I’ll have the Dark Roast Alex…

In the short amount of time that I’ve spent as an avid coffee drinker to now as a shop owner my level of interest in the beloved beverage has grown more and more. Each and every day there are more articles being written about, around and for the love of coffee.

There has been one area of confusion that most coffee-philes will agree upon. What the heck to call the different roasting levels of coffee. You can travel from Spain to Peru and each country has its own name for the level and necessity of roasting.

In some countries, like Italy a darker version of roast is totally acceptable, while here in the USA we like our coffee a little less dark. Either way knowing before buying is always helpful.

I’ve listed below the different levels of roast to help you next time you decide to by that rich deep espresso blend but were expecting a light roast.

Within the four color categories, you are likely to find common roasts as listed below. But it is a good idea to ask before you buy.  There can be a world of difference between roasts!

Light Roasts

Light brown in color. This roast is generally preferred for milder coffee varieties. There will be no oil on the surface of these beans, because they are not roasted long enough for the oils to break through to the surface

·         Light City

·         Half City

·         Cinnamon

·         New England

Medium Roasts

Medium brown in color with a stronger flavor,  and a non-oily surface. This roast is often referred to as the American roast because it is generally preferred in the United States.

·         City

·         American

·         Breakfast

Medium—Dark Roasts

Rich, dark color with some oil on the surface and with a slight bittersweet aftertaste

·         Full City

Dark Roasts

Shiny black beans with a oily surface and a pronounced bitterness. The darker the roast, the less acidity will be found in the coffee beverage.  Dark roast coffees run from slightly dark to charred and the names are often used interchangeably which can be very confusing.  Be sure to check your beans before you buy them!

·         High

·         Continental

·         New Orleans

·         European

·         Espresso

·         Viennese

·         Italian

·         French

Sherman Ray

Editor

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