Toast to the Roast: The Ultimate Guide to Coffee Roasts

Whether you’ve just finished your millionth cup o’ joe or you’re just taking your first sip towards becoming a coffee enthusiast, the quest for the perfect roast can be a journey filled with exploration and experimentation. With what can sometimes seem like an endless list of options, it's essential to understand the different roast levels and what makes them unique. Think of this as your personal tour guide through the vast wilderness that is coffee. Grab your walking sticks, your favorite mug, that safari-chic hat burning a hole in your closet, and let’s embark on this journey together. 

Light Roast

Light roasts are often recognized for their delicate, yet wide range of flavors and vibrant acidity. Roasted for a shorter duration than darker roasts, light roasts are able to retain the unique characteristics of the coffee beans, offering a lively and nuanced cup. If you’re in the mood for a bright, slightly tangy, and more caffeine-rich brew, light roasts will be your new best friend. However, if oranges or other citrus fruits don’t tickle your taste buds, you might be more suited towards a darker roast. 

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BLK & BOLD Limu, Ethiopia
Steeped Coffee Sunrise Blend
BLK & BOLD
Limu, Ethiopia
Steeped Coffee
Sunrise Blend

Medium Roast

If you're all about finding the best of both worlds and love seeking balance or harmony in your daily life, then start filling your mug with some medium roasts. During the roasting process, medium roast beans undergo a transformation where the sugars caramelize, creating a fuller body and mellowing the acidity. With the fuller body of a dark roast and the flavor complexities of a light roast, most medium roasts fall in a sweet spot between airy subtlety and bold intensity. Plus, we all know Yoda would’ve loved medium roasts – get it? It’s all in the balance. 

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Mr. Espresso Golden Gate
BLK & BOLD RISE & GRND
Steeped Coffee California Blend
Mr. Espresso
Golden Gate
BLK & BOLD
RISE & GRND
Steeped Coffee
California Blend

Dark Roast

Picture this: late-night campfires, slightly charred marshmallows wafting through the air, and deep discussions with friends. If you tend to favor bold, intense flavors with lower acidity and an occasional rugged, smoky undertone, dark roasts will sing to your soul. Dark roasts go through an extended roasting time that brings out oils on the bean's surface, giving them their signature glossy appearance and contributing to a fuller body. If you’re a fan of chocolate or really any decadent dessert, you’re in for a treat! You'll find that dark roast coffee boasts a rich, caramelized taste with hints of chocolate and even a slight bitterness that’s bound to satisfy your cravings.

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Mr. Espresso Seven Bridges
Steeped Coffee Odyssey Blend
Mr. Espresso
Golden Gate
Steeped Coffee
Odyssey Blend

French Roast

Oui, oui, mon chéri! When dark just isn’t dark enough, French roasts will take you to the deepest realms of coffee darkness, where boldness reigns supreme. French roasts go through an even longer roasting time than dark roasts, which results in oils rising to the surface and the beans turning almost black. If the mere mention of "smoky" in the dark roast description has you saying, "Yes, please, bring it on," then it’s time for you to explore French roasts. This type of roast offers an intensely bold flavor profile with a powerful smoky aroma, making it the ideal choice for those seeking an indulgent, full-bodied coffee experience.

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Steeped Coffee French Roast
Steeped Coffee
Breakwater Blend

So, fellow coffee adventurer, with this guide in hand, feel empowered to embark on your roasting expedition. May your cup always overflow with the perfect roast that wakes your senses and fuels your passion for the caffeinated cup we all cherish. Cheers to the magical world of coffee!