Bold vs. Dark Roast Coffee: What’s the Difference?

There are many ways to enjoy a cup of coffee, and the roast you choose has a direct influence over your overall experience. Some like their coffee more subtle, while others prefer a powerful punch of flavor to truly wake them up in the morning. Bold and dark roast coffees are some of the most popular for those who like their drinks strong. However, it’s common for even experienced coffee enjoyers to mix them up. Here are the differences between bold and dark roast coffees you need to know.

Dark Roast Coffee

To begin, dark roast coffee features beans that have undergone an extensive roasting process before bagging and shipping. This gives them a rich, deep color and a bold, bitter, and smoky profile. The extended roasting process also brings forward notes of burnt caramel or even chocolate, creating an intensely flavorful experience.

This roast is typically a favorite among those who relish strong coffee. At this stage of roasting, oils are more likely to emerge on the bean's surface, which is why dark roasts often have a slightly oily texture. The dark roast is an acquired taste, celebrated for its complex undercurrents and its ability to highlight the intricacies of single-origin beans.

Bold Roast Coffee

Conversely, creating bold roasts has more to do with how you brew your coffee rather than its prepackaging roasting process. These brews use less water during the brewing process, making the result much more concentrated, much like a shot of espresso. Though often similar to dark roasts in color, the bold roast offers a different level of flavor intensity. Favored as drip coffee, it's popular for its smokey undertones, often with a slight tang or a smidgeon of spice.

The bold roast has a high acidity, almost-full body, and a robust taste that can withstand the addition of milk, making it versatile in the hotly debated arena of black versus white coffee. This brew is ideal for those who enjoy a kick in their cup, a hearty blend that continues to offer surprising notes as the temperature cools and the flavors mellow.

Tasting Notes and Preferences

Once you’re familiar with the differences between bold and dark roast coffees, you can make an informed decision about which is best for you. Your choice is a matter of personal preference, and there's no right or wrong selection. In essence, bold roasts will be thicker and offer stronger flavors, while dark roasts have a new range of tastes to try. Understanding these nuances can lead you to new blends and beans you may not have otherwise tasted. Experiment with both to most effectively narrow down which you like best.

There’s no end to the different experiences that come from drinking varying types of coffee. Even blends that seem the same can vary vastly when you drink them yourself. At 11th Street Coffee, we want you to feel comfortable experimenting. That’s why we carry a diverse collection of Keurig dark roast coffees as well as some other types that make for great bold roasts with the right tricks. Browse our site today to learn more.