Let’s talk about roast types. One of the most frequent questions we get is “I like my coffee strong, so how dark is your roast?”
The question builds on a popular misconception that dark roasts are stronger and more intense. That is actually not the case. Saying a dark coffee is "stronger" is similar to saying a well-done steak is "stronger" than a medium-rare steak.
Let’s explain why:
Roast level affects the flavor profile, but coffee strength depends more on factors like grind size, water/coffee ratio, brew time and brew technique. If you have a light roast, with a high coffee/water ratio, long brew time and finely ground beans, you can perfectly well have it very strong. Likewise, a dark roast with a low water/coffee ratio, short brew time and coarsely ground beans, can be watery and thin.
DIFFERENT ROAST LEVELS AND THEIR FLAVOR PROFILE
Lighter roasts tend to be higher in acidity, with intense aromas and more clearly defined flavor notes. They are lower on body and bitterness.
Darker roasts are inverse: lower in acidity and aroma, but with more body, more roundedness, more ‘chocolatey', and some – if poorly roasted - would tend towards bitterness. Unfortunately, many people have become so accustomed to bitter coffee, that this has become normal to their taste buds. It requires a really good roaster to retain the beans’ aromas and flavors, and balances, when roasting a dark coffee.
Medium roasts are the happy compromise: There will still be much of the flavor variety, delicacy, and notes of a light roast, but the intensity is somewhat reduced, making for a less acidic and more smooth coffee, and a perfect compromise for many people.
SURELY A DARK ROAST HAS MORE KICK WITH CAFFEINE – RIGHT?
Roast levels also affect caffeine content. Caffeine tends to disappear the darker the roast is, so a light roast will give you most of your caffeine kick. Dark roasts will make you less jittery.
Also, we hear questions along the lines “Do you have French or Italian roast”? While a “French” or “Italian” roast are typically associated with darker roasts, that is exactly what they are. It’s a different word for a darker roast, with beans being roasted at higher temperatures for a longer period of time. Dark, Italian, French roast; they are all synonyms for the same thing.
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The magic of coffee is trying different roasts, regions and beans. Most coffee aficionados drink light or medium roasts. We encourage you to try out different options and find what you like best. In the end, the coffee you like best, is the right one for you.
Want to learn more about coffee? Read more blogs here.
