Density Separations

Traditionally, a density sorter is a critical piece of the milling process at origin, sorting to remove debris while assessing bean size and density. This assessment is critical for ensuring a uniform product, establishing a quality level of preparation, and is part of our approval process as coffee buyers.

Coava is in a unique position to be able to utilize a density sorter on this side of the supply chain. By providing an exciting window into the full spectrum of a coffee, we are able to continue to push the boundaries of quality and clarity in cup.

While we purchase coffee with strict approval around green preparation, even at the highest grade of preparation, every 350g of green coffee is allowed a certain amount of category 2, secondary defects. Occasionally, we over-sort our coffee further using the density sorter at our roastery, allowing us a clearer view into the different density ranges of the coffee and how it may or may not impact cup quality. 

Typically, removing the lowest density coffee raises the relative sensory score. Sometimes, however, it simply rearranges the cup, highlighting a specific flavor or rearranging the intensity of body, acidity, and sweetness.

We do this not because the main lot is inferior, but because it allows us to highlight a critical part of the supply chain which drastically affects flavor but is often overlooked. This helps us provide continuity as coffee buyers, by better understanding the impacts of milling at origin, as well as provides further opportunities for improvements in overall quality.

From time to time, we offer density separations as an exclusive offering of a coffee you've already come to know and love, like the David Mancia, when the over-sorting process takes an already incredible coffee to a new level.

Our single origin coffee offerings menu changes frequently, so stay tuned for our density separation coffees as they become available online and in our cafes. Sign up for our newsletter and you'll be the first to know when a new separation is available. 

Enjoy this video of Coava's founder, Matt Higgins, working a density separation at Coava Coffee Roasters HQ in Portland, Oregon.

Learn more about Coava & all about coffee here.