So there you have it — a short guide to the common coffee roasts from light to dark. To summarize the differences, in addition to the color gradations:
As coffee roasts get darker, they lose the origin flavors of the beans and take on more flavor from the roasting process.
The body of the coffee gets heavier, until the second crack, where the body again thins.
Lighter roasts have more acidity than darker roasts.
Light roasted beans are dry, while darker roasts develop oil on the bean surface.
The caffeine level decreases as the roast gets darker.
Ultimately, it’s all about the taste, the flavor, the aroma. You may prefer a lighter roast in the morning (with more caffeine) and a darker one later in the day. Coffee, including the optimal roast level, is a personal preference. What’s yours?