May 28, 2026 · Hannah Brooks

How fresh is too fresh? Roast dates, explained

Every Wrenfield bag carries the date we roasted it. Here's what that date means for your cup.

Days 0 to 4: degassing

Freshly roasted coffee releases a lot of carbon dioxide. It makes pour-overs bloom dramatically and espresso shots gush. It's fine for drip, but most coffees taste better after a few days.

Days 5 to 30: the sweet spot for filter

Aromatics are at their peak and the coffee extracts evenly. Our shipping schedule is built so your bag lands at the start of this window.

Days 7 to 40: espresso

Espresso benefits from a little more rest. Night Shift peaks around day 10.

After that

Coffee doesn't go bad, it gets quieter: less sweetness, less aroma, more papery notes. Buy what you'll drink in three to four weeks, which is exactly what a subscription is for.

Storage

Keep the bag sealed with the air pressed out, at room temperature, away from light. The freezer works for long storage if you freeze in small airtight portions and don't refreeze. Never the fridge.