What is French Roast Coffee?

French roast coffee is dark brown, almost black, with an oily surface. It is darker than a Viennese roast but lighter than an Italian roast. French roast coffee refers to the color and style of roasting, not the origin, grind size, or brewing method. Despite its name, it doesn't mean the beans are from France. French roast is a type of dark roast, but not all dark roasts are French roasts. French roast is roasted longer and at higher temperatures, making it darker and bolder.

French roasts has a strong, bold taste. It's known for its dark, roasted flavor. It has hints of chocolate and a slightly smoky taste. It feels creamy in your mouth and is often enjoyed with milk. French roast coffee has about 95 mg of caffeine in an 8-ounce cup. But, it can be from 70 mg to 140 mg. This depends on the bean type, how it's brewed, and how strong you like it. The best French roast coffee blends beans from different regions for a balanced, bold flavor. Arabica beans are preferred for their mild acidity and complex flavors. To choose the best French roast, consider factors like the bean origin, roast level, and freshness.

What is French Roast Coffee?

French roast coffee is a dark roast with a dark-brown, near-charcoal color and greasy, oily surface. A French roast coffee is darker than a Viennese Roast and lighter than an Italian Roast on the coffee roast spectrum, with an Agtron SCAA score of 35-25. The term "French roast" refers to a roasting method, not the origin or variety of the coffee beans. French roast coffee beans are roasted for a longer time at higher temperatures, until the middle of second crack. At this roast level, most of the origin characteristics are lost, resulting in a bold, smoky flavor, thin body, minimal acidity, and low brightness.

French roast coffee is often used in espresso blends and as a base for flavored coffees due to its bold flavor. Remember that 'French coffee' or 'French press coffee' refer to coffee drinks or brewing methods, not the roast itself. Any coffee bean can be used to create a French roast blend, but many roasters prefer high-quality Arabica beans. For example, Colipse uses wet-processed 100% Arabica beans from Colombia, El Salvador, and Panama, including Caturra, Typica, Bourbon, and Castillo varietals, to create our French roast blend.

What Does French Roast Coffee Mean?

French roast coffee means a specific color and style of roasting coffee beans, not the grind size or brewing method. French roast coffee doesn't mean the beans came from France. While the term "French roast" originated in France during the 1800s, the term now means the roasting method, not the location. French roast coffee falls under the category of dark roasts, but it tends to be even more intense in flavor compared to others like Espresso roast or Vienna roasts.

Despite this general meaning, French roast polarizes the specialty coffee industry. Some coffee roasters claim that French roasting overdevelops coffee, masking the bean's origin-specific flavors and aromas derived from its varietal, cultivation, and processing. Many specialty roasters offer medium-dark roasts to appeal to diverse preferences but choose to avoid full French roasts to preserve coffee's integrity and complexity.

How is French Roast Coffee Made?

French roast coffee is made by roasting beans at higher temperatures between 440°F to 455°F (227°C to 235°C) for a longer period of 12 to 15 minutes. Medium roast coffee, on the other hand, is roasted at 410°F to 428°F (210°C to 220°C) for a shorter time, retaining more of the beans' original flavors and balanced acidity. Roasting beans beyond 455°F results in Italian roast, the darkest of all roasts.

French roasting halts at the "second crack," an audible sound caused by the breakdown of bean cell walls, releasing aromatic oils to the surface. These oils oxidize quickly, reducing coffee shelf life and flavor freshness. The best French roast beans are roasted just to the middle of the second crack. This process produces a bold, smoky flavor with a bittersweet finish, diminished acidity, and a heavy, full-bodied mouthfeel.

What is the Difference between French Roast and Dark Roast?

All French roasts are dark roasts, but not all dark roasts qualify as French roasts. The main difference between French roast and dark roast is the roasting process, affecting color, flavor, caffeine, acidity, body, and brewing. French roast is darker in color and bolder in flavor. It retains less caffeine and has a longer roasting time at higher temperatures. Its lower acidity often results in a bittersweet chocolate or dark cocoa flavor profile, sometimes with smoky or even burnt notes.

In comparison, a standard dark roast is lighter in color and milder in flavor than a French roast. This is due to a shorter roasting time, resulting in slightly higher acidity and a lighter body. While still considered a dark roast, it has a less full-bodied and sweeter flavor profile. When it comes to brewing, French roasts are suitable for French press, espresso, or cold brew. Regular dark roasts excel in any brewing method, including drip coffee, pour over, and French press. They are often used in flat whites or lattes.

Is French Roast Good for Espresso?

Yes, French roast is a good choice for espresso. The extended roasting process makes the beans more soluble, which means the flavors are extracted more efficiently. This results in a bold, full-bodied shot with an intense flavor. French roasting also produces surface oils on the beans, which enhances the rich crema that is characteristic of espresso. However, the strong, smoky flavors of French roast espresso might overpower some of the more delicate flavors in light or medium roast espresso blends. If you prefer a more nuanced flavor, you might want to try a lighter roast.

What Does French Roast Coffee Taste Like?

French roast coffee tastes bold and intense, with a deeply caramelized flavor profile in aroma and cup. The flavor profile is dominated by intense roasted notes, with smoky-deep, chocolaty and ashy elements. The first impression delivers intensity, a full body, and a creamy mouthfeel, particularly delicious with a splash of whole milk.

As you sip, the intensity of the French roast mellows slightly, revealing bittersweet dark chocolate and woody undertones. It replaces coffee acidity with nutty or earthy flavors and a slight char. The finish often reveals subtle smoke or tobacco-like tones, leaving a lingering, robust aftertaste. Its slight oily sheen during brewing creates a rich, smooth texture that contrasts with lighter and darker roasts.

The complex flavor profile of French roast coffee can be broken down into primary, secondary, and tertiary flavors, as shown in the following table.

Is French Roast Coffee Less Acidic?

Yes, French roast coffee is less acidic compared to medium or light roasts. The extended dark roasting process reduces the acidity levels by breaking down chlorogenic acids in the beans. Higher roasting temperatures increases caramelization and diminishes citric and malic acids, reducing perceived acidity. This creates a bolder, less tangy flavor profile.

How Much Caffeine is in French Roast Coffee?

French roast coffee typically contains around 95 mg of caffeine per 8-ounce (237 ml) serving, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. However, this can range from 70 mg to 140 mg depending on factors like the type of coffee bean, brewing method, and desired strength. For example, French roast coffee blends made with a combination of Robusta and Arabica beans will have more caffeine than blends made with 100% Arabica beans.

The caffeine content in French roast coffee varies by blend. Peet’s French roast contains 267 mg of caffeine per 16-ounce serving, or about 133.5 mg per 8-ounce serving. An 8-ounce Starbucks French roast blend contains 180 mg of caffeine, while their French Roast Ground Coffee K-Cup Pods have 130 mg per serving. French roast coffee generally has less caffeine than lighter roasts.

Is French Roast Coffee Strong?

No, French roast coffee is not strong in terms of caffeine. Its longer roasting process reduces caffeine content compared to lighter roasts, but is similar to other dark roasts. However, it is strong in flavor, characterized by bold, smoky, and robust notes due to the prolonged roasting.

What is the Best French Roast Coffee?

The best French roast coffee is the one that combines beans from different regions to achieve a balanced flavor profile. French roast blends create bold, deep-toned flavors with a touch of complexity due to the strategic selection of origins and bean types. Arabica beans are preferred for their mild acidity and complex flavors, even in dark roasts. High-quality Robusta may enhance espresso-style French roasts by adding body and crema.

South American beans like Colombian or Brazilian provide a smooth base in French roast blends with caramelized sugar and nutty tones, ideal for body and balance. Central American beans, such as Guatemalan or Costa Rican, add brightness and acidity to complement roasted notes. Indonesian beans, including Sumatra or Sulawesi, enhance richness with earthy, full-bodied flavors. Ethiopian beans bring fruity or floral complexity to round out the blend.

The best French roast coffee beans often have a rich aroma and a blend of flavors, like dark chocolate, spice, and even subtle fruit notes. For example, Colipse French Roast combines cocoa, smoky toffee, and berries, leaving a smooth, lingering aftertaste. Colipse French roast coffee is roasted-to-order, featuring low acidity and a full-bodied flavor. Look for roasts with low acidity, which enhances the bold flavors and creates a creamy texture. These characteristics make a great full-bodied coffee that can be enjoyed on its own or in milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos.

How to Choose the Best French Roast Coffee?

To choose the best French roast, consider factors like the bean origin, roast level, and freshness. Follow these six steps to find your perfect cup.

• Determine Your Preferences: Decide on the desired flavor profile, such as smoky or caramelized notes.
• Check Roast Level: Ensure it’s labeled as a dark roast or specifically French roast.
• Research Bean Origin: Select beans from regions known for high-quality coffee, like Ethiopia or Colombia.
• Read Reviews: Look for user feedback on flavor, aroma, and freshness.
• Examine Freshness: Opt for beans with recent roast dates and vacuum-sealed packaging.
• Test Small Batches: Buy in small quantities to try before committing to a larger purchase.

Where to Buy the Best French Roast Coffee?

You can buy the best French roast coffee from specialty coffee shops or online retailers that offer fresh roasts. Look for options with diverse origins and detailed flavor profiles. Some mass-produced brands also offer French roast coffee, but it may lack freshness. Consider exploring local coffee roasters or online retailers specializing in small-batch roasted coffee, like Colipse, for the freshest and most flavorful options.

What is the Price for French Roast Coffee?

The price of French roast coffee can vary depending on the brand, quality, and where you buy it. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $15 to $30 for a 12 oz bag of French roast coffee beans. Specialty coffee stores or single-origin beans are often at the higher end of the price range. Local roasters or online retailers, like Colipse, offer subscription services or bulk discounts, which can often reduce the cost per bag.

How Does French Roast Coffee Compare to Other Roasts?

French roast coffee is darker than medium and light roasts, offering a bold, smoky flavor with minimal acidity. Lighter coffee roasts, such as American roast or Breakfast roasts, highlight the coffee bean's origin characteristics with bright acidity and fruity or nutty undertones. Medium roasts, such as City or Full roast, fall in between, balancing the origin flavors with caramelized sweetness from the roasting process.

Is French Roast and Colombian Roast the Same?

No, French roast and Colombian roast are not the same. "Colombian" refers to the origin of the coffee beans, while "French roast" describes how dark the beans are roasted. French roast coffee has a bolder flavor than coffee made with Colombian beans due to its dark roast and high roasting temperatures. Colombian beans are typically roasted to a medium level, between 410°F and 428°F, which features light caramelization, some brightness, and a medium body. This roast highlights a smooth, aromatic, and flavorful profile, contrasting French roast's smoky intensity.

How to Make Best Tasting French Roast Coffee?

To make the best-tasting French roast coffee follow the steps below.

• Select Fresh Beans: Use freshly roasted French roast coffee beans for optimal flavor.
• Grind Correctly: Choose a grind size suitable for your brewing method (coarse for French press, fine for espresso).
• Use Clean Water: Brew with filtered water heated to 195–205°F for ideal extraction.
• Measure Precisely: Use a coffee-to-water ratio of 1:15 for balanced taste.
• Brew Methodically: Match your method (French press, espresso, or cold brew) to enhance the coffee's smoky sweetness.
• Serve Fresh: Consume promptly to enjoy the fullest flavor.