THE FIRST SIP
Roast level is a flavor clue, not a quality score. Start with the tastes you enjoy and let your cup decide.
What roasting changes
Roasting develops the aroma and flavor of coffee. Lighter roasting tends to leave more of a bean’s original character in the foreground. Darker roasting brings more roasted flavors forward.
These are broad patterns. Origin, processing, and the way you brew also shape the cup, and roast names are not identical from one roaster to another.
The three everyday roast levels
| Roast | Common flavor direction | A place to start |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Brighter, with more of the bean’s distinctive character | When you enjoy a lively, delicate cup |
| Medium | A balance of bean character and roasted flavor | When you want a versatile everyday coffee |
| Dark | More pronounced roasted flavor and bitterness | When you enjoy a bold roasted taste |
“Espresso” is a brewing method
An espresso blend or espresso roast is a roaster’s choice of coffee for that brewing method. It is not a separate roast level. You can make espresso with different roasts, provided your equipment and recipe suit the coffee.
Flavor notes are tasting descriptions
Chocolate, caramel, and berry on a bag usually describe flavors people notice in the coffee. They do not necessarily mean those ingredients have been added; check the label if you want flavored coffee.
Choose for the drink you love
For a creamy latte, try a coffee whose tasting notes sound good alongside milk and your favorite flavors. A chocolate or nut direction is an approachable starting point for caramel and vanilla combinations.
For black coffee, compare two roasts using the same brewing method and amounts. Taste them as they cool. Notice which one you want another sip of, rather than searching for a roast you are supposed to like.
Keep learning
Further reading from coffee educators. These links open in a new tab.