We've all heard about it, but what is a dark roast coffee? The simple answer is: beans roasted at higher temperatures for longer. But there is so much more to dark roasts than that.
Like many coffee enthusiasts, we obsess over a good dark roast! We’re dedicating this guide to explain the dark roast process, and how to find the best dark roast.
Quick Summary
- Dark roast coffee involves the longest roasting process and higher roasting temperatures
- The longer roasting process results in a bolder, straightforward, robust flavour
- Dark roast beans have a deep colour and slightly oily surface
- Light, medium, and dark roast all have relatively similar caffeine levels
- Bean type and brewing method are the biggest factors that affect caffeine content in coffee
- The best dark roast coffee will feature a robust, full-bodied flavour without bitterness or harshness
What Is the Difference Between Dark and Light Roast Coffee?
The difference in coffee roast types comes down to the length and temperatures of the roasting process.
Light roast beans are roasted at lower temperatures, generally for less time. The roasting process is stopped a short time after the first crack of the beans. This creates beans that retain a high percentage of their initial flavour.
Because more of the original flavour is preserved, light roasts are known for their complexity and interesting flavour notes. Light roasts are often described as having delicate fruity or floral notes.
The extended roasting time involved in dark roast coffee results in an intense, robust, slightly smoky flavour. Dark roasts are often described as having simple yet deep flavours since some of the original flavours change during roasting. This straightforward flavour profile makes dark roast coffee predictable, robust, and a great pick-me-up.
What Is the Difference Between Dark and Medium Roast Coffee?
Medium roast coffee involves roasting the beans until they start developing in between the first and second crack. Medium roast beans are known for their medium brown appearance and slightly oily surface. The roasting process creates a balanced, well-bodied brew with a subtle sweetness and hint of carmelisation.
Dark roast coffee involves the longest roasting process. The beans take on a dark brown appearance and distinctive oily surface. The resulting flavour is robust, full-bodied, and lower in acidity.
Light vs. Medium vs. Dark Roast
Light Roast |
Medium Roast |
Dark Roast |
|
|---|---|---|---|
Roast Method |
Shorter roast times at lower end temperatures | Roasted to the first and second cracks in the beans | Longest roasting process; higher roast temperatures |
Taste, Description, and Flavour Notes |
Delicate, complex, crisp, fruity | Subtle and balanced, complex, slightly carmelised, versatile | Deep, robust, straightforward, bold, smoky, nutty, chocolaty |
Recommended Brewing Method |
Pour over or filter method | Pour over, filter method, or espressos | Espressos are where dark roast shines! |
Bean Appearance |
Light brown; no oil on surface | Medium brown colour; slightly oily sheen | Deep brown colour; distinctive oily sheen on surface |
Acidity |
Higher acidity | Moderately acidic | Lower acidity |
How Much Caffeine Is In a Dark Roast Coffee?
The exact amount of caffeine in dark roast coffee varies based on brewing methods and bean types. However, dark roast coffee usually has between 60mg of caffeine per espresso shot.
Do Dark Roasts Have More or Less Caffeine?
True or False: Dark roast coffee has more caffeine than light or medium roast?
Many people assume the answer is true. But you may be surprised that dark roasts have similar or even slightly lower caffeine levels than light or medium roasts.
The misconception that dark roast coffee has more caffeine is likely due to its intense aroma and bold flavour.
Still, a cup of dark roast coffee can have more caffeine than a light roast, depending on the bean type used and brewing method. These factors have a higher effect on caffeine content than roast levels.
Here’s how these bean type and brewing method affect the caffeine level more than roast type:
- Bean Type (Arabica vs. Robusta): Arabica beans typically contain between 1 to 1.5% caffeine by weight. Robusta beans have 2 to 2.5% caffeine by weight, making them a better choice for a serious caffeine boost.
- Brewing Method: Brewing method is one of the main factors affecting caffeine level. Espressos will have the most caffeine per ounce.
Bottom line? If a caffeine boost is what you’re after, we recommend an espresso made with Robusta beans. For a lighter kick of caffeine, stick to Arabica beans and the pour over or filter brewing methods.
What Is a Good Dark Roast Coffee?
A good dark roast coffee should be bold, rich, and pack a punch without being bitter or harsh. We favour dark roasts that are straightforward while still offering interesting flavour notes.
Here are a couple of our favourite dark roasts:
- Little Owl Nocturnal Dark Roast: A great way to ease into dark roast coffee! This medium/dark roast has hints of dark chocolate, molasses, and brown sugar. With smoothness perfectly balanced with boldness, Little Owl offers a delicious drinking experience.
- Kick Start: This dark roast blend was created with busy professionals in mind. If you like your coffee bold and full-bodied, this is the blend for you. We like drinking it black to get the full flavour effect, but it also pairs well with a bit of milk. We love the rich, balanced flavour of this blend, featuring notes of brown sugar and dark chocolate.
Try Our Premium Dark Roast Blends
If you’ve been wondering, “What is dark roast coffee?”, we hope this guide was helpful!
Dark roast coffee involves a longer roasting process with higher temperatures than lighter roasts. This intensified roasting process creates the robust, rich flavour dark roasts are known for. At Coffee Beans Perth, we love a good bold cup of dark roast coffee!
Need personalised advice on which blend to try? Our coffee experts at Coffee Beans Perth love the chance to talk to fellow coffee enthusiasts! Get in touch with us and we’d be happy to offer recommendations or shop our range of coffee beans online.