Roaster’s Blend: Merit Cold Brew - Merit Coffee Review
A couple weekends ago we took a walk to Merit Coffee and picked up a bag of their Roaster’s Blend. Although designed and named for cold brew, Roaster’s Blend is the perfect balance of sweetness and body, and works amazingly as a hot French press as well.
Roaster’s Blend advertises tasting notes of milk chocolate, caramel, and clove. From the bag, you are met with a very pleasing aroma that screams freshly roasted beans.
We first brewed this coffee as a French press to our usual specs. The chocolate and caramel are forward heavy flavors and make this a very creamy coffee. Brewed hot, I lose a majority of the clove, but there is a pleasant warmth from the spice that lingers on the back of my palate.
We couldn’t buy a “Cold Brew” coffee without turning it into cold brew, and I am glad we did. As a cold brew, Roaster’s Blend still carries the creaminess from the caramel and chocolate, but the clove was slightly more prominent and lingering. It smelled brighter, almost lemony, but was not acidic to drink. We enjoyed it black, but those of you who prefer creamer in your coffee will not be disappointed with this. It will easily complement a milk or cream that only enhances its natural flavors.
This is one of the best bags of coffee I have ever drank (and I’ve had many). It is a versatile bag of beans that is easily brewed to fit my mood. It is smooth, creamy, gentle, and well-balanced. It truly captures the essence of freshly roasted coffee. I cannot wait to head back to Merit and snag another.
When we visited, we admired the beauty of the shop and the inscriptions “Per Aspera Ad Astra” and “Ad Lucem” on their windows. The first - per aspera ad astra - is over 2,000 years old and means through adversity to the stars, while the second - ad lucem - means to the light. After doing some research on their website, we learned that Merit Coffee not only strives to bring amazing coffee to their customers, but they are dedicated to giving back to their communities as well.
With shops all over San Antonio, Dallas, and Austin, if you see one in your area, don’t hesitate to stop in. You’ll be glad you did. (And grab a bag of Roaster’s Blend to take home with you!)
Cheers,
Mrs. Brew