Medium-Dark Roast

Roasted Until the Second Crack

Medium-Dark Roasts are roasted several minutes longer than a Medium Roast, until the coffee beans begin popping again – this is the stage called Second Crack and denotes the full development of the coffee.

Characteristics of Medium-Dark Roast Coffee

With the roast flavor very evident, a Medium-Dark Roast usually has a heavy body, and the flavor may be spicy, perhaps with a bittersweet tang, subtle chocolate and caramel flavors, and hints of smokiness. The acidity is lower than a Light Roast or Medium Roast.

In a Medium-Dark Roast the coffee beans become slightly shiny as oils begin to rise to the surface of the coffee beans, which take on a darker brown, somewhat satiny appearance.

Synonyms for Medium-Dark Roast Coffee

Medium-Dark Roasts are also referred to as After-Dinner Roast, Dark-Brown Roast, Full-City Roast, Full Roast, Light Espresso Roast, Light French Roast, High Roast, North Italian Roast, and Viennese Roast.

Fine Coffee and Gourmet Espresso Brewing Tips

Aspiring Baristas will be ecstatic when they learn about Pulling A Perfect Espresso Shot and then they can polish up their specialty coffee drink skills with the How to make a Latte.

For detailed definitions of coffee terminology see the Coffee Terms.  Also check out the World’s Best History of Coffee.