Coffee Roasts

Light Roasts

Physical Characteristics: light brown in color, with light body and no oil on surface

Taste: toasted grain, pronounced acidity

Most caffeine out of any other roasts

It has not been roasted beyond the first crack

Common names: Light City, Half City, Cinnamon Roast, New England Roast


Medium Roasts




















Physical Characteristics: medium brown in color, more body than light roasts, no oil on surface

Taste: more balanced flavor, aroma and acidity

Less caffeine than light roasts.

It is roasted between the end of the first and just before the beginning of the second crack.

Common names: Regular roast, American Roast, City Roast, Breakfast Roast


Dark Roasts



















Physical Characteristics: dark brown in color (almost black), oil on surface

Taste: bitter or smoky flavor

Less caffeine than medium and light roasts

Roasted after the end of the second crack.

Common names: French Roast, Italian Roast, Espresso Roast, Continental Roast, New Orleans Roast and Spanish Roast


http://www.ncausa.org/About-Coffee/Coffee-Roasts-Guide