Roasting LevelsUpdated 4 months ago

Coffee Roast Levels: Overview & Pros — Ideal for a One-Sheet

Light Roast

• Appearance: Light brown; dry surface; no oils.
  
  

• Flavor & Acidity: Crisp, bright acidity with vibrant, fruity, sometimes floral or tea-like notes. Preserves origin-specific flavors.
  
  

• Caffeine: Slightly higher by volume due to denser bean density
  
  

• Ideal for: Highlighting terroir and varietal nuances—perfect for single-origin, pour-over, or filter lovers.
  
  

Medium Roast

• Appearance: Medium brown; generally dry or low sheen.
  
  

• Flavor & Acidity: Balanced—rounded sweetness, caramel or nutty notes, with moderate acidity and medium body. Origin flavors are still present but more rounded
  
  

• Caffeine: Similar to light roast by weight; differences are minimal.
  
  

• Ideal for: Broad appeal—smooth, balanced cups for everyday brewing and espresso blends.
  
  

Dark Roast

• Appearance: Dark brown to near-black; oily surface develops.

• Flavor & Acidity: Low acidity, robust body with smoky, bittersweet flavors like dark chocolate or caramelized sugar. Origin notes are largely overpowered by roast character.
  
  

• Caffeine: Slightly lower by volume due to expansion—but negligible difference.
  
  

• Ideal for: Bold preferences, espresso, classic café-style drinks, and fans of darker flavor profiles.
  
  

Roast Levels at a Glance — Great for One-Sheet Layout