This week on the Roast It Yourself Podcast, Stephen and Catherine tackle a question that gets right to the heart of roasting with intention: should you roast coffee differently depending on how you plan to brew it?

Listener Steve from North Dakota asks whether coffees labeled for espresso, cold brew, or pour-over are truly roasted differently—or if it's mostly marketing. The discussion dives into how different roast levels interact with various brewing methods, when it makes sense to tailor a roast for a specific cup profile, and where the line between practical roasting advice and coffee-industry marketing starts to blur.

Along the way, Stephen and Catherine discuss cold brew roast preferences, the realities of "espresso roasts," paper versus metal filtration, and how home roasters can think about matching roast development to the strengths of different brewing methods.

Whether you're roasting for pour-over, espresso, French press, or just experimenting with your Fresh Roast setup, this episode offers practical insights to help you get the most from every batch.

Have a coffee roasting question of your own? Send it to questions@rypod.com and you might hear it featured on a future episode.

SEND YOUR QUESTIONS TO: questions@riypod.com

NOTES:

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Episode 96: This week, Bill (a newer roaster working with an SR800 and extension tube) asks a fantastic question: which coffee books deserve a permanent place on every roaster’s shelf? Stephen and Catherine dive into their favorite resources, from foundational roasting texts to broader guides on green coffee, blending, and the coffee industry as a whole. Along the way, they discuss why some books become dog-eared classics, how to navigate conflicting advice, and why learning from multiple perspectives can make you a better roaster.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• Essential coffee roasting books for beginners and experienced roasters
• Why Scott Rao’s work has been so influential in the coffee roasting landscape
• Kenneth Davids’ classic contributions to the home roasting community
• Resources from Chris Kornman that every coffee geek should know
• The value of learning from contradictory opinions and real-world experience
• Why there’s often more than one “right” way to roast great coffee

Whether you're just getting started or looking to deepen your coffee knowledge, this episode is packed with recommendations to help you build your roasting library and sharpen your skills.

Have a favorite coffee book we missed? Let us know!

Send your coffee roasting questions to questions@riypod.com

NOTES:

- Scott Rao's The Coffee Roaster's Companion

- Chris Kornman's Green Coffee: A Guide for Roasters and Buyers

- Kenneth David's new book 21st Century Coffee: A Guide & foundational Home Coffee Roasting: Romance & Revival (the 2003 publication is the most recent edition, however an revised and updated version reportedly in the works).

- Roast Magazine

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Coffee Bean Corral YouTube

Coffee Bean Corral Website

Current Crop Roasting Shop Website

Episode 95: In this episode of Roast It Yourself, Stephen and Catherine tackle a listener question from a coffee newcomer diving headfirst into both home brewing and roasting. They break down what makes certain green coffees more beginner-friendly—highlighting why washed Central American beans (especially Costa Rican) are a great place to start thanks to their consistency and ease of roasting.

The conversation then shifts to one of the most overlooked elements in coffee: water. From mineral content to filtration options, they explain why your water can make or break your cup and share practical, renter-friendly solutions to improve your brewing at home.

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to level up your setup, this episode is packed with approachable tips to help you roast with confidence and brew better-tasting coffee.

Have a question of your own? Send it in and you might be featured in a future episode!

SEND YOUR QUESTIONS TO: questions@riypod.com

NOTES:

Follow Our Instagram Account @RIY_POD

CHECK US OUT HERE:

Coffee Bean Corral YouTube

Coffee Bean Corral Website

Current Crop Roasting Shop Website

Rancher Wholesale Website