What Are Roast Levels In Coffee?

​Similar to how a chef might cook beef to be rare, medium rare, or well-done, a barista may decide that they want their coffee to be light, medium, or dark. Like with other forms of cooking, this roast 'level' is determined by a combination of the bean type, the amount of heat the beans are exposed to, and the length of time they’re in the roaster.

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How Do They Taste?

Light roasts  - They often display delicately fruity and floral flavours but can also taste like cereal or lightly toasted nuts, honey, or freshly baked bread.

Medium roasts  - Caramel is common, as well as toasted nuts and milk chocolate. The fruity flavours might be more rich and developed in flavour —think plum and peach rather than lemon.

Dark roasts  - You may taste more bittersweet chocolate notes and drier nut flavours like walnut or pecan, and often there will be less fruity or floral flavours present.​​