Standing in front of the coffee shelf or browsing our e-shop and hesitating. Should I take the espresso roast or the filter roast? Is it just marketing or does it really matter?
Understanding the difference between espresso and filter roasting is the most important step if you want to make a really good cup at home. Although both categories may come from identical green beans, the way we roast them in Goriffee radically changes their taste, aroma, and brewing behavior.
In this article you will learn why Specialty coffee – requires a different approach, how to choose the right bean for your coffee machine and which mistakes to avoid.
What is espresso roasting?
Espresso roasting (often referred to as medium roast and full city roast) in our roastery is optimized for fast extraction under high pressure. Since the preparation espresso takes only 20-30 seconds, the beans need to be more “open” and soluble to allow the water to extract the best.
Typical characteristics for our espresso roasts:
- Suppressed acidity: we roast to soften the fruit acidity and bring out the sweetness and body.
- Dense body and crema: Longer roasting helps to create the oils and gases (CO2) that are responsible for the rich texture and dense crema. For more on roasting chemistry and crema formation, see, for example, the study Effect of roasting on chemical composition of coffee.
- Balance: the goal is a stable taste that not only stands out in pure espresso, but also in milk.
Coffee flavour profile for espresso:
- chocolate
- cocoa
- caramel
- nuts
- mild bitterness
- minimal fruitiness
💡 Recommended espresso coffees Goriffee: For fans of the classics we recommend Brazil Caramelo Natural or our signature Highlander Espresso blend. If you’re avoiding caffeine, reach for Colombia Popayan Decaf for espresso.
What is filter roasting?
Filter roasting (light roast) is designed for slow extraction by gravity. Methods such as V60, Chemex or Aeropress use a longer leaching time (2-4 minutes), so we don’t need to disturb the beans as much as with espresso.
Why do we roast lighter on the filter?
- High acidity and liveliness: we want to preserve the enzymatic substances that give coffee its unique character – fruitiness, florality and freshness.
- Purity of taste: filters can “break down” the taste of coffee into small nuances.
- Tea-like character: the body is softer, less oily, which is refreshing.
Taste profile of the coffee on the filter:
- strong fruity notes
- citrus
- tropical fruits
- floral elements
- natural sweetness
Comparison: espresso vs. filter roasting
So you don’t get lost in the shuffle, here’s a quick overview of how we approach roasting at Goriffee:
| Feature | Espresso roasting (Goriffee) | Filter roasting (Goriffee) |
| Degree of roasting | Medium – Full City | Light |
| Acidity | Lower, balanced | Higher, distinctive |
| Body | Strong, creamy, syrupy | Light, clean, tea-like |
| Dominant tones | Chocolate, nuts, caramel | Fruit, flowers, citrus |
| Ideal preparation | Lever coffee machine, automatic | V60, Chemex, Batch brew, Aeropress |
What happens if I use the wrong roaster?
We are often asked if you can use espresso beans for the filter and vice versa. Technically, yes, but the result is unlikely to please you. The expert website Perfect Daily Grind often points out that the solubility of the bean is a key variable – and it changes with roasting.
❌ Espresso roasting on a filter: the resulting cup will likely taste flat, bitter and “woody”. The delicate notes will be burnt and the typical sparkling acidity will be missing.
❌ Filter roasting in espresso: This is thin ice. For the average consumer, an espresso from a “light roast” coffee will be extremely acidic and beastly. It lacks the solubility needed for short extraction.
So how to choose?
At Goriffee, we label our packages clearly so you always know what you’re reaching for.
- Do you have an automatic coffee machine or espresso lever at home? Search in the section Espresso Coffee. It will guarantee you a sweet, creamy espresso.
- Do you like a ritual with V60 or a quick surprise? Coffees for filtered preparation are your way to discover variety.
- Do you want the best of both worlds or do you like to experiment? Check out our current bargain packages, where we often combine different profiles.
For those who don’t want to deal with a purchase every month, the ideal solution is Goriffee coffee subscription. We take care of the selection of freshly roasted beans exactly to your preference – whether you’re team espresso or team filter.
