What roast of coffee is the strongest?

by Mitch

(White Lake)

Light and dark roasted coffee beans

QUESTION:

Hi,

At work everyone is always complaining about how weak the coffee is. And it seems I’m the designated coffee guy, charged with finding a stronger coffee.

I’m pretty sure we’re using enough ground coffee for each brew, so I’m thinking we may just be buying a weak coffee or roast.

Where should I start? What should I look for?

Matt

ANSWER:

Matt, hi

When it comes to strength in coffee, it can be complicated.

It’s not necessarily the roast level that determines “strength”, but rather the coffee’s origin, processing method, and brewing technique.

That being said, if you’re looking for a roast that typically packs a powerful punch in its taste, you might want to consider a dark roast.

Dark roasted coffee beans are roasted for a longer period, which results in a more intense flavor profile. The longer roasting process caramelizes the sugars in the beans, leading to a bold, smoky, and sometimes bitter taste.

This roast level tends to mask some of the flavors of the beans themselves, but it does bring out a rich and full-bodied taste that some coffee drinkers crave.

BUT… If you’re after a strong caffeine kick, it’s worth noting that caffeine content is actually higher in lighter roasts, as the longer a bean is roasted, the more caffeine is burned off.

Ultimately, the “strongest” roast is subjective and can vary from person to person.

For a stronger taste, go with dark roasts.

For a higher caffeine content, go with a light roast.

Or find your own sweet spot in between.

Experiment with different coffees and roast levels, until you hit the best option for your colleagues.

Good luck!

Nick