What is City Roast Coffee? A Guide to Roasting Levels and Flavor Profiles

City roast coffee is a medium to dark roast with a distinct flavor that is achieved through a specific roasting process. The roast occurs after the first crack begins, typically between 415 and 425 degrees Fahrenheit. This roast has a darker color than lighter roasts and is often referred to as New England roast.

At this stage in the roasting process, the coffee is mid-first crack and begins to have a noticeable coffee aroma. The coffee is drinkable and frequently roasted to this level for cupping purposes. The origin of the coffee can be tasted with little to no "roast" taste, making it an excellent choice for those who want to experience the unique flavors of different coffee varieties.

City roast is a popular roast profile, particularly among Nordic and third-wave specialty roasters. It produces a balanced, light-bodied brew with relatively high acidity. Understanding the different roast names is essential to knowing what characteristics to expect from your coffee. In the following sections, we will explore what city roast coffee is, how it is roasted, and what makes it unique.

Understanding City Roast Coffee

City roast coffee is a medium-to-dark roasted coffee that has a more pronounced flavor than lighter roasts. The roast level of city roast coffee is typically between 415 and 425 degrees Fahrenheit, just after the first crack begins, around 395 to 405 degrees. It is also known as New England roast.

The roasting process is complex and has a significant impact on the final characteristics of the coffee, from its body and sweetness to its acidity and mouthfeel. The roast level determines the flavor profile of the coffee. City roast coffee has a medium brown color and is roasted for a shorter time than darker roasts.

During the roasting process, the beans go through two distinct stages called the first crack and second crack. The first crack is the point where the beans start to expand and release moisture, creating a cracking sound. City roast coffee is roasted just after the first crack begins. The second crack occurs when the beans start to caramelize and produce an oil sheen. Darker roasts are roasted after the second crack.

City roast coffee is considered a medium roast and is more acidic than darker roasts. It has a balanced flavor profile with hints of sweetness and a slight bitterness. It is a popular choice for those who prefer a stronger coffee flavor without the intense bitterness of dark roasts.

Other roast levels include light roasts, medium roasts, dark roasts, and full city roasts. Full city roast is a darker roast than city roast and occurs just before the second crack. It has a deeper, richer flavor than city roast but is less acidic.

In conclusion, city roast coffee is a medium-to-dark roasted coffee with a balanced flavor profile and a more pronounced flavor than lighter roasts. It is roasted just after the first crack begins and is more acidic than darker roasts. It is a popular choice for those who prefer a stronger coffee flavor without the intense bitterness of dark roasts.

Tasting Notes of City Roast

Flavor Profile

City roast coffee has a unique flavor profile that is more pronounced than lighter roasts. The longer roasting time or darker beans give it a darker color and a rich, bold flavor. The flavor can vary depending on the origin of the beans and the specific roasting process used. Some common flavor notes found in city roast coffee include chocolate, caramel, nutty, and earthy.

Acidity and Sweetness

City roast coffee typically has a medium acidity level, which is lower than lighter roasts but higher than darker roasts. This acidity level gives the coffee a bright and lively taste. The sweetness level can also vary depending on the beans and roasting process. Some city roast coffees have a sweet, fruity taste, while others have a more caramel-like sweetness.

Aroma

The aroma of city roast coffee is an important aspect of its overall taste experience. The aroma can vary depending on the specific beans and roasting process used. Some common aromas found in city roast coffee include chocolate, caramel, nutty, and floral. The aroma can also give a hint of the flavor notes that will be present in the coffee.

Overall, city roast coffee offers a unique taste experience with a bold flavor, medium acidity, and varying sweetness levels. Its aroma can also provide a hint of what to expect from the flavor.

Comparing City Roast to Other Roasts

When it comes to coffee, there are many different roast types available. City roast, also known as New England roast, is a medium-to-dark roast that falls somewhere between light and dark roasts. In this section, we will compare city roast to other popular roast types and explore their differences.

Light Roast

Light roast coffee is characterized by its light brown color, mild flavor, and low acidity. It is typically roasted for a shorter amount of time than other roasts, which allows the coffee bean's natural flavors to shine through. Cinnamon roast is a type of light roast that is even lighter than city roast, with a cinnamon-like color and a subtle cinnamon flavor.

Medium Roast

City roast is a type of medium roast, but there are other medium roasts available as well. Medium roasts are roasted for a slightly longer amount of time than light roasts, which results in a darker color and a more caramelized flavor. New York roast is a type of medium roast that is slightly darker than city roast, while light French roast is a bit lighter.

Dark Roast

Dark roast coffee is characterized by its dark brown color, bold flavor, and high acidity. French roast is a type of dark roast that is roasted for the darkest roast level possible, with an Agtron range of 25-35. Vienna roast is a dark roast that is brewed as espresso, while Italian roast is a type of dark roast that is even darker than French roast. Spanish roast is the darkest roast available, with a near-black color and a smoky, charred flavor.

Overall, city roast is a versatile roast type that falls somewhere in the middle of the roast spectrum. It has a more pronounced flavor than lighter roasts but is not as bold as darker roasts. Whether you prefer a light, medium, or dark roast, there is a coffee roast out there for everyone.

Origin and Processing Influence on City Roast

City roast is a medium-to-dark roast coffee that is known for its pronounced flavor. The roast profile of a coffee has a significant impact on the quality of the coffee, and it can bring out certain flavors and aromas, while also highlighting characteristics such as mouthfeel, body, and acidity. The origin and processing methods of green coffee beans have a significant influence on the final flavor of the coffee, and this is especially true for city roast.

Influence of Origin

The origin of the green coffee beans has a significant impact on the flavor of the final city roast. Different regions produce coffee beans with distinct flavor profiles, and these flavors can be enhanced or subdued during the roasting process. For example, coffee beans from Ethiopia are known for their fruity and floral flavors, while beans from Brazil are known for their nutty and chocolatey flavors. When roasting coffee beans from different regions, it is important to consider the origin flavor and how it will be affected by the roasting process.

Influence of Processing Methods

The processing methods used on green coffee beans can also have a significant impact on the final flavor of the city roast. There are two primary processing methods used in the coffee industry: washed and natural. Washed coffee beans are processed by removing the outer layers of the coffee cherry before drying the beans, while natural coffee beans are dried with the outer layers intact. The processing method used can affect the acidity, sweetness, and body of the final coffee. For example, washed coffee beans tend to have a cleaner and brighter flavor profile, while natural coffee beans have a more complex and fruitier flavor profile.

In conclusion, the origin and processing methods of green coffee beans have a significant impact on the final flavor of the city roast. Roasters must consider the origin flavor and processing methods when roasting coffee beans to achieve the desired flavor profile.

Brewing City Roast Coffee

City roast coffee is a medium to dark roast with a pronounced flavor. Brewing city roast coffee is easy and can be done using various methods. Here are some of the best brewing methods for city roast coffee:

Drip Coffee Maker

The drip coffee maker is the most popular brewing method for city roast coffee. It is easy to use and produces a consistent cup of coffee. To brew city roast coffee using a drip coffee maker, follow these steps:

1. Fill the coffee maker with cold water and add the appropriate amount of coffee grounds.
2. Turn on the coffee maker and wait for the coffee to brew.
3. Pour the coffee into a mug and enjoy.

French Press

The French press is another popular brewing method for city roast coffee. It produces a strong and flavorful cup of coffee. To brew city roast coffee using a French press, follow these steps:

1. Add the appropriate amount of coffee grounds to the French press.
2. Pour hot water over the coffee grounds and let it steep for 4-5 minutes.
3. Press down the plunger to separate the coffee grounds from the coffee.
4. Pour the coffee into a mug and enjoy.

Espresso

Espresso is a strong and concentrated coffee that is perfect for city roast coffee. To brew city roast coffee using an espresso machine, follow these steps:

1. Add the appropriate amount of coffee grounds to the portafilter.
2. Tamp the coffee grounds and lock the portafilter into the machine.
3. Turn on the machine and wait for the espresso to brew.
4. Pour the espresso into a demitasse cup and enjoy.

Cappuccinos and Lattes

Cappuccinos and lattes are popular coffee drinks that can be made using city roast coffee. To make a cappuccino or latte, follow these steps:

1. Brew a shot of espresso using an espresso machine.
2. Froth milk using a milk frother or steam wand.
3. Pour the frothed milk over the espresso.
4. Add any additional flavorings or syrups.
5. Enjoy your cappuccino or latte.

Overall, brewing city roast coffee is easy and can be done using various methods. Experiment with different brewing methods to find your perfect cup of city roast coffee.

Additional Characteristics of City Roast

City roast coffee is known for its unique characteristics that make it a popular choice among coffee lovers. Here are some additional characteristics of city roast coffee that you should know:

• Body: City roast coffee has a medium body, which means it is not too light or too heavy. It has a smooth and balanced texture that is easy to drink.

• Balance: City roast coffee has a perfect balance of acidity and sweetness. It is not too acidic or too sweet, which makes it a perfect choice for those who prefer a balanced taste.

• Flavours: City roast coffee has a variety of flavours, including caramel, chocolate, hazelnut, and floral notes. These natural flavours make it a crowd pleaser among coffee lovers.

• Caffeine: City roast coffee has a moderate amount of caffeine, which makes it a perfect choice for those who want to enjoy a cup of coffee without getting too jittery.

Overall, city roast coffee is a great choice for those who want to enjoy a balanced and flavourful cup of coffee without any overwhelming characteristics. Its variety of natural flavours and moderate caffeine content make it a crowd pleaser among coffee lovers.

Common Misconceptions about City Roast

Despite being a popular coffee roast, there are some common misconceptions about city roast that can lead to confusion among coffee enthusiasts. Here are a few misconceptions that need to be addressed:

• City roast is always oily: This is not true. City roast coffee can have faint patches of oil, but it is not always oily. The amount of oil in coffee beans depends on various factors, including the type of beans, the roast level, and the brewing method.

• City roast is sour or astringent: Some people believe that city roast coffee is sour or astringent, but this is not always the case. City roast coffee can have a bright acidity, but it should not be sour or astringent. If the coffee tastes sour or astringent, it might be under-developed or over-extracted.

• City roast has more sweetness than other roasts: While it is true that city roast coffee can have more sweetness than light-medium roasts, it is not always the case. The sweetness of coffee depends on various factors, including the type of beans, the roast level, and the brewing method.

• City roast is black or dark brown: City roast coffee is medium-roasted, which means it is lighter than dark roasts. It has a darker color than light roasts, but it is not black or dark brown. The color of city roast coffee can vary from light brown to medium brown.

• City roast is roasted until the second crack: City roast coffee is roasted until the first crack. The second crack is a darker roast level that produces a more intense, bold flavor. City roast coffee is roasted between 415 and 425 degrees Fahrenheit, just after the first crack begins, around 395 to 405 degrees.

In conclusion, these common misconceptions about city roast coffee can lead to confusion among coffee enthusiasts. It is important to understand the true characteristics of city roast coffee to fully appreciate its unique flavor profile.

Conclusion

City roast coffee is a medium to dark roasted coffee that is typically roasted until the second crack. It has a more pronounced flavor than lighter roasts and is characterized by its dark brown color and a few patches of oil. The roast profile of coffee has a considerable impact on the quality of the coffee, bringing out certain flavors and aromas while highlighting characteristics such as mouthfeel, body, and acidity.

Roasting coffee beans is an essential process that releases the aroma and flavor locked inside. Apart from the origin of the bean, the harvesting, and the processing, the roasting process is the next most important thing in creating a great coffee. The city roast is one of the most popular roasts, and it is a great starting point for those who are new to coffee roasting.

One of the benefits of city roast is that it allows the natural flavors of the coffee to shine through. It is not overly bitter or burnt, and it has a balanced flavor profile. City roast is also versatile and can be used in a variety of brewing methods, including drip, pour-over, and espresso.

In summary, city roast coffee is a medium to dark roast that is popular for its pronounced flavor and balanced profile. It is a great starting point for those who are new to coffee roasting and is versatile enough to be used in a variety of brewing methods.