Whether you’re a casual coffee drinker or a devoted aficionado, understanding roast levels is key to choosing the perfect cup. At Dwyfor, we roast our coffees with precision and care, offering a range of artisan blends that cater to every taste. But what exactly do terms like “light roast” or “dark roast” mean? And how do they affect flavour and caffeine?
Let’s break it down.
What Are Coffee Roast Levels?
Roast level refers to how long and how hot coffee beans are roasted. This process transforms green coffee beans into the richly coloured, aromatic beans you know and love.
The main roast levels are:
- Light Roast
- Medium Roast
- Dark Roast
Each roast offers a different flavour profile, aroma, body, and caffeine content.
Light Roast:
Bright, Fruity & Higher in Caffeine
Lightly roasted beans are roasted for the shortest amount of time, typically until just after the first crack (when the bean splits slightly from internal pressure).
Flavour:
- Bright and acidic
- Fruity, floral, and tea-like notes
- Preserves more of the bean’s original origin flavour
Caffeine Content:
- Contrary to popular belief, light roasts retain more caffeine by volume than darker roasts. This is because roasting breaks down caffeine slightly, and light-roasted beans are denser.
Pairs Well With:
- Filter coffee methods like pour-over or French press
Medium Roast:
Balanced, Smooth & Popular
Medium roasts are heated longer than light roasts but removed before they reach a dark, oily stage.
Flavour:
- Balanced acidity and body
- Rich, slightly sweet and nutty
- Hints of caramel or chocolate often emerge
Caffeine Content:
- Slightly less caffeine than light roasts but still relatively high
Pairs Well With:
- Most brewing methods, including drip and espresso
Dark Roast:
Bold, Rich & Lower in Caffeine
Dark roasts are roasted the longest, often until the second crack, which gives the beans a dark brown colour and sometimes a shiny surface from released oils.
Flavour:
- Bold, smoky, and deep
- Less acidic, with chocolate, roasted nut, and spice notes
- Original origin flavours are largely replaced by roast-driven flavours
Caffeine Content:
- Slightly lower caffeine than lighter roasts due to longer roasting time and lower bean density
Pairs Well With:
- Espresso and strong brews
Try This: Shop Dwyfor’s Dark Roasted Coffees
Does Roast Level Affect Strength?
In a way—flavour strength and caffeine strength aren’t the same.
- Dark roasts taste stronger and more bitter, but that doesn’t mean they contain more caffeine.
- Light roasts may taste lighter but can deliver a bigger caffeine hit per scoop.
Choosing the Right Roast for You
There’s no right or wrong—it all comes down to your preference:
- Want something smooth and rich? Go medium.
- Craving bold and intense? Try a dark roast.
- After something vibrant and punchy? Light roast is for you.
Dwyfor: Roasted in Wales, Enjoyed Everywhere
At Dwyfor, our coffee beans are small-batch roasted in Wales with attention to detail and tradition. Whether you love a bold espresso or a mellow breakfast brew, you’ll find your ideal roast in our artisan coffee range.
👉 Browse All Coffees at Dwyfor
Great coffee starts with the roast—taste the difference in every cup.