Where we have been.
For a while, it felt like the specialty coffee world was racing toward lighter and lighter roasts.
Bright acidity, fruit-forward notes, and very light profiles became the focus. Dark roast, on the other hand, sometimes got treated like something outdated.
But lately, more professional roasters have been talking again about what a well-crafted dark roast can actually offer when it’s done properly.
And honestly, that conversation makes a lot of sense.
Dark Roast Isn’t Supposed to Taste Burnt
One of the biggest misconceptions is that darker coffee automatically means over-roasted or smoky.
In reality, a good dark roast is about controlled development. The goal isn’t to push the beans as far as possible — it’s to build body, smoothness, and depth while keeping the cup balanced.
When roasted carefully, darker coffees can deliver:
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deep chocolate notes
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fuller body
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lower sharp acidity
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rounded sweetness
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a smooth, steady finish
For many people, that’s exactly what they want in their daily cup.
The Goal Is Balance, Not Just Colour
In roasting discussions today, the focus is less about how dark a bean looks and more about how the coffee feels in the cup.
A properly developed dark roast should stay smooth, avoid harsh bitterness, and bring out texture and richness. Getting there takes careful control of heat, airflow, and timing throughout the roast.
Done well, the result is a coffee that feels full and satisfying rather than sharp or thin.
Why Dark Roast Still Has a Loyal Following
Most coffee drinkers aren’t chasing rare tasting notes. They want something dependable.
They want coffee that feels strong, tastes smooth, works well with breakfast, and pulls a reliable espresso shot.
That’s where darker profiles often shine.
How We Approach Dark Roast at 6 Beans
At 6 Beans Roasting, dark roast isn’t treated as an afterthought.
We roast in small batches on our air roaster, focusing on controlled heat and clean airflow so the coffee develops richness without becoming harsh.
We’re not trying to make the darkest coffee possible. We’re trying to make coffee that’s rich, smooth, and easy to enjoy day after day.
If you haven’t tried a carefully roasted dark coffee in a while, you might be surprised how balanced it can be.
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