Freshness is key, but here’s the catch—fresh doesn’t always mean better. How long after the roast is the best moment for the beans to shine? Let’s dive into why timing matters and how to get your coffee at its peak flavour.

You’ve just picked up a fresh bag of Colombian specialty coffee beans—yay! You're excited for those passionfruit and strawberry gelato notes, or perhaps you've gone for those richer malt and mandarin orange notes. But now comes the hard part: figuring out when to brew them. How long can you leave roasted beans before they lose their magic? A week? A month? Should you be drinking them the moment they’re roasted, or is it okay to stash them in the cupboard for a while? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
The Right Time to Brew: Just After Roasting Isn’t Always Best
When it comes to coffee, timing matters. The best moment for your beans to shine is a little while after roasting, not right away. After roasting, beans go through a process called degassing, where they release carbon dioxide. This "gas release" can make your cup taste flat if brewed too soon. While it’s tempting to brew them fresh out of the roaster, the real magic happens once they’ve had a chance to rest for just the right amount of time.

(image credits: @thetinyissue)
How the Loring Roaster Helps Us Perfect Every Roast
Perfect coffee starts with the perfect roast—and that’s where the Loring comes in. This clever bit of kit uses hot air (not a spinning drum) to roast beans with precision and care. Instead of relying on direct contact like traditional roasters, the Loring keeps things smooth with convection heat—gently circulating hot air around the beans to ensure an even roast, every time.
No hot spots, no harsh treatment—just a consistent, clean roast that lets the bean’s natural character shine through. And because the process is gentler, the beans develop more slowly, giving them time to rest and unlock all those rich, complex flavours you love.
It’s a slower process, sure. But perfection takes a little patience.
The Sweet Spot: 7–21 Days Post-Roast
Generally speaking, beans are at their best between 7 to 21 days after roasting. During this window, the beans have had enough time to rest but are still fresh, offering the complex aromas and flavours you love. Here’s why:
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Degassing: Right after roasting, beans release CO2. If brewed too early, you miss the benefit of the flavours opening up and may get a "flat" cup.
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Oxidation: Beans slowly start reacting with oxygen over time. This is when the vibrant flavours begin to fade. The longer they sit around, the less flavour you’ll get in your cup.
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Flavour Evolution: After two weeks, the vibrant fruity, nutty, or chocolatey notes start to mellow, and your coffee may take on a smoother, more balanced profile. It's a natural progression that enhances the experience, offering a different but equally enjoyable cup.

How to Keep Your Beans at Their Best
So, how do you keep your beans fresh until they're ready to shine? Here’s the breakdown:
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Airtight Storage: Store your beans in an airtight container, away from oxygen. The less air, the better.
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Cool, Dark Place: Beans hate sunlight and heat. Keep them in a pantry or cupboard, not on your counter by the window.
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Grind What You Need: Grind only what you plan to brew right away to keep the rest of your beans fresh longer.
Why Colombian Specialty Coffee Shines Best Fresh
When it comes to Colombian specialty coffee, you’ve got to take advantage of those vibrant notes the right way. From the fruity, floral highlights to the rich, chocolatey undertones, Colombian coffee offers a flavour profile that’s second to none. But like all the best things, it’s at its best when it’s fresh—7 to 21 days after roasting.
At Hermanos, we’re committed to roasting perfection. That’s why we put the roast date on every bag—to ensure you can enjoy your coffee at its peak. Sipping on freshly roasted Colombian coffee is like tasting the craftsmanship in every cup. To truly savour the magic of these beans, catch them at just the right moment.

What Happens After 21 Days?
After the 21-day mark, your beans are typically well rested, with CO₂ levels significantly reduced. Over time, however, the coffee will gradually begin to age. Eventually, the flavours will start to lose their vibrancy and can flatten out. It's worth noting that resting times can vary depending on storage conditions, roast level, and the unique characteristics of the coffee itself.
The Bottom Line
Treat your coffee beans right and brew them within 7–21 days of roasting to enjoy bold, exciting flavours in every cup.
Enjoy, and remember—fresh beans are key to the perfect brew!
Ready to brew the perfect cup? Check out our brew guides for tips and tricks to get the most out of your freshly roasted Colombian specialty coffee.