Article: FILTER VS. ESPRESSO ROASTS: WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?
FILTER VS. ESPRESSO ROASTS: WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?
CHOOSING THE RIGHT ROAST FOR YOUR BREWING METHOD
When buying specialty coffee, you've probably come across terms like "roasted for espresso" or "roasted for filter." But what do they actually mean? And what effect do they have on the taste of your coffee?
At Kaphiy, we believe that every coffee bean tells a story - and part of that story is the way it is roasted. Whether you're brewing a fine pour-over or making a strong espresso, the roast profile significantly influences the aroma, extraction and overall taste experience.
ESPRESSO ROASTING VS. FILTER ROASTING: THE MAIN DIFFERENCES
The key difference between espresso and filter roasts lies in the development of the beans during the roasting process to optimally adapt them to the respective brewing method. Both come from the same high-quality green coffee beans, but each roast profile ultimately influences the taste and extraction of the coffee.
FILTER ROASTS CLARITY, COMPLEXITY & VIVID AROMAS
Filter roasts are typically lighter and designed to bring out the bean's natural aromas and flavors - often floral, fruity notes with a clear acidity.
✔ Lighter roast profile: Preserves the lively acidity and preserves more of the coffee's natural terroir characteristics.
✔ Shorter roasting time: Helps preserve the delicate, complex flavors of the coffee. However, a roasting time that is too short can lead to more acidity; a slightly longer, light roast can accentuate the sweetness and soften the sharpness of the acidity.
✔ High solubility: Lightly roasted beans typically contain more soluble components, making them ideal for slow brewing methods such as pour-over where purity of flavor is paramount.
DISCOVER OUR FILTER COLLECTION
Paccary (Honduras)
Pacha Mama (Papa New Guinea)
RECOMMENDED BREWING METHODS & EQUIPMENT:
Filter coffee develops best with methods that allow precise control over the extraction. The best techniques? Pour-over, batch brewing or immersion methods like the AeroPress.
ESPRESSO ROASTS: BODY, BALANCE & INTENSITY
Espresso roasts are specifically designed for high-pressure extraction and are typically roasted medium to dark to produce a balanced, full-bodied cup with rich sweetness and a velvety mouthfeel.
✔ Slightly darker roast
Promotes caramelization, reduces the pronounced acidity and enhances deeper chocolate or caramel notes.
✔ Longer development time
Reduces acidity and increases body. However, roasting for too long can cause the coffee to become "baked," which can result in flat flavors.
✔ Consistent extraction under high pressure
Darker roasted or more developed beans extract particularly evenly under pressure and produce a strong, balanced espresso.
DISCOVER OUR ESPRESSO ROASTS
Amaru Mayu (Brazil)
Suma Allpa (mixture)
ESPRESSO BREWING RECOMMENDATIONS
Perfect your espresso preparation with the best machines from our partners! We recommend high-quality espresso machines that ensure precision, consistency and excellent extraction.
✔ Our recommendation: La Marzocco – an iconic espresso machine for unparalleled quality and control.
Interested in a machine? Contact us at kaphiyatwork@kaphiy.ch for personal advice and exclusive offers.
EFFECTS OF ROASTING TIME
Short roasting time
✔ Results in a brighter, more acidic flavor with less bitterness.
✔ The beans lose less weight, resulting in a higher percentage of soluble solids.
✔ The higher solubility can be beneficial for methods with rapid or intense extraction (e.g. espresso), but requires careful control of acidity.
Long roasting time
✔ Reduces acidity but may increase bitterness.
✔ Results in greater weight loss and less soluble material.
✔ Suitable for brewing methods with less intense extraction or for those who prefer lower acidity in the finished coffee.
EFFECT OF ROASTING PROFILES ON TASTE
Light roast profiles
✔ Emphasize sour and sweet properties and preserve fruity and citrus notes.
✔ Preserve much of the original flavors and terroir of the bean.
✔ A gradual, controlled light roast maximizes sweetness and prevents excessive acidity.
Dark roast profiles
✔ Typically reduce acidity and focus on bittersweet and bold flavors.
✔ If the roasting process is rushed, paradoxically, sour notes can still remain trapped.
✔ Roasting for too long can “bake” the coffee, causing the caramel sweetness to be lost and bland aromas to develop.
By balancing roasting time, temperature and development time, roasters match the flavor profile, body and solubility of the beans to their final brewing method – be it a light, clear filter coffee or a strong, full-bodied espresso.
FIND THE PERFECT ROAST FOR YOU
At Kaphiy, we roast with intention and develop profiles that bring out the best in each bean. Whether you're perfecting your home barista routine or diving into the world of specialty pour-overs, we have the right roast for your taste.
