At Merlo Coffee, we believe exceptional coffee comes from passion, precision, and a dedication to the craft of roasting. Our rich, balanced flavour starts with a strict roasting profile, followed daily by our skilled roasting team. Freshness is non-negotiable every batch is roasted, packed, and delivered in airlocked bags and tins to our stores, wholesale partners, and online customers within days. Over 20 tonnes of coffee are roasted each week at our Bowen Hills Torrefazione, overseen by Head Roaster Steve Olorenshaw, ensuring every bean delivers the Merlo signature taste.

The Merlo Coffee Roasting Journey

Transforming carefully sourced green beans into aromatic, perfectly balanced coffee is an eight-stage process our team has refined over decades. Every step is carried out with care, from sourcing beans to locking in freshness, so you can enjoy barista-quality coffee at home or in-store

Stage 1: Green bean

We start with the best by sourcing high-quality beans from trusted growers around the world. Each origin is chosen for its unique flavour characteristics, which are blended to create our signature profiles that are rich, smooth, and balanced.

Stage 2: Roasting

Small batches are roasted at up to 250°C, triggering distinct ‘cracks’ that mark key flavour stages. Light roasts preserve bright, fruity notes, while medium to dark roasts develop deep, rich, and smoky tones. Our roasters control each batch with precision to achieve the desired flavour profile.

Stage 3: Cooling

Rapid cooling is essential to lock in flavour and aroma. Within one minute, beans are cooled to below 50°C, halting the roast at the exact point of perfection.

Stage 4: Destoning

Our destoning process removes any foreign materials, ensuring only pure roasted coffee beans make it into your cup. This step safeguards quality and consistency.

Stage 5: Storing

Freshness is preserved by storing beans in airtight Merlo tins or bags with a one-way valve that lets natural gases escape while keeping moisture and air out. Store them in a cool, dark pantry until ready to grind.

Stage 6: Grinding

Grind size matters. Whether you brew espresso, French press, or pour-over, our team can grind your beans to suit, or we can recommend a quality grinder so you can prepare them fresh at home.

Stage 7: Extracting 

From espresso machines to plungers, the right extraction method brings out the best in your coffee. Learn the craft through our coffee classes or explore our Coffee 101 tips to perfect your brew.

Stage 8: Enjoying

Coffee is more than a drink, it’s an experience. Take a moment to savour the flavour, aroma, and journey your beans have taken from farm to cup.

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Experience Merlo Roasting Firsthand

Visit a Merlo Coffee Torrefazione to watch our roasters at work and enjoy a freshly brewed cup on-site. Take home a pack of our daily roasted beans and experience the same quality, freshness, and flavour in your own kitchen. At Merlo, every bean is a product of craftsmanship, dedication, and a passion for exceptional coffee.