One of the details that many coffee shop owners overlook is: What is the appropriate water temperature for each coffee roast? The effect of water temperature on different types of specialty coffee plays a key role in determining the quality of the final beverage.
There are many different types of coffee, as well as various brewing methods, and each type has a different effect on the final flavor. It's important to know the appropriate brewing method for each type of coffee to achieve the best experience.
Your choice of water temperature drastically alters the flavor of your coffee, determining whether a customer exclaims, "Wow!"... or "I'm not coming back!" Temperature directly impacts the final taste of the coffee, as controlling the water temperature helps extract the desired flavors and avoid bitterness or a lackluster taste.
In this article, we'll explain the relationship between water temperature and coffee roast, and why this is important for any café that wants to serve a consistently professional cup. We'll also highlight the importance of the coffee-water balance in the brewing process for achieving the best flavor.
Table of Contents
Why does the water temperature matter?
Each type of coffee roast reacts differently to heat. Using the ideal brewing temperature directly affects the quality of the coffee and ensures the best tasting experience, as temperature influences the final flavor of the beverage.
If the heat is too low → the flavors do not come out and negatively affect the final flavor of the coffee.
If it is too high → it becomes bitter or burnt, which also affects the final flavor and reduces the quality of the coffee.
The goal? To choose the right water temperature for each coffee roast in order to extract the best possible flavor, as choosing the right temperature ensures the best flavor and directly affects the final flavor of the drink, thus helping to achieve the ideal preparation.
Dark Roast
Temperature 85-90°C
Dark roast coffee has strong flavors, but high temperatures can lead to bitterness and a burning sensation. It's important to know that dark roasts require lower temperatures to avoid the damaging effects of very hot water on the ground coffee, as this can burn the coffee and increase its bitterness.
Also, when grinding coffee for a dark roast, the appropriate grind setting must be chosen to ensure balanced extraction and the absence of unwanted flavors.
The solution? We use a lower temperature of 85-90 to reduce its intensity and preserve the flavor, while emphasizing that adjusting the grind also affects the final flavor.
🔸 Excellent with lattes and milk-based drinks.
Medium Roast
90 – 94° Celsius
A medium roast is well-balanced and produces caramel flavors. It doesn't require very high heat. Using the right hot water temperature greatly affects flavor extraction in a medium roast, as the water temperature directly impacts the quality and flavor of the coffee.
The ideal range? 90 to 94 degrees Celsius, and choosing the right preparation method enhances the highlighting of flavors.
🔸 It gives a balanced and smooth cup that satisfies all tastes.
How do you choose the right roast and water temperature for your cafe?
Every coffee shop has its own flavor, and to achieve the perfect cup, you have to experience firsthand the difference between each coffee roast and the ideal water temperature. Specialty coffee requires precision in selecting the roast and temperature to get the best results.
At Coffee Giant, we have provided you with free samples to help you test and judge for yourself.
- Espresso and filter samples
- Dark, medium, light chickpeas
- Suggested temperatures with each bag for optimal extraction
- Practical team-building strategies for the best experience
Whether you're a new coffee shop owner or looking to improve the quality of your drinks, experience for yourself the difference that water temperature makes when it matches the coffee roast .
Order a sample of Mard's special coffee now and try it with your team using the preparation method that suits you.
Quality starts with the details… and your customer's taste will notice the difference.
Start today, and let every cup leave an impression.
Discover the world of specialty coffee with Mard Coffee — passion, quality, and mastery in every cup.
