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Bag of Lark Song light-medium roast coffee beans from Dominican Republic. Honey Processed, Chocolate and Sugarcane notes.
Lark Song
Bag of Starry Night Medium roast, Swiss Water decaf coffee beans from Peru. Chocolaty and Nutty.
Starry Night (Decaf)

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Beyond Light, Medium, and Dark: Our Roasting Philosophy.

By Ritima Sharma

Beyond Light, Medium, and Dark: Our Roasting Philosophy.

Hey Coffee Connoisseurs,

It's Anuj, your Head Roaster here at Paddle & Brew. If there's one thing that keeps me up at night (besides the comforting aroma of cooling beans), it's the pursuit of the perfect roast. We talk a lot about the quality of our green beans – the "Grade A" treasures we meticulously source – but the magic truly happens here, in the heart of our roastery.

Today, I want to take you beyond the simplistic labels of light, medium, and dark, and give you a peek into our roasting philosophy. It's a philosophy deeply rooted in respect for the bean, a relentless pursuit of flavor, and an unwavering commitment to unlocking the full potential of every single batch.

More Than Just Applying Heat:

For us, roasting isn't just about applying heat until the beans turn brown. It's a delicate dance, a carefully orchestrated process where time, temperature, and airflow are our instruments. Our goal isn't to impose a "roast flavor" onto the beans. Instead, we strive to be interpreters, coaxing out the unique symphony of flavors inherent in each coffee's origin, varietal, and processing method.

Unlocking Origin Characteristics:

Think of our "Grade A" green beans as individual works of art, each with its own distinct terroir and story. A washed Ethiopian Yirgacheffe boasts bright, floral notes and a delicate citrus acidity. A natural processed Colombian might offer rich fruitiness and a syrupy body. Our roasting approach is tailored to accentuate these inherent characteristics - 

  • We don't believe in a one-size-fits-all roast profile. Each coffee receives a custom-designed roast curve, meticulously crafted after extensive sample roasting and cupping. We analyze how the heat interacts with the specific density, moisture content, and bean structure to predict its behavior in the roaster.
  • Our aim is to find the "sweet spot" for each bean. This is the point in the roast where the most desirable flavors are fully developed, the acidity is balanced, and the inherent sweetness shines through. Over-roasting can mask these delicate nuances, while under-roasting can leave the coffee tasting grassy or underdeveloped.

The Importance of Roast Level for "Grade A" Beans:

When you start with exceptional "Grade A" beans, the role of the roaster becomes even more critical. We have a responsibility to honor the quality that has been cultivated and processed with such care.

  • For many of our single-origin offerings, we tend towards lighter to medium roasts. This allows the delicate floral, fruity, and tea-like notes to truly sing. We aim to highlight the unique fingerprint of the origin, letting you experience the coffee in its purest form.
  • Even with medium roasts, our focus remains on balance and complexity. We're looking for a harmonious interplay between sweetness, acidity, and body, ensuring that the origin characteristics are still prominent.
  • Darker roasts, while sometimes desired for their bold and chocolatey profiles, are approached with careful consideration. We only take a coffee to a darker roast level if its inherent characteristics can stand up to the intensity without becoming bitter or losing its origin identity entirely. Our "dark" is never burnt; it's about achieving a rich, developed sweetness and a satisfying mouthfeel.

The Pursuit of Consistency:

Beyond flavor, consistency is paramount. We meticulously log every roast, tracking temperature curves, batch times, and environmental factors. This data-driven approach, combined with our sensory evaluations, allows us to fine-tune our profiles and ensure that every batch of your favorite coffee delivers the same exceptional experience.

Your Invitation to Explore:

We believe that understanding our roasting philosophy enhances your appreciation for the coffee in your cup. It's a journey of discovery, and we invite you to explore our range of roasts and taste the difference that intentionality and a deep respect for quality can make.

Next time you're browsing our offerings, don't just choose "light," "medium," or "dark." Consider the origin, the tasting notes, and know that behind every bag is a carefully crafted roast profile designed to bring out the very best in our exceptional "Grade A" beans.

Happy Brewing!

Author: Anuj, Head Roaster @Paddle&Brew