The Most Popular Type of Coffee Roast, Ranked

Choose the type you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Jul 9, 2024 07:15
People often find it a challenge to choose the right coffee roast, as the flavor, aroma, and strength differ widely from one roast to another. By gathering insights into the preferences of a broader audience, this site helps clarify which roasts are likely to appeal to most people. The benefit of such a ranking is clear—it provides a direct reflection of popular opinion, potentially guiding new coffee drinkers towards well-loved choices. Here, every vote counts towards constructing a dynamic and constantly updated ranking of coffee roasts based on user preference. This process not only fosters a community of coffee lovers but also enhances the overall coffee drinking experience by highlighting the most appreciated roasts. Encouraged to participate, users contribute to a valuable resource that benefits all— from casual drinkers to serious aficionados.

What Is the Most Popular Type of Coffee Roast?

  1. 1
    0
    points
    Vienna Roast

    Vienna Roast

    Vienna roast is a type of medium-dark roast that has a deep, rich, and slightly bittersweet flavor. It is characterized by a dark brown color and a light sheen of oil on the surface.
    • Flavor Profile: Rich and slightly bittersweet
    • Roasting Temperature: Just at the start of the second crack
  2. 2
    0
    points
    Espresso Roast

    Espresso Roast

    Espresso roast is a dark roast specifically intended for espresso. It is roasted slightly longer and darker than traditional dark roasts to produce a rich and concentrated flavor ideal for espresso shots.
    • Flavor Profile: Rich and concentrated
    • Roasting Temperature: Slightly higher than dark roast
  3. 3
    0
    points
    Medium-Dark Roast

    Medium-Dark Roast

    Medium-dark roast coffee offers a rich, dark flavor with some oil on the surface and a slight bittersweet aftertaste. It bridges the gap between medium and dark roasts.
    • Flavor Profile: Rich flavor with bittersweet aftertaste
    • Roasting Temperature: Between medium and dark roast temperatures
  4. 4
    0
    points
    Italian Roast

    Italian Roast

    Italian roast coffee is roasted even darker than French roast. It is extremely dark and oily, often used in Italy for espresso, giving it a very strong and robust flavor.
    • Flavor Profile: Very strong and robust
    • Roasting Temperature: Slightly higher than French roast
  5. 5
    0
    points
    City Roast

    City Roast

    City roast is a medium roast level, slightly darker than the first crack but lighter than a full city roast. It offers a good balance of acidity and body, preserving the unique characteristics of the coffee.
    • Flavor Profile: Good balance of acidity and body
    • Roasting Temperature: Just after the first crack
  6. 6
    0
    points
    Medium Roast

    Medium Roast

    Medium roast coffee is a balanced flavor, aroma, and acidity coffee. It's often referred to as American roast because it is generally preferred in the United States.
    • Flavor Profile: Balanced flavor with some oil on the surface
    • Roasting Temperature: 410°F to 430°F (210°C to 220°C)
  7. 7
    0
    points
    Light Roast

    Light Roast

    Light roast coffee is characterized by a mild flavor and a lack of oil on the bean's surface. It retains most of the bean's original flavor, including the bean's natural acidity.
    • Flavor Profile: Mild flavor and more acidity
    • Roasting Temperature: 356°F to 401°F (180°C to 205°C)
  8. 8
    0
    points
    Dark Roast

    Dark Roast

    Dark roast coffee has a pronounced bitterness and often a shiny black appearance due to the oil on the surface of the beans. It is popular for its strong flavor.
    • Flavor Profile: Bitter, smoky or even burnt taste
    • Roasting Temperature: 464°F to 482°F (240°C to 250°C)
  9. 9
    0
    points
    French Roast

    French Roast

    French roast is a type of dark roast that has a charred flavor and is often used for making espresso. The beans are roasted until they begin to develop oil on their surface.
    • Flavor Profile: Charred, smoky taste
    • Roasting Temperature: At the start of the second crack
  10. 10
    0
    points
    Full City Roast

    Full City Roast

    Full city roast is a medium-dark roast that is stopped just at the beginning of the second crack. It has a more bittersweet flavor than lighter roasts, with a fuller body.
    • Flavor Profile: Bittersweet with a fuller body
    • Roasting Temperature: Just before the second crack

Missing your favorite type?

Graphs
Error: Failed to render graph
Discussion
No discussion started, be the first!

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular type of coffee roast. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or type is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2062 views
  • 0 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Movers & Shakers

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each type once every 24 hours. The rank of each type is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Categories

Additional Information

More about the Most Popular Type of Coffee Roast

Vienna Roast
Rank #1 for the most popular type of coffee roast: Vienna Roast (Source)
Coffee roasting transforms green coffee beans into the aromatic brown beans we know. Roasting brings out the flavor locked inside the beans. The process involves heating the beans to high temperatures, causing chemical changes. The beans first turn yellow and smell like popcorn. As the process continues, they darken and the aroma intensifies.

During roasting, beans go through several stages. The first crack marks the point where the beans start to expand and release steam. This phase is crucial as it indicates the beans are reaching the desired roast level. The roast level affects the flavor, aroma, and body of the coffee. Lighter roasts retain more of the beans' original flavors, while darker roasts develop deeper, bolder flavors.

The most popular roast level strikes a balance between the natural flavors of the beans and the characteristics brought out by the roasting process. It offers a rich, full-bodied taste without being too bitter. This roast level is versatile and appeals to a wide range of coffee drinkers. It works well with various brewing methods, from drip coffee makers to espresso machines.

Roasters aim to achieve consistency in this popular roast level. They monitor the time and temperature closely to ensure each batch meets the desired profile. The beans are carefully cooled after roasting to stop the process and lock in the flavors. Packaging is also important to preserve freshness. Roasters often use vacuum-sealed bags or containers with one-way valves to keep the beans fresh.

The popularity of this roast level can be attributed to its balance and versatility. It provides a satisfying cup of coffee that can be enjoyed black or with milk and sugar. It also pairs well with a variety of foods, from breakfast pastries to rich desserts. Coffee shops and cafes often feature this roast level as their house blend, making it a familiar choice for many customers.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in specialty coffee and single-origin beans. However, the most popular roast level remains a staple in the coffee industry. It offers a consistent and enjoyable experience for both casual drinkers and coffee enthusiasts. Whether you brew at home or visit a local cafe, this roast level is likely to be a favorite.

Understanding the roasting process can enhance your appreciation for coffee. Each roast level has its own unique characteristics, and exploring different roasts can be a rewarding experience. The next time you enjoy a cup of coffee, take a moment to consider the journey the beans have taken to reach your cup. From the green beans to the final roast, each step plays a role in creating the perfect brew.

Coffee roasting is both an art and a science. It requires skill, precision, and a deep understanding of the beans. The most popular roast level is a testament to the roaster's ability to create a balanced and flavorful cup. It continues to be a beloved choice for coffee lovers around the world.

Share this article