Amazon Fresh Donut Cafe Medium Roast Whole Bean Coffee

5 reviews for Amazon Fresh Donut Cafe Medium Roast Whole Bean Coffee

1. 

   3 out of 5

   Jrf – June 8, 2024

   The summary of this review is: this is definitely not a light roast coffee.

   Coffee enthusiasts often categorize coffee consumption into three historical phases:

   First Wave: Brands like Folger’s and Maxwell House dominated this era, offering pre-ground, freeze-dried coffee that was far from gourmet. It made coffee accessible, but not necessarily enjoyable.

   Second Wave: This phase saw the rise of Starbucks, Pete’s, and Seattle’s Best, known for their dark roasts that often masked the flavor with burnt notes amidst an array of syrups and milks. Many still gravitate toward this style, possibly unaware of its health implications.

   Third Wave: This movement has emerged in the last 15 years, focusing on the bean’s flavor. It emphasizes terroir, pour-over methods, and light roasts. If you’ve participated in a coffee cupping, you know this is about appreciating the bean’s natural taste, often enjoyed black without any additives.

   If you’re wondering what Amazon’s attempt at this “Third Wave” coffee is like, think of brands like Blue Bottle or Stumptown—your expectations may be set too high.

   First and foremost, this coffee is inexpensive, costing about a third of my usual favorite (Huckleberry’s Phantom Limb) and conveniently delivered to my door. This is especially appealing when I’m too busy to step out for fresh beans.

   I previously tried Amazon’s other “light roast” offering and found it disappointing, despite the proudly displayed country of origin on the bag.

   Upon opening this bag, I was let down. The comparison is stark: Huck’s Phantom Limb has a cocoa powder brown hue and a jammy, bright flavor—reliable for a third wave coffee. In contrast, Amazon’s coffee looks more like a dark or possibly medium roast. Its taste is slightly stale (the bag lacks a roast date), bitter, and reminiscent of diner coffee. While diner coffee has its charm, when I’m brewing at home and engaging in all the “coffee nerd” rituals, I prefer a true third wave experience.

   In essence, this coffee serves as my backup when life gets too hectic for a quick trip to the local shop. While that may sound a bit sad, the convenience of having it delivered while I work is a definite plus. If Amazon could improve their roasting process, this coffee could have potential. As it stands, it resembles the offerings of a certain popular chain—not Timmy’s—providing a decent but underwhelming experience. Support local roasters and keep this as a last-resort option.

2. 

   5 out of 5

   Joshua Adkins – June 12, 2024

   After years of buying our coffee beans at Costco, which is an hour away from home, we decided to explore a more convenient option and ordered from Amazon. The delivery was prompt, and the price was great. The coffee is excellently roasted and has a smooth flavor. We’ve sampled other coffees from Amazon, but this one will definitely be a regular choice for us. It’s affordable, convenient, and enjoyable—what more could you want?

3. 

   5 out of 5

   Reviewer – June 25, 2024

   The Whole Bean Dark Roast rivals, if not surpasses, Eight O’Clock Dark Italian Roast. I’ve tried numerous dark roasts in this price range, and as a daily dark roast drinker, I can confidently recommend this one! The whole beans are of excellent quality, with a freshness that truly stands out. Unlike many coffees that have been ground and sitting on store shelves for a while, this one looks, smells, and tastes remarkably fresh. I’ll share a picture with my next order!

4. 

   5 out of 5

   Rachel – June 30, 2024

   Amazon’s Whole Bean Dark Roast Coffee is a true delight for coffee lovers. Its rich and bold flavor profile delivers a robust, full-bodied experience with each sip. The beans are roasted to perfection, resulting in a deep, aromatic brew that is smooth and satisfying. Ideal for those who prefer a strong coffee, it pairs well with milk and sweeteners while maintaining its unique taste. The packaging ensures the beans stay fresh, providing a quality cup every time. Overall, this dark roast coffee is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a premium coffee experience at a great price.

5. 

   4 out of 5

   Joshua Adkins – July 13, 2024

   I want to be transparent: I regularly roast coffee, but I don’t always have the time to prepare enough for both drip and espresso throughout the week. Sometimes, the weather makes it difficult to roast effectively—it’s a messy outdoor process, and my Fresh Roast SR800, which functions like a high-powered hair dryer, is sensitive to temperature changes.

   As a result, my perspective on this coffee may differ from others since it’s an affordable option that doesn’t match the freshness of my home roasts. Still, I often explore budget-friendly coffees to find something that is reasonably fresh, quick to obtain, and cost-effective. While some specialty roasters offer competitive prices, their shipping times can be lengthy, and sometimes I just need a quick caffeine fix. I also enjoy trying different coffees to stay connected with the wider coffee community. With that in mind, I aim to evaluate this product against similar coffees in its price range.

   The price is quite reasonable for what you get, and the roasting quality is solid. It leans more towards the medium side of light roasts, with a clean profile—no off-putting flavors, though not many standout notes either. It has a relatively earthy flavor that is straightforward, lacking in citric or fruity notes, making it likely to appeal to fans of lighter roasts. The beans are non-oily and would perform well in a super-automatic espresso machine if that’s your brewing method.

   I brewed this batch using my Technivorm Moccamaster, grinding the beans with a Fellow Ode (Gen 1) at a setting of 3.0 (with burrs calibrated just above touching). I used a ratio of 80g of beans to 1.25L of water and Technivorm Moccamaster #4 filters. At the current price, this comes out to just over $1 per liter of brewed coffee, which is a fair value for a clean, relatively light-roasted Arabica.

   I placed my order on May 25th, and it arrived the next day with a best-by date of February 25, 2025. The code 3NE02264 on the packaging suggests a roast date of February 26, 2024, which follows the common practice of setting a best-by date a year post-roasting. While this coffee is considered old in artisanal terms (where many prefer roasts within the past month), it’s not unreasonably past due compared to many options found in local grocery stores.

   In conclusion, while this coffee won’t replace my regular brews or home roasts, I would definitely consider buying it again in a pinch.