Journal
What does light roast mean?
Roast level describes how far the beans develop in the roaster. It is one of the easiest ways to choose a coffee you will enjoy.
Light
Light roasts end soon after the first crack. They keep floral and fruity flavours and have a higher acidity.
Medium
Medium roasts trade a little acidity for more caramel sweetness. They are the easiest to brew.
Dark
Dark roasts develop bittersweet chocolate and smoky notes and a heavier body. Most of the origin character fades.
Caffeine
The difference in caffeine between roast levels is small. Measure by weight and it is almost the same.
Notes from the roastery
Every recipe on this journal is tested at the roastery before we publish it. We brew it with at least two coffees, one light and one darker, and we change one variable at a time. If a step does not make a difference you can taste, we leave it out. Coffee should be simple to make well at home.
Three habits matter more than any gadget: weigh your coffee and water, grind just before brewing, and use fresh beans with a roast date on the bag. Get those right and most recipes will taste good on the first try.
Coffees to try
- Rwanda Nyamasheke: cranberry, black tea, orange
- Honduras Marcala: peach, caramel, pecan
- Costa Rica Tarrazu: apricot, panela, vanilla
Every bag carries its roast date. Most coffees taste their best between one and four weeks after roasting. Keep the bag closed, squeeze out the air, and store it in a cupboard away from the oven. If you buy more than you can drink in a month, freeze single doses in sealed bags and grind them straight from the freezer.