Understanding Coffee Roast Levels: A Guide for Coffee Lovers

Coffee lovers know that the roast level of a coffee bean can dramatically impact its flavor, aroma, and overall experience. Whether you prefer a bright, citrusy light roast or a bold, smoky dark roast, understanding coffee roast levels can help you choose the perfect cup. In this guide, we’ll explore the different coffee roast levels, their characteristics, and how they influence your coffee-drinking experience.

Table of Contents

What Are Coffee Roast Levels?

Light Roast Coffee

Medium Roast Coffee

Dark Roast Coffee

SCAA Roast Levels

How to Choose the Right Roast Level

Final Thoughts

What Are Coffee Roast Levels?

Coffee beans start as green seeds inside coffee cherries. Once harvested, they are roasted at varying temperatures to develop distinct flavors and aromas. Coffee roast levels are generally categorized into three main types: light, medium, and dark roasts. Each level has unique characteristics that influence the taste and body of the coffee.

Light Roast Coffee

Flavor Profile: Bright, acidic, floral, and fruity notes

Appearance: Light brown with no visible oils on the surface

Best Brewing Methods: Pour-over, Aeropress, and drip coffee

Light roast coffee is roasted at temperatures between 356°F and 401°F. Because it spends less time in the roaster, it retains more of its natural origin flavors and higher acidity. Popular varieties include Cinnamon Roast and New England Roast.

Try Our Light Roast: Ethiopia-Natural Medium Light Roast

Medium Roast Coffee

Flavor Profile: Balanced acidity, caramel sweetness, nutty undertones

Appearance: Medium brown with little to no oil on the surface

Best Brewing Methods: Drip coffee, French press, espresso

Medium roast coffee is roasted between 410°F and 428°F. It offers a well-rounded flavor, balancing the acidity of light roasts and the boldness of dark roasts. Some common names include City Roast and Breakfast Roast.

Try Our Medium Roast: Breakfast Blend – Smooth & Balanced

Dark Roast Coffee

Flavor Profile: Bold, smoky, chocolatey, with low acidity

Appearance: Dark brown or black with visible oils

Best Brewing Methods: Espresso, French press, Moka pot

Dark roast coffee is roasted at temperatures ranging from 437°F to 482°F. These beans develop deep, rich flavors and tend to have a heavier body. Popular dark roasts include French Roast, Italian Roast, and Espresso Roast.

Try Our Dark Roast: Whiskey Barrel Aged Coffee – Rich & Bold

The Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) classifies coffee roast levels using the Agtron Gourmet Scale, which measures the darkness of the roast:

Light Roast: 85–95 Agtron

Medium-Light Roast: 75–85 Agtron

Medium Roast: 65–75 Agtron

Medium-Dark Roast: 55–65 Agtron

Dark Roast: 45–55 Agtron

Very Dark Roast: 35–45 Agtron

These classifications help standardize roast levels in specialty coffee, ensuring consistency and quality.

How to Choose the Right Roast Level

When selecting a coffee roast, consider your personal preferences:

If you enjoy bright, fruity flavors, go for a light roast.

If you prefer a balance between sweetness and acidity, try a medium roast.

If you love bold, smoky, or chocolatey notes, a dark roast is ideal.

Final Thoughts

Coffee roast levels play a significant role in shaping your coffee experience. By understanding the differences between light, medium, and dark roasts, you can find the perfect brew that suits your taste. Whether you're experimenting with different roasts or sticking to your favorite, the right coffee can make every cup a memorable one.

For freshly roasted coffee beans in all roast levels, check out our selection at Everyday People Coffee & Tea.