Strong enough to wake the dead, the original ‘Italian roast coffee’ was made by roasting different – and often low-quality – coffee beans to the point of burning out all the flavor.
Although today’s baristas use higher-grade coffee beans, modern versions of the Italian roast remain an acquired taste. If you’ve never sipped on this type of coffee before, you should definitely try it out, especially if you appreciate a strong shot of espresso.
So, what is Italian roast coffee?
Italian roast is a type of coffee roast that produces very dark, oily beans. It is roasted beyond the "second crack," bringing out most of the oils and flavors for a robust, sweet, but-charred taste. This roast level is the darkest available among coffee roasts.
What Is So Different About Italian Roast coffee?
The Italian roast coffee taste is noticeably different from your usual Starbucks coffee. It’s best described as having a bold flavor with little to no ‘origin’ taste, i.e., the coffee beans’ specific regional or varietal flavors are lost during roasting.
Italian roast coffee undergoes a more extended and hotter roasting process resulting in dark-colored, shiny, and oily beans. It also removes much of the beans' moisture, makes them more brittle, and gives the coffee a smoky (almost charred) and bitter taste.
Italian Roast History – A Look at the Origins
The term “Italian roast coffee” is a misnomer; Italy's climate doesn’t support the growth of such beans, so they are sourced from other countries. When Italians first started roasting coffee, they would blend beans from various origins to produce a consistent flavor profile. It was an effective way to create a uniform product in large quantities, despite the beans' differing origins.
Interestingly, the signature dark-colored beans associated with Italian coffee aren’t the traditional roast used throughout the country. Instead, regions in the northern parts of Italy favor a lighter roast than dark roast coffee, which is more prevalent in the southern regions.
Exploring Coffee Flavor Profiles
Let's delve deeper into the unique flavor profile of Italian roast coffee by comparing it to other famous coffee roast types. From light to medium roasts and then to dark, we'll explore the nuances of each type to see where Italian roast lies on the spectrum.
Italian Roast vs French Roast
The main difference between Italian and French roasts lies in the roasting process. Both are dark and roasted beyond the "second crack," which refers to the sound made by the coffee beans as they expand and crack under heat. However, Italian coffee beans are roasted slightly longer than their French counterparts.
French and Italian roasts also differ in taste. The former is a dark brown coffee bean roasted at 440-455 ℉, resulting in a smoky and bittersweet flavor.
On the other hand, an Italian roast is an almost all-black coffee bean roasted at temperatures exceeding 455 ℉, resulting in a stronger, charred, and bitter flavor.
|
– |
Italian Roast |
French Roast |
|
Roasting Temperature |
Exceeds 455 ℉ |
440-455 ℉ |
|
Bean Appearance |
Nearly Black |
Very Dark Brown |
|
Oiliness |
Oily Exterior |
Light Sheen of Oil |
|
Flavor Profile |
Strong, Bold, Bitter |
Rich, Bittersweet, Smoky |
|
Caffeine Content |
Low |
Low |
Note: The taste of French and Italian roast coffees also varies depending on their brewing methods!
Italian Roast vs Espresso Roast
Let's start with the similarities; the Italian and espresso roasts are dark, meaning they’re ‘cooked’ for longer and at higher temperatures than lighter roasts. This process results in a rich, bold flavor profile with notes of dark chocolate and toasted nuts.
The difference between the two lies in their specific characteristics. Espresso roast is often labeled as such to indicate to consumers that it’s ideal for making espresso coffee instead of highlighting a particular flavor profile or roast level. It is a finely ground, medium to dark roast that allows for quick and efficient extraction when made using an espresso machine.
Italian roast, on the other hand, is much darker. In addition, it’s roasted at a higher temperature, which results in a stronger, more charred, and bitter flavor profile (almost like a smoky and burnt taste). Italian roast is typically used to make strong, bold coffee drinks, such as Americanos or lattes, but it’s not designed to be made using espresso machines.
|
– |
Italian Roast |
Espresso Roast |
|
Roasting Temperature |
Exceeds 455 ℉ |
440-450 ℉ |
|
Bean Appearance |
Nearly Black |
Dark Brown |
|
Oiliness |
Oily Exterior |
Light Sheen of Oil |
|
Flavor Profile |
Strong, Bold, Bitter |
Rich With Notes of Chocolate |
|
Caffeine Content |
Low |
Low |
Italian Roast vs Vienna Roast
The Vienna roast is a light-medium roast made at around 450°F (the point before the second crack). It’s also characterized by a dark brown color and a light layer of oil on the surface of each bean.
The flavor profile of Vienna roast is mellow and nutty, with a subtle dark chocolate flavor, and exudes a smoky aroma. The roasting process allows the coffee beans’ authentic flavors to come through, usually different from beans roasted through and beyond the second crack.
Comparatively, Italian roasted coffee is a darker roast made at a temperature greater than 455°F, well into the second crack.
|
– |
Italian Roast |
Vienna Roast |
|
Roasting Temperature |
Exceeds 455 ℉ |
445-450 ℉ |
|
Bean Appearance |
Nearly Black |
Dark Brown |
|
Oiliness |
Oily Exterior |
Light Sheen of Oil |
|
Flavor Profile |
Strong, Bold, Bitter |
Mellow and Nutty |
|
Caffeine Content |
Low |
Moderate |
Frequently Asked Italian Coffee Questions
In this section, we'll answer some of the most common coffee roast-related questions.
What Is the Best Italian Roast Coffee?
Everyone has their tastes and preferences regarding coffee, so it's hard to say which one’s the "best". But if you're in the market for some good Italian roast coffee and don’t know where to start, Victor Allen's Coffee Italian Roast and Fresh Roasted Coffee are safe options.
Of course, these are just a couple of examples. It's always a good idea to try different brands and visit coffee shops and see which one turns out to be your favorite!
Which Coffee Roast Is Healthier?
Both light and dark roast coffees have unique nutritional benefits and drawbacks. For example, light roasts may contain higher levels of healthy antioxidants and polyphenols but also have higher levels of a harmful chemical called acrylamide. On the other hand, dark roasts may be lower in acrylamide but could also be low in antioxidants and polyphenols.
Also, excessive cream and sugar can negate potential health benefits.
Which Coffee Roast Is More Bitter?
If you're looking for a less bitter cup of coffee, try avoiding dark roasts like French or Italian. These roasts typically have a strong, bold, and bitter flavor. In contrast, medium roasts like American or City are more balanced in flavor, with a slightly sweet and nutty taste.
Light roasts like Cinnamon or Half City are even less bitter, often showcasing the subtle flavors of the coffee bean.
Which Coffee Roast Has the Most Flavor?
The flavor of coffee is subjective. However, light roast coffee tends to showcase the unique flavors of the coffee bean, while darker roasts have a stronger, more bitter taste that can mask some of the original flavors.
If you want to experience the nuanced flavors and aromas of your coffee beans, go for lighter roasts.
Conclusion
And that brings us to the end of our blog; we’ve discussed (mostly) everything there is to know about Italian coffee roasts, but there’s one stone left unturned: what’s the best way to prepare Italian roast coffee?
As most coffee connoisseurs would agree, authentic Italian roast coffee is made using a Moka pot, or an espresso machine. And to get a consistent and strong brew every time, you’ll need something called a coffee tamper, a tool used to compress coffee ground to ensure even extraction and optimal flavor.
So before you leave, here’s a link to a high-quality coffee tamper that’ll help you enjoy an authentic cup of Italian roast coffee for years to come!