Let's Chat More About Espresso Roasts...

What type of Espresso Roast am I going to like? Are there really differences? Why is my Espresso sometimes so bitter and other times so acidic?

These questions are common. Not all Espresso Bean choices are the same. Some will be acidic and some bitter and much of that is due to the roasting of the beans. This post is going to give you some insights on how to pick a roast that most suites your drinking preferences…

At The Commercial Drive Coffee Company, we have 2 Espresso Roasts for you to choose from. We have a more traditional roast with our Organic - The Drive Espresso which is a medium roast and we have the East Village Espresso which is a darker roast. The Drive Espresso is well balanced and very easy on the pallet, whereas the East Village is a little more bitter/smokey and what is usually described as “stronger” tasting.

There are basically 3 categories of roast: Light, Medium and Dark. Each has a flavour profile and each reasons you might like and reasons you won’t.

Light Roast Espresso:

  • Flavour Profile: Bright, fruity, floral, and acidic. Common notes include citrus, berries, and tea-like flavors.

  • Body: Lighter and thinner, not as heavy as darker roasts.

  • Bitterness: Minimal bitterness but definitely a pronounced acidic profile..

  • Best Uses: Light roast espresso is often used for single-origin beans to showcase the bean’s origin, such as Ethiopian or Kenyan beans, known for fruity and floral notes.

Pros:

  • Brings out complex, delicate flavors.

  • Ideal for drinkers who enjoy vibrant, high-acidity espresso shots.

Cons:

  • May be too acidic or sour for those accustomed to traditional espresso.

  • Harder to extract properly due to tighter flavor balance.

Medium Roast Espresso:

  • Flavour Profile: Balanced with more sweetness and body. You’ll often taste caramel, nuts, chocolate, or light fruit flavors.

  • Body: More rounded and fuller than light roast.

  • Bitterness/Acidity: Mild acidity, moderate bitterness, and a sweet finish. It offers the best of both worlds.

  • Best Uses: Great for blends and approachable single-origin espressos. Colombian or Brazilian beans at this roast level can produce smooth, nutty shots.

Pros:

  • Balanced flavour, making it popular for both espresso shots and milk-based drinks (lattes, cappuccinos).

  • Easier to extract consistently.

Cons:

  • Some subtle fruit notes may be muted compared to light roasts.

Dark Roast Espresso:

  • Flavour Profile: Bold, smoky, chocolatey, and earthy. You might find notes of dark chocolate, burnt sugar, molasses, and even spice.

  • Body: Full-bodied, heavy, and creamy.

  • Bitterness/Acidity: Low acidity and high bitterness. Often, dark roasts have a roasty or slightly oily mouthfeel.

  • Best Uses: Dark roasts are traditional for espresso and work exceptionally well in milk-based drinks like lattes, as the bold flavors cut through the creaminess of milk.

Pros:

  • Classic, rich espresso taste.

  • Easy to extract due to lower acidity and higher solubility.

Cons:

  • Can sometimes taste “burnt” or one-dimensional if roasted too long.

  • Less nuance compared to lighter roasts.

How Roasts Impact Crema:

  • Light Roast: Crema tends to be thinner and lighter in color, with a more delicate texture.

  • Medium Roast: Crema is balanced, slightly more golden, and has better staying power.

  • Dark Roast: Crema is typically the thickest and darkest, often with a deep reddish-brown hue.

Choosing the Right Roast Based on Preferences:

  • If you enjoy bright, citrusy, or fruity notes, go for light roast espresso.

  • For balanced, sweet, and nutty flavours, medium roast is your best bet.

  • If you prefer bold, deep, and chocolatey flavors with low acidity, dark roast is the way to go.

However you choose your espresso roasts will be dependent on what you like your coffee to taste like. Hopefully our discussion above helps you a bit. Check out our 2 roasts - The Drive Espresso Medium Roast and the East Village Espresso Dark Roast! Enjoy your espresso :-)

We are so proud to be able to tell you that we are a 100% Canadian Owned and Operated Coffee Company. We roast and package our coffee is BC in small batches and in an artisanal manner.

Kenny Vannucci