The Differences Explained: Light Roast vs. Dark Roast
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You can’t have light without dark. And as a coffee company that’s perfected the art of the dark roast, you might think we aren’t down to party in the light roast pool. But you couldn’t be more wrong. Lighter roasted coffee provides a brightness you don’t get in a darker roast, but there are so many misconceptions about what differentiates these shades.
As official know-it-alls of coffee, we’d like to clear up a few misconceptions. Let’s break down the 5 real differences of Light Roast versus Dark Roast coffee.
1. ROASTING TIME AND TEMPERATURE
As you might expect, light roast is typically roasted for a shorter time at a lower temperature while dark roasts hit the heat harder.
2. FLAVOR PROFILE
With their bean-feet to the fire for less time, light roasts often retain more of the original flavor of the crop, with their tasting notes often being fruity or floral. When it comes to a dark roast, you can expect a far more robust and bold swigging experience. This tends to provide more chocolatey, caramel notes in their flavor.
3. CAFFEINE CONTENT
“UMMM did you know light roasts ACTUALLY have more caffeine?” We’ve all had someone rant this at us while we tried to enjoy our dark roast in peace but caffeine content is actually dependent on factors other than roast shade. Caffeine is stable in the roasting process, no matter the shade, and levels are driven by the type and amount of coffee used.
Arabica beans provide a depth of flavor while robusta delivers higher levels of caffeine. All of our roasts feature a blend of arabica and robusta, so no matter what roast you’re drinking—the next time someone hits you with that “fact,” feel free to correct them.
4. APPEARANCE AND TEXTURE
Light roast beans are... lighter. You guessed it—but they also often have a less oily appearance than dark roast beans. This is due to the oils that are drawn out during the roasting process. Wow your friends with that one next time you happen apon some whole beans.
5. ACIDITY
When we talk about acidity, people often think of it as a negative thing—but when it comes to coffee, acidity really just means brightness. Light roasts are typically more acidic, making them brighter and tangier in flavor, whereas a darker roast sips smooth and rich.
Now that you’re an expert of shades, get ready for the release of the rowdiest Light Roast known to man. Made with the same Organic & Fair Trade beans that you’ve come to revolve your life around, roasted into a bright & bold Light Roast.