Espresso Roast Coffee: Types, Caffeine, Taste and Buying Guide

Espresso roast refers to coffee beans roasted specifically for use in brewing espresso. While any bean can technically be used to make espresso, the roast level significantly impacts the flavor and quality of the shot. Espresso roasts are typically roasted longer than beans intended for other brewing methods, which helps to develop the flavors and aromas that are characteristic of espresso. The difference between espresso roast and dark roast lies in brewing techniques and personal flavor preferences.

Espresso roasts have different levels and flavors. Traditional dark espresso roast has a strong, concentrated flavor that can include smoky, nutty, or sweet notes. However, specialty coffee trends favor lighter roasts and single-origin beans for espresso. Modern extraction methods use coarser grinds, shorter times, and lower pressure. This results in sweeter, cleaner shots. Light espresso roasts are acidic but can be hard to brew. Medium espresso roasts are balanced but may lack strong flavors. Dark espresso roasts are bold but can become bitter if over-extracted.

What is Espresso Roast?

Espresso roast is a dark to medium-dark roast level used for coffee beans specifically intended for espresso grinding and brewing. The term “espresso roast” refers to a roast style, not to the espresso brewing method itself. Espresso roast is made by roasting coffee beans for longer, past the first crack to deepen caramelization. This profile ensures efficient bean extraction under espresso's high pressure and short brew time.

Roasting time and temperature for espresso roast depend on the roaster because each machine transfers heat differently based on design, size, and airflow. Roaster type (drum, air, fluid-bed), heat source (gas, electric), and batch size alter how beans develop. Each roaster customizes the curve to reach the same flavor and color target.

Espresso roast typically falls between 45 and 35 on the Agtron roast level scale. The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) defines this range within its roast color classification system. Espresso roast coffee beans appear dark brown to almost black in color. Extended roasting causes espresso roast beans to develop an oily surface.

Espresso roast coffee beans are easier to grind and use for espresso shots because their darker roast creates brittle, porous cell walls that grind finely and extract quickly. A 2000 study by Stefan Schenker titled “Pore Structure of Coffee Beans Affected by Roasting Conditions” found that high-temperature roasted coffees create greater bean volume, more pore space, and larger micropores, which improve grindability and enhance espresso extraction.

Espresso roast coffee beans allow better water flow during brewing and produce richer crema compared to lighter roasts, according to a 2016 study by Lukas Kucera from Palacký University published in Food Chemistry. The study analyzed espresso made from light, medium, medium-dark, and dark roast beans and found that darker roasts contained more extractable solids and lipophilic compounds, which improved water flow and crema formation.

What Does Espresso Roast Mean?

There is no industry-wide standard defining what “espresso roast” means. Espresso roast means coffee beans are generally roasted to medium or darker level, although more modern espresso roasts also use light roast. Traditional espresso roast means that beans are roasted longer, typically up to 15 minutes, and at higher temperatures between 425°F and 445°F. This roast level is specifically intended for espresso-based drinks. Traditional espresso roast means low acidity, heavy body, and deeper caramelized notes.

Third-wave cafés prefer light roasts to highlight bright, fruit-forward flavors. Barista competitions also favor light roasts for clarity and acidity in espresso. For example, Starbucks Signature espresso is dark roast and serves as the base for most espresso drinks, while Blonde espresso offers a lighter roast with a smoother, sweeter flavor.

Is Espresso Roast the Same as Espresso?

No, espresso roast is not the same as espresso. The "Espresso" itself is a brewing method, not a roast level. Any roast can be used to make espresso, including dark, medium or light, but not every roast produces a quality shot. Espresso roast refers to a style of coffee bean roasting specifically designed for brewing espresso, resulting in a darker, richer flavor profile. Espresso is a brewing method that forces hot water through finely-ground coffee under pressure. While related, espresso roast and espresso are not the same.

What Are the Different Espresso Roast Types?

Different espresso roast types refers to the range of roast levels, such as blonde, light, medium, and dark, used specifically for espresso. Each roast type affects flavor, body, and acidity. Light roasts offer brightness, medium roasts balance sweetness and body, and dark roasts provide bold, rich flavors. The five main types of espresso roasts are listed below.

1. Blonde Espresso Roast
2. Light Espresso Roast
3. Medium Espresso Roast
4. Medium-dark Espresso Roast
5. Dark Espresso Roast

1. Blonde Espresso Roast

Blonde espresso roast is a type of coffee made from lightly roasted beans. Blonde espresso roast is roasted for a shorter time and at a lower temperature than regular espresso to preserve the bean’s natural flavors and acidity. Blonde roast typically tastes smoother, sweeter, and less bitter than darker roasts. The flavor profile of blonde espresso includes notes of citrus and floral tones. At Starbucks, blonde espresso roast refers to a light roast blend made from Latin American and African beans.

2. Light Espresso Roast

A Light Espresso Roast is a coffee roasted to a lighter level. A lighter roast preserves acidity and natural flavors. Light roast espresso tastes brighter and more acidic than darker roasts. The coffee often features fruity or floral flavor notes. The recommended brewing temperature for light roast espresso is around 88°C (190°F) to avoid over-extraction. Light roast coffee can be used for espresso brewing but is harder to brew well because of its density and acidity.

3. Medium Espresso Roast

A medium espresso roast is a coffee roast level between light and dark. A medium espresso roast features balanced acidity, sweetness, and nutty caramel flavor. Medium roast espresso tastes balanced with sweet, chocolaty, and nutty flavors. Medium roast suits espresso because it delivers flavor complexity and body without bitterness.

4. Medium-dark Espresso Roast

A medium-dark espresso roast is a coffee roast level between medium and dark, typically roasted to highlight balance between acidity and body. It features mild bitterness, deeper caramelized flavors, and a fuller mouthfeel, making it suitable for espresso with both sweetness and strength. The best medium dark roast espresso beans often come from regions like Brazil, Colombia, or Sumatra.

5. Dark Espresso Roast

Dark Espresso Roast is a coffee roast level characterized by deep brown color, oily surface, and bold flavor with low acidity. It highlights notes like chocolate, caramel, and smoke. This roast is commonly used for espresso due to its strong body and ability to cut through milk in lattes or cappuccinos. Brazilian beans serve as an excellent base for dark espresso roasts.

What is the Difference between Espresso Roast and Dark Roast?

The main difference between espresso roast and dark roast coffee is how they are roasted for their intended use. Espresso roast is roasted specifically for brewing espresso, a 1 oz coffee shot made by forcing hot water at 88°C through 7 grams of ground coffee under 9 bars of pressure. Dark roast coffee is roasted longer, giving the beans an oily surface and a strong, bold flavor that is often used for drip coffee makers, cold brews, and French presses.

Any dark roast can be used for espresso, but not all dark roasts create good espresso. Dark roast coffee refers to a range of coffee roasts, from Full City (moderately-dark) to Italian roast (very dark). Using very dark roasts for espresso like French or Italian roasts often results in a bitter and smoky flavor due to over-roasting, which can mask the beans' natural characteristics. Using espresso roast for espresso optimizes extraction and flavor, as these roasts are specifically designed for espresso preparation to balance acidity, sweetness, and body.

Does Espresso Roast Have More Caffeine?

Yes, espresso roast often has a tiny bit more caffeine than dark roasts. This is because longer roasting times decrease caffeine content. A 2024 study by Zachary Lindsey published in Scientific Reports found that espresso-style medium-dark roasts retained marginally higher caffeine concentrations than dark-roasted coffees. Under identical brewing conditions, light roasts contain 165 mg caffeine per 8 oz, medium-dark roasts 153 mg, and dark roasts 134 mg, confirming a measurable caffeine decline as roast degree increases.

Is Espresso Roast Stronger?

No, espresso roast is not inherently stronger than dark roast. Both are typically dark in color, but “strength” depends on brew method, not roast level. Espresso shots taste stronger due to concentration, but espresso roast beans have similar caffeine and density as other dark roasts. Espresso, moka pot, and AeroPress make espresso roast coffee stronger due to high pressure or concentrated extraction. French press, drip, and pour-over produce weaker brews by using lower pressure and longer steep times.

How Much Caffeine is in Espresso Roast?

An 8-ounce serving of espresso roast coffee typically contains around 95 mg of caffeine, but this can range from 70 mg to 140 mg, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. A single shot of espresso (1 ounce) usually has about 63 mg of caffeine. Caffeine content in espresso roasts varies by brand, serving size, and bean type, as shown in the table below.

What Does Espresso Roast Taste Like?

Espresso roast has a strong, concentrated flavor that can include smoky, nutty, or sweet notes. This creates an intense and robust first impression. Espresso roast often has a balance of chocolate, caramel, or berry flavors with a lingering aftertaste of marzipan, tamarind, or jasmine. Great espresso balances acidity, bitterness, and sweetness.

The best espressos deliver rich roundness and a dense mouthfeel. The flavor should be rich and deep without excessive bitterness, leaving a light, pleasant sweetness on the tongue. Acidity adds a crisp, lively zing to the taste. Daniele Carvalho Ricci, 2023 World Barista Champion, describes the perfect Italian espresso as having intense aromas of flowers, fruit, toast, and chocolate, with a balanced, lingering flavor.

The world of specialty coffee has significantly influenced espresso. A growing preference for fruit-forward, sweeter, and brighter coffees has encouraged roasters and cafés to favor medium-to-light espresso roasts and single origins over traditional dark, robusta-heavy blends. Modern extraction techniques, such as coarser grinds, shorter times, and lower pressure, have led to the creation of turbo shots with sweeter, cleaner flavors.

How to Choose the Best Espresso Roast Coffee?

To choose the best espresso roast coffee, follow the five steps below.

1. Consider roast levels and flavor profiles: Light espresso roasts offer brighter, acidic flavors but can be harder to brew properly, often tasting sour or underdeveloped if extracted incorrectly.
2. Choose medium roasts for balance: Medium espresso roasts balance acidity, sweetness, and body, though they may lack the distinct flavor notes of lighter or darker roasts.
3. Select dark roasts for intensity: Dark espresso roasts provide bold, robust notes, often chocolatey, nutty, or smoky, but can become bitter and burnt if over-extracted.
4. Account for bean origin and equipment: Factors such as bean origin and your espresso machine also influence which roast performs best.
5. Match roast to your taste and brewing method: Align your chosen roast with your brewing setup and flavor preferences to achieve the ideal espresso.

Where to Buy Espresso Roast Coffee?

Colipse Coffee is the best place to buy espresso roast coffee. At Colipse Coffee, our espresso roast beans are freshly roasted to order, available in multiple blends and origins, and designed for rich crema and smooth shots. We offer free U.S. shipping, volume discounts, and subscription savings. Our beans suit all espresso machines and are roasted to order for peak flavor. Order in 12 oz, 2 lb, or 5 lb bags and subscribe for 5% off and consistent delivery.

How to Make Espresso Roast Coffee?

To make espresso roast coffee, follow these steps below.

1. Grind Coffee Beans: Use a burr grinder to achieve a fine and consistent grind. This ensures even extraction during brewing.
2. Dial in the Dose: Measure the coffee grounds (typically 18-20 grams for a double shot). Precise dosing affects flavor and strength.
3. Distribute Coffee Grounds Evenly: Spread the grounds uniformly in the portafilter to prevent channeling, where water flows unevenly.
4. Tamp the Grounds Firmly: Compress the grounds with a tamper to create a flat, compact surface. This resists water pressure and extracts flavor evenly.
5. Insert the Portafilter: Place the portafilter securely into the espresso machine to prepare for brewing. A proper fit ensures consistent pressure.
6. Pull the Shot: Start the espresso machine to force hot water through the coffee at high pressure (9 bars). Aim for a 25-30 second extraction for a balanced shot.

Can You Use Espresso Roast for Regular Coffee?

Yes, you can use espresso roast for regular coffee. Espresso roast beans are versatile and can be brewed using various methods, including filter, Moka pot, drip coffee machines or French presses, to make regular coffee. You can use espresso roast in a French press, but choose whole beans and grind them to a coarse texture before brewing.

What Type of Roast is Best for Espresso?

The best type of roast for espresso is a medium to dark roast. Medium roasts provide balanced acidity and sweetness, while dark roasts create bold flavor with rich crema. Roast choice depends on taste preference, but both ensure optimal extraction and texture for espresso drinks.

Is Espresso Roast the Same as Espresso Beans?

No, espresso roast and espresso beans are related but not the same. Espresso roast refers to the coffee bean's roasting process, designed for brewing espresso, while espresso beans are simply coffee beans that have undergone this roast. Any coffee bean can become espresso beans if roasted to the appropriate level.

How is Espresso Roast Different from Other Roast Levels?

Espresso roast differs from other roast levels primarily in its roast duration and intensity. Espresso beans are roasted longer and darker than light or medium roasts, emphasizing boldness and reducing acidity. This process creates a rich, intense flavor ideal for espresso preparation, balancing well with milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.

How is Espresso Roast Different from French Roast?

The main difference between espresso roast and French roast lies in flavor and roast level. Espresso roast is darker, with a rich, bold taste ideal for espresso brewing. French roast is lighter with smoky, caramelized notes. French roast coffee can be used for espresso but may lack the intensity preferred for authentic espresso.