Coffee beans in a person's hand

A coffee connoisseur’s guide to different types of roasts

Get roasted

Story by Sheila Paz 

Coffee aficionados know that the journey of a coffee bean from the farm to the cup is complex and artful, with the roast playing a pivotal role in defining the beverage’s ultimate profile. The roast not only transforms green coffee beans into the aromatic brown ones with which we are familiar but also unlocks the unique characteristics and flavors that each bean holds. In this guide we will explore the different types of coffee roasts, highlighting the nuances that each brings to the cup.

Lightly roasted brown coffee beans. Potential use as a background.

Light roast

Light roasts, sometimes referred to as “first crack” roasts, are typically light brown in color and have no oil on the surface of the beans. They are roasted to just after the first crack – the point where beans expand and make a cracking sound. Light roasts retain most of the original coffee bean’s characteristics, and their flavor is often described as bright, acidic or fruity. They also tend to have the highest caffeine content, as roasting further reduces caffeine levels.

Common names for light roasts

  • Light city
  • Half city
  • Cinnamon roast
Medium Roasted Coffee Beans, Blend, Dark, Full City Roasted, Vienna Roasted

Medium roast

Medium roasts strike a balance between the light and dark roasts. They are brown, richer in flavor and have more body than light roasts but lack the grainy taste of the bean’s origin, striking a balance between acidity and complexity. They are often referred to as the “American roast” because they are generally preferred in the United States.

Common names for medium roasts

  • City roast
  • American roast
  • Breakfast roast
medium - dark roast beans

Medium-dark roast

As we progress to medium-dark roasts, the beans begin to display oils on their surface, and their color deepens to a darker brown. These roasts have a heavier body compared to their lighter counterparts, with a rich, dark flavor and some bittersweet aftertaste. The flavor profile can start to show spicy, chocolate or caramel undertones, depending on the origin of the bean.

Common names for medium-dark roasts

  • Full city roast
  • After dinner roast
  • Vienna roast
Roasted dark Coffee beans in wooden spoon Coffee Beans Background

Dark roast

Dark roasts are where the flavor of the roast itself starts to dominate. The beans are shiny and oily and have a pronounced bitterness. The colors can range from dark brown to almost black. These roasts have a lower acidity level, and the original flavors of the bean are almost completely overshadowed by the flavors from the roasting process. However, they also exhibit deep, rich profiles with flavors that can be described as chocolatey, nutty or smoky.

Common names for dark roasts

  • French roast
  • Italian roast
  • Espresso roast
  • Continental roast
  • Spanish roast
Green and brown decaf unroasted and black roasted coffee beans as background.

Specialty roast

Beyond these traditional categories, roasters also experiment with specialty roasts. These are often unique to the roaster and aim to highlight specific flavors or qualities of the beans. They can range anywhere between light and dark and are typically crafted to complement a particular brewing method or to create a unique flavor profile.

Choosing your roast

Choosing the right coffee roast is a matter of personal preference, but it also depends on your brewing method. Light roasts are often preferred for methods that allow their delicate flavors to shine, such as pour-over or AeroPress. Medium roasts are versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of brewing methods, from drip to French press. Medium-dark and dark roasts are often favored for espresso and other methods where a strong, bold flavor is desired.

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