Understanding Coffee Roasts: A Guide to Finding Your Perfect Cup

Light, medium, or dark — which type of roast suits you best?

Each level brings out different flavors and characteristics in your coffee – from bright and delicate to rich and bold. Whether you're new to specialty coffee or looking to expand your palate, understanding these differences is key to finding the roast that matches your taste.

Let's explore how roasting shapes coffee's flavor and help you discover your ideal cup.

How is coffee roasted?

The roasting process controls three essential aspects of your coffee: its acidity, bitterness, and sweetness. The longer the coffee is roasted, the less acidic but more bitter it becomes. Sweetness depends on how the sugars react to heat — some caramelize while others react to proteins and contribute to the browning of the beans.

"A good roaster can manipulate where a coffee may be sweetest in relation to its roast degree," writes James Hoffman in The World Atlas of Coffee. According to Hoffman, a good roaster can either create a sweet but acidic cup, or adjust the acidity by using a different roast profile.

There are 5 different stages of roasting

During this process, the coffee beans lose moisture, change color, and develop distinct flavors:

• Drying - Raw beans must first be dried before roasting can begin. This stage requires significant heat but shows minimal visible changes on the beans.

• Yellowing - In this stage, the beans turn yellow and expand as initial browning reactions start, while the outer chaff falls away.

• First Crack- Internal pressure causes beans to crack and release gases, marking the start of major flavor development.

• Roast Development - This is where the magic happens. The flavors continue developing, with acidity decreasing and bitterness increasing over time.

• Second Crack- Oils emerge on the bean surface as they crack again, creating stronger roasted flavors but risking burnt notes if taken too far.

The key to different roast levels lies in knowing exactly when to stop this process – a difference of just minutes or even seconds can significantly impact the final taste. A skilled roaster must balance heat and timing to purge the unpleasant acids from the beans without affecting the aromatic components of the coffee.

Now that you have a clearer picture of how coffee is roasted, let’s take a look at the different products of the roasting process:

Light Roast Coffee: The Bright and Complex Choice

Best suited for:

• Coffee enthusiasts who appreciate nuanced, complex flavors and bright, acidic notes

• Single-origin coffee lovers who want to taste the bean's natural characteristics

• Pour-over and drip coffee brewing methods
  

Light roast coffee is achieved by removing the beans from heat shortly after the first crack occurs, typically at temperatures between 380-400°F. These beans maintain more of their original characteristics than any other roast level, showcasing the unique flavors imparted by their growing conditions and processing methods.

The flavor profile of light roast coffee is marked by bright acidity, complex fruit or floral notes, and a lighter body, with minimal oil on the surface. If you enjoy these flavor profiles, preparing light roast beans using pour-over or drip brewing will allow them to truly shine.

Try these light roasts:

AM (Blend) - The AM Blend from Black Coffee Roasting features refreshing notes of cashew and hibiscus, with a hint of lemon

Organic Ethiopia Yirgacheffe -  If you enjoy a light-bodied coffee with hints of lemon and berry, this Fair-trade certified coffee is for you

Mexico Triunfo Verde - Bongo's Mexico Triunfo Verde offers soft, citrusy acidity with notes of molasses, nutmeg, and clove

Explore more organic light roast coffee here

 

Medium Roast: The Balanced Crowd-Pleaser

Best suited for:

• Those seeking a well-balanced, traditional coffee flavor

• People who drink their coffee with or without milk

• Moka pot, French press, and espresso machines
  

Medium roasts are achieved by extending the roasting time slightly beyond the first crack but removing the beans before the second crack begins, typically at temperatures between 410-428°F. This sweet spot creates a balance between the bean's original flavors and those developed during roasting.

The flavor profile strikes a perfect harmony between acidity and body, with a more rounded taste than light roasts. Expect chocolate and caramel notes, medium sweetness, and a pleasant smoothness. The beans will have a slightly darker brown color with minimal oil on the surface.

Our medium roast recommendations:

Deja Vu Blend - This blend of washed Colombian and wet-hulled Sumatran beans is roasted medium to bring out lots of chocolate flavors and a heavenly body.

Laura Blend – Discover a balance of rich dark chocolate with hints of black cherry, strawberry, and licorice

Peru Cecanor - Perfect for those who enjoy notes of milk chocolate with hints of hazelnut and cashew

Explore more medium roast organic coffee here 

 

Dark Roast Coffee: Bold and Intense

Best suited for:

• Those who prefer strong, bold coffee flavors and less acidic cups

• Coffee drinkers who add substantial milk or cream

• French press, espresso, and cold brew preparation methods

Dark roast coffee is created by roasting beans until they reach the second crack and beyond, typically between 437-482°F. This extended roasting time breaks down more of the bean's cellular structure, bringing natural oils to the surface and creating that characteristic dark, shiny appearance. They are an excellent choice for coffee enthusiasts who enjoy a rich, intense cup or for those who enjoy their coffee with milk or cream.

The flavor profile of dark roast coffee, especially organic dark roast coffee, is characterized by a bold, full-bodied taste with pronounced bitterness and smoky or toasted notes. The extended roasting process caramelizes the beans' natural sugars, creating rich flavors of dark chocolate, nuts, and sometimes even a slight spiciness. A skilled roaster would be able to highlight these flavors without a burnt aftertaste.

Where to start:

 

Vinyl - Full-bodied and sweet, Black Coffee Roasting's Vinyl blend features notes of rich cocoa and pecan

Dark Peru Cecanor - Perfect if you enjoy smokey and chocolatey goodness with hints of hazelnut

Mystic Brew - Mystic Brew combines the richness of dark chocolate and the subtle sweetness of caramel and vanilla

Explore organic dark roast coffee here

Finding Your Perfect Roast

Your perfect coffee roast is ultimately a matter of personal preference, but understanding these differences can help guide your coffee journey. Whether you're drawn to the bright complexity of light roasts, the balanced harmony of medium roasts, or the bold intensity of dark roasts, there's a perfect cup waiting for you.

Start by trying small quantities of different roast levels, keeping notes about what you enjoy most. Remember, the best coffee is the one that brings you joy with every sip.

 

 

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Coffee Roasts

What's the difference between light, medium, and dark roasts?

Roast levels affect the coffee's flavor profile.

• Light roasts: Emphasize the bean's origin with brighter, more nuanced flavors.

• Medium roasts: Offer a balanced and approachable taste.

• Dark roasts: Deliver bold, intense flavors.

 

Does roast level affect caffeine content?

Lighter roasts generally retain slightly more caffeine. However, the difference is usually minimal.

 

Which roast is best for espresso?

Traditionally, dark roasts have been popular for espresso due to their intensity. However, medium-dark roasts can also produce excellent results.

 

How do I choose the right roast for me?

It depends on your personal preference and the qualities you want to extract from your coffee.

• If you prefer brighter, more nuanced flavors, consider light roasts.

• Enjoy a balanced and approachable taste? Medium roasts are a good choice.

• Crave bold, intense flavors? Dark roasts may be your preference.

 

What is the coffee roasting process?

Coffee roasting is the process of heating green coffee beans to develop their aroma and flavor. This involves applying heat, which causes chemical changes within the beans.  

 

Which roast of coffee is strongest?

It's a common misconception that darker roasts have the most caffeine. In reality, lighter roasts often retain slightly more caffeine.

 

What coffee roast is best?

The "best" roast is entirely a matter of personal preference. Experiment with different roasts to discover which ones you enjoy the most!