What are Espresso Roast coffee beans?
If you’re a coffee drinker, you’ve probably heard people in cafes asking the barista about their Espresso Roast multiple times. As someone who enjoys coffee, you might understand what that means—or maybe you don’t. The issue is that there doesn’t seem to be a universally agreed-upon definition of what exactly an Espresso Roast is.
In this article, we’ll explore what Espresso Roast coffee beans are and provide some essential information you should know.
What is an Espresso Roast?

Among all types of baking, coffee beans, and coffee flavors, none stands out as much as Espresso Roast. So what exactly is it? Surprisingly, Espresso Roast is entirely different from the Espresso we are familiar with and love. Espresso Roast refers to a type of dark roasted coffee bean that is typically used to make espresso.
Essentially, Espresso Roast is a roast specifically designed for making espresso coffee. In short, Espresso Roast coffee beans are roasted longer than regular coffee beans to reduce their acidity and enhance the overall flavor of the coffee. This roasting method is particularly suitable for making espresso and espresso-based drinks.
Understanding Different Types of Roasted Coffee Beans
You probably already know that there are various types of roasts available, and most coffee enthusiasts have their personal favorites. But how well do you understand different coffee roasts? We will discuss each type below.
Medium Roasted Coffee Beans

Medium Roast Coffee Beans
Medium roasted coffee beans offer a richer flavor and deeper color than light roasted beans. They are not oily, and their taste is less acidic. Medium roasts contain less caffeine and provide a more balanced flavor profile.
If you’re new to espresso, medium roast is the ideal choice.
Medium-Dark Roasted Coffee Beans

Medium-Dark Roasted Coffee Beans
To brew the perfect espresso, most baristas suggest using this type of roast. It offers a full-bodied, rounded, and dense flavor profile that is richer than lighter or medium roasts. You can anticipate a combination of bittersweet and spicy notes, with subtle hints of caramel and chocolate, influenced by the age and origin of the beans.
Dark roasted coffee beans

Dark roasted coffee beans
Dark roasted coffee beans are characterized by their deep color and oily surface. This comes from being heated at the highest temperatures. Consequently, they possess a smoky flavor that borders on burnt, yet remains delightful for many espresso aficionados. These dark roasts are ideally suited for use in a French press; using them in other machines may result in a less enjoyable espresso experience.
Ultimately, there is no strict definition for an Italian roast, but the type of roast you select will significantly influence the quality of your espresso. Therefore, it’s essential to determine which roast level best suits your taste before embarking on your espresso-making adventure.