What is Espresso Roast?

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 roast level used for coffee beans to optimize flavor for espresso grinding and brewing. Espresso roast achieves a full-bodied, bitter flavor with reduced acidity by roasting beans longer, beyond their second crack. Espresso roasts are characterized by their dark brown or black color and an oily surface due to their longer roasting time.

Espresso roast typically falls at an Agtron roast level of between 45-35 according to the SCAA (Specialty Coffee Association of America) roast color classification. Espresso roast is not necessarily a dark roast but is often made with dark roasted coffee beans to achieve its bold flavor. The term "espresso roast" indicates roast levels ranging from medium to dark, depending on the brand. Any type of coffee bean can be used for espresso, but darker roasts are often preferred.

What Does Espresso Roast Mean?

Espresso roast typically means that beans are roasted longer, up to 15 minutes, and at higher temperatures, usually between 425°F and 445°F, depending on the roaster. This darker roasting process enhances caramelization and reduces acidity, resulting in a bold, rich flavors like chocolate, nuts, or caramel. However, there's no industry-wide standard for what 'espresso roast' means as different roasters define espresso roasts in varying ways. It is not the same as a dark roast like French or Vienna, though they are often similar.

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 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. Espresso roasts are typically roasted for less time, preserving more of their caffeine. Espresso provides a slightly higher caffeine kick than a dark roast like French roast.

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. However, the caffeine content can vary depending on factors like the type of coffee beans used, the brewing method, and how strong you like your coffee. For example, an 8-ounce Starbucks espresso roast has 130 mg of caffeine, which is about 16.25 mg per ounce.

Is Espresso Roast Stronger?

Espresso roast is not inherently stronger than regular roast in terms of caffeine content. The strength of espresso comes from its concentrated brewing process, which produces a bolder flavor. Regular roasts, brewed as drip coffee, often contain more caffeine due to larger serving sizes. Espresso beans are no stronger than dark roast beans, but espresso coffee is stronger due to its concentrated brewing method.

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, start by considering roast levels and flavor profiles. Light espresso roasts offer brighter, acidic flavors but can be more difficult to brew properly, often resulting in a sour or underdeveloped taste if not extracted correctly. Medium espresso roasts balance acidity, sweetness, and body, but they may lack the distinctive flavor notes found in lighter or darker roasts. Dark espresso roasts provide bold, robust notes, often chocolatey, nutty, or even smoky, but if over-extracted, can become bitter and burnt.

Factors like the origin of the beans and your espresso machine can also play a role in your choice. Match the roast to your brewing method and taste preferences for the ideal cup.

What is the Best Light Espresso Roast?

The best light espresso roast often features a blend of specialty-grade Arabica beans with subtle floral or citrus notes. Beans sourced from high altitude regions like Ethiopia or Costa Rica are popular choices, known for their bright, fruity flavors. These origins typically produce a light-bodied espresso with high acidity, ideal for those who prefer a nuanced, less bitter profile.

What is the Best Medium Espresso Roast?

The best medium espresso roast is the one that enhances sweetness with caramel and chocolate notes, balances acidity with fruity and citrus flavors, and adds subtle nutty and floral undertones. This roast level avoids the bitterness of dark roasts while still providing a full-bodied espresso. Guatemalan or Colombian beans with a medium roast are excellent for achieving these harmonious flavors while delivering a rich and smooth espresso shot.

What is the Best Dark Espresso Roast?

The best dark espresso roast is one that delivers robust body, deep sweetness, and nuanced complexity. Brazilian beans serves as an excellent base, providing nuttiness, chocolatey notes, and body, while Sumatran beans enhances depth with earthy, syrupy tones. These flavors complement the primary roasted characteristics like smoky or ashy notes, creating a bold yet complex profile that lingers on the palate. A well-executed dark espresso roast achieves balance by showcasing these deep, layered flavors without overpowering bitterness or acrid tones.

Where to Buy Espresso Roast Coffee?

You can buy espresso roast coffee from specialty coffee shops or online retailers like Amazon, Target, or Walmart. If you're looking for freshly roasted espresso roast coffee, consider checking out smaller specialty coffee stores like Colipse, which offers whole bean or drip ground coffee in 12 oz bags with free shipping.

What is the Price for Espresso Roast Coffee?

The price of espresso roast coffee can vary depending on the brand, quality, and where you buy it. For example, Colipse sells freshly roasted coffee beans, including espresso roast, in 12 oz bags for $20.99. We also offer a subscription deals that reduces the price to $18.89 per bag.

How to Make Espresso Roast Coffee?

Making espresso roast coffee involves a specific process to achieve its signature concentrated flavor. To make espresso roast coffee, follow these steps below.

• Grind Coffee Beans: Use a burr grinder to achieve a fine and consistent grind. This ensures even extraction during brewing.
• Dial in the Dose: Measure the coffee grounds (typically 18-20 grams for a double shot). Precise dosing affects flavor and strength.
• Distribute Coffee Grounds Evenly: Spread the grounds uniformly in the portafilter to prevent channeling, where water flows unevenly.
• Tamp the Grounds Firmly: Compress the grounds with a tamper to create a flat, compact surface. This resists water pressure and extracts flavor evenly.
• Insert the Portafilter: Place the portafilter securely into the espresso machine to prepare for brewing. A proper fit ensures consistent pressure.
• 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.

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.