Dark Roast Coffee
Bold, intense, and unapologetically smoky. Dark roast is for those who love coffee with serious character.
What is Dark Roast?
Dark roast coffee is roasted to an internal temperature of 446-482°F (230-250°C), well into or beyond the second crack. The beans become very dark brown to nearly black, with a shiny, oily surface.
At this roast level, the roast character completely dominates. Origin flavors are replaced by bold, smoky, and bitter notes characteristic of the roasting process itself. The prolonged heat creates unique flavors you won't find in lighter roasts.
Common names include: French Roast, Italian Roast, Spanish Roast, New Orleans Roast, and the darkest of all, Neapolitan or Charcoal Roast.
Quick Facts
| Roast Temperature | 446-482°F (230-250°C) |
| Roast Level | Through second crack |
| Bean Color | Very dark, oily surface |
| Caffeine Content | Lowest (by weight) |
| Acidity | Very Low |
| Body | Heavy/Full |
Flavor Profile
Intense roast character dominates
Common Tasting Notes
Smoky: Campfire, charcoal, ash, burnt wood
Bold: Tar, rubber, intense roast
Bitter: Dark chocolate, unsweetened cocoa
Other: Charred toast, tobacco, leather, earthy
Best Brewing Methods
Dark roasts can handle strong brewing methods
Espresso
Traditional Italian espresso uses dark roasts for their bold, intense flavor and thick crema. Classic choice for straight shots.
View GuideCold Brew
The long, cold extraction mellows bitterness while preserving body. Creates a smooth, chocolatey concentrate.
View GuideFrench Press
Full immersion captures all the oils and body. Produces a thick, intense cup that dark roast fans love.
View GuideRecommended Dark Roasts
Quality dark roasts that do it right
Peet's French Roast
The original deep roast pioneer. Bold and smoky with a complex, bittersweet finish. A dark roast legend.
View on AmazonDeath Wish Coffee
Bold and intense with double the caffeine of average coffee. Smooth dark roast without excessive bitterness.
View on AmazonCafe Bustelo Espresso
Cuban-style dark roast with intense flavor. Affordable and perfect for espresso or strong drip coffee.
View on AmazonThe Dark Roast Debate
Why Some People Love Dark Roast
Familiarity: For decades, dark roast was the standard in American coffee. Many people grew up with this flavor and find it comforting.
Consistency: Dark roasting masks origin differences, creating a predictable flavor regardless of the beans used.
Low Acidity: The extended roasting neutralizes acids, making dark roast easier on sensitive stomachs.
Boldness: Some people simply prefer intense, bitter flavors over delicate, fruity ones.
The Specialty Coffee Perspective
Many specialty roasters avoid dark roasts because they believe the extended roasting destroys the unique characteristics that make each coffee special. However, quality dark roasts done with skill can still be complex and enjoyable - it's a matter of personal preference.
Dark Roast and Caffeine
The Caffeine Myth
Many people assume dark roast has more caffeine because it tastes "stronger." In reality, it's the opposite:
By Weight: Dark roast has slightly less caffeine because some is destroyed during the longer roasting process.
By Volume: Dark roast beans are larger (they expand during roasting), so a scoop contains fewer beans and thus less caffeine.
The difference is small (about 5-10%), but if maximum caffeine is your goal, choose light roast.