Medium Roast Coffee Strikes the Perfect Balance
Medium roast coffee is the most popular choice for coffee drinkers in the United States. In fact, it is so popular that it is often referred to as an American roast or breakfast roast according to the National Coffee Association. When you pair this perfectly balanced roast level with the naturally sweet and complex flavor of Hawaiian‑grown coffee, you get something truly exceptional.
In this guide, we’ll explore what medium roast coffee is, how it compares to other roast levels, and how to choose a 100% Hawaiian Coffee from our collection of exceptional medium roast offerings for your daily coffee routine.
What Is Medium Roast Coffee?
Medium roast coffee sits at the center of the roast spectrum between the bright, high‑acidity profile of light roasts and the bold intensity of dark roasts. Medium beans are roasted to a warm chestnut‑brown color and an internal temperature between 410°F and 428°F. At this temperature the beans develop great flavor while enhancing the unique flavor notes of their origin and terroir.
Medium Roast Coffee Flavor Profile
Medium roasts are known for:
- Balanced acidity
- Smooth, rounded body
- Notes of caramel, toasted nuts, chocolate, honey, or soft fruit
- A naturally sweet finish
This balance is why medium roast is often considered the most versatile and approachable roast level. It’s easy to brew, easy to drink black or with milk, and easy to love.
How Medium Roast Compares to Other Roast Levels
Understanding the different roast levels will help you appreciate what makes a medium roast just right.
Light Roasts
- Higher acidity
- Lighter body
- Bright and punchy
- Preserves the most flavor from the coffee cherry, origin, and terroir
Light roasts are popular among specialty coffee drinkers who enjoy complex cups with lots of bright and acidic flavors.
Dark Roasts
- Bold, intense, and rich
- Lower acidity
Popular for espresso drinks that will be served with a larger quantity of milk and those who prefer a strong cup.
Why Hawaiian Coffee Makes an Exceptional Medium Roast
Hawaiian Coffee has a naturally smooth, sweet, and unique flavor profile thanks to the islands’ unique growing conditions.
Volcanic Soil and Ideal Climate
Hawaii’s volcanic soil is rich in minerals, and the islands’ gentle trade winds, consistent rainfall, and warm temperatures create a perfect environment for coffee to thrive. These conditions produce beans with:
- Naturally sweet and fruity undertones
- Soft acidity
- Silky mouthfeel
Coffee Grown with Aloha
Even though Kauai Coffee is the largest coffee farm in the United States, Hawaiian Coffee is a specialty coffee. Our 100% Hawaiian Coffee is triple certified by leading sustainability advocates including the Rainforest Alliance, Fair Trade USA, and the Non GMO Project. When you choose our 100% Hawaiian coffee, you’re investing in:
- Local agriculture
- Sustainable farming
- Fair labor
- Exceptional quality
- Craftsmanship and passion you can taste in every cup
How A Medium Roast Enhances Hawaiian Coffee
A medium roast deepens the natural flavors of our island-grown beans and creates a beautiful balance of sweet, smooth, and nutty characteristics. It enhances the natural chocolate and caramel notes in our beans that appeal to a wide range of coffee drinkers.
Offers Versatility Across Brew Methods
Medium roast brews beautifully in the following methods and machines:
- Automatic drip
- Pour‑over
- French press
- Cold brew
Our 100% Hawaiian Medium Roast Coffees
You can explore our collection of 100% Hawaiian medium roast coffees in our online shop. Below are a few standout offerings that showcase the best of our 100% Hawaiian Coffee at this roast level.
Peaberry beans occur when a coffee cherry produces a single, round seed instead of two. This natural mutation occurs in about 3–5% of coffee cherries and creates a bean prized for its concentrated flavor. Our medium roast peaberry is always a customer favorite with bright, citrusy notes and a lingering sweetness.
Typica is one of the oldest and most celebrated coffee varieties in the world. In fact, it was one of the first varietals brought to Hawaii for cultivation. Our Typica is sweet toned with a hint of ripe berries that shine in our medium roast.
100% Hawaiian Flavored Medium Roast Coffees
We often hear from customers who had sworn off flavored coffee until they found our flavored 100% Hawaiian Coffees. Many flavored coffees on the market use lower‑quality beans, but ours are made with 100% Hawaiian Coffee, roasted to a perfect medium level, and enhanced with a touch of tropical flavor. It is a totally unique combination you’ll crave!
Explore some of our most popular flavors or sign up for a flavored coffee subscription to have a delicious, flavored coffee delivered directly to your door every month.
- Vanilla Macadamia Nut
- Coconut Caramel Crunch
- Toasty Banana Nut Cream
- How to Brew Medium Roast Coffee for the Best Flavor
- Drip: medium
- Pour‑over: medium‑fine
- French press: coarse
- Start with two heaping tablespoons of ground coffee per 6 ounces of water
- 195°F–205°F for optimal extraction
- Grind whole beans just before brewing and keep ground coffee in an airtight container.
- Always store your coffee in a cool, dry place
Add Medium Roast Hawaiian Coffee to Your Daily Routine
Whether you’re exploring single‑origin Estate Reserve offerings or indulging in our 100% Hawaiian flavored coffees, medium roast is the perfect way to experience the richness and depth of 100% Hawaiian coffee. Shop online now.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes medium roast coffee different from light or dark roasts?
Light roasts tend to be brighter and more acidic, while dark roasts are bolder and more intense. Medium roast sits right in the middle, offering smoothness, sweetness, and versatility for everyday drinking.
Why is Hawaiian coffee especially good as a medium roast?
Hawaiian coffee is naturally sweeter with fruit and cocoa-forward notes. These qualities shine brightest at a medium roast.
Which medium roast Hawaiian coffees should I try first?
If you’re new to Hawaiian medium roasts, start with our Estate Reserve Peaberry for a rich, velvety cup or the Estate Reserve Typica for a classic, balanced Hawaiian profile.
Is flavored coffee low‑quality?
Not at all. Although some flavored coffees on the market use lower‑grade beans our flavored100% Hawaiian Coffee is made from our high‑quality, island-grown beans and roasted to perfection.
