Roast
The color of roasted coffee reflects its degree of roasting: The darker the roast the higher the temperature to which it was roasted. Medium Roast is the lightest coffee we offer. Our medium beans range in color from sienna to saddle brown (agtron values 40 to 55) with little oil on the surface. Our French roasts are darker, coming in shades of dark chocolate (agtron values 30 to 45). A Viennese designation under our terminology is not actually a roast but a combination of medium and dark roasts.

Body
Body is the feeling that the coffee has in your mouth. Typically, Indonesian coffees will possess greater body than South and Central American coffees. We sell coffees that range from Medium body to Full, Very Full, and Very Full+. The perception of Body directly relates to the amount of certain fats (not calories!) in the brewed coffee. The fuller a coffee's body, the more heavy, thick, and full it will feel in your mouth. If you prefer a lighter coffee, choose a Medium body coffee.

Acidity
Acidity can be Bright (a higher acidity), Smooth (a lower acidity), or Balanced (a medium acidity). Acidity brings a sensation of dry crispness on the sides of the tongue. It adds life and vibrance to the coffee. Coffee acidity is like, but not the same as, the sense of dryness one experiences with a good wine. If you like a more mellow coffee, choose a coffee with a Smooth acidity.

Aroma
Aroma is the intensity and quality of aromatics released as coffee is brewed and savored.

Aftertase
Aftertase is The sensation of flavor lingering on the tongue after the coffee has been swallowed.

Flavor Notes
Like fine wine, good coffee will exhibit characteristics that define its flavor. These flavor characteristics are referred to as "flavor notes". Coffee flavors are wonderfully unique. We look for sweetness and a 'clean' quality in the basic coffee flavor. We also appreciate flavor notes that bring interest and complexity to the coffee. These include a wide range of fruit tones, nuts, spices, berries, and chocolates. Some coffees have a distinctive earthiness, some a touch of grassiness. But this is not the entire gamut of flavors by a long shot. Jasmine, honey, even a distinct wine-like quality, come through in some coffees. And the list of notes goes on. Enjoy the world of flavor that coffee can bring you.