Our Story
The story of Rivington Roastery begins with the inspiration found in the countryside of Rivington, a stunning area nestled between Bolton and Chorley. It’s a place where nature’s beauty is on full display, especially as the seasons shift. I’ve walked, run and mountain biked in this area for over 25 years, taking my children when they were young and now it’s just me and my springer spaniel.
The one constant throughout the years has been that cup of coffee pre ride, post run and mid chilly winter walk and so I combined both my love of Rivington and of Coffee to create Rivington Roastery
The colours used in the logo are directly inspired by Rivington’s beautiful landscape. As the season shifts from summer to autumn, the trees still cling to their green leaves and subtle hints of gold beginning to emerge, a sure sign of autumn’s arrival and crisp and cold walks ahead! I chose these colours to represent Rivington at its most breathtaking
I’ve been lucky enough to have a professional career in elite sport, It’s taken me all over the world which has been an incredible privilege and as it happens, the perfect platform to taste lots of coffee, prepared in various ways from Katmandu to Tokyo and everywhere in between! Over the years I became more and more interested in how and where the coffee was grown, the impact of the environment and climate on the taste profile, the processing method and how the roasting process works. I feel drawn to the growing, processing and roasting processes and how these can be optimised to bring the best out of the coffee bean.
In early 2024 an unexpected path opened up, so I decided to take my love of coffee seriously and in September I traveled to Florence, Italy to take the SCA Coffee Roasting course with the Espresso Academy
My new roaster arrived a week later and I set up Rivington Roastery.
So this is where it started, 2024 , the year Rivington Roastery was born
Jayne
Blog
The Art and Science of Coffee Roasting…
Coffee roasting transforms humble green coffee beans into the aromatic, flavorful beans we grind and brew. This complex process, combining art and science, significantly impacts the taste and quality of your coffee. Whether you're a home enthusiast or exploring the professional world of speciality coffee, understanding the nuances of roasting is essential. If you’re a coffee lover seeking to elevate your experience or looking to buy speciality coffee, this guide is for you.
What Is Coffee Roasting?
Coffee roasting is a heat process that develops the beans' flavors by changing their chemical and physical properties. Green beans are heated to specific temperatures, triggering chemical reactions like the Maillard Reaction and caramelization. These reactions create the complex flavor profiles that speciality coffee lovers cherish. Roasting is especially crucial when working with single-origin speciality coffee to highlight unique flavor notes.
Why Is Coffee Roasting Important?
Roasting determines the aroma, taste, and body of the coffee. It highlights the beans' natural characteristics, influenced by their origin, variety, and processing method. A poorly executed roast can overshadow even the best speciality coffee beans, while a skilled roast can elevate ordinary ones. For those who buy speciality coffee, roasting ensures the full potential of the beans is realized.
The Coffee Roasting Process: Step-by-Step
Bean Selection
Choose high-quality green coffee beans. Factors like origin, altitude, and processing method significantly impact the outcome. For speciality coffee, focus on beans with distinct flavor notes and traceable origins.
Preheating
Heat the roaster to the desired starting temperature. Consistent heat application is critical for an even roast.
Drying Phase
The beans lose moisture content during this initial stage, turning yellow and emitting a grassy smell.
Browning Phase
Chemical reactions intensify, creating the first hints of coffee's signature aroma and flavor.
First Crack
The beans expand and crack audibly. This milestone signals that the coffee is light-roasted and suitable for certain flavour profiles prized in speciality coffee.
Development Phase
The roast continues based on the desired flavor and roast level: light, medium, or dark.
Cooling
Rapid cooling halts the roasting process to prevent over-roasting.
Resting
Allow roasted beans to degas for 12-24 hours to enhance flavor.
Types of Coffee Roasts
Light Roast
Bright acidity and floral notes. Commonly preferred for single-origin speciality coffees to highlight distinct characteristics.
Medium Roast
Balanced flavors with moderate acidity and body. Often used for speciality coffee blends.
Dark Roast
Bold, smoky flavors with lower acidity. Suitable for espresso and dark blends, though less common in the speciality coffee world.
Essential Tools for Coffee Roasting
Home Coffee Roasters
Machines designed for small batches, such as air roasters or drum roasters.
Thermometer
Monitor precise temperatures for consistency.
Cooling Tray
Ensures rapid cooling to lock in desired roast levels.
Tips for Perfect Coffee Roasting
Experiment with Small Batches
This minimizes waste while refining your technique.
Log Your Roasts
Track details like temperature, time, and results to replicate success.
Taste Test Frequently
Tasting helps identify areas for improvement and preference alignment, especially when aiming for speciality coffee quality.
Why Roast Coffee at Home?
Roasting coffee at home offers unparalleled freshness, control, and satisfaction. It’s an opportunity to tailor the roast to your taste preferences and explore the fascinating world of speciality coffee on a deeper level. For coffee lovers, this is an incredible way to appreciate the nuances of single-origin speciality coffee.
Common Coffee Roasting FAQs
1. How long does it take to roast coffee?
Depending on the roast level and method, it typically takes 10-15 minutes.
2. Can I roast coffee without specialized equipment?
Yes, using tools like a stovetop popcorn maker or oven, though results may vary.
3. How do I know when the coffee is roasted to my preference?
Monitor visual changes and smell. Light roasts are light brown, while dark roasts are rich brown to black.
Coffee roasting is a rewarding journey that deepens your appreciation for this beloved beverage. Whether you aim to craft the perfect espresso or explore unique flavor profiles, mastering coffee roasting opens up endless possibilities in the world of speciality coffee. For those who buy speciality coffee, understanding roasting enhances the overall experience of savoring premium beans.