The 787 Coffee Roasting Philosophy: From Light to Dark, and Why It Matters
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Coffee roast can be the thing that makes you get up and smile or pucker you face in disgust. Roasting is an art form that unlocks the unique character of a specialty coffee bean. We have a deep respect for all our single origin coffee that we bring to our coffee shops. We want YOU to taste the flavors of Puerto Rico, Colombia, and Mexico and it is all done through roast level. From light to dark, roasting highlights a unique side of the single origins coffee’s personality. By understanding what each roast offers, you can choose the best coffee that truly matches your taste.
Light Roast
Light roasts are the closest you'll get to tasting the pure expression of the coffee's origin. They are pulled early in the roasting process, before the sugars fully caramelize. This is the choice for those who want to experience the coffee's most complex and various flavors.
Unique Flavor Profile: Light roasts showcase delicate and bright flavor notes like citrus, florals, and berries. They have a crisp, refreshing acidity and a lighter body, making them a unique and lively cup.
Preserves Terroir: This roast level best preserves the unique characteristics of the coffee bean, from the soil it grew in to the altitude and climate. A light roast allows our single origin coffee to tell their story.
Higher Caffeine Content: Because the coffee beans are roasted for a shorter time, less caffeine is burned off. This results in a higher caffeine content compared to darker roasts.
If a light roast is too light though, it can result in an underdeveloped flavor, often tasting grassy, sour, or like raw grains. This is an indication that the sugars have not had enough time to develop, leaving the coffee with an unpleasant, green flavor.
Medium Roast
Medium roasts are where balance and sweetness shine. The acidity softens, the body becomes richer, and the flavors transform into a more universally appealing profile. It’s the sweet spot between preserving the single origins flavors and developing the rich notes from the roast itself.
Harmonious Flavor Profile: This roast offers a perfect balance of brightness and body. The flavors often include notes of caramel, chocolate, and nuts, along with some of the original fruity notes.
Versatile and Approachable: A medium roast is the ideal everyday favorite. It's approachable for those new to specialty coffee while still having enough complexity to satisfy a coffee connoisseur.
Fuller Body: As the roasting process extends, the coffee beans becomes denser and less acidic, giving a medium roast a fuller, smoother body that feels satisfying on the palate.
This is the roast of our single orgin coffee from our farm Hacienda Iluminada where every single coffee cherry is hand picked and freshly roasted! Giving YOU the best coffee in Maricao, Puerto Rico and you cold live the story in one of our coffee tours!
Book a visit today to see the farm to experience
Dark Roast
Dark roasts are often misunderstood as "burnt," but when done right, they're bold, smoky, and full-bodied without bitterness.
Deep, Rich Flavors: Dark roasts feature flavors that come from the roasting process itself, such as dark chocolate, toasted nuts, and a smoky finish. The distinct flavor of the coffee bean's origin is still present, but plays a secondary role.
Heavier Body and Low Acidity: The extended roasting time breaks down more of the bean's acids, resulting in a heavier body and a very smooth mouthfeel. This makes dark roasts an excellent choice for those with sensitive stomachs.
Oil on the Coffee Bean Surface: Dark roasts have an oily sheen on the surface of the coffee beans due to the prolonged heat. The oils, which contain the flavor compounds, are brought to the surface, signaling a well-developed roast.
If a dark roast is too dark, it will taste ashy, and intensely bitter. The flavors of the coffee origin are completely lost, and the notes become one-dimensional with a burnt taste that can be unpleasant.
Why Medium Roast Is Our Philosophy
At 787 Coffee, our master roasters have a deep respect for the art of the medium roast. This is our preferred roast because it perfectly showcases the balance and complexity of our specialty Puerto Rican coffee beans.
The medium roast allows us to highlight the unique buttery smoothness, a hint of citrus brightness, and the rich dark chocolate notes that define our freshly roasted coffee. It's the ultimate expression of our farm-to-cup journey.
Why Roasting Matters
Roasting is a philosophy of respect, patience, and love of the coffee bean. By understanding the differences between light, medium, and dark roasts, you can analyze the taste and spectrum of flavors that speak most to you. We’re here to help you explore that journey, one roast at a time.
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To summarize…
1. Roasting Is the Art of Unlocking Flavor
At 787 Coffee, roasting is an art form that unlocks the unique character of specialty coffee beans. Every roast level, from light to dark, is a deliberate choice made to highlight a different side of the bean’s flavor profile and personality.
2. The Unique Role of Each Roast
Light roasts are for the adventurous palate. They preserve the bean's origin flavors and bright acidity, resulting in a lively, vibrant cup.
Medium roasts are the perfect balance. They offer a harmonious blend of sweetness and a fuller body, creating a versatile and approachable cup with flavors of caramel and chocolate.
Dark roasts are for those who prefer intensity. When done right, they produce a bold, rich, and smooth cup with low acidity and deep flavors of dark chocolate and toasted nuts.
3. The Medium Roast Is Our Signature
The medium roast is considered the best coffee for 787 Coffee because it perfectly showcases the unique characteristics of their single-origin beans. This roast level brings out specific notes of dark chocolate, citrus, and buttery smoothness, making it the ultimate expression of their freshly roasted coffee.
