What is a Roast Profile?

A roast profile refers to the specific temperature and duration used to roast coffee beans. During roasting, the natural sugars and compounds in the coffee beans undergo chemical changes, which bring out different flavors, aromas, and textures. Roasts are generally categorized into three main profiles: light, medium, and dark. Each profile offers a unique experience, from bright and fruity to deep and rich.

Let’s explore the characteristics of each roast profile and how they affect your coffee experience.

Light Roast: Bright, Fruity, and Complex

If you’re a fan of coffee with delicate, nuanced flavors, light roast is for you. Lightly roasted beans retain more of the coffee’s natural characteristics, making them ideal for highlighting the unique flavors of single-origin coffees.

• Flavor: Light roasts are known for their bright acidity and fruity, floral notes. You’ll often taste hints of citrus, berries, or even tea-like flavors. The complexity in a light roast comes from its ability to showcase the beans’ origin, allowing you to experience the terroir of the region where the coffee was grown.
• Color: Light roasts are typically a pale brown color, with no visible oils on the surface of the beans.
• Roasting Temperature: Light roasts are roasted to an internal temperature of 356°F to 401°F—just before the beans reach the “first crack.”
• Body: Light roasts tend to have a lighter body, which means they feel thinner on the palate compared to darker roasts.

Best Brewing Methods: Light roast coffees shine with pour-over or drip methods, which highlight their bright, clean flavors. Try our [Single-Origin Ethiopia] for a stunning example of light roast perfection.

Medium Roast: Balanced, Sweet, and Versatile

Medium roast coffee offers the best of both worlds—balancing the natural flavors of the beans with the deeper caramelized notes brought out by roasting. This profile is a favorite for its versatility and crowd-pleasing flavor.

• Flavor: Medium roasts have a well-rounded flavor profile with notes of caramel, chocolate, and nuts. They maintain some of the brightness of a light roast, but with added sweetness and richness. You’ll notice less acidity and a fuller body.
• Color: The beans are a medium-brown color with minimal oil on the surface.
• Roasting Temperature: Medium roasts are roasted to an internal temperature of 410°F to 428°F, typically reaching the end of the first crack.
• Body: Medium roasts have a fuller body than light roasts, giving you a satisfying, smooth mouthfeel.

Best Brewing Methods: Medium roast is incredibly versatile and works well with most brewing methods, including French press, drip, and espresso. Our [Signature Blend] is a perfect example of a medium roast that delivers a balanced, rich flavor with every sip.

Dark Roast: Bold, Rich, and Full-Bodied

For those who crave intensity, dark roast coffee delivers. Dark roasts are known for their robust flavors and lower acidity, with deep, smoky, and often bittersweet notes. The extended roasting process brings out the oils in the beans, creating a heavier, more textured brew.

• Flavor: Dark roasts are all about bold, rich flavors. You’ll often taste notes of dark chocolate, toasted nuts, caramel, and even hints of spice or smoke. The origin characteristics of the beans are less pronounced, as the roasting process takes center stage.
• Color: Dark roast beans are deep brown to almost black, with a shiny, oily surface due to the caramelization of sugars during roasting.
• Roasting Temperature: Dark roasts are roasted to an internal temperature of 437°F to 482°F, often reaching or surpassing the “second crack.”
• Body: Dark roasts have a full, heavy body with a velvety texture, making them feel rich and substantial in your mouth.

Best Brewing Methods: Dark roasts are perfect for espresso and stovetop moka pots, but they also brew beautifully in a French press. Try our [Dark Roast Blend] for a smooth, smoky experience that packs a punch.

Which Roast is Right for You?

Choosing the right roast comes down to your personal taste preferences. If you enjoy bright, complex flavors, a light roast is your best bet. For a balanced, sweet, and versatile brew, go for a medium roast. And if you prefer a bold, intense coffee experience, a dark roast will satisfy your cravings.