The term “French Roast” first began in the 19th and early 20th centuries, in reference to the flavor preferences of French coffee drinkers. At the time, bold, ultra-dark roasted coffee was especially popular in French cafés. This term often confuses coffee drinkers who mistakenly believe it refers to the coffee’s origin. Here’s what the term ‘French Roast’ coffee really means when shopping for coffee and what contributes to the bold and dark flavor of this unique coffee roast.
What is French Roast coffee?
“French roast” is a colloquial term dating back to the 1800s that has historically described a very darkly roasted coffee, says Colby Barr, founder and CEO of Verve Coffee Roasters. “The goal of the roasting process is to help shape the end flavor of the coffee with heat. Lighter-roasted coffees are going to be brighter and fruitier, while dark-roasted coffees will impart more flavors from the roasting process itself. These characteristics will typically include a heavier body, bittersweet chocolate, caramelized sugars, and, you guessed it, roast. With darker-roasted coffees, the flavors and characteristics are more about the roasting process than the coffee’s natural characteristics, though it of course plays a role,” says Barr.
Classic roast coffee is generally considered a medium roast, while French Roast refers to a dark roast. However, Barr warns that both of these terms are subjective. “What might be classic to one person may be dark to another, and one person’s French roast might be a medium/classic roast to another. Confused? Wait until we talk about espresso…,” warns Barr. These terms can make shopping for French Roast coffee a bit tricky, as other terms like Italian or Espresso Roast are often used on coffee packaging. It’s always a good idea to check with specific coffee roasters to see what these terms mean to them (especially if you’re shopping for the darkest roast possible).
What makes French Roast coffee different?
According to Barr, body and sweetness are the most desirable qualities of dark-roasted coffees. “The trick is in the balance and definition of the roast. At Verve, our darkest coffee is our Bronson Blend. It is our take on a French roast, but it is much lighter than mass-market French roasts,” he shares.
“Since all you will taste with those coffees is roast and not the coffee itself, many mass market French roasts are using very cheap, low quality, commercial coffee, and roasted so dark that they are covered in oils, which is a clear sign the coffee is too dark and likely burnt. These exposed, aromatic compounds both accelerate aging, increase staleness, and make a massive mess in your brewing equipment. When roasting our Bronson Blend, we aim to develop caramelized sugars from the roasting process while still showcasing the varietal integrity of the coffees we meticulously source,” he shares.
What does French Roast coffee taste like?
French roast coffee has a highly bold, dark, and rich flavor with a slightly smoky flavor. It’s certainly not the type of coffee you’d give to someone who’s never drank a cup of coffee in their life. The dark, bold flavor of a French Roast coffee is almost an acquired taste (which I personally love). The heavy roasting process also makes this roast an excellent option for low-acid coffee for those who find lighter-roast coffees too acidic (and irritating to their stomachs).
