Pick a starting point

  • Like chocolate, nuts, and a rounded cup? Try a medium roast or blend described that way.
  • Like fruit, citrus, and brighter flavors? Try a light roast with those notes.
  • Like a deeper roasted flavor with milk? Try medium-dark or dark roast.
  • Want less caffeine? Choose decaf by the same flavors.

Buy enough to learn

Try a small bag. Brew it the same way a few times before deciding. Roast labels vary between roasters, so use them as clues rather than exact standards.

What tasting notes mean

“Chocolate” on an unflavored coffee bag usually describes an impression, not an added ingredient. Check the ingredients if it is sold as flavored coffee.

One useful thing

Ask the roaster: “I brew with a French press and like chocolatey coffee. Where would you start?”