A Guide to Understanding Different Roast Levels

Coffee, with its rich and complex flavours, owes much of its character to the roasting process. From light and delicate to dark and robust, the roast level of coffee beans plays a crucial role in determining their flavour profile, aroma, and overall drinking experience. In this article, we'll embark on a journey through the world of coffee roasts, exploring the various roast levels and what they signify for your morning cup.

Light Roast:

Light roast coffee, also known as cinnamon or New England roast, is roasted to the lightest degree of all roast levels. These beans are roasted just until they reach the first crack, resulting in a light brown color and a dry surface texture. Light roast coffees retain much of their natural acidity and brightness, with delicate flavours and floral or fruity notes. The body of light roast coffee is typically light to medium, and the finish is crisp and clean, making it a favourite among specialty coffee enthusiasts who appreciate the nuanced flavors of the bean.

Medium Roast:

Medium roast coffee strikes a balance between the bright acidity of light roasts and the rich, caramelised flavours of dark roasts. These beans are roasted until they reach the first or second crack, resulting in a medium brown color and a slightly oily surface texture. Medium roast coffees offer a well-rounded flavour profile with notes of chocolate, nuts, and dried fruit. The acidity of medium roast coffee is moderate, and the body is medium, with a smooth and balanced finish. Medium roast coffee is versatile and accessible, appealing to a wide range of coffee drinkers seeking a satisfying and approachable brew.

Medium-Dark Roast:

Medium-dark roast coffee, also known as full city or breakfast roast, is roasted to a deeper shade of brown than medium roast coffee. These beans are roasted until they reach the second crack, resulting in a rich, caramelised flavor profile with pronounced sweetness and a lingering finish. Medium-dark roast coffees feature flavours of dark chocolate, toasted nuts, and caramel, with a medium to full body and a smooth, velvety texture. Medium-dark roast coffee is favoured by those who enjoy a bold and flavourful brew, as well as espresso lovers seeking a rich and satisfying shot.

Dark Roast:

Dark roast coffee, also known as French or espresso roast, is roasted to the darkest degree of all roast levels. These beans are roasted until they reach the second crack or beyond, resulting in a deep, ebony colour and a shiny, oily surface texture. Dark roast coffees offer a bold and robust flavour profile with pronounced bitterness and a smoky, caramelised aroma. Flavours of dark chocolate, burnt sugar, and charred wood are common in dark roast coffee, with a full body and a lingering aftertaste. Dark roast coffee is favoured by those who enjoy a strong and intense brew, as well as espresso aficionados seeking a rich and powerful shot.

Specialty Roasts:

In addition to the traditional roast levels, there are also specialty roasts that offer unique and distinctive flavour profiles. These roasts may include light roast varieties like cinnamon roast or city roast, which are roasted to a lighter degree than standard light roasts, or dark roast varieties like Italian roast or Spanish roast, which are roasted to an even darker degree than standard dark roasts. Specialty roasts offer a wide range of flavours and intensities, allowing coffee lovers to explore new and exciting taste experiences.

The roast level of coffee beans is a key determinant of their flavour profile, aroma, and overall drinking experience. Whether you prefer the bright acidity of a light roast, the balanced sweetness of a medium roast, the rich complexity of a medium-dark roast, or the bold intensity of a dark roast, there's a coffee roast to suit every palate and preference. By understanding the characteristics of each roast level, you can better appreciate the diverse range of flavours and experiences that coffee has to offer. So, the next time you enjoy a cup of coffee, take a moment to consider the roast level of your brew and how it contributes to the delicious journey that awaits your palate.