The verdict is in: a roast that shone in cupping can vanish in the cup. This week, a Guji Ethiopian roast—roasted to 20% with a drop temp of 212°C—delivered bold blueberry and milk chocolate notes in the cupping, only to fade into blandness when brewed as a French press. The mystery? A perfect storm of timing, technique, and chemistry.
Roasting is just the first act. Post-roast, beans need time to degas, releasing CO2 trapped during the process. If you brew too soon, the gas escapes during extraction, leaving a flat, underdeveloped cup. This roast was cupped Tuesday, brewed Wednesday—just a day apart, but enough to let the beans’ CO2 escape. Yet the user insists the beans still had strong aromas, suggesting degassing alone might not be the culprit.
Grind size and brewing method also play a role. A finer grind increases surface area, but over-extraction can mute acidity and brightness. The user’s setup—slightly finer than filter standards—might be pushing the roast’s limits. Plus, the French press’s slow immersion could be extracting more of the bean’s bitterness than its sweetness, especially if the roast profile leans toward darker tones.
The blend with Brazilian Cerrado adds complexity, balancing the Ethiopian’s floral notes with nutty chocolate. But even a stellar blend can’t rescue a roast that’s been prematurely disturbed.
Grind size and brewing method interact with roast profiles in unexpected ways.
KEY POINTS: Post-roast degassing is critical—brewing too soon can strip flavor. Grind size and brewing method interact with roast profiles in unexpected ways. Even a great blend can’t salvage a roast that’s been rushed.
Close: Have you ever brewed a roast that tasted amazing in cupping but flat in the cup? What did you do to fix it?
Questions & Answers
How to fix bland coffee?
Add a pinch of salt, cinnamon, or a splash of vanilla. Use fresh beans and proper grind size. Brew at correct temperature for better flavor.
Why is my coffee so tasteless?
Old beans, incorrect grind size, or wrong water temperature can dull coffee flavor. Check freshness and brewing method for better taste.
Information sourced from industry reports and news outlets.
