Types of Speciality Coffee Roasts: A Coffee Guide

Coffee, the world's most popular beverage, comes in a variety of roasts, each with its own unique flavour profile and brewing method. Understanding the different roasts can help you find the perfect cup of coffee for your taste buds and brewing style.

Light Roasts

Light roast coffees are the least processed and have the most pronounced acidity and fruitiness. They often have a delicate, floral aroma and a clean, crisp taste. Light roasts are best for pour-over, drip coffee, and French press brewing methods.

Flavour Profile:

Acid: Tart, bright, and tangy
Fruit: Citrus, berry, floral, and herbal notes
Body: Light and thin

Best Uses:

Pour-over: For a clean and delicate cup
Drip coffee: For a versatile and balanced cup
French press: For a rich and flavourful cup

Medium Roasts

Medium roast coffees offer a balance of acidity, sweetness, and body. They have a more developed flavour than light roasts and are less acidic. Medium roasts are suitable for a variety of brewing methods, including drip coffee, espresso, and cold brew.

Flavour Profile:

Acid: Moderately tart, with a hint of sweetness
Fruit: Berry, chocolate, caramel, and nutty notes
Body: Medium-bodied

Best Uses:

Drip coffee: For a balanced and flavourful cup
Espresso: For rich, full-flavored espresso drinks
Cold brew: For a smooth and refreshing iced coffee

Medium-Dark Roasts

Medium-dark roast coffees are known for their rich, chocolatey flavour. They have a slightly higher roasting temperature than medium roasts, which caramelises the sugars and develops a fuller body. Medium-dark roasts are perfect for espresso and drip coffee brewing methods.

Flavour Profile:

Acid: Moderately low, with a prominent chocolate flavour
Fruit: Sweet, nutty, and caramel notes
Body: Medium to full-bodied

Best Uses:

Espresso: For rich, flavourful espresso drinks
Drip coffee: For a full-bodied and flavourful cup

Dark Roasts

Dark roast coffees have the most intense flavour and aroma. They are roasted at a high temperature for a longer period, which caramelises the sugars and darkens the colour. Dark roasts have a low acidity and a rich, smoky flavour. They are best for espresso and French press brewing methods.

Flavour Profile:

Acid: Low to none
Fruit: Chocolate, caramel, and smoky notes
Body: Full-bodied and intense

Best Uses:

Espresso: For strong, intense espresso drinks
French press: For a bold and flavourful cup

Brewing Methods and Roasts

Each brewing method has its ideal roast level. Light roasts are best for pour-over, drip coffee, and French press brewing methods, as they allow the delicate flavours and acidity to shine through. Medium roasts are suitable for a variety of brewing methods, including drip coffee, espresso, and cold brew. Medium-dark roasts are perfect for espresso and drip coffee brewing methods, as they produce a rich, flavourful cup. Dark roasts are best for espresso and French press brewing methods, as their bold flavours complement these methods well.

Conclusion

The different roasts of coffee offer a wide range of flavour profiles to suit every taste. Whether you prefer the bright acidity of a light roast or the rich chocolate notes of a dark roast, there's a coffee out there for you. Experiment with different roasts and brewing methods to find your perfect cup.