Roast and Revel: A Guide to Coffee Roasts and Their Flavor Profiles

If you are a coffee lover, you might have wondered what are the different types of coffee roasts and how they affect the taste and aroma of your favorite drink. Coffee roasts can be classified into four main categories: light, medium, medium-dark, and dark. Each category has its own characteristics and preferences among coffee drinkers. In this blog post, we will explain the differences between these roasts and give you some examples of each one.

Light roasts

Light roasts are the lightest in color and the most acidic in flavor. They are roasted for a short time, usually until the first crack, which is when the beans expand and make a popping sound. Light roasts have a dry surface, as the oils have not been extracted from the beans yet. They also retain most of the original flavor and aroma of the coffee beans, which can vary depending on the origin, variety, and processing method of the beans. Some people prefer light roasts because they have more complex and fruity notes, while others find them too sour and grassy.

Some examples of light roasts are:

• Cinnamon roast: This is the lightest roast possible, named after its pale brown color. It has a very high acidity and a weak body. It is not very popular among coffee drinkers, as it lacks sweetness and richness.
• New England roast: This is slightly darker than cinnamon roast, but still very light. It has a mild flavor and a bright acidity. It is common in the northeastern United States, especially among drip coffee lovers.
• American roast: This is a medium-light roast that is popular in the United States. It has a balanced flavor and acidity, with some sweetness and nuttiness. It is suitable for most brewing methods, such as drip, pour-over, or French press.

Medium roasts

Medium roasts are the most common and widely preferred among coffee drinkers. They are roasted until the second crack, which is when the beans make another popping sound and release more oils. Medium roasts have a brown color and a smooth surface, with some oil visible. They have a more balanced flavor and acidity than light roasts, with more sweetness and body. They also have less caffeine than light roasts, as some of it is lost during the roasting process.

Some examples of medium roasts are:

• City roast: This is a medium roast that has a rich flavor and aroma, with some caramel and chocolate notes. It is also called regular roast or breakfast roast.
• Full city roast: This is a medium-dark roast that has a deeper color and more oil on the surface. It has a bolder flavor and aroma, with some roasted and smoky notes. It is also called Vienna roast or Continental roast.

Dark roasts

Dark roasts are the darkest in color and the least acidic in flavor. They are roasted for a long time, usually beyond the second crack, which is when the beans start to smoke and char. Dark roasts have a black color and an oily surface, as most of the oils have been extracted from the beans. They have a very low caffeine content, as most of it is burned off during the roasting process. They also have less original flavor and aroma of the coffee beans, as they are dominated by the roasting process.

Some examples of dark roasts are:

• French roast: This is a dark roast that has a very dark color and a shiny surface. It has a strong flavor and aroma, with some bitterness and burnt notes. It is also called Italian roast or Espresso roast.
• Spanish roast: This is an extremely dark roast that has a black color and an oily surface. It has a very bitter flavor and aroma, with almost no sweetness or acidity left. It is also called Turkish roast or Greek roast.
• Charcoal roast: This is an over-roasted coffee that has a charcoal-like color and texture. It has no flavor or aroma left, only ashiness and bitterness. It is not recommended for consumption.

As you can see, there are many types of coffee roasts to choose from depending on your personal preference and brewing method. You can experiment with different roasts to find your favorite one or try new ones to expand your coffee palate. The best way to enjoy your coffee is to buy fresh roasted beans from reputable sources and grind them right before brewing them. This way, you will get the most out of your coffee’s flavor and aroma