We wanted to provide a little bit more context beyond the traditional and somewhat vague categories of light, medium, and dark roasts. Hopefully, this will give you a greater understanding of the types of coffee roasts available and help you find the perfect cup!
- Light Roasts (also known as Half City, Blonde, New England, Light City): Light roasts are typically higher in antioxidants. The taste is often described as more earthy or “Raw” than medium or dark roasts. The beans have a light brown color, with little to no oils on the surface. Some flavor characteristics are often described as bright, higher acidity, citrusy, and berry-like. Light roasts can sometimes have a tea-like body.
- Medium Roasts (also known as City, American, City Plus, Breakfast): This is the type of roast most consumed by American coffee drinkers. The beans appear medium brown and might appear to have a slightly velvety texture. Compared to Light Roasts, these will have sweeter tones and a more balanced body of acidity, aroma, and flavor. Medium Roasts typically have a very approachable flavor, often characterized by notes of chocolate, caramel, and toasted nuts.
- Medium Dark Roasts (also known as Full City, Viennese, Full City Plus, After Dinner): The beans will be a rich, dark color and appear slightly shiny. These beans will have a lower acidity and a fuller body with abundant aromas and a strong finish. Tasting notes for Medium Dark Roasts often lean towards warm spices, chocolate, and dark berries.
- Dark Roasts (also known as French, Italian, Turkish, New Orleans, Double): Very dark color and oily texture. It can often be described as having a bitter-sweet taste. Dark Roast beans will produce a sweet, smoky tasting coffee with a lighter body, less acidity, and the least caffeine of all of the other roasts.