Broadsheet Coffee Roasters: Cambridge's First Specialty Roastery for Bright, Processing-Driven Coffee
Broadsheet Coffee Roasters opened in July 2017 as Cambridge, Massachusetts's first specialty coffee roastery, founded by Aaron MacDougall a few blocks from Harvard Yard. MacDougall left a nearly two-decade career in international finance to pursue coffee, eventually returning to his hometown of Cambridge for formal training as a roaster and cupper. The name nods to the city's printing history — a broadsheet was the format Harvard's early press used to spread news and ideas nearly 400 years ago, a fitting reference for a roaster built around education as much as coffee itself.
That education-forward approach carries into the catalog, which draws from Colombia, Uganda, Mexico, and Ethiopia and leans heavily on fermentation experimentation — extended washed processing, anaerobic yeast fermentation, and anaerobic natural lots all appear alongside more classic washed coffees. A small run of blends rounds out the lineup for drinkers who want something more straightforward. CoffeeByMe's AI recommendation engine can help you sort Broadsheet's more experimental, processing-driven lots from its approachable house blends.
Single Origins
| Name | Roast | Tasting Notes | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colombia: E.A. Decaf | Medium | Mixed Berry PieCaramel | $18.50 |
| Ethiopia: Hambela E.A. Decaf | Medium | AppleCrème BrûléeRaspberry Jam | $23.00 |
| Ethiopia: Halo Hartume | Medium Light | Thai BasilPeachHoneydew | $23.75 |
Blends
| Name | Roast | Tasting Notes | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Headliner - Seasonal Blend | Medium | FudgeConsistencyCherries | $18.50 |
| Bulletin Blend | Medium Dark | ColaDark ChocolateCherries | $17.50 |
| Brattle Blend | Medium Light | LemonadeRaspberry | $23.25 |
Roast Profile & Flavor Range
Broadsheet stays consistently light-to-medium: the overwhelming majority of the catalog sits at roast levels one through three, with only a single blend pushing into medium-dark territory. That restraint keeps the focus on origin and processing character rather than roast development. Cup notes run bright and fruit-forward — strawberry, passion fruit, papaya, nectarine, raspberry — with honey and wildflower sweetness recurring across both the washed and fermentation-forward lots. Acidity trends elevated, body light to medium. Pricing spans roughly $17.50 to $33 per bag, with the more intensively fermented lots commanding the upper end.
Why Buy Broadsheet Coffee
Cambridge's original specialty roastery: Founded in 2017 by a former finance professional turned trained roaster and cupper, Broadsheet brings rigor and education to every release.
Fermentation-forward single origins: Extended washed, anaerobic yeast, and anaerobic natural processing appear throughout the catalog, giving processing-curious drinkers real range to explore.
Consistently light-to-medium roast: With almost the entire catalog capped at medium roast, Broadsheet suits drinkers who want origin character front and center.
AI-guided exploration: CoffeeByMe's AI recommendations help match your palate to Broadsheet's bright, fruit-forward lots or its more familiar house blends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Broadsheet Coffee located?
Broadsheet Coffee is a specialty coffee roaster based in Cambridge, MA.
What does Broadsheet Coffee specialize in?
Broadsheet stays consistently light-to-medium: the overwhelming majority of the catalog sits at roast levels one through three, with only a single blend pushing into medium-dark territory. That restraint keeps the focus on origin and processing character rather than roast development.
Where can I buy Broadsheet Coffee coffee?
You can browse Broadsheet Coffee's coffees on CoffeeByMe and click through to buy directly from the roaster, or visit Broadsheet Coffee's own website.
