Roast Level

RoastAgtronCharacteristics
Light> 70Light brown to cinnamon color
Lightish body, sometimes muted, sometimes delicately fresh in flavor
No oil on surface of bean
Medium – Light61 – 70Moderately light brown color
Bright, sweet acidity, green coffee distinctions clear
Surface of bean remains dry
Medium51 – 60Medium brown color
Balanced acidity, fuller body, green coffee distinctions still apparent
Generally dry bean surface
Medium – Dark41 – 50Rich brown color
Droplets of oil may appear on bean surface
Fruit turns chocolaty, hints of roasty bittersweetness may emerge
Muted acidity, sometimes heavier body
Dark35 – 40Deep brownish/black color
Spots of oil to shiny surface
Richly to sharply bittersweet, scorched-wood roast notes prominent
Acidity muted
Very Dark25 – 34Black surface covered brightly with oil
Bitter/bittersweet tones dominate
Body thins, green coffee distinctions are fully muted
Extreme – Dark< 25Black, shiny surface
Burned bitter tones dominate