This is worth savoring: A rookie roaster’s obsession with unlocking sweet chocolate notes in a Costa Rican blend led to a revelation that’s equal parts science and serendipity. After three days of trial, error, and a dash of madness, the beans finally exhaled the aroma of hot cocoa—so potent even a coffee-hating spouse declared it divine. The journey? A masterclass in how temperature, timing, and patience can transform a batch of coffee into a sensory masterpiece.
The first roast, a dark, slow burn at 23 on the Cubean, yielded underwhelming espresso. The beans, charged at 180°C and roasted to 209°C with 16.65% weight loss, were clearly overdone. But the second attempt—guided by Discord advice to tweak drying and Maillard phases—brought clarity. Shortening the drying phase to 5:19 and extending Maillard to 4:29, the roaster hit a sweet spot. The third roast, a near-perfect balance of heat and time, delivered the holy grail: a chocolatey, caramel-rich profile that lingered like a memory.
What made this possible? The Cubean’s predictable behavior. It responded less to fan adjustments and more to heater power, making temperature control a matter of precision. The roaster learned to trust the machine’s consistency, overlaying new roasts against old graphs to dial in the perfect curve. Yet, the key wasn’t just the equipment—it was the willingness to embrace the unknown. Roast #4, a darker, almost scorched attempt, proved that pushing limits can yield both brilliance and burn.
The takeaway? Roasting is a dance between control and intuition. Prioritize temperature over time, trust your tools, and let the beans guide you. But don’t forget: the darkest roast isn’t always the best. Balance is the secret ingredient.
How do you approach the line between bold and burnt in your own roasting.
How do you approach the line between bold and burnt in your own roasting? Share your experiments below.
Questions & Answers
How is chocolate made?
Chocolate is made from cocoa beans, which are fermented, dried, roasted, and ground into a paste. Sugar and other ingredients are added, then it’s tempered and molded into chocolate bars.
What are the health benefits of chocolate?
Dark chocolate contains antioxidants and may improve heart health. It can boost mood and brain function. However, it’s high in sugar and fat, so moderation is key.
Information sourced from industry reports and news outlets.
