KNOW YOUR ROASTS – Lost Trail Coffee

KNOW YOUR ROASTS

Know your roasts?

A Guide to Finding Your Perfect Roast

 

The wild world of coffee roasts can be a little confusing. With so many names and so little industry standardization, how do you know what you’re really getting? At Lost Trail Coffee, we believe finding your perfect roast is part of the adventure.

Think of it as a spectrum of flavor, color, and aroma. While every roast is a personal choice, they generally fall into one of four categories. Here’s a simple guide to help you find the roast that fuels your journey.

 

Light Roasts

 

Light brown in color with a subtle flavor profile, these beans are roasted for a shorter time, so no oil reaches the surface. This process retains more of the original flavor of the bean, giving you a bright, lively cup.

The Caffeine Myth: Many people assume a dark, strong-tasting coffee has more caffeine, but it's actually the opposite! Light roasts have a slightly higher caffeine concentration than dark roasts, making them a great choice for that morning jolt.

  • Taste Profile: Bright, complex, and sometimes fruity or floral.

  • Common Names: Light City, Half City, Cinnamon

 

Medium Roasts

 

Medium roasts are the most popular choice in the United States, offering a well-balanced brew with a richer, more developed flavor than a light roast. The beans are still non-oily and have a medium brown color. Our Old School Joe is a great example of this classic style, offering a smooth, full-bodied experience.

  • Taste Profile: Smooth, balanced, and full-bodied.

  • Common Names: City, American, Breakfast, Vienna

 

Medium-Dark Roasts

 

Rich and dark in color, these beans have a touch of oil on the surface from the longer roasting process. The flavor profile is stronger with a pleasant bittersweet aftertaste. This roast category is a favorite for those who want a bold cup without the intense flavor of a true dark roast.

Our Rubicon Espresso Roast is a great example of this style, offering a bold and rich experience.

  • Taste Profile: Full-bodied, with bittersweet and smoky notes.

  • Common Names: Full City

 

Dark Roasts

 

For a deep, smoky brew, look for dark roasts. The beans are shiny and black with an oily surface and a noticeably bitter, pronounced flavor. The roasting process burns away most of the bean's acidity, resulting in a smooth finish. Dark roasts are also an excellent choice for espresso brewing.

  • Taste Profile: Smoky, bittersweet, and intense.

  • Common Names: High, Continental, European, French, Italian

 

The Unique Flavor of Single-Origin Beans

 

Beyond the roast, the bean's origin and processing method can define its entire character. Single-origin coffees are a testament to the distinct taste a region can impart.

 

Sumatra

 

Our Red Rock Sumatra beans offer a truly unique and adventurous flavor profile. Known for their earthy, rich, and syrupy body, these beans have a low acidity that makes for an incredibly smooth and full cup. The distinctive flavor is a result of a unique processing method known as Giling Basah, or "wet hulling," which is specific to the region. It's a taste that's as bold and untamed as the wild trails we love to explore.

 

Ultimately, the perfect roast is the one you enjoy most. Now that you have a map, it's time to explore.  Find your favorite roasted coffee and fuel your next adventure with Lost Trail Coffee.