I’ve done some roasting in a cast iron, more for the fun of it since it was really difficult to nail. But I remember it taking way longer, at least 15 minutes for first crack/light roast. Stirring constantly for 15 minutes was not the most thrilling thing… It was still uneven but not as much as it looks in your picture. Maybe turn down the heat a bit.
And yeah I agree, the drastic change in taste from freshly roasted to a week old was surprising.
Anyone else can’t drink coffee after noon, since it’ll ruin your sleep?
Caffeine sure works in mysterious ways affecting everyone differently.