If you’re anything like me—a busy parent juggling school runs, work, and the endless cycle of laundry—coffee isn’t just a drink. It’s a necessity. But until recently, my coffee routine was pretty basic: a few scoops of freeze-dried coffee, a splash of milk and a healthy glug of boiling water.
A coffee connoisseur’s worst nightmare. Not a fresh coffee bean in sight; much less a grinder or filter.
I’d always wanted to explore better coffee subscriptions, but didn’t know where to start. Thankfully, I was pointed in the right direction by a coffee-loving colleague of mine.
That’s where Pact Coffee came in.
Their promise? Ethically sourced, fresh-roasted coffee delivered straight to your door. So, I took the plunge (literally, I ordered a Cafetiere), and then I ordered the Sage Smart Grinder Pro Bundle, which included a bag of Bourbon Cream Espresso, a bag of House Coffee and (as a bonus) a V60 filter.
Here’s my full review—from ordering to tasting—so you know if Pact Coffee is worth your time and money.
This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely use and love — like my morning Pact Coffee!
Pact Coffee Review: Ordering Experience Quick, Easy & Well-Communicated
First off: the Pact Coffee website is great. I love the aesthetic and how well structured the site is. As something of a novice when it comes to this stuff, I found the process put me wholly at ease in a niche that, if I’m honest, is over-complicated by the coffee scientists.
makes it ridiculously easy to choose your coffee. Each blend has tasting notes, brewing recommendations, and clear explanations—perfect for a beginner like me.
When I selected the Bourbon Cream Espresso, it promised chocolatey, biscuity notes, which sounded ideal for easing into the specialty coffee world without anything too extreme.
I love that the first option gives you the chance to select how you brew your coffee with a nifty little dropdown selector, again because it helped to reassure me that I was making the right choice in terms of bean selection:
The subsequent selections were really simple too. The UI designers really deserve a pat on the back here – there’s something about that, again, reassuring green glow that you see post-selection that helps you relax through the process.
Checkout was smooth, and I loved the clear and concise communication.
Pact kept me updated on when my order was roasted, packed, and out for delivery. Within two days, it arrived on my doorstep—fresh, neatly packaged, and with a friendly welcome note, showcasing the convenience and reliability of their coffee delivery service.
Signing Up and Subscription Process
Signing up for a Pact Coffee subscription is as easy as pie, too. Whether you’re a coffee novice or a seasoned aficionado, Pact Coffee offers a variety of subscription plans tailored to fit your taste and budget.
To get started, simply head over to the Pact Coffee website and click on the “Subscribe and save” button. From there, you just need to follow the simple wizard and select your preferred subscription plan, decide whether you want whole beans or ground coffee, and set your delivery frequency. Whether you prefer a one-off delivery or a recurring subscription, Pact Coffee has got you covered.
What’s more, Pact Coffee’s subscription management system is incredibly flexible. You can pause, skip, or cancel your subscription at any time, ensuring you never run out of your favourite brew. It’s a hassle-free way to keep your coffee game strong without having to invest hours in managing the process.
First Impressions: The Smell of Freshly Roasted Coffee Beans is Unreal
Our packages were delivered promptly and they came in these lovely boxes with clean and simple branding. Being a marketer in my day job, I appreciate this sort of thing. I appreciate it’s not everybody’s bag.
Much like the simple packaging design on the boxes, the coffee packages echoed the same simplicity. The information was clearly presented and easy to follow, which was great.
Opening the Bourbon Cream Espresso coffee bag was a bit of a revelation.
The aroma hit me instantly—rich, slightly sweet, and miles away from the dull, pre-ground coffee I’d been using before. The Bourbon Cream Espresso beans had a deep, glossy look, a good sign of freshness.
The Sage Smart Grinder Pro was a game-changer, too. The only grinder I’d ever used was one a family member had and, to be honest, it made everything a dusty mess. This one was precise, consistent, and easy to adjust. I’ve used it a fair bit at this point and I’m still just as impressed as I was on day one.
Pact’s website recommended grind settings for different brew methods, which was a lifesaver. The result was a cup of delicious coffee that exceeded my expectations.
Now, onto the brewing.
Brewing with a Cafetière: A Classic Start
I started with the method I knew best: the trusty cafetière (or French press). Pact suggested a coarse grind, so I set the Sage grinder accordingly. Here’s what I did:
- 15g of coffee (about a tablespoon and a half)
- 250ml of hot water (just off the boil)
- Stir, steep for 4 minutes, plunge slowly
The result? A smooth, rich cup with subtle chocolate notes. It had a natural sweetness—no bitterness, no burnt taste, just a clean, comforting brew.
Compared to my usual pre-ground coffee, the difference was night and day. It felt like a proper café-style coffee, made in my own kitchen.
Other brewing methods like espresso machines also offer versatile options depending on personal preferences and the type of coffee beans available.
What I’ve learned after a few weeks
As I explained at the beginning of this post, I was a complete coffee novice. I didn’t really know where to start. I’ve experimented a little and, using a grinder, I found it a little tricky to predictably gauge how much coffee I needed compared to water. I did some research and found the following ratios:
1g coffee to 15ml water for a strong coffee
1g coffee to 17ml water for a medium coffee
To make it more consistent, I created this chart to help lock down a consistent flavour.
The other huge factor I discovered is a process known as, ‘the bloom’. This is where you pouring a small amount of hot water over fresh coffee grounds and let it sit sit for 30 seconds. This allows trapped carbon dioxide gas to escape, resulting in a better-tasting, more flavorful cup of coffee.
Give it a try!
| Coffee (g) | Water (ml) for strong coffee (1:15 ratio) | Water (ml) for medium coffee (1:17 ratio) |
|---|---|---|
| 10g | 150 | 180ml |
| 11g | 165 | 187ml |
| 12g | 180 | 204ml |
| 13g | 195 | 221ml |
| 14g | 210ml | 238ml |
| 15g | 225ml | 255ml |
| 16g | 240ml | 272ml |
| 17g | 255ml | 289ml |
| 18g | 270ml | 306ml |
| 19g | 285ml | 323ml |
| 20g | 300ml | 340ml |
| 21g | 315ml | 357ml |
| 22g | 330ml | 374ml |
| 23g | 345ml | 391ml |
| 24g | 360ml | 408ml |
| 25g | 375ml | 425ml |
| 26g | 390ml | 442ml |
| 27g | 405ml | 459ml |
| 28g | 420ml | 476ml |
| 29g | 435ml | 493ml |
| 30g | 450ml | 510ml |
| 31g | 465ml | 527ml |
| 32g | 480ml | 544ml |
| 33g | 495ml | 561ml |
| 34g | 510ml | 578ml |
| 35g | 525ml | 595ml |
| 36g | 540ml | 612ml |
| 37g | 555ml | 629ml |
| 38g | 570ml | 646ml |
| 39g | 585ml | 663ml |
| 40g | 600ml | 680ml |
| 41g | 615ml | 690ml |
| 42g | 630ml | 714ml |
| 43g | 645ml | 731ml |
| 44g | 660ml | 748ml |
| 45g | 675ml | 765ml |
| 46g | 690ml | 782ml |
| 47g | 705ml | 799ml |
| 48g | 720ml | 816ml |
| 49g | 735ml | 833ml |
| 50g | 750ml | 850ml |
Trying the V60: My First Pour-Over Experience
The V60 was completely new to me, but since Pact included one in my order, I gave it a go. This method requires a finer grind than a cafetière, so I adjusted the grinder. Here’s how I brewed it:
- One scoop of coffee (included in the pack)
- Approximately 250ml of water, poured in slow, circular motions
- Brew time: About 2.5 minutes
At first, I found the process a bit fiddly, but once I got into the rhythm, it felt quite meditative.
The result? A noticeably lighter, more delicate coffee. The chocolate notes were still there, but with more clarity and a smoother texture. If the cafetière brew was bold and full-bodied, this was like its more refined cousin—clean, bright, and incredibly drinkable.
This method also allows you to explore different coffees, experiencing a range of flavors from various origins and roasts.
Coffee Quality and Sourcing
When it comes to quality, Pact Coffee doesn’t cut any corners. They source high-quality, specialty-grade coffee beans from around the globe, working directly with coffee farmers to ensure they receive a fair price—at least 60% above the Fairtrade base price. This direct trade model not only supports the farmers but also guarantees that you get the best beans available.
Pact Coffee’s beans are freshly roasted in Surrey just days before they land on your doorstep. Their expert roasters meticulously select and roast each batch to highlight the unique flavors and aromas of every coffee. Whether you’re into smooth, balanced blends or bold, fruity single-origin coffees, Pact has something to tantalize your taste buds.
Quick and Reliable Delivery
Pact Coffee takes the stress out of waiting for your coffee fix. With their quick and reliable delivery service, you can have your coffee delivered to your door in no time. Orders placed by 1 pm are shipped out for next-day delivery, and the best part? Delivery is always free.
Using Royal Mail, Pact ensures that your coffee arrives swiftly and safely. You can track your delivery online and receive regular updates on your order status. And if for any reason you’re not satisfied with your coffee, Pact offers a free delicious alternative to try. It’s all about making sure you get the perfect cup, every time.
Sustainable and Environmentally-Friendly
Pact Coffee is not just about great coffee; it’s also about doing good for the planet. They source their coffee beans from environmentally-friendly farms and actively support reforestation efforts. Their commitment to sustainability extends to their packaging, which is fully recyclable.
Pact Coffee is continually working to reduce its carbon footprint through sustainable practices. As a B Corp Certified Company, they meet rigorous standards for social and environmental responsibility. By choosing Pact Coffee, you’re not only enjoying delicious, high-quality coffee but also supporting a company dedicated to making a positive impact on the world.
Final Thoughts: Is a Pact Coffee Subscription Worth It?
Absolutely. If you’re a coffee beginner looking to step up your game, Pact makes it simple. Their website guides you through everything, their customer service is spot on, and the quality of the coffee is genuinely impressive.
- For busy parents, the convenience is unbeatable—no more supermarket guesswork.
- For beginners, the pre-set grind recommendations remove the intimidation factor.
- For coffee lovers, the freshness and ethical sourcing make it a win-win.
Would I order again? 100%. I’ve already got my next bag lined up. If you’re curious about better coffee but don’t know where to start, Pact Coffee is a brilliant first step. It offers superior flavor and ethical sourcing at a better price than typical coffee shop offerings.
My Pact Coffee Review in a Nutshell
- Ordering? Easy, fast delivery, great communication.
- Coffee quality? Fantastic—fresh, aromatic, and rich.
- Cafetière brew? Bold, smooth, chocolatey.
- V60 brew? Lighter, cleaner, and full of depth.
- Worth it? Definitely. If you’re ready to ditch bad coffee, start here.
- Pact coffee discount? Take advantage of various discount codes available for Pact Coffee to save money on your next purchase.
👉 Want to try Pact Coffee? Head to pactcoffee.com and experience it for yourself!
