Lucem - Merit Coffee Review

Lucem — Latin for “light” — is a major element of Merit Coffee’s guiding value: to be a light in someone’s day. So they named a coffee after this very idea!

We picked up a bag of Lucem based on the proudly displayed tasting notes of chocolate, almond, and brown sugar. I expected a sultry dark coffee with sweet undertones and a rich, nutty dryness. Although this coffee is not what I expected, it is a vibrant sipper that will please many palates year round.

The beans are quite dry, indicating a medium to light roast, and smell bright and mildly acidic. When brewed to our usual specs of 200F water, 50 g of medium-fine grind, we see an active bloom and are greeted by an acidic aroma. I can smell the faintest hints of brown sugar, but feel like there is more of a lemon finish that overpowers it.

On the tongue, I taste the gentle almond nuttiness which brings a slight sweetness that then pairs nicely with the brown sugar, which is more prominent in flavor than aroma. Both flavors are gentle and pleasant. I do not taste much chocolate or get any dryness that is usually associated with chocolate. Mr. Brew noted a touch of milk chocolate but it is delayed and preps you for another sip rather than being alongside the almond and brown sugar.

Although lighter than I was expecting, this is a pleasant coffee that will please many brewers. The sweet flavors are gentle and well balanced. It is mildly acidic so if you are sensitive to more acidic flavors, tread lightly here. Lucem has a bright finish and brings you back for more!

Check out Lucem and other beans from Merit Coffee!

Cheers,

Mrs. Brew