Understanding Coffee Roast Levels: Your Complete Guide"

The degree of roasting coffee beans undergo can profoundly influence the aroma, flavour, and overall profile of your cup of coffee. Each roast level offers something unique, catering to varied personal preferences and brewing methods. Below are the general categories of coffee roasts, progressing from lighter to darker:

Light Roast

• Colour: Light brown, no oils on the surface.
• Flavor Profile: Generally a lighter body with pronounced acidity. More likely to highlight the original characteristics of the bean, including floral, fruity, or herbal notes.
• Caffeine Level: Slightly higher than in darker roasts.
• Common Names: Light City, Half City, Cinnamon Roast.
• Best For: Those who prefer a bright and acidic cup of coffee, often best enjoyed via manual brewing methods like pour-over.

Medium Roast

• Colour: Medium brown, still without an oily surface.
• Flavour Profile: Balanced flavour, aroma, and acidity. Slightly deeper flavour compared to light roast but still maintains some of the original bean's characteristics.
• Caffeine Level: Moderate.
• Common Names: City, American, Breakfast.
• Best For: Those who enjoy a well-balanced cup of coffee that's not too intense but still flavorful. Works well for drip coffee makers and some espresso machines.

Medium-Dark Roast

• Colour: Richer, darker brown, with some oil beginning to show on the surface.
• Flavour Profile: Heavier body with mild roasted flavours, showcasing more bittersweet and caramel notes.
• Caffeine Level: Moderately low.
• Common Names: Full-City, After Dinner, Vienna.
• Best For: People who enjoy a robust cup of coffee but aren't ready to dive into the deep, dark roasts. Great for espresso and French press.

Dark Roast

• Colour: Dark brown to almost black, with an oily surface.
• Flavour Profile: Dominated by the flavours of the roasting process. You'll get notes of dark chocolate, nuts, and sometimes even a smoky or burnt undertone.
• Caffeine Level: Lower compared to lighter roasts.
• Common Names: French, Italian, Espresso, Continental.
• Best For: Those who appreciate a strong, heavy cup of coffee with low acidity. Ideal for espresso, Turkish coffee, and strong French press brews.

Understanding the differences between these roast levels can enhance your coffee-drinking experience, allowing you to pick the right bean for your preferred flavour profile and brewing method.