Roast Levels
The most obvious way to describe coffee roast levels is by the colour of the roasted beans which range from extra light to dark (or extra dark). As coffee beans develop in the roasting process, they become darker.
Generally speaking:
Light roast coffee refers to coffee beans that have been roasted for a shorter period of time and dropped out at a lower temperature. Lighter roasts retain more moisture in the bean, have brighter flavours overall, and retain more of the specific flavour characteristics of the region and the processing method used.
Dark roast coffee beans stay in the roasting process for a longer time and dropped out at a higher temperature. This means the beans will lose more moisture, making them less dense, less caffeinated, and more single-note in flavour.
Our roast level guides are listed below followed by descriptions, along with recommendations of the Danes Coffees available within those levels.
All Danes Coffees are roasted to a maximum of level 6 to reveal and maximise the flavour of each of the sourced specialty beans.
Roast Levels
- Extra Light
- Light
- Light Medium
- Medium Light
- Medium
- Medium Dark
- Dark
- Very Dark
- Caramel
Danes Light Roast – Roast Level 1,2,3
The bean is roasted until the ‘first crack’ is heard but not much further.
Lighter roasts tend to have fruitier, more floral, and acidic flavour notes. A lightly roasted bean will have no oil on the surface of the beans as they are not roasted long enough for the oils to break through.
Our Light Roasts: Single Origins, Four Elements, High Specialty Blends
Our single origins are suitable for both Espresso and alternative gravity brewing methods.
Light to Medium Roast – Roast Level 4,5,6
Our medium roasted beans are roasted until just before the second crack.
A medium roast has lower acidity and a balanced flavour with a smoother, mildly intensified body. A medium roasted bean will have no oil on the surface.
Our Medium Roasts: Mocha Gold, Caramba, Viking, Caribbean Organic
Dark Roast – Roast Level 7,8,9
Dark roasted beans are roasted to the beginning of the second crack and into the second crack.
Dark in colour, oil has also been drawn-out to the surface of the bean. A dark roast will be robust and have more body, less acidity with more bitterness and a have lighter crema when extracted.
These older style roast levels have been referred to as a French Roast or an Italian Roast; they exhibit smoky, bitter, and burnt flavours.
All Danes Coffees are roasted to a maximum of level 6 to reveal and maximise the flavour of each of the sourced specialty beans.