Inside the Roastery: The Art of Small-Batch Coffee Roasting
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The Art of Small-Batch Coffee Roasting at Last Unicorn Coffee Co.
At Last Unicorn Coffee Co., every bag of coffee begins as a raw, green seed bursting with potential. Our craft lies in transforming that humble seed into something extraordinary — a roast that fills your kitchen with rich aroma and your cup with character.
We roast in 1kg small batches, and while that might sound simple, it’s anything but. Each roast is a conversation between science and intuition — a careful dance of temperature, airflow, and timing that determines whether a coffee sings or stays silent.
Why Small-Batch Coffee Roasting Matters
When it comes to artisan coffee roasting, small-batch roasting is the heart of what we do. By roasting just 1kg at a time, we have total control over every variable that affects flavour and quality.
Large industrial roasters can process 30 or 60 kilos at once — efficient, yes, but unforgiving. A single error can shift an entire flavour profile. By keeping our batches small, we can respond in real time to the beans themselves — adjusting heat, airflow, and drum speed to bring out their unique characteristics.
Every origin behaves differently. A high-grown Ethiopian bean develops at a different pace to a Costa Rican honey-process or an Indian Malabar. Small-batch roasting allows us to tailor the process to each bean’s personality — ensuring every cup is consistent, complex, and full of life.
How We Roast Coffee (Without Giving Away the Secrets)
Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how we roast our coffee — without revealing the finer trade secrets that make our roastery truly unique.
1. The Green Coffee
It all begins with ethically sourced green beans, chosen for their quality, transparency, and flavour potential. Each lot we roast has its own origin story — from Costa Rican honey-processed coffee kissed by mountain sunlight to deep, monsooned Indian Malabar beans with their bold, earthy soul.
2. The Charge
Before the roast begins, we “charge” our roaster to a precise starting temperature. This sets the foundation for the entire roast. Too hot, and the beans develop too fast; too cool, and they flatten out. It’s about striking that perfect balance from the very first second.
3. The Turning Point
As the beans absorb heat, they begin to transform — moisture escapes, colours shift, and aromas bloom. The “turning point” is when the coffee transitions from raw to reactive. From this moment on, Rate of Rise (RoR) becomes critical — guiding how the roast unfolds.
4. The Development Phase
This is where the magic happens. Sugars caramelise, acids balance, and flavour compounds take shape. Each second here matters. Too short, and the roast lacks depth; too long, and it loses its sparkle. Mastering this stage is what separates a handcrafted roast from an industrial one.
5. The Cooling
Once perfection is reached, we drop the beans into the cooling tray — stopping the roast instantly to lock in flavour and aroma. This is where the roast’s full character is sealed, ready to rest and develop before packaging.
The Balance of Data and Instinct
Our roaster monitors every variable in real time — Bean Temperature (BT), Environmental Temperature (ET), and Rate of Rise (RoR) — allowing us to reproduce great results consistently.
But roasting isn’t just numbers. It’s sensory. We rely on sight, sound, and smell: the crackling of first crack, the shifting hue from cinnamon to chestnut, the sweet aroma of caramelising sugars.
That’s the difference between automation and artistry. Our roaster doesn’t just follow data — it listens, senses, and reacts.
Why Small-Batch Coffee Tastes Better
Every decision in the roast — from charge temperature to airflow control — directly affects your cup.
That citrus brightness in a light roast, the dark chocolate depth of a medium roast, or the velvety smoothness of a darker one — they all begin in those carefully monitored moments inside the drum.
Small-batch roasting isn’t about efficiency. It’s about respect.
Respect for the farmer who nurtured the coffee, the craft that unlocks its flavour, and you — the drinker who deserves a cup made with care.
Our Promise
At Last Unicorn Coffee Co., we don’t chase shortcuts or automation. We chase flavour, balance, and beauty — the kind of coffee that makes you pause before your first sip.
Every bag we roast is a small act of devotion. Because coffee, when done right, isn’t just a drink —
It’s an experience.
☕ Experience the Magic Yourself
Explore our handcrafted, small-batch coffees roasted right here in the Cotswolds:
👉 Shop the Collection