Finding the perfect medium roast coffee can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it’s hard to know where to start. But fear not! In this article, I’ve compiled a list of my all-time favorite medium roast coffees that are sure to satisfy even the pickiest coffee lover. Plus, I’ve included a handy buying guide to help you narrow down your choices and make an informed decision. So, let’s dive right in!
Best Medium Roast Coffee: Top 11 Picks
- Volcanica Guatemala Huehuetenango Medium Roast (Best Overall)
- Lifeboost Central America Medium Roast Coffee (Best Low-Acid Coffee)
- Jamaican Blue Mountain Whole Bean Medium Roast Coffee (Best for a Special Occasion)
- Kicking Horse Three Sisters Medium Roast (Most Versatile)
- Blue Bottle Home Blend Whole Bean Moderate Roast (Most Interesting Blend)
- Volcanica Ethiopia Guji Medium Roast (Best Medium-Light Roast)
- Lifeboost Africa Medium Roast Coffee (Best for Cold Brew)
- KOA Coffee Peaberry Medium Roast 100% Kona Coffee (Biggest Flavor Profile)
- Hawaii Coffee Co Lion Gold Roast (Best Budget-Friendly Coffee)
- Volcania Costa Rica Tarrazu Decaf Coffee (Best Decaf Medium Roast)
- Stumptown Holler Mountain Medium Roast Organic Coffee (Easiest to Brew)
Volcanica Guatemala Huehuetenango Medium Roast
This Volcanica Guatemalan coffee is simply outstanding. It’s a washed process coffee, which means the coffee bean is separated from the cherries before it’s dried and roasted. This results in a crisp and clear flavor profile that never disappoints. With notes of honeysuckle, pistachio, spices, and molasses, this rich and full-bodied coffee stands out among medium roasts. Additionally, it’s a single-origin coffee, which means it comes from one specific country and farm. The specific characteristics of Guatemala shine through in this Huehuetenango coffee. Plus, it’s Kosher and FairTrade certified, ensuring high-quality standards. The only drawback is that it may not pair well with cream and sugar.
Lifeboost Central America Medium Roast Coffee
Lifeboost is a rising star in the coffee industry, and their Central America Medium Roast Coffee is a testament to their dedication to quality. Central American blends are known for their smooth and balanced profiles, and this blend is no exception. With a pleasing body and a smooth finish, it’s forgiving regardless of how you brew it. Made from 100% Arabica beans, this blend is of superior quality and taste. What sets Lifeboost apart is their commitment to sourcing low-acidity beans and roasting to keep acidity levels in check. This results in a mellow and smooth blend that suits any brewing preference. FairTrade Certified, this coffee ensures fair treatment for everyone involved.
Jamaican Blue Mountain Whole Bean Medium Roast Coffee
If you’re looking for a truly exceptional coffee experience, Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee is the way to go. Renowned for its unique sweetness and lack of bitterness, it’s considered one of the best coffees in the world. The high altitude, shade, and steep slopes of the region create perfect growing conditions, resulting in a remarkably sweet coffee with a balanced body and bold aroma. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced coffee enthusiast, you’ll enjoy a flavor explosion with every sip. Roasted weekly, this coffee guarantees freshness with every purchase. Keep in mind that due to the steep slopes, harvesting is challenging, making this coffee a bit more expensive and ideal for special occasions.
Kicking Horse Three Sisters Medium Roast
Kicking Horse is a well-known roaster that prides itself on producing strong and delicious coffees, and their Three Sisters blend is a standout option. With a smooth and balanced profile, it delivers a classic flavor that pairs well with cream and sugar or stands out on its own. The notes of dried fruit, toasted coconut, and chocolate malt are spot on. This blend combines Indonesian, Central American, and South American coffees, resulting in a versatile and forgiving brew. Made from 100% Arabica beans, it guarantees a superior taste. The only downside is that Kicking Horse roasts in larger batches, so the freshness may vary.
Blue Bottle Home Blend Whole Bean Moderate Roast
Blue Bottle Home Blend is a classic choice from a reputable roaster. With notes of caramel, lemon zest, and cocoa, this blend offers a unique and surprisingly delightful flavor profile. The balance of flavors creates a well-rounded and bold cup of coffee. Regardless of your preferred brewing method, from pour-over to espresso, this blend performs exceptionally well. Personally, I find that it shines when brewed with an AeroPress, as it produces a classic-style cup with perfect acidity. As a USDA Organic certified coffee, it adheres to high-quality standards throughout the entire process. Keep in mind that Blue Bottle prioritizes quantity over consistency, so expect slight variations from bag to bag.
Volcanica Ethiopia Guji Medium Roast
Volcanica continues to impress with their Ethiopia Guji coffee. Boasting notes of dark chocolate, peach, and nectarine, it embodies the classic Ethiopian flavor profile. As a medium-light roast, it offers a hint of brightness and acidity, which I personally prefer in my medium roasts. Being a single-origin coffee, it showcases the rounded sweetness and full-bodied brightness characteristic of Ethiopian beans. The washed processing ensures a crisp and clear flavor profile in every cup. Keep in mind that due to its lighter roast level, it may not pair well with cream and sugar. If you enjoy a touch of milk in your morning brew, this might not be the coffee for you.
Lifeboost Africa Medium Roast Coffee
Lifeboost’s Africa Medium Roast Coffee is their second medium roast offering, and it doesn’t disappoint. As an African blend, it boasts pleasant brightness and a punchy profile. It’s perfect for enjoying on warm summer mornings. The coffee exhibits natural brightness without excessive acidity, resulting in a taste reminiscent of pink lemonade while remaining gentle on your stomach. Since Lifeboost roasts in smaller batches, you’re more likely to receive a fresh roast with each purchase. Additionally, this blend is USDA Organic certified, guaranteeing high-quality standards throughout the process. The only drawback is that it’s a blend, so it lacks the unique and interesting flavors you’d find in single-origin coffees.
KOA Coffee Peaberry Medium Roast 100% Kona Coffee
Peaberry coffee is a true gem, and KOA Coffee’s medium roast Peaberry Kona is no exception. Peaberry refers to a natural mutation in the coffee cherry where only one bean grows instead of the usual two. This unique mutation allows more of the bean’s natural flavors to develop. Couple that with the fact that Kona coffee from Hawaii is among the best in the world, and you have an exceptional and rare coffee. Only 3-5% of the coffee produced is peaberry. The medium roast retains the coffee’s balance and rounded characteristics, making it a pleasure to brew and enjoy with or without cream and sugar. Roasted in small batches, each bag ensures a fresh roast. Keep in mind that peaberry coffee is rare and tends to be more expensive.
Hawaii Coffee Co Lion Gold Roast
If you’re in search of an approachable, budget-friendly medium roast that doesn’t compromise on taste, look no further than Lion Gold Roast by Hawaii Coffee Co. As a medium-light roast, it offers a touch more brightness and a slightly punchier flavor compared to a darker medium roast. Lion Gold Roast has a classic, timeless appeal and is one of Hawaii Coffee Co’s flagship roasts. Blended with Hawaiian coffee, known for its exceptional quality, this versatile coffee pairs well with cream and sugar or stands alone. Regardless of your preferred brewing method, it delivers excellent results. Do keep in mind that the larger batch roasting might result in some variation in freshness from bag to bag.
Volcania Costa Rica Tarrazu Decaf Coffee
Decaf coffee often gets a bad rap, but Volcania Costa Rica Tarrazu Decaf Coffee is here to change that perception. This coffee is decaffeinated using the Swiss Water Process, which utilizes only water instead of chemicals. As a result, it tastes fantastic, with notes of apples and nuts that make it an enjoyable decaf option regardless of how you take your coffee. The medium roast keeps this coffee mellow and balanced, ensuring a pleasurable and flavorful brew. The only downside is that the Swiss Water Process is more expensive and time-consuming than chemical methods, which is reflected in the price. However, the quality and taste are worth it.
Stumptown Holler Mountain Medium Roast Organic Coffee
Stumptown is a pioneer in the specialty coffee movement, and their Holler Mountain blend has stood the test of time. It exudes a classic feel and taste, with a balanced, smooth profile, mellow acidity, and remarkable versatility. Whether you prefer your coffee with cream and caramel notes or enjoy it black, Holler Mountain never disappoints. It’s USDA Organic certified, guaranteeing high-quality standards throughout the supply chain. Keep in mind that Stumptown roasts in larger batches, so the freshness may vary from bag to bag. Nevertheless, this blend remains a go-to option for those seeking a reliable and delicious cup of medium roast coffee.
How to Choose the Right Medium Roast
Choosing the perfect medium roast can be overwhelming due to the wide variety available. To help you navigate this decision, let me share the criteria I use to select my own medium roast coffees. Hopefully, this guide will assist you in finding the best coffee beans for your preferences.
What should medium roast taste like?
The taste of medium roast coffee can vary greatly since it encompasses a broad range of roasting levels. To make a decision, consider what you enjoy in a cup of coffee. If you prefer interesting and unique flavors, opt for a lighter medium roast that retains some acidity. However, if you prefer a mellow body and a classic coffee experience, true medium roast or medium-dark roast beans are excellent choices. In general, medium roast coffee beans possess mellow acidity, rounded bodies, and bold aromas. Feel free to experiment with different roast levels to find your personal favorite.
BOTTOM LINE: Medium roasts come in various styles, akin to different brewing methods. Experiment with different roast levels to discover your preferred taste.
What country of origin should you look for?
The country of origin largely depends on personal preference. Each region within a country has its own unique characteristics and flavor profiles. Even within a specific region, variations from farm to farm can create wildly different tastes. However, there are some generalities to consider. African coffees tend to be bright and more acidic, often resembling pink lemonade. Asian Pacific coffees often have earthy and nutty flavors, while Latin American coffees are well-balanced with citrus and chocolate notes. For blended coffees, select a blend from a specific region, such as Africa or the Asia Pacific. If you prefer single-origin coffees, try different countries to find your favorite, and explore offerings from various roasters within those countries.
IN A NUTSHELL: If you enjoy blended coffees, try blends from specific regions like Africa or the Asia Pacific. If you prefer single-origin coffees, explore different countries and sample offerings from various roasters within those countries.
How should you brew medium roast coffee?
The brewing method can greatly influence the taste of your medium roast coffee. For example, blends with a heavier body or bolder aroma often taste best when brewed as drip coffee or in a French press. On the other hand, medium roast single-origin coffees from Africa may shine when brewed with a pour-over method to enhance their bright and unique flavors. However, there are no strict rules about how to brew your coffee. Regardless of the brewing method you choose, remember that freshly ground beans are superior to pre-ground coffee. If you have a grinder, opt for whole bean coffee, which allows you to grind the beans according to your preference.
BOTTOM LINE: Experiment with different brewing styles for your medium roast coffee to determine what suits your taste best. Coffee preferences are highly personal.
My Final Verdict
After much consideration, I stand by my top choice: Volcanica Guatemala Huehuetenango Medium Roast. The exquisite notes of honeysuckle, pistachio, and spices, combined with its crisp and clear flavor profile, make it an exceptional coffee. This single-origin coffee exemplifies the unique flavors of Guatemalan coffee. Moreover, it is versatile, forgiving, and delivers an exceptional taste regardless of the brewing method. For those seeking a remarkable and well-rounded cup, Volcanica Guatemala Huehuetenango Medium Roast is the way to go.
So, get ready to embark on a delicious journey with these top medium roast coffee beans. Remember to savor every sip and enjoy the delightful flavors they bring to your daily coffee routine.
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