Roasted on a Probat in West Berkeley
Every Legacy Blend is roasted at our Seventh Street roastery on a Probat UG 22, a full cast-iron roaster built in 1958 with more than 68 years of roasting behind it.
We roast fresh five days a week, for bags, subscriptions and wholesale accounts alike.
The roaster at the heart of The House
Our roaster is a Probat UG 22, built in 1958 with a full cast-iron body. It roasts 45 pounds of coffee in every batch.
It has more than 68 years of roasting behind it, and in the coffee community it’s known as the iron horse. The aromas and character that come from a machine seasoned by decades of roasting are nearly impossible to replicate.
It is in production today, and it will always be a staple of House of Uncommon Grounds.
How we know a roast is ready
Our coffee lives mostly in the dark roast spectrum. We watch each roast closely to bring it to the right temperature and develop its fullest flavor.
The recipes we roast to have been part of our coffee program since 1983.
Six Legacy Blends from one roaster
We roast six blends on purpose. Each one is a favorite recipe of ours, and keeping the list short lets us focus on consistency, quality and the character of every coffee. All six are 100% Arabica.
- Berkeley’s Blend
- Dark (our French roast). Caramel, dark chocolate, roasted nuts.
- The Telegraph
- Medium-dark. Dark chocolate, brown sugar, baked apple.
- The House Blend
- Medium-dark. Apple crisp, floral, stone fruit.
- Water Process Decaf
- Medium-dark, decaffeinated with a chemical-free water process. Chocolate, cherry, plum.
- The House Espresso
- Medium. Cocoa, earthy, spices.
- Sunrise Espresso
- Medium. Bright, chocolate, magnolia.
Roasted fresh five days a week
We roast five days a week in Berkeley. A bag from our shop, a subscription box and a café’s wholesale order all come off the same roaster.
Subscription boxes are packed and dispatched within two business days of each order date. Wholesale accounts order from 20 lb, with route delivery to cities across the Bay Area.
See the roastery for yourself
Book a private tasting and spend an hour at the roastery. It is $200 for up to six people: six Legacy Blends, a walk through the roastery, a brewing session and time for your questions.
Buying for a café, restaurant, market or office? Tastings for wholesale prospects are free. Email orders@houseofuncommongrounds.com to arrange a time.
Roasting questions
What do you roast on?
A Probat UG 22, a full cast-iron roaster built in 1958. It roasts 45 pounds per batch and has more than 68 years of roasting history.
How do you know when a roast is ready?
We watch each roast closely to bring it to the right temperature and develop its fullest flavor, using roast recipes that have been part of our coffee program since 1983.
Why only six coffees?
Each Legacy Blend is one of our favorite roast recipes. Keeping it to six lets us focus on consistency, quality and the character of every coffee.
How often do you roast?
Five days a week, at our roastery in Berkeley.
Is your coffee kosher?
Yes. Every coffee we roast is certified kosher. The Kosher Coffee page has the details.
Can I see the roaster?
Yes. Book a private tasting and the hour includes a walk through the roastery.