A Journey Through Coffee Roast Levels and Flavour Profiles

Coffee, in its green bean form, is a blank canvas for flavour. It's the roasting process that brings out the complexities and nuances we love in our daily brew, let’s get into it!

1. Light Roast - Unveiling the Origins

Roasted just until the beans pop (known as the "first crack"). These beans have a light brown colour, a dry surface, and a sharp acidity.

Flavour Profile:

• Light roast coffee preserves the unique characteristics of the coffee's origin.
• You can expect a bright, vibrant acidity with floral and fruity notes.
• The body is light and tea-like, allowing the full spectrum of flavours to shine.

2. Medium Roast - Finding the Balance

Roasted beyond the first crack, where the beans develop a more pronounced flavour.

Flavour Profile:

• Medium roast maintains some of the coffee's origin characteristics while introducing more caramelization.
• The acidity remains noticeable but less sharp, and the body becomes fuller.
• You'll discover balanced flavour notes, including sweetness, nuttiness, and a hint of acidity.

3. Medium-Dark Roast - The Perfect Harmony

Medium-dark roast allows the beans to enter the second crack, just before they reach a dark roast.

Flavour Profile:

• This roast level brings out bolder flavours while preserving some origin characteristics.
• The acidity is subdued, and the body becomes even fuller and more rounded.
• You'll find rich, caramelized sweetness with notes of chocolate and a touch of fruit.

4. Dark Roast - Bold and Robust

Dark roast, often known as "French Roast" or "Espresso Roast," takes the beans into the second crack and beyond, resulting in very dark, oily beans.

Flavour Profile:

• Dark roast coffee has a pronounced bitterness and reduced acidity.
• The body is bold and heavy, with smoky, charred, and earthy flavours.

5. Very Dark Roast - The Espresso's Heartbeat

Very dark roast, sometimes referred to as "Italian Roast" or "Spanish Roast," takes the beans to the brink of combustion.

Flavour Profile:

• At this roast level, acidity is virtually non-existent and the body is extremely heavy, bordering on syrupy.
• Flavors are overwhelmingly smoky, burnt, and intense, with a prolonged finish.

Conclusion - The Perfect Roast for Your Palate

Coffee roasting is a skillful art that transforms green beans into a symphony of flavours and aromas. Whether you prefer the bright and zesty notes of a light roast or the bold and smoky intensity of a dark roast, there's a roast level that's perfect for your palate.