At Latitude 23.5° Coffee & Tea, every cup of coffee represents a journey—a story that starts with a single green bean and ends in your hands as a perfectly brewed cup of coffee. Central to this process is our artisan roasting approach. Unlike mass-produced coffee, artisan roasting focuses on small batches and hands-on craftsmanship to bring out the best flavor in each bean.

But what makes artisan roasting different from conventional roasting? How does it impact the final flavor profile, and why should it matter to you, the coffee lover? In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the artistry behind roasting and why it’s the cornerstone of the exceptional quality you find in every bag of Latitude 23.5° coffee.

What Is Artisan Coffee Roasting?

According to Roast Magazine: Artisan roasting is an intricate and time-intensive process that requires expert knowledge of coffee beans and roasting techniques. It’s not just about heating the beans—it’s about understanding how each bean variety reacts to different temperatures and times, and making adjustments in real-time to bring out the ideal flavor notes.

Roast masters like those at Latitude 23.5 take this responsibility seriously. They spend years honing their craft, learning the subtle differences in bean types, moisture levels, and roast profiles. Artisan roasting allows for more control, and it shows in the final product—each batch is unique and perfectly tailored to the coffee beans being roasted.

The Roasting Process: From Bean to Cup

The Selection of Beans

Every great cup of coffee starts with the right beans. At Latitude 23.5, we use specialty grade Arabica beans sourced directly from farmers who prioritize sustainable and ethical farming practices. These beans are handpicked to ensure they are of the highest quality, and each batch tells the story of its origin, whether it’s a bright and fruity Ethiopian or a rich and bold Colombian.

Small-Batch Roasting

Unlike large commercial coffee companies, which roast thousands of pounds of coffee at once, artisan roasting focuses on small batches. By roasting smaller quantities, we can carefully monitor and control the process. The smaller volume allows our roastmasters to make precise adjustments, ensuring that every batch meets our high standards. This also helps to preserve the unique characteristics of each origin, rather than blending them into a uniform flavor.

Temperature and Timing

One of the most critical aspects of artisan roasting is managing the temperature and timing of the roast. Coffee beans go through several stages during roasting, from drying out moisture to the Maillard reaction (which produces rich browning and caramelization) to the final crack, where the beans begin to release aromatic oils. The roastmaster must adjust the heat and airflow at the right moments to achieve the perfect roast for each batch.

Bringing Out the Flavors

Artisan roasting is all about enhancing the natural flavors of the coffee bean. Some beans are best enjoyed as a light roast, which brings out their fruity, floral notes, while others benefit from a dark roast, which develops rich, chocolatey flavors. The magic of artisan roasting lies in the ability to highlight these unique characteristics, making every cup of Latitude 23.5 coffee a distinct and flavorful experience.

Why Small-Batch Roasting Makes a Difference

Fresher Coffee

Small-batch roasting means that your coffee is fresher. At Latitude 23.5, we roast on-demand, ensuring that each bag of coffee you purchase was roasted just before it was shipped to you. This freshness is crucial because coffee loses flavor and aroma over time. With small-batch roasting, we guarantee that you get the most flavorful cup possible.

Better Quality Control

Artisan roasting allows for greater quality control. By focusing on smaller batches, our roastmasters can closely monitor the roast, adjusting as necessary to ensure the beans are roasted perfectly. It also gives us the flexibility to experiment with new roasting techniques, creating custom blends that you won’t find anywhere else.

Custom Roast Profiles

Another advantage of artisan roasting is the ability to create custom roast profiles. At Latitude 23.5, we offer custom blend development for those who want something truly unique. Whether you prefer a rich, dark roast or a lighter, more complex profile, we can create a roast specifically tailored to your preferences.

Why Artisan Roasting Matters to You

When you choose artisan-roasted coffee, you’re choosing quality over quantity. You’re opting for a coffee experience that celebrates the nuances and complexities of each bean. You’ll notice the difference in every sip—whether it’s the bright acidity of a single-origin light roast or the bold richness of a dark roast blend.

At Latitude 23.5, we believe that artisan roasting is more than a technique; it’s a commitment to quality, sustainability, and craftsmanship. It’s about respecting the journey of the coffee bean, from the farm to your cup, and making sure that every step of the way is treated with care and precision.

Conclusion

Artisan roasting is the heart of Latitude 23.5 Coffee & Tea. Our roastmasters combine traditional roasting techniques with a passion for quality, ensuring that every batch of coffee we produce meets the highest standards. So, the next time you sip a cup of Latitude coffee, know that it was roasted with care, attention to detail, and an appreciation for the art of coffee roasting.

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