🔥 “Light, Medium, Dark: The Roast Spectrum Explained”

If you've ever stood in a coffee shop squinting at bags labeled light, medium, or dark roast—wondering if that means “stronger,” “better,” or just “more caffeine”—you’re not alone. Roast level is one of the most misunderstood aspects of coffee. But once you get the basics, your cup transforms from “just coffee” into something personal.

Let’s decode the roast spectrum. ☕📈

🌅 Light Roast: The Bright Explorer

• Flavor: Floral, citrusy, fruity—almost tea-like
• Roast temp: Around 350°F–400°F
• Profile: Preserves the bean's origin flavor, especially in single origin coffee
• Fun fact: Despite popular belief, light roasts actually have more caffeine than darker ones (thanks to less roasting time)

Best For: Curious palates, pour-overs, and tasting the bean’s natural story

🌤️ Medium Roast: The Crowd-Pleaser

• Flavor: Balanced, nutty, chocolatey, slightly sweet
• Roast temp: Around 410°F–430°F
• Profile: A happy middle—origin flavor + roasting notes

Best For: Everyday drinkers, drip brewers, and folks who like smooth, classic flavor

🌒 Dark Roast: The Bold Rebel

• Flavor: Smoky, bitter-sweet, sometimes earthy
• Roast temp: Around 440°F–470°F
• Profile: Roast flavor dominates, origin taste fades

Best For: Espresso fans, French press lovers, and late-night cups that feel like a warm hug in black leather

🔍 So, What Should a Beginner Try?

If you’re just dipping into single origin coffee, go for a light or medium roast—these will help you taste the bean’s uniqueness before it gets covered by roast character.

Some roasters (like us at After Dark) even label tasting notes on the bag—so if you see “berry,” “cocoa,” or “spice,” those are clues to what’s waiting in your cup.