Make yourself your favorite espresso and sit back to enjoy this fun roast review with NarroWay Homestead!

Nate Petroski is an off-grid homesteader in West Virginia who established NarroWay Homestead in 2020. Nate has grown his business and brand in creative ways and now offers a beard care line, offers educational videos on homesteading, and roasts his own coffee (this is where we come in!). We were lucky enough to try three NarroWay Homestead coffees in tandem with our trusty Wacaco products. 

First up, Mad Scientist!

Mad Scientist

First impressions

“That is bold!” I exclaimed after smelling the freshly roasted beans. “I’m getting notes of bitter chocolate, buttered toast, and maybe something sweet,” I added.

I handed the bag over to James, who took a moment to enjoy the design of the bag (you really have to see the Mad Scientist for yourself!). We could just from the smell and the design of the mad scientist that it was going to be a unique and potent coffee.

James said the coffee smelled “deeply rich” and sensed notes of butterscotch and caramel. I agreed with him and also could sense some fruit-forward undertones.

We decided to brew the Mad Scientist with our Minipresso GR2. I used the Exagrind to prepare the beans and, with the help of the small and mighty Minipresso, we prepared two crema-topped espressos and each took a sip. 

Tasting notes

“Hmmm,” considered James, “it is very sweet and has a citrus kick, like lemon or lime.” He commented on the rich finish and round mouthfeel that, alongside the bright flavors, created a unique and pleasant sipping experience. 

I was surprised how sweet and citrusy the taste was, even as it packed a punch. I agree that overall there was a nice, round mouthfeel to complement the bouquet of sweet tasting notes. I sensed caramel, maple syrup, and citrus fruit. 

Minions Sweet Blend

Minions Sweet Blend features Nate's famous pug Mix Minion, we were excited to try this one as we've been enjoying following Minion's adventures on his tiktok page!

First impression

I opened the bag of beans and shook it around to release the aroma. After smelling the beans and considering, I guessed that this blend may have notes of honey and perhaps red fruit. I also wondered aloud if it would have a syrupy mouthfeel.

James smelled the freshly roasted beans next. He said that he sensed notes of milk chocolate, ripe cherry, and toasted almond. 

“Delicious!” he concluded. 

Guessing that the coffee would be rather smooth and sweet, we decided to try it as a pourover and took out our Cuppamoka! We are always impressed with how quick and seamless it is to set up the Cuppamoka and we had two cups of coffee in no time.  

Tasting notes

“Wow,” I said, “it’s sweet and light but also a bit buttery in a wonderfully satisfying way.”

“Yes, it’s rich and buttery” replied James, “ and I’m also getting butterscotch and a toasted nut like almond.”

We agreed there were also notes of ripe fruit and that overall the brew had a lovely, smooth mouthfeel. A real crowd pleaser! This is an ideal coffee to take on an adventure with friends or gift a relative for their everyday coffee.

NarroWay Blend

I always look forward to trying the signature blend of any coffee roaster, as it can tell us a lot about the overall personality of the company in just a few sips!

First impression

James smelled the freshly roasted coffee beans, shook the bag around, then smelled the beans again. Finally he reported that he was sensing notes of honey, dark chocolate, and cinnamon.

When I smelled the beans, I caught notes of black cherry, milk chocolate, and maple candy. Overall I sensed a fruity and round impression that was quite delightful. 

It seemed like this signature blend could work well with any of the Wacaco products but we were craving espresso! We pulled out the Nanopresso and barista kit, ground the beans, and heated water. We always enjoy the ritual of making espresso when we actually take time to slow down and enjoy the process together. I highly recommend gathering with some loved ones to make coffee or espresso together like this, and the Wacaco products make it even more interesting and fun! 

Tasting notes

“That’s delicious!” I said to James after my first sip. I enjoyed how light the coffee was while packing in flavor.

James commented on how it was a satisfyingly thick and syrupy blend. He was sensing sweet and sugary notes as well as a hint of smokiness that really completed the whole experience. 

We were both amazed how much flavor this coffee had while sustaining a cohesiveness. 

The reveal

NarroWay says this coffee has notes of chocolate and brown sugar.