introduction:
One of the first decisions you face when buying a specialty coffee is:
What roasting degree is right for me?
Light? Medium? Dark?
The answer depends on your taste and how you prepare it.
In this article, we will explain the basic differences between them, and help you choose the style that satisfies your tongue.
1. Light Roast:
🟡 Flavor:
- Fruity, citrusy, floral flavors
- The origin and source are clearly highlighted.
🔥 Roasting:
- The grain is removed after the "first pop".
- Light in color and dry in texture
🎯 It suits you if:
- You love experiments and complex flavors.
- Distillation equipment used (V60, Chemex)
📍 Examples:
- Crops of Ethiopia, Kenya, and Geisha Coffee
- 👉 Shop Light Roast
2. Medium Roast:
🟠 Flavor:
- Balance between sweetness and acidity
- Chocolate, Nut, Dried Fruit Flavors
🔥 Roasting:
- Between the first and second bang
- Medium brown color, aromatic scent
🎯 It suits you if:
- You like a balanced cup
- What tends to be highly acidic or strongly bitter?
📍 Examples:
- Central American crops, and some South American crops
- 👉 Browse Medium Roast
3. Dark Roast:
⚫ Flavor:
- pronounced bitterness, smoky or burnt flavors
- Low acidity, heavy body
🔥 Roasting:
- After the second pop
- Dark color, oily texture on grains
🎯 It suits you if:
- You like espresso or strong coffee.
- Prefer coffee with milk or sugar
📍 Examples:
- Blends specifically for espresso
- 👉 Browse Dark Roast
✅ Quick comparison table:
Comparison of specialty coffee roasting degrees:
1. Light roast:
- Flavor: Fruity, Floral
- Acidity: High
- Body: Light
- Best for: V60, Chemex, complex flavor lovers
2. Medium roast:
- Flavor: Balanced, Chocolate, Nutty
- Acidity: Medium
- Body: Medium
- Best for: All distillation methods, for those looking for balance in taste
3. Dark roast:
- Flavor: Bitter, smoky
- Acidity: Low
- Body: Heavy
- Best for: Espresso, coffee with milk, strong flavor lovers
✅ Conclusion:
There is no "best" roast...there is one that suits your taste.
Try more than one type, note the difference, and with time you will know from the first sip whether this cup is "your cup" or not 😎