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 misconception behind this is, that a light roast coffee is somehow less intense or less strong. Nothing could be further from the truth, and let's see why a light roast just might be what you really, really want.
Here is a good comparison to the issue: Saying a dark coffee is "stronger" is similar to saying a well-done steak is "stronger" than a medium-rare steak. We all know that is not the case. They are just different.
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 have intense aromas and more clearly defined flavor notes. They are, however, lower on body and bitterness. As the coffee is roasted lighter, you can taste the defining characteristics of bean varietal and region much better. Darker roasts tend to even out the uniqueness and light roast aficionados even proclaim (ok, it's on them!) that "dark roasts just all taste the same".
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.
This is why many so-called "Breakfast Blends" are roasted on the lighter side. They give you that wake-up call.
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The magic of coffee is trying different roasts, regions and beans. Most coffee aficionados drink light or medium roasts. If you go to a coffee tasting session or even competition, nearly all the coffees will be on the lighter side. Many of us here at Fabula were drinking darker roasts all our lives - until we discovered the fabuliciousness that a light roast can be.
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. But, if you've never tried out light roast - then you might find what you never knew you really, really want.
Want to try a light roast coffee - click here. Happy brewing!
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