Coffee Reviewed: Front Runner – The Medium Roast Flagship
Overall Impression: A classic house roast with sweet, toasty notes up front. The finish runs a bit long for my taste, but this one will appeal to folks who love a traditional medium roast.
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5 stars)
The Beans Behind the Brew
- Origin: Single-origin Colombian beans
- Roast Level: Medium Roast – A traditional "house roast" profile
- Brewing Method (for this review): Drip, using freshly ground beans
- Available Grinds: Whole Bean, Ground (10 oz and 5 lb bags)
Who Will Love This Coffee?
If you're after a straightforward, no-frills medium roast that reminds you of something your grandparents might have brewed, Front Runner fits the bill. It wasn't personally my go-to, but I can see this being a daily driver for traditional coffee lovers.
Breakout attributes:
Aroma: Molasses & toasty
Flavor: Sweet on the forward, with toasty molasses notes
Finish: Long and lingering—may be a bit much for some palates, but others will enjoy it
Worth Mentioning
The coffee arrived in branded packaging with a handwritten note of thanks—a small touch that shows Umble truly cares about the customer experience. For those who want to dive deeper into their brew, the brand also hosts the Coffee 101 Podcast. It’s a great resource for "coffee-curious" drinkers looking to learn about everything from roasting science to brewing tips without any of the typical specialty coffee pretension.
