Brew Guides
Every coffee in our lineup is roasted to order and built for a specific kind of cup. Here's how to get the most out of each roast level — from grind to glass.
☕ Light Roast
Best for: Ethiopian, Laos, Guatemala, Kenya, Sumatra, Peru
Light roasts are where single-origin character shines brightest. Expect floral, fruity, and tea-like notes that reward a slower, more controlled brew.
Recommended Methods
Pour over (V60, Chemex), AeroPress
Parameters
- Grind: Medium-fine (sea salt texture)
- Water Temperature: 200–205°F (just off boil)
- Coffee-to-Water Ratio: 1:15 (e.g., 20g coffee : 300g water)
- Brew Time: 3–4 minutes
Tips
- Start with a 30–45 second bloom (pre-infusion) to release CO₂ from freshly roasted beans.
- Pour slowly in circles — don't rush. Light roasts need time to open up.
- If your cup tastes sour or thin, grind slightly finer or increase water temp.
☕ Medium Roast
Best for: Cafe Kreyol Bolivia
Medium roasts balance origin character with roast sweetness. Expect chocolate, caramel, and fruit notes that work beautifully across multiple brew methods.
Recommended Methods
Pour over, drip, French press
Parameters
- Grind: Medium (coarse sand texture)
- Water Temperature: 195–200°F
- Coffee-to-Water Ratio: 1:15 to 1:17 (e.g., 20g coffee : 300–340g water)
- Brew Time: 4–5 minutes
Tips
- French press works especially well — a 4-minute steep brings out the chocolate and caramel depth.
- If your cup tastes bitter, try a slightly coarser grind or cooler water.
- Great as an everyday drinker and pairs beautifully with milk or cream.
☕ Dark Roast
Best for: Bold, smoky, full-body lovers
Dark roasts are rich, low-acid, and full-bodied. The roast flavor takes center stage — think dark chocolate, brown sugar, and toasted nuts. They hold up beautifully to milk and make exceptional espresso.
Recommended Methods
Espresso, Moka pot, French press, drip
Parameters
- Grind: Medium-coarse for drip/French press; fine for espresso/Moka pot
- Water Temperature: 190–195°F (slightly cooler to avoid over-extraction)
- Coffee-to-Water Ratio: 1:15 for drip; 1:2 for espresso
- Brew Time: 4–5 minutes drip; 25–30 seconds espresso
Tips
- Use cooler water than you might expect — dark roasts extract quickly and can turn bitter fast.
- Moka pot is a great low-cost espresso alternative that plays to dark roast strengths.
- These beans shine in lattes, flat whites, and any milk-based drink.
Universal Tips
- Grind fresh: Grind just before brewing for the best flavor — pre-ground coffee goes stale within 15–30 minutes of exposure to air.
- Use filtered water: Coffee is 98% water. Tap water with chlorine or minerals can dull the flavor. We recommend using third wave water packets in distilled water.
- Store your beans right: Keep in a sealed bag away from light, heat, and moisture. Avoid the fridge or freezer unless storing for more than 2 weeks.
- Dial it in: Every grinder and brewer is a little different. Adjust grind size first if your cup isn't tasting right — finer for weak/sour, coarser for bitter/harsh.