Light, Medium & Dark Roast Coffee

Light roast

Start here if you like bright, fruit-forward coffee. A light roast can make floral and citrus notes easier to notice, especially in a pour-over. If the cup tastes sharply sour, try grinding slightly finer before changing the roast.

Medium roast

Choose medium roast if you want a balance of sweetness and acidity. Chocolate, caramel, or nutty notes are common starting points. It works well for drip coffee and is a practical choice when people in the house drink coffee both black and with milk.

Dark roast

Try dark roast if you prefer a heavier cup with more pronounced toasted or bittersweet flavours. It can hold up well in a milk drink. If you find it too bitter, try a slightly coarser grind or a shorter brew before adding more milk.

Compare two roasts at home

Use the same brewer, dose, and water for both coffees. Taste them warm, then again after they cool slightly. Write down which one you would actually want a second cup of. The roast level is a starting point, and the beans and brewing method will also affect what you taste.