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A City Roast is a popular medium-light roast level that highlights the natural flavors of coffee beans while balancing acidity and sweetness. Favored by specialty coffee enthusiasts, this roast preserves the bean’s origin characteristics while introducing mild caramelization for a well-rounded cup.
🔥 What is a City Roast?
A City Roast is achieved when coffee beans are roasted to a temperature of 400–415°F (204–213°C), typically just after the first crack. This roast level strikes a balance between brightness, body, and complexity, making it ideal for those who enjoy a nuanced yet slightly developed flavor profile.
Key Characteristics of a City Roast
✔ Medium-Light Color – Beans have a medium brown hue with no surface oils.
✔ High Acidity – Retains bright, citrusy, or fruity notes from the coffee bean’s origin.
✔ Balanced Sweetness – The beginning stages of caramelization bring out natural sugars.
✔ Medium Body – Slightly fuller than a light roast but not as bold as a dark roast.
✔ Aromatic Complexity – Floral, nutty, or cocoa-like aromas with a clean finish.
☕ Flavor Profile of a City Roast
A City Roast enhances the intrinsic flavors of the coffee bean while toning down the sharper acidity found in lighter roasts. Depending on the origin, you can expect:
🌱 African Coffees (Ethiopia, Kenya) → Bright acidity, floral notes, berry or citrus undertones.
🌎 Central American Coffees (Guatemala, Costa Rica) → Balanced sweetness, notes of caramel, chocolate, and mild fruitiness.
🌿 South American Coffees (Colombia, Brazil) → Smooth, nutty, with hints of cocoa and mild acidity.
🌋 Asian Coffees (Sumatra, Papua New Guinea) → Earthy, herbal, with lower acidity and a richer body.
☕ How City Roast Compares to Other Roast Levels
| Roast Level | Color & Surface | Acidity | Sweetness | Body | Flavor Profile |
| Light Roast | Light brown, dry | High | Mild | Light | Bright, fruity, floral |
| City Roast | Medium brown, dry | Medium-high | Balanced | Medium | Sweet, citrusy, nutty |
| Full City Roast | Darker brown, slight oils | Medium-low | Caramelized | Medium-full | Chocolatey, rich, deeper notes |
| Dark Roast | Dark brown, oily | Low | Bold, smoky | Full | Bitter, roasted, earthy |
💡 Best Brewing Methods for City Roast Coffee
A City Roast works well with various brewing methods but is best suited for techniques that highlight its acidity and complex flavors:
✔ Pour-Over (Hario V60, Chemex, Kalita Wave) → Enhances clarity and bright fruit notes.
✔ Drip Coffee Maker → Produces a balanced and smooth cup.
✔ Aeropress → Brings out caramel sweetness with a medium body.
✔ Espresso → Creates a bright, vibrant shot with mild sweetness.
Pro Tip: Use filtered water at 195–205°F (90–96°C) to extract the full flavor of a City Roast.
🔹 Best Coffee Brands Offering City Roasts
If you’re looking to experience an exceptional City Roast, consider these top brands:
✅ Stumptown Coffee Roasters – Known for their bright, origin-forward City Roasts.
✅ Intelligentsia Coffee – Features single-origin City Roasts with floral and citrus notes.
✅ Blue Bottle Coffee – Offers meticulously roasted City Roast blends for pour-over enthusiasts.
✅ Counter Culture Coffee – Known for their balanced City Roasts with caramelized sweetness.
📌 Final Thoughts: Why Choose a City Roast?
A City Roast is perfect for coffee lovers who appreciate:
✔ Bright, fruity acidity without overwhelming sharpness.
✔ Balanced sweetness with hints of caramel, nuts, or cocoa.
✔ Aromatic complexity with a clean, smooth finish.
✔ Versatility in brewing, making it a great choice for pour-over, drip, and espresso.
For those seeking a flavorful, origin-forward coffee that isn’t too light or too dark, City Roast is the ideal choice!