WHAT IS WOOD ROASTED COFFEE?
At The Curator, we use a rare method of roasting coffee over reclaimed wood – a tradition rooted in Northern Italy. Unlike conventional gas roasting, wood roasting uses gentle, moisture-rich heat that gives the beans more time to develop.
This slower approach doesn’t impart a smoky flavour. Instead, it preserves the bean’s natural oils and brings out a deeper sweetness, lower acidity, and a rounded, velvety texture.
Lower Acidity
The gradual build-up of heat allows sugars to caramelise more evenly, softening sharp or sour notes.
Preserved Oils
The moisture-rich environment protects the bean’s surface oils, which carry much of the body and nuance in the cup.
Enhanced Sweetness
A longer roast curve encourages deeper sugar development, yielding a naturally sweeter flavour.
MADE IN ITALY
Our roaster is custom-built by Trabattoni – Italian engineers who’ve been crafting fire-powered machines since 1910. It’s a drum roaster, powered entirely by wood, and allows full control over airflow, drum speed, and flame intensity.
We roast in small batches, adjusting each profile by hand. This isn’t automation – it’s intuition, patience, and years of learning.
NOTHING WASTED
We only burn wood that would otherwise go unused. All timber comes from necessary tree work – often storm-damaged, aged, or felled for safety – and is supplied by our friends at Coastal Garden Services.
Each log is air-dried for two years using a traditional seasoning method that requires no kilns, fans, or electricity. It’s better for the environment, better for the roast, and true to our philosophy: use what’s available, work with skilled hands, and honour the process.
MODERN ITALIAN COFFEE
Our wood roasted coffee is available nationwide, roasted fresh in our South Devon roastery.
