When it comes to coffee, one of the key decisions you’ll make is choosing the right coffee roast. Whether you're sipping on a hot cup of coffee in the morning or enjoying a refreshing cold brew coffee in the afternoon, selecting the perfect roast level is essential to enhancing your coffee experience. But which coffee roast is best for you? Let’s explore the world of light roast, medium roast, and dark roast and see which roast works best for hot coffee and cold brew.

What’s your favourite coffee roast?

Before we dive into which roast suits hot coffee or cold brew, let’s understand the main types of coffee roasts:

• Light Roast Coffee: Known for its bright acidity and delicate flavours, light roast coffee retains much of the original bean’s characteristics. It’s a great choice for those who enjoy nuanced, fruity, or floral notes in their cup of coffee.
• Medium Roast Coffee: The go-to option for many coffee drinkers, medium roast coffee offers a balance between acidity and body. It’s versatile and works well in both hot coffee and cold brew recipes.
• Dark Roast Coffee: Bold, rich, and full-bodied, dark roast coffee delivers a deep flavour with reduced acidity. Ideal for those who enjoy a strong, intense coffee experience, it’s a popular choice for making cold brew coffee.

Which coffee roast is best for hot coffee?

When it comes to brewing hot coffee, the roast type has a significant impact on the taste and texture of the coffee. While you can use any roast for a cup of hot coffee, certain roasts are especially suited for this method:

• Medium Roast Coffee: The most popular choice for brewing hot coffee, medium roast offers a balanced flavour profile. It’s smooth, flavourful, and appeals to a wide range of coffee lovers.
• Dark Roast Coffee: For those who love a strong, bold cup of coffee, dark roast is ideal for hot coffee. The deep, roasted flavours create a rich, full-bodied brew that’s satisfying, especially during cold mornings.

Which coffee roast is best for cold brew?

Cold brew coffee is unique because it’s brewed slowly over time with cold water, allowing the beans to release their flavours in a different way compared to hot brewing methods. Choosing the right roast for your cold brew will define the taste and smoothness of your coffee:

• Dark Roast Coffee for Cold Brew: The deep, rich flavours of dark roast beans shine in cold brew coffee. The slow extraction process enhances the bold, smooth flavours without the bitterness that sometimes accompanies hot brewed dark roast coffee.
• Medium Roast Coffee for Cold Brew: For those who prefer a slightly lighter, more balanced cold brew, medium roast beans offer the perfect balance of flavour, with a bit of brightness and acidity that is refreshing in a cold drink.

Which coffee roast should you choose?

Whether you prefer hot coffee or cold brew, the perfect coffee experience starts with selecting the right roast.

• For Hot Coffee: Medium or dark roast is recommended. A medium roast offers smooth, balanced flavours, while a dark roast gives you a bolder, more robust cup of coffee.
• For Cold Brew: Dark roast coffee is the preferred choice for a rich, smooth, and full-bodied cold brew. However, a medium roast can also be a great option for a refreshing, lighter flavour.

Elevate your coffee experience with the perfect roast

Choosing the right coffee roast is essential whether you're brewing a comforting cup of hot coffee or preparing a refreshing cold brew. Experiment with different roasts to find your favourite, and enjoy the perfect brew every time!