Whether you’re waking up in the morning, meeting friends at a cafe, or need an afternoon pick-me-up, nothing hits the spot like a cup of coffee. If you’re not a coffee connoisseur, you may not know how different roasts can affect the flavor of a drink. Here’s your guide to four roast options you’ll find at most cafes.

Types of Coffee Roasts

1. Light

Lightly roasted beans are cooked for the least amount of time at the lowest temperature. If you want to be able to taste the distinct regional flavor variations in your coffee, a light roast may be for you. It also tends to have a brighter acidity and mild sweetness, as well as a higher caffeine content.

2. Medium

Medium-roast beans are popular among Americans because the flavors provide a pleasant middle ground between light and dark. If you’re not sure which roast to select, your barista will likely suggest medium. The acidity is not as pronounced compared to a light roast, and the flavor is a bit bolder and sweeter, but the taste is not as bitter as a dark roast.

3. Medium-Dark

Medium-dark roasted beans have a bit of oil on the surface, though they don’t gleam like dark roasts. This brew has a rich flavor with a slightly bitter aftertaste that’s similar to semi-sweet chocolate.

4. Dark

Dark roasts have strong cacao flavors of dark chocolate, with hints of nut and caramel. These beans are very oily on the surface, resulting in a rich, bold, bitter brew with less acidity than lighter roasts. These dark brown, almost black-colored beans create the preferred brew across the pond in Europe.

If you’re in search of a cup of joe in Lakeville, MN, stop by Mainstreet Coffee & Wine Bar. Serving customers from Farmington, Apple Valley, Burnsville, and Prior Lake, this specialty cafe and wine and beer bar provides a range of delicious beverages in a comfortable and elegant historical building. Call (952) 985-7650 to speak with a friendly staff member about their box lunches, catering, and wine tasting. Visit the website to learn more about their medium-roast, dark-roast, decaf, iced, and flavored coffees.