Category: Reviews / Coffee Beans
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It has actually been a little while since my visit to Roast’d in Fort Lee. If you’ve been following along, you know I posted about their shop and their incredible Comsa Pour Over earlier.
I deliberately held off on posting this final review because I didn’t want to bombard you with too much from one roaster all at once! I wanted to let these beans—and my thoughts on them—simmer for a bit. But now, it’s finally time to break down the rest of the sampler pack I brought home.
The “Custom” Sampler Experience
One thing I really appreciated about Roast’d was that their “sampler” wasn’t just a pre-packaged box sitting on a shelf. It was a fully customizable experience.
When I ordered it, the barista actually asked me to choose which beans I wanted to try from their current lineup. I picked four that looked interesting, and they weighed them out right there, placing each into its own small bag with a label detailing the origin and notes. It felt personal and tailored—a great touch for a specialty shop.
I’ve already covered the Comsa, so here is how the other three—P’NG, Santa Ana, and Queen City—stacked up on my home brewing bar.
1. The Household Favorite: P’NG (Papua New Guinea)
- Roast Level: Medium
- Tasting Notes: Caramel, Milk Chocolate
This was the winner for us. Sourced from the Timuza Coffee Cooperative, this bean is roasted to a medium level that really lets the sweetness shine.
Brewing this at home, it was incredibly smooth. The caramel and milk chocolate notes were distinct, making it a rich, comforting cup. It’s the kind of coffee that feels “reliable” in the best way possible—balanced, sweet, and easy to drink.
The Verdict: Smooth, sweet, and very satisfying. A great daily driver.
2. The Afternoon Delight: Santa Ana (El Salvador)
- Roast Level: Mid-Light
- Tasting Notes: Milk Chocolate, Strawberry, Raspberry, Peach
Next up was the Santa Ana. This is a lighter roast, and it offered a completely different vibe from the P’NG.
We picked up nice hints of berry and peach, giving it a refreshing brightness. It wasn’t our absolute favorite compared to the P’NG, but I really enjoyed it. It’s a solid example of a clean, fruit-forward coffee that doesn’t feel too heavy.
The Verdict: A lovely, bright cup that sits nicely on the palate.
3. The Heavy Hitter: Queen City (Ethiopia Harrar)
- Roast Level: Mid-Dark
- Tasting Notes: Black Cherry, Cocoa, Molasses, Full Body
Finally, the Queen City. This is a classic Ethiopian Harrar, known for being intense and earthy with notes of molasses and deep cocoa.
Here is the truth about my coffee palate: In my 20s and 30s, I was a die-hard dark roast drinker. I was always looking for that heavy “punch” and concentrating purely on the caffeine kick. While I still love a good dark roast, lately I find myself “addicted” to the nuance of lighter coffees. Brewing a lighter roast in my Chemex has become my afternoon ritual—a time for stress-free relaxation rather than just an energy jolt.
Because of that shift, the Queen City felt a bit heavy for my current mood. It has a full body and a thick mouthfeel that the “old me” would have probably worshipped, but right now, I found myself preferring the clarity of the other two beans.
The Verdict: It wasn’t the perfect match for us this time, but if you love bold, earthy, and intense coffee, this is definitely one to try.
Final Thoughts
This sampler was a great reminder of how my tastes are evolving. It was fun to compare the bold intensity of the Queen City against the smooth comfort of the P’NG.
That’s a wrap on my Roast’d series! Have you tried any of these beans? Let me know which one sounds like your style.
