The Best Medium Coffee Roast Buying Guide

August 25, 2023

The Best Medium Coffee Roast Buying Guide

Table of Contents

The Main Basics of Coffee Roasting

Coffee roasting is a crucial step in transforming raw green coffee beans into the aromatic, flavorful coffee we enjoy. Here are the main basics of the coffee roasting process:

Green Coffee Beans: Roasting starts with raw, unroasted green coffee beans. These beans are typically processed and dried before being shipped to roasters.
Roasting Temperature: Coffee beans are roasted at high temperatures, typically between 370°F (188°C) and 540°F (282°C), depending on the desired roast level.
Roast Stages:

Drying Stage: The first part of the roasting process, where moisture in the beans is evaporated. The beans will change from green to yellow.
Browning Stage: As the beans continue to heat, they undergo the Maillard reaction, where sugars and amino acids create a brown color and develop complex flavors.
First Crack: At around 196°C (385°F), the beans emit a cracking sound as they expand. This is a sign that the beans are approaching light roast levels.
Development Stage: After the first crack, the beans continue to roast, and their flavors develop further. The roast can be stopped at any time during this stage to achieve different roast profiles.
Second Crack: A more intense cracking sound occurs at higher temperatures (about 224°C or 435°F). This marks the beginning of darker roast levels.

Roast Levels:

Light Roast: Beans are roasted to the first crack, retaining more of the original bean’s flavors.
Medium Roast: The beans are roasted slightly beyond the first crack, offering a balance of acidity and sweetness.
Dark Roast: Beans are roasted to or beyond the second crack, creating a bolder, smokier flavor with diminished original flavors from the bean.

Cooling: After reaching the desired roast level, the beans are quickly cooled to stop the roasting process. This can be done by using air or water.
Degassing: After roasting, the beans release carbon dioxide, a byproduct of the roasting process. Freshly roasted coffee needs to rest for several hours to a few days to allow this gas to escape.
Storage: Roasted coffee beans are best stored in a cool, dry place in airtight containers to preserve their freshness and flavor.

Understanding these basic elements of coffee roasting can help you appreciate the wide variety of flavors and aromas that different roasts and techniques can produce.

Factors To Consider When Buying Medium Roast Coffee

When buying medium-roast coffee, several factors should be considered to ensure you get a high-quality and enjoyable brew. Here are the key factors to look out for:

1. Origin of the Coffee Beans

Single-Origin vs. Blends: Single-origin coffee beans come from one specific region, offering unique flavors that reflect the local climate and soil. Blends are a mix of beans from different regions, often crafted to create a more balanced flavor profile.
Country of Origin: Different regions have distinct flavor profiles. For instance, Ethiopian coffees may have fruity or floral notes, while Colombian coffees are known for their smoothness and nuttiness.

2. Freshness

Coffee is best when it’s fresh. Look for beans with a recent roasting date (ideally within 1–2 weeks of roasting). Avoid beans that have been sitting on the shelf for too long, as they lose flavor over time.
Consider buying from local roasters or brands that emphasize freshness.

3. Roast Date

The roast date will help you gauge how fresh the beans are. Coffee beans begin to lose their flavor after roasting, so try to buy beans roasted within a week or two of purchase.

4. Flavor Profile

Medium roast coffee strikes a balance between the bright acidity of light roasts and the deep, smoky flavors of dark roasts. It typically has a range of flavors, such as chocolate, caramel, nuts, and fruity notes.
Check the flavor notes on the bag or product description to ensure they align with your preferences. Medium roasts often have a smooth, well-rounded taste.

5. Grind Size

Coffee beans should be ground according to your brewing method. For instance:
- Coarse grind for French press.
- Medium grind for drip coffee makers.
- Fine grind for espresso.
Many coffee brands offer pre-ground options, but whole beans offer the best flavor if you have a grinder.

6. Roast Level

Although you are specifically looking for a medium roast, it’s important to know the nuances of different roast levels:
- Light roast: More acidic, fruity flavors.
- Medium roast: Balanced flavors, smooth body, and moderate acidity.
- Dark roast: Smoky, bold, and low acidity.

7. Brewing Method Compatibility

Consider how you plan to brew the coffee (e.g., drip, French press, pour-over, espresso machine) and choose beans that complement your preferred method. Some medium roasts may perform better in specific brewing methods due to their flavor profile.

8. Brand Reputation and Reviews

Research the brand you are considering. Look for reviews or customer feedback on quality, taste, and freshness. Trusted brands or local roasters who focus on quality often produce the best coffee.

9. Packaging

Look for coffee packaged in resealable bags with a one-way valve. This keeps the beans fresh by preventing air from getting in while allowing gases from the beans to escape. Avoid coffee in clear bags, as light can degrade the flavor over time.

10. Price and Value

Good coffee can be more expensive, but it’s usually worth the price if you prioritize freshness, quality, and ethical sourcing. Compare prices and quality before making a purchase, especially when buying from local roasters or specialty shops.

11. Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing

Consider whether the coffee is ethically sourced. Look for certifications like Fair Trade, Organic, or Rainforest Alliance, which can indicate that the coffee is grown under sustainable conditions and the farmers are fairly compensated.

12. Caffeine Content

Medium roast coffee typically has moderate caffeine content, but the exact amount can vary depending on the bean variety and roasting process. If you’re sensitive to caffeine, consider checking the caffeine content or choose beans with naturally lower caffeine levels.

By considering these factors, you’ll be more likely to find a medium roast coffee that suits your taste preferences and brewing method.

Popular Brands And Recommendations For Medium Roast Coffee

Here are some popular brands and recommendations for medium roast coffee that are widely appreciated for their flavor profiles and quality:

1. Stumptown Coffee Roasters

Recommendation: Hair Bender
Stumptown is known for its bold and balanced flavors. Hair Bender is a medium roast with notes of chocolate, toffee, and fruit, making it a versatile choice for different brewing methods.

2. Blue Bottle Coffee

Recommendation: Bella Donovan
Blue Bottle’s Bella Donovan is a medium roast with a rich, balanced taste. It features flavors of chocolate, berry, and a hint of nuttiness, making it a great all-day coffee.

3. Peet’s Coffee

Recommendation: Major Dickason’s Blend
Peet’s is a classic American coffee roaster, and Major Dickason’s Blend is one of their most famous medium roasts. It has a deep, rich flavor with hints of chocolate and spice.

4. Intelligentsia Coffee

Recommendation: Black Cat Classic Espresso
Intelligentsia’s Black Cat is a smooth, medium roast espresso with notes of chocolate, caramel, and a slight acidity, perfect for espresso-based drinks.

5. Lavazza

Recommendation: Lavazza Super Crema
An Italian brand known for its high-quality coffee, Lavazza’s Super Crema offers a mild, medium roast with hints of honey, almond, and dried fruit. It’s excellent for espresso or drip coffee.

6. Counter Culture Coffee

Recommendation: Apollo
Counter Culture’s Apollo is a bright, medium roast with lively fruit flavors and a smooth finish, known for its great balance and complexity.

7. Caribou Coffee

Recommendation: Caribou Blend
Caribou’s signature blend offers a rich, smooth flavor with hints of chocolate and spice. It’s a comforting medium roast that works well for all brewing methods.

8. Death Wish Coffee

Recommendation: Death Wish Medium Roast
For those who want a medium roast with extra caffeine, Death Wish offers a bold, smooth cup with a slightly nutty flavor. It’s perfect for those who want a strong but smooth experience.

9. Dunkin’

Recommendation: Dunkin’ Original Blend
A classic choice for coffee lovers who enjoy a medium roast that’s easy to drink. Dunkin’s Original Blend offers a smooth, slightly sweet flavor.

10. Seattle’s Best Coffee

Recommendation: Post Alley
Post Alley is a medium roast with a well-balanced flavor profile, featuring notes of caramel, chocolate, and nuts. It’s a great option for those who like a smooth, easy-drinking coffee.

Things to Look For in Medium Roast:

Flavor Profile: Medium roasts often have a balanced flavor with a mix of sweetness, acidity, and richness.
Brew Methods: Works well in drip coffee makers, pour-over, French press, and espresso.
Freshness: Always try to get freshly roasted coffee for the best flavor experience.

These are just a few options, and the best medium roast will depend on your specific taste preferences!

Tips For Brewing And Enjoying Your Medium Roast Coffee

Brewing and enjoying medium-roast coffee can be a delightful experience with the right tips. Here’s how to make the most out of your medium-roast coffee:

1. Grind Fresh for Best Flavor

Grind size: Medium roast beans should be ground to a medium consistency, similar to sea salt. The grind size affects extraction, and getting it right is crucial for a balanced flavor.
Grind just before brewing: Grinding fresh coffee just before brewing preserves the aromatic oils and flavors that can dissipate in pre-ground coffee.

2. Use Clean, Filtered Water

Water quality greatly affects the taste of your coffee. Use filtered or spring water to avoid any off-tastes from tap water. The ideal water temperature for brewing is between 195°F and 205°F (90-96°C).

3. Measure Your Coffee

Coffee-to-water ratio: Start with a ratio of 1:15 (1 gram of coffee for every 15 grams of water), but adjust to taste. For a stronger brew, increase the coffee amount; for a lighter brew, use less.
A kitchen scale can help you be precise in measurements.

4. Choose Your Brewing Method

Pour-Over: This method allows for great control over the brewing process. It brings out clarity in the flavors of a medium roast coffee, highlighting its natural sweetness and balanced acidity.
French Press: This method is ideal for a fuller-bodied brew. The coffee grounds are steeped in water, extracting more oils, which adds depth and richness to the coffee.
Drip Coffee: Easy and convenient, a drip coffee maker works well with medium roasts, providing a clean and consistent cup.
Aeropress: This method offers versatility and portability, delivering a strong, flavorful cup with clarity and smoothness.

5. Brew Time and Extraction

Medium roasts typically extract better with a slightly longer brewing time compared to lighter roasts, but they can still become bitter if over-extracted.
For methods like pour-over, aim for around 3-4 minutes of brewing time; for French Press, 4-5 minutes should do.

6. Let It Rest

Once brewed, let your coffee sit for a minute or two. The flavors often continue to develop as the coffee cools slightly.

7. Experiment with Add-ins

Medium roast coffee has a balanced flavor profile, but you can enhance it with the right additions. Try a touch of milk or cream for creaminess, or explore spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth and complexity.

8. Taste and Adjust

As you enjoy your coffee, take note of how the flavors change as the cup cools. You might discover subtle notes of chocolate, caramel, fruit, or nuttiness. Don’t hesitate to adjust the brewing method or ratio if needed to find the perfect balance for your taste.

9. Pair with Snacks

Medium roast coffee pairs wonderfully with pastries, chocolate, nuts, or fruit-based treats. Consider enjoying it with a muffin, biscotti, or even a piece of dark chocolate to enhance the flavors.

By paying attention to these details, you can get the best out of your medium roast coffee and create a rich, flavorful coffee experience.

Medium Coffee Bean Characteristics

Medium coffee beans typically fall within a medium roast range, which is characterized by the following traits:

1. Color and Appearance

Color: Medium brown, often with a slight sheen from the natural oils that start to surface.
Surface: Not overly oily, as the roasting temperature hasn’t reached the point where oils emerge in excess.
Size: The beans are usually uniform in size, though slight variations can exist depending on the origin.

2. Flavor Profile

Balance: A medium roast brings out a balanced flavor profile with a good combination of the coffee’s inherent acidity, sweetness, and bitterness.
Acidity: Moderate acidity, often bright and fruity but not overpowering.
Sweetness: Slight caramelization of sugars during roasting contributes to a mild sweetness.
Bitterness: Minimal bitterness, allowing the bean’s original flavors to shine through.
Body: Medium-bodied, offering a smooth and rich mouthfeel.
Flavor Notes: Can include a variety of characteristics like chocolate, nuts, caramel, citrus, or floral notes depending on the origin.

3. Aroma

The aroma tends to be fragrant and slightly sweet, with hints of the origin’s unique flavor characteristics.
Can have roasted notes without being too dark or charred.

4. Roasting Time and Temperature

Roasted at temperatures ranging from 400°F to 430°F (204°C to 221°C).
The roasting process is stopped just before reaching the “second crack,” where the beans would turn into a darker roast (like dark roast or espresso).

5. Caffeine Content

Medium roast beans have a moderate caffeine content. They are slightly higher in caffeine than darker roasts but lower than light roasts.

6. Origin

Medium roast beans are popular for beans from a variety of origins, as they strike a good balance between showcasing the beans’ inherent flavors and the effects of roasting.

In summary, medium coffee beans are ideal for those seeking a balanced cup that isn’t too light or too dark, offering a good mix of aroma, acidity, sweetness, and body.

Flavor Profile Of Medium Coffee Beans

Medium roast coffee beans typically have a well-balanced flavor profile that highlights the natural characteristics of the beans while offering the richness of the roasting process. Here are some common flavor notes and attributes of medium-roast coffee beans:

Acidity: Medium roast beans retain a moderate level of acidity, often described as bright, lively, or fruity. This acidity can resemble citrus or apple notes, offering a crispness without being overwhelming.
Sweetness: A medium roast often brings out the inherent sweetness of the beans, with hints of brown sugar, honey, or caramel. This sweetness can be balanced with the slight bitterness of the roast.
Body: The body of medium-roast coffee is typically smooth and well-rounded. It has a fuller mouthfeel compared to light roasts, but without the heaviness that can be found in dark roasts.
Flavor Complexity: Medium roast beans offer a mix of the original flavors of the beans and the nuances of the roasting process. You might taste notes like chocolate, nutty, or mild fruitiness, along with some of the earthy or floral characteristics of the origin.
Roast Flavor: The roasting process adds a mild roasted flavor, which can give a sense of toasted bread, biscuit, or even a light smokiness, without masking the coffee’s original flavors.

In short, medium-roast coffee beans strike a balance between bright acidity, sweet notes, and the richness of roasted flavors, creating a versatile and pleasing cup for many coffee drinkers.

Roasting Process And Appearance Of Medium Coffee Beans

The roasting process of coffee beans is crucial to developing their flavor profile. Here’s an overview of what happens during roasting and how medium-roast coffee beans appear:

Roasting Process

Green Bean to Roasting: Coffee beans start as green, unroasted seeds from the fruit of the coffee plant. Roasting typically begins by heating the beans at around 370°F to 540°F (188°C to 282°C), depending on the desired roast level.
Stage 1 – Drying: The beans first go through a drying stage, where moisture inside the beans evaporates. This process lasts for several minutes, during which the beans change from green to a yellowish color and emit a grassy smell.
Stage 2 – Maillard Reaction: As the beans continue to heat, a chemical reaction called the Maillard Reaction occurs, which produces sugars and amino acids that caramelize. This stage is crucial for developing the flavor complexity of the coffee. The beans begin to brown, and the coffee starts to emit richer, sweeter aromas.
Stage 3 – First Crack: At a temperature of around 196°C (385°F), the beans undergo an audible “first crack,” where they expand and crack open due to the build-up of steam inside the beans. This marks the transition to light roast and is where the coffee’s acidity begins to develop.
Stage 4 – Development Stage: For medium roast, beans continue to heat after the first crack. This stage is key to balancing the natural acidity and developing deeper, fuller flavors. The roasting time can vary, but medium-roast beans usually reach around 210°C to 220°C (410°F to 428°F).
End of Roasting: Once the beans are removed from the heat, they begin to cool rapidly to stop the roasting process. The exact moment the beans are cooled determines the final roast level.

Appearance of Medium-Roast Beans

Color: Medium-roast beans are a rich brown color, with no oil visible on the surface. The absence of oil indicates that the beans haven’t reached the temperatures needed for a dark roast.
Surface: The beans have a dry, matte surface. The Maillard Reaction has fully developed the sugars, but they haven’t reached the point where oils emerge onto the surface.
Size and Shape: Medium-roast beans expand slightly compared to their green state, though not as much as dark-roasted beans. They remain more compact, with a slightly glossy, yet dry appearance.

The flavor of medium-roast coffee is typically balanced, with a pleasant mix of acidity, sweetness, and mild bitterness, highlighting the beans’ origin characteristics without being overpowered by roasting flavors.

Brewing Recommendations For Medium Coffee Beans

Brewing medium coffee beans, which are typically roasted to a medium roast level, can be a delightful experience as they offer a balanced flavor profile, often with a mix of both fruity and nutty notes. Here are a few brewing recommendations to get the best out of medium coffee beans:

1. Drip Coffee Maker (Automatic Brewer)

Grind Size: Medium grind (like sea salt)
Coffee to Water Ratio: 1:16 (1 gram of coffee to 16 grams of water). Adjust to taste.
Water Temperature: 195°F to 205°F (90°C to 96°C)
Brewing Time: 4 to 6 minutes
Tip: Use filtered water if possible, as it can enhance the taste. Ensure the coffee filter is clean to avoid any unwanted flavors.

2. Pour-Over (e.g., V60 or Chemex)

Grind Size: Medium-fine grind (slightly finer than table salt)
Coffee to Water Ratio: 1:15 to 1:17 (1 gram of coffee to 15-17 grams of water)
Water Temperature: 200°F (93°C)
Brewing Time: 3 to 4 minutes
Technique: Pour water in a slow, circular motion, starting from the center and working your way out to ensure even extraction.

3. French Press

Grind Size: Coarse grind (like breadcrumbs)
Coffee to Water Ratio: 1:15 (1 gram of coffee to 15 grams of water)
Water Temperature: 200°F (93°C)
Brewing Time: 4 to 5 minutes
Tip: After brewing, press the plunger slowly and evenly to avoid over-extraction and bitterness.

4. AeroPress

Grind Size: Medium-fine grind
Coffee to Water Ratio: 1:14 (1 gram of coffee to 14 grams of water)
Water Temperature: 190°F to 200°F (88°C to 93°C)
Brewing Time: 2 minutes
Method: You can try the “inverted” method (brewing upside down) for better control over steeping.

5. Cold Brew

Grind Size: Coarse grind
Coffee to Water Ratio: 1:4 (1 part coffee to 4 parts water)
Brewing Time: 12-24 hours in the fridge
Tip: Strain through a fine mesh or cheesecloth to avoid sediment in your cold brew.

6. Espresso (if you have an espresso machine)

Grind Size: Fine grind (almost powdered)
Coffee to Water Ratio: 1:2 (1 gram of coffee to 2 grams of water for a shot)
Water Temperature: 190°F to 200°F (88°C to 93°C)
Brewing Time: 25 to 30 seconds
Tip: Use fresh beans for the best crema (foam) and adjust the grind size to achieve a balanced extraction.

General Tips for Medium Beans:

Freshness is key: Always grind your coffee just before brewing for the freshest taste.
Water quality: Use clean, filtered water as it makes up most of your cup and can significantly affect the taste.
Experiment with ratios: The standard 1:15 or 1:16 ratio can be a good starting point, but adjust to find the strength you prefer.

By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to get the best possible flavor out of your medium coffee beans!