Coffee Roast Levels: How They Transform Your Favorite Brew

Coffee isn't just a morning ritual—it's a true art form where every production stage plays a pivotal role. One of the most crucial moments is roasting the beans. The roast level determines the flavor, aroma, and even texture you'll get in your cup. In this article, we'll break down what roast levels are, how they affect your coffee, and why medium roast is the gold standard. Ready to dive into the world of coffee nuances?

What Is Roasting and Why Does It Matter So Much?

Roasting is the process of heating green coffee beans to a specific temperature (usually from 180°C to 250°C), which triggers chemical reactions that develop flavor and aroma. Depending on the duration and temperature, the beans change color from green to light brown or even black, lose moisture, and expand in volume.

The roast level directly influences:

• Flavor and Aroma: From bright fruity notes to deep chocolate shades.
• Acidity and Body: Light roasts preserve freshness, dark ones add richness.
• Caffeine: Light roasts contain slightly more caffeine, but the difference is minimal.
• Health: Dark roasts may reduce antioxidant levels but increase stomach acid resistance.

Choosing a roast level is like selecting spices for a dish: it all depends on your preferences and brewing method. Let's explore the main types.

Main Roast Levels: From Light to Dark

Coffee experts divide roasting into four key categories. Each has its fans, but we're convinced: medium is the queen among them.

1. Light Roast

• Temperature: 180–205°C.
• Appearance: Light brown beans with a smooth surface, no oiliness.
• Flavor: Bright, acidic, with notes of citrus, berries, and herbs. Aroma is fresh, like green tea.
• Impact: Preserves maximum natural oils and antioxidants from the bean. Ideal for pour-over or Aeropress, where clean taste is key.
• Downsides: Can seem too "acidic" for beginners, with a light body.

2. Medium Roast — Our Favorite!

• Temperature: 210–220°C.
• Appearance: Medium brown beans, sometimes with a slight sheen from oils.
• Flavor: The perfect balance! Notes of caramel, nuts, chocolate, and a subtle fruity acidity. Aroma is rich but not aggressive.
• Impact: Medium roast reveals the bean's true essence without overpowering its original profile. It retains beneficial properties (antioxidants, vitamins) while making the coffee smoother and more versatile. Caffeine stays at an optimal level, and the body is medium—suitable for espresso, filter, or even cold brew.
• Why the Best Option? At Coffee Spirit, we've chosen medium roast for our collections because it's harmony in a cup. It doesn't "burn out" delicate aromas like dark roasts and avoids the acidic aftertaste of lights. This is coffee for everyday enjoyment: energizing in the morning, cozy in the evening. 

3. Medium-Dark Roast

• Temperature: 225–230°C.
• Appearance: Dark brown beans with a noticeable oily layer.
• Flavor: More intense, with shades of smoke, dark chocolate, and spices. Acidity decreases.
• Impact: Boosts sweetness and body but can mask the bean's origin. Great for milk-based drinks like lattes.
• Downsides: Risk of over-roasting, leading to bitterness.

4. Dark Roast

• Temperature: 230–245°C.
• Appearance: Black, shiny beans coated in oil.
• Flavor: Deep, bittersweet, with notes of burnt sugar, smokiness, and cocoa. Minimal acidity.
• Impact: Makes coffee dense and strong, perfect for espresso machines. However, it loses terroir nuances (bean origin), and antioxidants decrease.
• Downsides: Can be too intense for sensitive palates, with beans roasted to a "crunch."

How to Choose the Right Roast Level for You?

If you love experimenting, start with light for freshness or dark for strength. But for everyday coffee that delights without surprises, medium roast is unbeatable. It's versatile: works for black coffee or with milk added. Plus, it has less bitterness, making it gentler on the stomach.

At Coffee Spirit, we carefully select beans and roast them to medium for a flavor journey—from Kenyan florals to Colombian nuts—in every sip. This isn't just coffee; it's inspiration in a cup!

Conclusion: Discover the Magic of Medium

Roast level is the heart of coffee culture, deciding if your brew becomes a masterpiece or just "a cup." And medium roast? It's the pinnacle of balance, where tradition meets modernity. Order our medium roast at coffeespirit.uk and feel the difference. What's your favorite roast? Share in the comments—we love coffee stories!

Article prepared by the Coffee Spirit team. All rights reserved.