Let’s be real—if you’ve ever stood in the coffee aisle staring at “light roast,” “medium roast,” and “dark roast” like they were secret codes for personality types, you’re not alone.
Are light roasts weaker? Are dark roasts stronger? Which one will make me feel like I have my life together before 9 a.m.?
We’ve got you.
Grab your mug, and let’s break down the three main roast levels.
Light Roast: Bright, Peppy, and Kinda Fancy
Vibe: Your friend who hikes before brunch and actually enjoys it.
Color: Light brown, matte—not shiny (they haven’t hit their oily phase yet).
Taste Notes: Fruity, floral, tea-like, sometimes a little zesty.
Caffeine Level: High. Yes, really. Light roasts are basically the espresso of the introverts—quiet but powerful.
Best For:
- Pour-over fans
- Cold brew lovers who want that wine-like complexity
- Anyone who says things like “I taste hints of jasmine”
How to Brew It: Use a gooseneck kettle and pretend you’re on a cooking show. Or just steep it overnight for cold brew that tastes like it has a passport.
Medium Roast: Smooth, Balanced, Everyone’s Favorite
Vibe: The chill friend who’s always down for brunch and never cancels last-minute.
Color: Classic medium brown. A little oil may peek through, but it’s subtle.
Taste Notes: Nutty, chocolatey, slightly sweet—like a warm hug in a mug.
Caffeine Level: Still plenty. Don’t worry, you’ll still be talking faster than your group chat.
Best For:
- Drip coffee machines
- French press (for a richer texture)
- Moka pots (because why not be a little Italian today?)
How to Brew It: Honestly, this roast loves a basic setup. Your trusty Mr. Coffee or a budget French press will do just fine.
Dark Roast: Bold, Intense, Not Here to Play
Vibe: Your espresso-drinking friend who owns only black clothes and probably journals at 5 a.m.
Color: Dark brown to nearly black with an oily shine (like a leather jacket in coffee form).
Taste Notes: Smoky, toasty, bitter-sweet. Think dark chocolate and late-night thoughts.
Caffeine Level: Slightly lower than light roast per bean, but you usually use more of it, so you’ll still be bouncing off the walls in no time.
Best For:
- French press with cream or sugar
- Espresso shots (hello, cappuccino)
- Iced coffee with milk and maybe a therapy session
How to Brew It: Go bold or go home. Use a strong ratio (think 2 heaping tablespoons per 6 oz water), add cream, and conquer the world—or your inbox.
Wanna Get Roasty?
We small-batch roast all three levels (light, medium, and dark) because flavor matters. So whether you’re making cold brew for brunch or pulling shots like a boss, we’ve got the beans to match your mood.
👉 Browse Our Roast Collection and level up your coffee game.