About Roast Levels
About roast levels: an important guide to the taste of coffee
Roasting greatly changes the aroma, sweetness and bitterness of coffee beans.
Here, based on the common 8 roast levels (from Light Roast to Italian Roast), we introduce the character of each and how we recommend enjoying it.
We hope this helps you find a cup you like.
Roast level chart
| Roast level (Roast Level) |
Category (light / medium / dark) |
Bean color | Main flavors | Recommended brewing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light Roast Light Roast |
Very light | Bright cinnamon | Vivid, fruit-like acidity | Hand drip (a little less coffee, hot water) |
| Cinnamon Roast Cinnamon Roast |
Light | Cinnamon | Gentle acidity and soft sweetness | Paper drip, French press |
| Medium Roast Medium Roast |
Medium-light | Chestnut brown | Citrus acidity balanced with toastiness | Any drip method, AeroPress |
| High Roast High Roast |
Medium | Slightly deep brown | Sweetness and body come through; acidity is gentle | Drip, siphon |
| City Roast City Roast |
Medium-dark | Deep brown | A balance of sweetness, bitterness and body | Drip, espresso |
| Full City Roast Full City Roast |
Medium-dark to dark | Chocolate brown | Caramel-like sweetness with a hint of smoke | Espresso, café au lait |
| French Roast French Roast |
Dark | Dark brown, almost black | Deep bitterness and toastiness | Cold brew, café latte |
| Italian Roast Italian Roast |
Very dark | Black (oil on the surface) | Strong bitterness with a smoky finish | Short espresso shots |
How flavor changes with roast level
- A gradation from acidity to bitterness
The lighter the roast, the more fruity acidity remains; the darker it gets, the more the sugars caramelize and bitterness and body come forward. - Sweetness peaks at medium to medium-dark
Around City Roast, you can feel the sweetest finish and the richest aroma. - The oily feel of dark roasts
From French Roast onward, oil appears on the surface of the beans and gives a rich mouthfeel.
Tips for choosing a roast level
◎ If you want a light, fruity cup
We recommend Light to High Roast. Drinking it a little cooled, at 70–80°C, brings out the bright fruitiness.
◎ If you want a well-balanced taste
Around City Roast is ideal. Our "Showacho Blend®" is roasted to this level, so you can enjoy a good balance of aroma, sweetness and body.
◎ If you want firm bitterness and body
Try Full City to French Roast. They also go very well with milk and sugar.
Our roasting style
At Usagi to Boku, we think about the roast level that best suits each bean's character and roast while adjusting the temperature.
We keep our beans at roast levels that are relatively easy to drink.
How to order coffee beans
In the shop, we roast after you order (about 10 minutes).
Feel free to order while you enjoy the café.
Beans of each roast level are also available in our online shop.
See our coffee beans page
Summary
Roast level is an important guide to the character of a coffee.
From light to dark roasts, each has its own appeal.
Find the roast level you like for your mood and the moment, and enjoy the rich world of coffee.