McCafe Premium Roast Review

Well before Mr. Brew and I started this blog, we could both agree on one thing: there was something good about McDonald’s coffee. What it was, we couldn’t say. But it tasted well roasted, well brewed, balanced, and dark.

But what we had never tried was the McCafe Premium Roast at home! So what better time than the present to see if the coffee we love compares to brewing at home?

This medium roast coffee comes finely ground - more similar to that of an espresso grind. We usually prefer a coarser grind to use in our French press. If you are one of those who might ignore the coffee on the steeping process and walk away, beware! The finer grounds could lead to over-extraction and result in a bitter flavor.

We kept an eye on our steeping time (4-5 minutes) and found a pleasant smokiness in both aroma and flavor. It is matched with a touch of dryness without much of a chocolate flavor. Although the bloom was minimally active, we still enjoyed a fresh-tasting cup of coffee. McCafe Premium Roast is a classic brew with a strong smooth dark flavor that is a perfect base for at home brewing, whether you love a black coffee or something sweeter.

Barista Note: We brewed this in our French press to our usual specs: 50g, 200℉, with a steep time for 4-5 minutes. This resulted in a well-rounded dark coffee. We also added some steamed milk and turned our black coffee into a cafe aú lait. It was a gentle coffee with a mild sweetness from the milk. If you want something lighter with a touch of sweetness, this is a great coffee to brew as a cafe aú lait. Just add equal parts coffee and steamed (frothed) milk. 

If you are looking for an easy, everyday sipper that carries a mild smokiness and won’t steer you wrong, give the McCafe Premium a try. This would be a great place to start for anyone unsure of their coffee preferences as well since it is a very typical medium roast.

Cheers,

Mrs. Brew