I have about 15 maybe 20 pounds on hand right now. I'm thinking of placing an order shortly. My last order was for 42 pounds.
I use a freshroast8 machine. It will hold enough beans for about a 6 or 8 cup pot of coffee for each roast. I usually do three roasts of a bean at a time as that will fit into a quart size mason jar perfectly. After roasting a batch of beans, they will need to rest at least 24 hours (48 is better) before using them to brew a pot. During that time the beans give off CO2 and the mason jar will need to be burped a couple, three times, to let the gas escape. Most beans take under 6 minutes to roast a batch. I usually brew the beans within 10 days of roasting for maximum freshness. Green beans will last well over a year in a cool dark cabinet. (not in my house LOL)
The taste difference is incredible between store bought and home roast. The is never any bitterness with home roast. I tend to buy most of my beans with the same flavor profile. I like nutty, cocoa, earthy, caramel best. Green beans come in as many flavor profiles as wines. I drink my coffees black, the wife likes a touch of cream. It's amazing how just a very small amount of either cream or sugar can completely change the taste, bringing out different flavors. Lots of my buds do that.
Another bonus is the cost, about half the price of store bought beans. A lot of beans can be had for under $6 a pound. The cost to get started is about $80 to $90. That includes the machine and usually a starter order of 4 pounds of beans. The machine is smaller than a kitchen blender.
Do you grind your own beans? If so I could send you some that I roast and you could try it. It's better to grind them just before brewing for maximum flavor. I warn you though, once you try fresh roast, you're toast, just like smoking your first cubans.
LMK if you want me to send you some, I can roast them this weekend and ship 'em monday.
