Espresso Roast vs Filter Roast? What’s The Difference?

When it comes to coffee, the type of roast you choose can make a big difference in the flavor and aroma of your final cup. Two popular types of coffee roasts are espresso roast and filter roast. Both have their distinct characteristics and are best suited for different brewing methods. Espresso roast is a darker roast with a rich and robust flavor for espresso-based drinks. On the other hand, the filter roast is a lighter roast with a more delicate flavor.

In this blog post, we will delve into the nuances of each roast and provide a comprehensive guide to help you understand the differences between them. This will help you make an informed decision when purchasing beans and brewing your coffee, ensuring you get the perfect cup every time.

What Is Espresso Roast?

Espresso roast is a type of coffee roast that is specifically designed for use in espresso-based drinks. Dark, rich color and a robust, full-bodied flavor characterize it. The beans are roasted longer, giving them a strong, bold taste and a smoky aroma. This roast is particularly well-suited for espresso, lattes, cappuccinos, and other coffee-based drinks made with an espresso machine.

One important thing to remember is that while espresso roast coffee beans are designed explicitly for espresso-based drinks, they can also be used in other brewing methods, like a French press or drip coffee. However, the flavor profile will be different than it would be if you used a lighter roast.

Brewing Time: 20-30 seconds

Taste Style: Concentrated, Intense

Which Roast Type to use? Just espresso roasts

Filter roasts

Filter roast is a coffee roast designed for use in pour-over, drip, and French press brewing methods. It has a lighter color than espresso roast and a more delicate flavor. The beans are roasted for a shorter period, which preserves the unique characteristics of the beans and allows the natural flavors to shine through. This type of roast is particularly well-suited for coffee enthusiasts who prefer a subtler, more nuanced flavor profile.

One of the main differences between filter roast and espresso roast is that it is less bitter and has more acidity, giving it a brighter and fresher taste. Additionally, filter roast beans have a higher caffeine content than espresso roast beans.

Filter roast is perfect for those who prefer to taste the origin and unique characteristics of the beans. It is a lighter roast with a delicate flavor, bright, and fresher flavor than the Espresso roast. It is well-suited for brewing methods like pour-over, drip, and French press.

Brewing Time: 3-5 Minutes

Taste Style: Regular, balanced

Which Roast Type to use? Both regular and espresso

Omni roast

Omni roast is a term used to describe a coffee roast suitable for all brewing methods. It compromises the filter roast’s lightness and the espresso roast’s darkness. The beans are roasted to a medium level, allowing them to be used in various brewing methods without sacrificing flavor.

An Omni roast aims to produce a coffee with a balanced flavor profile with a good combination of acidity, sweetness, and body. This roast is particularly well-suited for those who want to enjoy a versatile coffee. That can be used in multiple brewing methods without purchasing different types of beans for other brewing methods.

Understanding Other Coffee Roasts

As a coffee lover, you are likely familiar with the various coffee roasts available and that many coffee drinkers have personal preferences. However, do you thoroughly understand the nuances of each roast?

We will delve deeper into the specifics of each roast level, from light to dark. This will help you make an informed decision when purchasing beans and brewing your coffee, ensuring you get the perfect cup every time.

Medium Roasts

A medium brown color and a balanced flavor profile characterize medium roast coffee. The beans are roasted for a moderate amount of time, allowing them to retain a moderate acidity while developing a deeper body and richer flavor. It is a versatile roast used for a wide range of brewing methods. This type of roast is often called “American roast” as it is the most common roast level in the United States.

Medium-Dark Roasts

Medium-dark roast coffee is a roast with a dark brown color and a bold, rich flavor. The beans are roasted longer than medium roast, which results in a higher level of caramelization and a deeper, more complex flavor profile. This is often called a “Full City Roast” or “Vienna Roast.” This roast is famous for its bold flavor and is best suited for French press, pour-over, and drip coffee makers.

Dark Roasts

Dark roast coffee is characterized by a very dark color, often with a shiny, oily surface. The beans are roasted longer than medium or medium-dark roast, resulting in a smoky, more profound, more complex flavor profile. This roast is an excellent option for those who prefer a bold and intense flavor profile.

This type of roast is often referred to as “French roast,” “Italian roast,” or “Espresso roast.”

Why Does Coffee Need To Be Roasted Differently?

Coffee needs to be roasted differently to bring out the unique flavors and characteristics of the beans. The roasting process significantly impacts the flavor profile of the coffee, and different roasting levels can bring out different flavors and aromas. To learn more about roasting coffee at home and to explore various methods, our guide, “How to Roast Your Coffee Beans at Home: 4 Different Methods”, provides a detailed walkthrough.

The roasting process causes chemical reactions to take place within the beans. As the beans are heated, the sugars and amino acids begin to caramelize, producing the characteristic brown color and rich flavor of roasted coffee. The longer the beans are roasted, the more caramelization occurs, resulting in a darker roast and a more robust, bolder flavor.

Additionally, the roasting process also affects the acidity level of the coffee. Lighter roasts tend to have higher acidity levels, while darker roasts have lower acidity levels. This is why light roasts are often described as bright and fruity, while dark roasts are described as bold and smoky.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, espresso roast and filter roast are two distinct types of coffee roasts with their own unique characteristics, flavor profiles, and brewing methods. Espresso roast is a dark roast designed explicitly for espresso machines and is known for its bold and intense flavor. On the other hand, the filter roast is a medium roast designed for brewing methods such as pour-over, drip, and French press. Its balanced acidity and body characterize it. Both roasts have unique flavor profiles and brewing methods due to personal preference.

Whether you prefer the bold and intense flavor of espresso roast or the balanced acidity and body of filter roast, understanding the difference between these roasts can help you make an informed decision when choosing the perfect cup of coffee.

If you’re interested in exploring a unique espresso-based beverage, consider learning about cortadito coffee, which combines espresso with steamed milk, in our guide, “Cortadito Coffee: What Is It and How to Make It?”.