Do you run a coffee shop? Or are you simply a caffeine lover in search of the best dark roast coffee in town?
Dark roast coffee is one of the favorites among coffee drinkers. Coffee shops use dark roast in their different offerings. Some of the most popular drinks that use dark roast include espresso and milk-based coffee drinks.
On top of its taste, dark roast coffee also offers health benefits. Studies show that regular consumption of dark roast coffee helps protect human DNA.
So what are the best dark roast coffee beans out there? Continue reading below to find out.
All in the Beans: What Makes the Best Dark Roast Coffee
Dark roasts tend to stand out for a number of reasons. First, its beans are shiny and come with an oily surface. When it comes to taste, it has a pronounced bitterness.
The darker your roast is, the less acidity your drink will have. And if you are planning to open a coffee shop, you need to familiarize yourself with the different roasts. Now let’s take a look at some of the finest dark beans that make the best dark coffee.
1. Colombian Supremo
Do you see off-the-shelf-brands market their coffee as “100% Columbian” blends? The Colombian Supremo is what they are actually trying to mimic.
Unfortunately, they don’t even come close to the real Supremo’s exquisite taste.
It features a smooth and complex body complemented by the right balance of acidity. It also comes with hints of brown sugar, milk chocolate, and juicy lemons.
This is an artisan coffee that requires a light roast level. This is the perfect dark coffee blend for new coffee enthusiasts. Nevertheless, it is still one of the go-to blends for veteran coffee lovers.
2. Ethiopian Yirgacheffe
Ethiopia is the world’s fifth largest coffee producer. It is also where some of the finest Arabica coffee comes from. The East African country boasts of a growing altitude of 1,700 to 2,200 meters above sea level.
The Yirgacheffe is a French roast blend that carries very mild fruity undertones. It also offers a robust flavor that will kick-off the day of any coffee drinker. Best of all, it comes with a baker’s chocolate finish to complete the experience.
Compared to the Colombian Supremo, its acidity goes up a few notches higher at medium-high.
Its unique flavors are a result of Ethiopia’s growing altitude. Coffee regulators classify the Yirgacheffe as Strictly Hard Bean (SHB) or Strictly High Grown (SHG) coffee. This means the coffee grows slowly due to the high altitude.
When coffee grows slowly, it enjoys more time for the nutrients to come in. This yields the Yirgacheffe’s exquisite flavors.
3. Tanzania Peaberry
If you are looking for a vibrant and winey acidity, the Tanzania Peaberry is something to go for. Before we go deeper into its taste, let’s first tackle its other forms of uniqueness.
Unlike most coffee beans that are born twins, the Tanzania Peaberry is different. Most involve two beans growing side by side inside each cherry of the coffee tree. The peaberry, on the other hand, grows when fertilization occurs only on one bean instead of two.
According to coffee experts, this single fertilization means that a peaberry comes with all the assets of two beans. The result is a chocolaty aroma with a subtle hint of oat.
It is a light roast that also features medium acidity. It gives off a floral aroma with hints of pineapple, citrus, or coconut.
But the surprising kick comes from its winey body.
The Tanzania Peaberry grows on Mt. Kilimanjaro or on Mt. Meru.
4. Sumatra Mandheling
Hailing all the way from Indonesia, the Sumatra Mandheling is one of the staples among coffee shops. Even your neighborhood coffee shop will likely have this blend.
The beans come with very low acidity. After French roasting, the coffee exudes an aroma of toasted almonds, maple syrup, and chocolate.
A distinct taste of baker’s chocolate provides a finishing kick to its smooth and robust body.
5. Guatemala Antigua
If you want a taste of what Guatemalan coffee is all about, this is your best bet. It features a full body complemented by its rich spicy flavor.
Unlike your typical coffee from Central America, its body is much heavier. It also gives hints of chocolate and lemon that leave an elegant taste in the mouth.
Choosing Your Coffee Beans
When it comes to picking coffee beans, there are key factors you need to consider. Let’s take a look at some of the most important ones.
1. The Taste You Prefer
Choose your coffee beans in line with the taste that you prefer. Are you looking for something with a smooth taste with different levels of acidity? Go for beans that are dry with light colors.
If you want something that is really strong, then go for the very dark and shiny ones. Beans that go through roasting for an extensive period tend to yield a bolder and bitter taste.
2. The Caffeine That You Want
Are you looking for a strong kick from caffeine? Then go for beans that are light to medium roast. If you want something lower, go for the darker ones.
Contrary to popular notion, dark roast coffee carries lower caffeine levels. The light ones, on the other hand, have the most caffeine.
3. The Roast Date
Finally, you need to check the roast date of the coffee. You will often find this right at the lower back portion of the packaging.
Your goal is to purchase something that is close to its roasting date. This will help ensure the freshness and integrity of the taste.
Get from the Best Source
If you are planning to put up a coffee business, it is best to go for unroasted beans. If you are looking to buy in bulk, we invite you to check out our extensive selection of high-quality coffee beans.
If you want to offer the best dark roast coffee or any other blend for that matter, get in touch with us today.
Upgrade your beans by getting them from the best source, today!