frequently asked questions
ordering
When will my coffee be roasted?
Our coffee is at its best a few days after being roasted. This gives the beans a chance to rest, where they release the CO2 that they produce during roasting, improving both flavour and brewing consistency. Our packaging facilitates this process through the valves, which let CO2 be released without letting any oxygen in.
We will therefore make sure that the coffee you receive has been roasted no more than 7 days in advance of dispatch.
When will my order be dispatched?
We aim to dispatch all orders on the following working day (Monday to Friday), with a maximum of 2 working days after being placed.
When will I receive my order?
Once dispatched, you should receive your order after 1-2 working days if using Royal Mail Tracked 24, or after 2-3 working days if using Royal Mail Tracked 48.
If you have an issue with the delivery of your order, please email us at hello@magneticnorthcoffee.co.uk with your order number.
What are your shipping options and cost?
Please check our delivery page for details following this link.
Do you offer international delivery?
Unfortunately we are not able to offer international shipping at the moment.
choosing
What makes your coffee special?
We source and roast 100% speciality coffee, fully traceable to local producers in the countries of origin.
Speciality coffee accounts for just 5% of the global coffee production, and the care farmers and producers put into their processes translates into greater differences in taste and quality in relation to non-speciality coffee.
Is your coffee Arabica?
Yes, all our coffee comes from varieties of the Arabica plant.
Speciality coffee varieties from the Robusta plant are achieving increasing levels of quality, so we may in the future include this in our offering.
What's the difference in lighter or darker roasts, apart from the colour?
Roast colour ultimately impacts the flavour profile of the coffee in the cup.
A lighter roast tends to highlight acidity and sweetness, whereas a darker roast increases body and bitterness.
A coffee's inherent flavours and aromas are more pronounced when the roast is lighter. This is the reason why non-speciality coffees tend to be roasted quite dark, as their inherent notes may not be as pleasant as with speciality coffee.
At Magnetic North we look to find the roast profile that showcases each coffee at its best.
What's the difference between the coffees of different countries?
The characteristics of each geography and terroir influence the flavour profile of their coffees.
Arabica coffee plants grow in warm climates at very high altitudes, typically above 900m and up to over 2000m.
Higher altitudes allow for slower maturing of the coffee cherries given the colder weather at night, and this results in fruitier coffees, floral notes and higher acidity. These are coffees found in countries like Colombia, Ethiopia and Kenya.
At lower altitudes, coffees tend to mature more quickly, which often results in chocolatey, nutty flavours. Brazilian coffees are famous for these characteristics.
Do you offer ground coffee?
Yes, for 250g bags.
We would not recommend a 1kg bag ground unless you expect to consume it in less than a week, as coffee's quality and flavour reduce much quicker once ground. If you still need larger amounts ground, please get in touch using the web form or via email at hello@magneticnorthcoffee.co.uk
Do you offer physical gift cards?
We are unable to offer physical gift cards at the moment.
enjoying
How should I have my coffee to enjoy it at its best?
Our coffees are well suited for any brewing methods, so you can use your favourite one.
We indicate where we feel a coffee is at its best with or without milk, but ultimately it's a matter of taste, and we recommend experimenting and finding what you prefer.
How should I grind my beans?
The grind level of your beans is a tricky area to provide guidance on, as it will depend on the type of grinder you use and the brewing method.
As a guide, the finest settings suit espresso methods, the mid-point settings are indicated for filter methods, and the coarser end of the settings work best for cafeteriere/French press.
Can I have a coffee recommended for milk, without it?
Of course! While we aim to guide you as to how each coffee may be best enjoyed, this is ultimately down to personal preference.
How long does the coffee keep for?
Coffee does not have an expiry date. However, it does lose its best attributes over time, as it gets in contact with oxygen. This process accelerates once the coffee is ground.
Well stored, we would recommend consuming within 3 months, and whole beans will probably be at its best for up to 4 weeks.
How should I store my coffee?
We recommend storing your coffee in a cool, dark place, either in its original resealable packaging or in an airtight container.