Which Roast of Coffee is the Smoothest?

Medium Roast Coffee Beans are widely considered the "smoothest" by modern standards because it balances acidity and bitterness, creating a sweet, rounded cup. However, this is subjective: if "smooth" to you means "zero acidity" and a thick mouthfeel, you might prefer a Dark Roast. If "smooth" means "tea-like and clean," you might prefer a Light Roast.

The "Smooth" Debate: What Experts Say

"Smoothness" is often the most requested feature in coffee, yet it is the hardest to define. Top industry experts argue that smoothness isn't just about the roast colour, it's about balance.

1. James Hoffmann (World Barista Champion & Author)

Hoffmann, perhaps the most influential voice in modern coffee, often equates a "good" experience with balance and sweetness. He suggests that extremely dark roasts introduce ashiness and bitterness (the opposite of smooth), while extremely light roasts can be sour.

• His Take: A well-executed Medium-Light to Medium roast allows the coffee's natural sugars to caramelise without burning them. This creates a cup that is sweet and rounded, technically the "smoothest" experience for the palate because it lacks harsh edges.

2. Tim Wendelboe (World Barista Champion & Roaster)

Known for his "Nordic style" of lighter roasting, Wendelboe argues that "smoothness" comes from cleanliness and quality green beans, not just the roast.

• His Take: He avoids dark roasting because it masks the coffee's unique flavour with "roast defects" (bitterness). To him, a smooth coffee is one that is "clean, sweet, and developed," often found in a meticulous Light-Medium roast that highlights the bean's origin without the interference of charcoal notes.

3. The "Old School" View (Alfred Peet style)

Alfred Peet style "smooth" was synonymous with "strong but not sour."

• The Take: Traditional heavyweights (like the legacy of Alfred Peet) popularized Dark Roasts as "smooth" because they kill off all acidity. If you dislike the "tangy" or "fruity" zip of modern coffee, a dark roast will feel smoother to you because it is heavy, oily, and low-acid.

Roast Smoothness Spectrum

The Recipe for the Smoothest Cup

To maximise smoothness, you want to avoid over-extraction (which makes coffee bitter) and under-extraction (which makes it sour).

Ingredients:

• Freshly Roasted Medium Roast Beans (Recommended below)

• Filtered Water (Soft water enhances smoothness)

• Milk (Optional – fats mask bitterness)

Measurements (The "Golden Ratio" for Smoothness):

• Ratio: 1:15 (One part coffee to 15 parts water). This is slightly stronger than standard, providing more body.

• Dose: 20g of Coffee to 300ml of Water.

Steps for a Smooth Brew (French Press Method):

• Grind: Coarse (like sea salt).

• Bloom: Pour 40g of hot water (94°C) over grounds. Wait 30 seconds.

• Fill: Pour the remaining 260g of water gently.

• Wait: Let it steep for 4 minutes. Do not stir (agitation can increase bitterness).

• Plunge: Press gently. Pour immediately to stop extraction.

Top 5 "Smoothest" Picks from Coffee Hero

If you are chasing that perfect, velvety cup without the harsh bite, these 5 selections from Coffee Hero are your best bet:

1.  Smooth Operator 

• Why: The name says it all. This is specifically blended to remove jagged edges, offering a buttery body with sweet caramel notes. It is the safest and best bet for a "smooth" coffee.
  
  

2. Brazil Santos Organic Single Origin

• Why: Brazilian beans are naturally low in acidity and high in nuttiness. This creates a classic, comforting "chocolatey" smoothness that traditional coffee drinkers love.

3. Columbia Supremo Tenza Single Origin

• Why: "Supremo" refers to the large bean size, which often correlates to a more developed sugar content. It offers a perfect balance of mild fruit and rich body, smooth, but interesting.

4. Peru Kontiki Single Origin

• Why: Peruvian coffee is the unsung hero of smoothness. It is typically very clean with a soft mouthfeel, often described as "gentle" compared to the punchy African coffees.

5. Kickstart (Medium-Dark Blend)

• Why: If your definition of smooth leans towards "bold and heavy" rather than "light and sweet," this slightly darker roast reduces acidity for a velvety, milk-friendly texture.
  
  

Consistent Quality is Key

Ultimately, a coffee is only as smooth as the beans allow it to be. Stale beans will always taste flat and woody, no matter how you brew them. Coffee Hero excels as a consistent supplier because they roast in small batches, ensuring that the natural oils, which provide that silky mouthfeel, are still intact when the bag reaches your door.

For home baristas and business owners alike, the secret to a smooth cup isn't just the roast level; it's the reliability of your fresh supply. By choosing a dedicated roaster like Coffee Hero, you ensure that every extraction is as rich, sweet, and smooth as intended.