Roast Levels and Customisation on Our Single Origins
You'll notice on our website that for certain single-origin coffees, you can select your preferred roasting level. Most roasters offer a one-size-fits-all approach—"we roast this medium" or "this one's light"—but we prefer to take it a step further, especially with our more premium single origins. We offer you the option to select from three roast profiles tailored to suit your brewing method and flavour preferences.
Understanding Roast Levels (and Agtron Numbers)
To get technical, we use a near-infrared spectrophotometer to measure roast levels. When the measurement instrument emits near-infrared light to the coffee being tested, it measures the reflected energy. The lower the reflection, the deeper the roasting degree; the higher the reflective amount, the shallower the roasting degree. SCA converts this reflection into a numerical value, which is then referred to as an Agtron number.
That said, we've been roasting long enough that we can usually nail the degree by eye. However, the spectrophotometer is always there to support us, especially in quality control and consistency.
Here are the three roast levels we offer for our single origins:
Light Roast (Cinnamon Roast) – V60 Roast
This roast is relatively light in colour when ground and is known as a "cinnamon" roast. It's ideal for filter brewing methods, such as the V60, Chemex, or even a Moccamaster. Why choose this? Because lighter roasts preserve more of the coffee's natural acidity and nuanced flavours. You'll notice a brighter, more delicate cup with more origin notes shining through.
Medium Roast (City Roast)
Our medium roast strikes a balance between brightness and body, offering a well-rounded flavour profile. Suitable for a range of brewing methods, including filter, French press, and espresso. This is the most versatile roast level and tends to please most palates. If you're unsure, this is a great place to start.
Dark Roast (Full City)
This is our darkest option - what we call a Full City roast. It's commonly used for espresso, especially for those who enjoy a bolder, richer, more robust shot. Acidity is somewhat muted at this roast level, resulting in deeper, more robust notes with a fuller body. It's also great in a plunger/French press.
Why Offer Roast Choices?
Increasingly, our customers are requesting lighter roasts, particularly for brewing methods like the V60. They want to explore the unique flavours and aromas that each origin offers. That's why we offer this customisation—so you can get the most out of your coffee, depending on how you brew it.
Please note: this customisation is only available on our single-origin coffees. Our blends follow set recipes and roast levels, so they're not available with this option.
When you're browsing our single origins, look for the roast selection dropdown. You'll be able to choose the one that suits your brew method and taste preferences.