorter time, so their natural flavours are preserved. They have complex, floral flavours and bright aromas, perfect for those who like a bright and acidic cup.

• Medium Roast: With a balanced flavour profile, medium coffee beans roast have milk chocolate, caramelised sugars, balanced acidity and a smooth mouthfeel. This roast is for coffee lovers who like a more moderate, sweet cup.

• Dark Roast: Dark roast beans are roasted the longest, so they have strong, intense flavours with notes of dark chocolate and a rich, bold finish. This coffee bean roast is for those who like a robust and full-bodied coffee.

Single-Origin vs. Coffee Blends

• Single-Origin Coffees: These beans come from one region or farm and show the unique characteristics of their origin. They are for those who like distinct flavour profiles and want to explore the terroir of different coffee growing regions.

• Coffee Blends: Blends combine beans from multiple regions, so they have a balanced flavour profile. They are for those who want consistency in their coffee with a mix of different flavour notes.

Flavour Notes

What flavour notes do you like in your coffee? Fruity, floral or chocolatey? Your personal preference will guide you in choosing beans blend that will suit your taste. Fruity notes can include berries or citrus, floral notes can be jasmine or lavender and chocolatey notes can be milk chocolate to dark chocolate.

Freshly Roasted Coffee Beans

Why Fresh Roasting Matters

Freshly roasted coffee beans are key to the best brew. Freshness means the beans retain their best flavour and aroma. Look for a specialty coffee, that is roasted to order or in small batches to keep it fresh. The closer the roast date to your brew time, the more vibrant and aromatic your coffee will be. Buy coffee beans that are freshly roasted to get the best flavour and quality.

Sustainable Packaging

Think about the environmental impact of your coffee packaging. Look for brands that use sustainable and compostable packaging. This not only helps the environment but also often means a higher level of care and quality in the product. Packaging that keeps the beans away from oxygen and moisture is key to freshness.

Coffee Bean Roast Profiles

Light Roast

Light roast beans are for those who like a bright, acidic cup with complex fruit and floral flavours. They are used for brewing methods that showcase the whole roast bean’s natural characteristics, like pour-over or Aeropress. These brewing methods allow the delicate flavours to shine through without being overpowered by the roast profile.

Medium Roast

Medium roast beans have a balanced flavour profile with notes of milk chocolate, caramel, caramelized sugars, caramel, brown sugar and jammy sweetness. This roast is versatile and works well with all methods, including drip coffee and French press. Medium roasts are for those who like a well rounded cup with a moderate level of acidity and sweetness.

Dark Roast

Dark roast beans have a range of strong, intense flavours with dark chocolate, caramel and smoky notes. They are for espresso and benefit from a bold and rich flavour profile. The longer roasting process brings out the bean’s body and reduces acidity to create a full and satisfying cup.

Brewing Methods and Coffee Beans

French Press

For French press use coarse grind, 75g per liter of water in your moka pot. This method of brew is for those who like a bold and rich cup with a full bodied mouthfeel. The immersion brewing process keeps the coffee oils and fine particles in the brewed cup, intensifying the flavour and texture.

Filter Coffee

For filter coffee use medium grind and 60g per liter of water. This method is for coffee drinkers who like a balanced and smooth cup, where the flavours can shine through without the oiliness of a French press. Filter coffee is clean and crisp, shows the subtleties of the coffee’s natural flavour profile.

Espresso

For espresso use fine grind and 14g per shot. This method is for those who like espresso, a strong and concentrated cup of speciality coffee with rich flavours and thick crema. The pressure based extraction process brings out the flavours of the coffee, making espresso a popular choice for those who like a powerful and aromatic cup. For those who prefer a caffeine free option, check out our decaf coffee.

Top Coffee Bean Picks

Best Coffee Beans for Espresso

For coffee connoisseurs who drink and are particular about the flavour of their coffee, quality beans are key.

• Nova and Workhorse: These beans are for those who like chocolatey and nutty notes in their espresso. They produce a rich and creamy shot with a balanced flavour, good for both straight espresso and milk based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.

Best Coffee Beans for Filter

• Single-Origin Coffees: Go for bright flavour notes that are highlighted through the filter brewing process. These beans produce a clean and crisp cup, perfect for showcasing the unique characteristics of different coffee growing regions.

Best Coffee Beans for French Press

• Traditional Blends like Workhorse and Nova: These ground coffee blends have a balanced flavour profile, perfect for the full bodied extraction of the French press method. The combination of beans from different regions creates a complex and satisfying cup.

Benefits of Whole Coffee Beans

Flavour and Aroma

Whole bean coffee retains the full flavour and aroma of the coffee. Grinding your beans just before brewing ensures the freshest and most flavourful cup. The volatile compounds that contribute to coffee’s delicious flavour and aroma are best preserved in our coffee and are released upon grinding.

Sustainability

Whole bean coffee reduces waste and packaging, making them more sustainable. They are often sold in bulk, less packaging is required to produce them. Buying coffee beans also supports a more natural and sustainable supply chain for coffee growers as it involves fewer processing steps.

Cost

While whole coffee beans may seem more expensive upfront, they are often more cost effective in the long run as they stay fresh longer than pre-ground coffee. Our coffee beans stay fresh for weeks when stored properly, whereas ground coffee can go stale in days.

Why Whole Beans are Better than Ground Coffee

Freshness

Ground coffee and filter coffee can go stale quickly and lose flavour. Our coffee stays fresh for longer, so you get a better tasting cup. Grinding coffee accelerates the oxidation process which degrades the flavour compounds. Great coffee roasters play a big part in ensuring quality by managing the roasting process to preserve freshness and enhance flavour.

Consistency

Grinding your coffee ensures consistency of flavour and aroma. Pre-ground coffee can be inconsistent and affect the quality and flavour of your brew. By grinding your beans yourself you can adjust the grind size to your taste and your brewing method, to optimise extraction and flavour.

Cost

While ground coffee may seem convenient, it can cost more in the long run. Whole beans offer better value as they stay fresh longer. Investing in a good grinder machine can save you money in the long term by allowing you to buy and store whole bean roasted coffee in bulk.

Sustainable Coffee Sourcing

Fair Trade and Direct Trade

Look for coffee beans and coffees that are sustainably sourced through fair trade or direct trade. This means growers get fair prices and support for their communities. Fair trade certifications mean the coffee was produced under ethical conditions, direct trade often means closer relationships between roasters and farmers.

Environmental Impact

Think about the environmental impact of your coffee. Choose beans from sustainable farms that use eco-friendly practices to reduce their carbon footprint. This can include organic farming, shade grown coffee and other methods that protect natural ecosystems. Plus green coffee beans means home roasting enthusiasts can have fresh and customisable coffee options.

Community Support

Supporting the growers and their communities is key. Brands that work closely with importers to ensure fair pay and invest in community projects contribute to the overall health of the world and global coffee industry. Sustainable sourcing not only ensures quality coffee but also social and economic development in the world and coffee growing regions.