When it comes to roasting coffee, every decision we make plays a crucial role in defining the final cup. One of the most important choices is the roast level. Different roast levels bring out unique flavors, aromas, and textures, influencing how we experience a coffee’s origin and processing method. Let's dive into what these levels mean and why we choose one over another.

The Main Roast Levels

Light Roast

   - Characteristics: Higher acidity, pronounced floral and fruity notes, lighter body.  
   - Best for: Showcasing the distinct characteristics of origin and processing methods.  
   - Example: Our Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Banko Double Washed, a beautifully processed coffee, thrives at a light roast to highlight its vibrant citrus and floral complexity.  

Medium-Light Roast  

   - Characteristics: Balanced acidity, enhanced sweetness, more developed flavors.  
   - Best for: Highlighting complexity while maintaining clarity in flavor.  
   - Example: Our Colombia Gesha Marcela, a carbonic macerated coffee, benefits from a medium-light roast to fully express its fruity and floral complexity.  

   
Medium Roast  

   - Characteristics: Mellow acidity, increased body, caramelized sweetness.  
   - Best for: Coffees that need more balance while preserving origin characteristics.  
   - Example: Our Brazil Dulce Natural, a naturally processed coffee, thrives at a medium roast, where nutty and chocolatey notes develop alongside a gentle fruitiness.

   
Medium-Dark Roast

   - Characteristics: Lower acidity, deeper sweetness, more chocolate and spice notes.  
   - Best for: People who prefer a richer, fuller-bodied experience with less acidity.  
   - Example: Our B Blend House South America incorporates medium-dark roasted components to enhance boldness and crema, delivering a balanced and rich espresso experience.

   
Dark Roast  

   - Characteristics: Minimal acidity, bold body, smoky or bittersweet flavors.  
   - Best for: Those who enjoy intense, full-bodied coffee with notes of dark chocolate or caramelized sugar.  
   - Example: French or Italian-style roasts, often used for traditional espresso.

How We Choose the Right Roast Level

Selecting the right roast level depends on a variety of factors:

- Origin & Processing: Some origins, like Ethiopia or Colombia, benefit from lighter roasts to preserve their complex, fruity notes. Others, like Brazil, shine in medium roasts due to their inherent sweetness and nuttiness.
- Flavor Goals: If we want to emphasize acidity and floral notes, a light or medium-light roast works best. If we're aiming for caramelized sweetness and a heavier body, we lean towards medium or darker roasts.
- Brewing Method: Espresso extractions often require more developed roasts to achieve balanced flavors, while filter methods highlight lighter, fruitier notes.

Want to Learn More?

Roasting is both a science and an art, and each coffee tells its own story through heat, time, and airflow. If you’re curious to learn more about how we select roast levels for different coffees, visit our blog and leave us a comment! What roast level do you prefer, and why?