by Kate Gilmore | Feb 1, 2016
This list of cheap eats is a resource of strictly walkable locations in Kansas City’s downtown with genuinely affordable menus. Each recommendation is located in the downtown neighborhoods within a 1 mile radius of the conference center where the USCC Qualifying Event is happening, and an additional short list featuring the neighborhoods where the main coffee community events are being hosted.
by Pete Licata | Jan 4, 2016
Recently we encountered an interaction on social media about Batdorf and Bronson‘s Holiday Blend. This interaction was regarding a specific review performed by an acquaintance of ours named Drew, who also runs a reviewing website. Drew came to the conclusion that this particular coffee was over roasted and rather unpalatable. While Batdorf and Bronson commissioned his […]
by Holly Bastin | Dec 21, 2015
Think it’s too late to come up with holiday coffee treats? Think again! Using just stocking stuffers you can recreate some festive faves or make something entirely original. Just use your imagination!
by Holly Bastin | Nov 14, 2015
Looking for that perfect pairing for your Thanksgiving after dinner coffee? Look no further!
by Holly Bastin | Nov 14, 2015
While it’s always fun to play with flavors in coffee and desserts, this one was an exceptional creative pleasure for both Audrey and myself. The cool thing about this pairing is that each component is really enticing and tasty on its own, but the combo takes it to ‘next level’ flavor. The mini tart, with […]
by Holly Bastin | Nov 13, 2015
When it comes to Thanksgiving desserts it’s hard to argue with the classic: Pumkpin Pie. For this pairing we decided to make things a little more interesting and spiced up the crust with some hot chili powder. Don’t worry about dear Aunt Sue’s aversion to anything spicy. Our recipe calls for just enough to give you […]
by Holly Bastin | Oct 20, 2015
Roast Ratings was recently featured in a two part podcast by none other than Cat & Cloud.
by Pete Licata | Oct 19, 2015
A look at Ethiopia cold brew and El Salvador cascara tea offerings from Slingshot Coffee Co.
by Pete Licata | Sep 25, 2015
If you read my last look at bottled cold brew options you may have noticed that Stumptown’s Cold Brew was featured, but was not deemed incredibly “chug worthy”. The bottle that was tasted for review was purchased on a trip to Chicago, and while it was distinct in flavor this bottle was not particularly amazing. […]
by Holly Bastin | Aug 11, 2015
The Bonavita 1900TS is not only the official brewer used in our ratings process. It’s a home unit that makes tasty coffee easy as pie! Here’s how we brew it…
by Holly Bastin | Jul 30, 2015
In Q&A #3 we take a much closer look at how to get the most out of your coffee’s tastiness over the course of time. Learn a few new quick and easy tricks to help your quest for better coffee.
by Holly Bastin | Jul 7, 2015
It’s time for another round of Q&A. This time we’re going to explore noticeable differences between decaf and regular coffees, including its effect on the libido, as well as a little journey into the Italian language. Sit back, relax and enjoy.
by Chris Baca | Jun 19, 2015
My father has been a woodworker for longer than I’ve been alive. His first wood shop was in the back garage of our house – there was a little wood pellet stove, saws, and tools galore all crammed into this two-car garage. When I was still really young he moved out of the garage and into his first proper shop across town.
by Jared Truby | Jun 17, 2015
My dad has always been an aspiring coffee nerd. When I was young he would always be trying different coffees and brands. Back then the terms were more like “Kenya AA” or Peruvian when you were getting into the good stuff but nevertheless I remember him analyzing each cup.
by Holly Bastin | Jun 15, 2015
Father’s Day is next Sunday the 21st and that means it’s time to talk a bit more about the dads in our lives. We’ll be celebrating all week long with some tributes and, of course, a social media challenge! So here’s our question: That’s right- “Who is your daddy and what does he do?” Thanks […]
by Holly Bastin | Jun 14, 2015
In an effort to be of better service to our coffee peoples we recently started opening the floor to general questions about coffee. In this Q&A we cover Acidity v. Acid, getting more from your brewer and why some are insistent that you try your coffee black.
by Pete Licata | Jun 10, 2015
The ready-to-drink coffee trend has been growing over the past few years, with more and more brands finding avenues to get their versions to the masses. Let’s take a peek at what we consider “Specialty” (indicating a higher quality standard) bottled iced coffee.
by Pete Licata | May 26, 2015
For the second part of our iced coffee feature we are looking at the ‘Ready to Drink’ category (If you missed Part I check it out here). In searching out options we immediately realized that there is a huge range, even within simply bottled coffee drinks at a store.
by Holly Bastin | May 18, 2015
In the first episode of our iced coffee saga, we took a little closer look at what’s available when you’re on the go. That’s right, we checked out the National (and sometimes international) brands of ‘fast food’ coffee. Whether you’re out and about, stuck in the airport or just plain old road tripping, it’s handy to have a handle on what’s what in the realm of name brand coffee.
by Holly Bastin | May 16, 2015
We at Roast Ratings decided that it was high time that we take a little closer look at this growing trend. We devised different experiences that would aid us in this quest to better understand our options when it comes to iced coffee and to answer the basic questions- what’s worth the time? And, of course, what’s worth the money?
by Holly Bastin | May 12, 2015
“This is how the Nelson family spends every #MothersDay. It’s @family_tree_nursery’s busiest day of the year so I caught up with my mother and her morning cup of @thou_mayest out in her natural element…”
by Pete Licata | May 8, 2015
Despite all of the efforts to get my mother a better brew (my father doesn’t have coffee as often), she still sticks by her tried and true method of measuring the quality of what is in her cup.
I call it the “Chocolate Test”
by Holly Bastin | May 7, 2015
Mom’s coffee-life began watching her parents start every day with a cup of coffee. She recalls fondly how she would come down from her bedroom after her father was well into his day, always finding a trail of brown coffee droplets in the hallway leading to his office. Not much of a coffee drinker herself, her time would come later, in her early twenties out of necessity.
by Holly Bastin | May 7, 2015
Oh the mid 90’s. Yes, the years of My So Called Life, crazy bubble gum packaging and Boyz II Men. Who didn’t slow dance to “End of the Road” or have a serious case of unrequited love for Jordan Catalano? I can only speak for myself I suppose…