Working out which coffee is for you can be a bit mind boggling. With so many options available to us, it’s easy to get lost among the beans, blends and roasts. So, let us offer you some guidance through the minefield and share everything there is to know about dark roast coffee.
What do we mean by dark roast Coffee?
The best place to start is to explain what dark roast coffee is.
When we label coffee as dark, we are talking about the colour of the beans after they have been roasted.
To begin with, coffee beans are green. To get the characteristic brown colour we all know, they are roasted. The higher the temperature reached while roasting, the darker the beans will become.
What is the difference between medium and dark roast coffee?
Let’s get technical. In the roasting process, medium roasts will reach temperatures of between 205 and 212 degrees. Compare this with a dark roast which reaches between 215 and 220 degrees or higher still, a very dark roast that can reach up to 238 degrees.
Of course, this impacts the end product in multiple ways. With a medium roast coffee, you will notice more subtle flavour notes in the profile, lots of fruity tones. Medium roast coffees also tend to have a lighter body and more acidity. If this sounds like your cup of tea (or coffee), try our Baytown signature The Bolts.
Darker roasting coffee changes the characteristics, so you lose some of the more delicate flavours which are replaced with more powerful flavours. Dark roast coffees often have rich chocolate undertones and a smoky character to them. In addition, the darker the roast, the coffee will have less acidity and become smoother and contain slightly less caffeine. If this sounds more up your street, Boggle Hole is the one for you!
Is dark roast coffee stronger?
In a word, yes. Darker roasted coffees definitely have more dominant flavours compared to lighter roasts. They also have a strong aftertaste and a heavier body. In addition, the darker the roast, the smoother the coffee will be, as well as also containing slightly less caffeine.
Is dark roast coffee less acidic?
As a general rule, darker roasted coffees do tend to be stronger but it can depend on the bean.
How do you make dark roast coffee taste better?
Half of the battle with making great coffee is the brewing. We always recommend drinking coffee as fresh as you can get it. Grinding the beans just before you brew them will always give a better cup of coffee.
How do you drink dark roast coffee.
How you drink your coffee is a personal thing and there isn’t a right or wrong answer. We would recommend a darker roast for people who like a smooth and strong coffee.
Because of their characteristics, dark roasts are pretty versatile and suit most brew methods. They are great for filter, pour-over or cafetiére, especially if served black. Equally dark roast coffees work really well for Moka Pot or Espresso – the extraction process intensifies the flavour.
The great thing about darker roast coffees is that you can enjoy them with milk without losing the flavour which can sometimes happen with lighter roasts.
However, we don’t recommend using dark roasts in your bean to cup machine – the natural oils produced in roasting process can clog the machine’s grinder.
So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about dark roast coffee! Why not give it a try?
Boggle Hole - Our deepest, darkest coffee is a seriously smooth, very darkly roasted blend of Brazil Monte Alto and Colombia Supreme. You could describe it as an after dinner coffee, but we think it’s big and intense enough to be an incredible breakfast coffee too. This one’s a best seller. See it in our shop.