We get asked this a lot: “How do I know if my coffee’s still fresh?” It’s a fair question. You’ve spent good money on that bag of beans—maybe one of ours (nice choice)—and now you want to know if it’s still got the goods.
The short version? Fresh beans = better flavour. But if you’re after the long version, here’s how to spot the real deal from the past-its-prime.
1. Check the roast date, not the best-before
Forget the “best before” sticker. That’s supermarket speak. What you actually want is the roast date. We print it on every bag we send out, so you know exactly where you’re at.
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Ideal window? Between 5 and 30 days post-roast.
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Too fresh (like, under 5 days)? It might still be de-gassing and not brewing evenly.
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Too old (over 6–8 weeks)? You’ll start losing sweetness and clarity.
If there’s no roast date listed, ask yourself why. Then back away slowly.
2. Smell the beans
Give them a sniff. Freshly roasted beans should smell lively—sweet, punchy, maybe a little fruity or chocolatey depending on the roast. If all you’re getting is mustiness or a faint whiff of regret, it’s time to move on.
3. Check for that oily shine (or lack of it)
This one depends on the roast. Darker beans will show more oil on the surface, but too much oil usually means the beans are old and breaking down.
For our coffees—like Party Blend or our single origins—you’re looking for a clean, slightly matte finish. Not bone dry, not dripping in oil. Right in the sweet spot.
4. How’s it grinding?
Fresh beans grind with a clean snap. If they’re too soft, crumbly, or turning to dust, they’ve probably been sitting around too long. That’ll throw your brew off—especially with espresso, where consistency is everything.
5. Taste tells all
Honestly, your mouth knows what’s up. Fresh coffee tastes sweet, full, vibrant. Old coffee? Bitter, dull, hollow. If your brew suddenly feels lifeless—even though you haven’t changed your recipe or gear—it might be time to re-up.
(And if you’re using beans from that tin you found in the back of the cupboard… you already know the answer.)
Need a fresh batch? We roast in small batches and ship direct, so what you get is always peak. We even have a 100g size option so you can either drink sparingly, or test out different coffees free from that freshness fear that comes with bulk ordering. Check out the latest blends and single origins—all roasted to order, never sat on a shelf.
Don’t let stale beans ruin your morning. Life’s too short for sad coffee.
