Exploring the Spectrum of Coffee Roasts
Surprisingly, there is not much industry standardization when it comes to coffee roasting types and labels. Each roastmaster may have their own equipment, time, and temperature formulas for achieving their signature roasts. However, most coffee roasts fall somewhere on a spectrum of light to medium, medium-dark, and dark roasts.
LIGHT ROASTS
Light roast coffee is light brown in color and retains more caffeine than darker roasts. In general, it has a mild flavor and more acidity or brightness than darker roasts because the beans haven’t roasted long enough to force the natural oils out of the beans. Another appealing quality of light roast coffee is that you may taste more flavor nuances unique to its origin.
When purchasing light roast coffee, look for labels with the following descriptors:
- Mild Roast coffee
- Morning Roast coffee
MEDIUM ROASTS
Medium roast coffee is sometimes referred to as American roast because of its popularity in the USA. Medium roast coffee is a deeper brown color than light roast but still retains a matte or unglossy finish. Medium roast coffee strikes a balance between bright, sweet, and bitter flavors, which is why it is a palate-pleaser for so many.
You can never go wrong with our Hills Bros. Original Blend but when shopping for other medium roast coffees, look for labels such as:
- Donut Shop coffee
- Colombian coffee
- High Yield coffee
DARK ROASTS
The darker the roast, the less caffeine the coffee will contain. Dark roast coffee is very dark in color with a gleaming, oily finish. The most notable flavor attribute of dark roast coffee is its striking bitterness. Because of the pronounced bitter notes of dark roast coffee, it pairs exceptionally well with milk or cream.
Dark roast coffee is called by many names. If you are in the market for dark roast coffee, look for labels such as:
- French roast coffee
- Dark Satin coffee
Ultimately, the roast you choose is all about your personal preferences. If you enjoy more caffeine in the morning, you may enjoy a light roast to start the day. If you prefer your coffee to have a bit of a bite, try dark roasts and experiment with cream, milk, and/or sugar. What’s your favorite roast? Tell us on Facebook or Instagram. Follow us on all social media platforms here.
