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Blonde Roast Brews: Savor the Mellow Side of Coffee

Oct 14, 2024 • Wanjiku Kimari

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As coffee enthusiasts, we are familiar with the classic trio of light, medium, and dark roast coffees, each offering a distinct flavor profile and aroma. However, the world of coffee roasting goes beyond these well-known categories, as other roast levels are gaining attention within the coffee community. Among these intriguing alternatives is the blonde roast coffee, a level just before the first crack, where the beans display unique characteristics that set them apart from their darker counterparts. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of blonde roast coffee, exploring its distinct flavor profile, roasting process, and how it compares to medium and dark roast varieties.

What is Blonde Roast Coffee?

However, the roasting spectrum is not confined to these three categories, as other roast levels outside the scope are getting attention within the coffee community. Some of these include white, gold, and blonde roast, existing outside the light roast end of traditional roast profiles.

  • White roast coffee is the mildest level, with an off-white color and a notably acidic taste profile.
  • Gold roast coffee are beans roasted at 345°F, resulting in a golden brown color with an aroma similar to toasted bread.
  • Blonde roast occurs at 370°F, at the edge of the first crack, which happens at 385°F. The beans begin to shed their chaff, and the sucrose starts to caramelize at this stage, resulting in a light-bodied roast with defined acidity and sweet undertones of caramel and honey.
A cup of coffee on a table full of coffee beans of different roasting including a blonde roast and unprocessed coffee fruits

The Coffee Roast Spectrum

Roasting levels are a palette for roasters to craft their creations. Each roast level impacts the flavor, aroma, and body of the coffee to provide a distinct experience.

While coffee roasting is a meticulous process involving the application of heat to green coffee beans to transform their appearance and taste, the roasting technique determines the outcome of blonde roast coffee.

The roasting spectrum includes various roast levels, generally classified into light, medium, and dark.

  • Light roasts have the shortest roasting time at the lowest temperature. The coffee on this level has a bright and vibrant flavor profile, highlighting the bean's varietal characteristics.
  • Medium roast profiles lie in the middle of the spectrum, characterized by a balanced flavor profile. They maintain the bright and acidic taste notes of light roasts and sweet flavors of caramelized sugars with the mouth feel of dark roasts. While it highlights some of the beans' origin attributes, it slightly caramelizes the coffee to produce a more rounded flavor profile. Examples: City & Full City Roast Coffee.
  • Dark roasts are at the end of the roasting profile, resulting in a shiny dark brown to almost black color, bold and more robust flavors with low acidity, and emphasized toasty and bitter notes. Examples: Italian & French Roast Coffee.
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Flavor Profile of Blonde Roast Coffee

The blonde roast is the level just before the first crack, making the beans have notably different characteristics from beans that have attained the first crack stage. Firstly, the beans are hard as the roasting time is too short to crack and soften them. Moreover, taste notes we typically associate with coffee are more subtle as the bean's sucrose is just beginning to caramelize.

The coffee also exhibits fruity and floral notes depending on its origin, with a light-bodied mouthfeel with a smooth and clean finish. They say coffee has over 800 flavor components that we experience depending on the aging, roasting, and brewing process. However, light roasts like the blonde style bring the bean's varietal characteristics, such as terroir, to the forefront. But, they also have a high acidity content, which may be a health concern for some sensitive stomachs.

Products reviewed in more detail

Starbucks Blonde Roast Ground Coffee - Veranda Blend

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4.7 out of 5 • Buy it for $19 at Amazon • Price last checked Jul 29, 2023

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4.7 out of 5 • No price available, check stock on Amazon • Price last checked Jul 29, 2023

Starbucks Blonde Roast Ground Coffee - Veranda BlendStarbucks Blonde Roast Ground Coffee - Veranda Blend

Features

The Starbucks Blonde Roast Ground Coffee, Veranda Blend is inspired by decades of partnership with Latin American farmers. It delivers an inviting and approachable coffee experience with hints of toasted sweet malt and milk chocolate. The flavor is subtle, yet unique, making the beverage extra enjoyable with milk.

Pros

  • It is an inviting and approachable blend
  • It has unique hints of toasted sweet malt and chocolate
  • Its flavor is enhanced when mixed with milk
  • The blend is inspired by Latin American coffee farmers

Cons

Wink Blonde Roast - Single Origin Colombian

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4.8 out of 5 • Buy it for $23 at Amazon • Price last checked Jul 29, 2023

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4.8 out of 5 • No price available, check stock on Amazon • Price last checked Jul 29, 2023

Wink Blonde Roast - Single Origin ColombianWink Blonde Roast - Single Origin Colombian

Features

Wink Blonde Roast Whole Bean Coffee comes from Colombian single origin 100% Arabica coffee beans. The large 2.2 pound bag provides a smooth, light, and complex taste for the coffee connoisseurs. This well balanced blonde roast delivers a delightful experience for every coffee lover.

Pros

  • Offers complex flavors
  • Smooth and light taste
  • 100% Arabica coffee beans
  • Single Origin Colombian
  • Comes in a large 2.2 pound bag

Cons

Starbucks Instant Coffee Blonde Roast

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4.6 out of 5 • Buy it for $28 at Amazon • Price last checked Jul 29, 2023

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4.6 out of 5 • No price available, check stock on Amazon • Price last checked Jul 29, 2023

Starbucks Instant Coffee Blonde RoastStarbucks Instant Coffee Blonde Roast

Features

Experience the delight of Starbucks Premium Instant Coffee, a blend that revolutionises instant coffee. It's as easy as stirring it into hot water to start your day right. Each tin of our Blonde Roast produces up to 40 cups of bright, complex coffee with a sweet flavour. Our product is ethically sourced using the same top-quality 100% Arabica beans found in our cafés, and our tins are recyclable. Stir up your regular coffee routine with our instant variety.

Pros

  • Offers a unique and delectable taste
  • Very easy and efficient to prepare
  • Each tin can produce up to 40 cups
  • Ethically-sourced Arabica beans
  • Environmentally-friendly with recyclable tins

Cons

Starbucks K-Cup - Blonde Roast Veranda Blend

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4.7 out of 5 • Buy it for $33 at Amazon • Price last checked Jul 29, 2023

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4.7 out of 5 • No price available, check stock on Amazon • Price last checked Jul 29, 2023

Starbucks K-Cup - Blonde Roast Veranda BlendStarbucks K-Cup - Blonde Roast Veranda Blend

Features

Starbucks' K-Cup Coffee Pods bring the richness of Latin America to your cup with the Blonde Roast Veranda Blend. The blend inherits its subtle yet delectable hints of toasted sweet malt and milk chocolate from decades of collaboration with Latin American farmers. This approachable coffee is a delight when enjoyed plain or mixed with milk.

Pros

  • Rich and wholesome flavour profile
  • Inspired by Latin American coffee farming tradition
  • Mixes well with milk to bring out notes of sweet malt and chocolate
  • Very approachable coffee blend
  • Convenient to use with Keurig Brewers

Cons

Starbucks Blonde Roast Iced Coffee

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4.8 out of 5 • Buy it for $7 at Amazon • Price last checked Jul 29, 2023

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4.8 out of 5 • No price available, check stock on Amazon • Price last checked Jul 29, 2023

Starbucks Blonde Roast Iced CoffeeStarbucks Blonde Roast Iced Coffee

Features

Inspired by the iconic Starbucks coffee culture, this Blonde Roast Iced Coffee is perfect for home personalization. Whether you prefer it black over ice, with sweetener or some creamer, it's an iced coffee crafted to suit your craving anywhere and anytime.

Pros

  • Versatile for various sweetener and creamer additions.
  • Inspired by Starbucks coffee culture.
  • Perfect for enjoying at home or on-the-go.

Cons

Starbucks by Nespresso Blonde Roast Espresso

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4.6 out of 5 • Buy it for $30 at Amazon • Price last checked Jul 29, 2023

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4.6 out of 5 • No price available, check stock on Amazon • Price last checked Jul 29, 2023

Starbucks by Nespresso Blonde Roast EspressoStarbucks by Nespresso Blonde Roast Espresso

Features

Starbucks and Nespresso have partnered to bring you the same high-quality coffee you love, now at home. These aluminum capsules are not only 100% recyclable but also guarantee coffee freshness. Offering a second espresso that’s boldly mellow, soft, and balanced, they put a spotlight on milk's sweeter side for a smooth classic espresso drink without a roasty edge.

Pros

  • High-quality Starbucks coffee for home use
  • Made with 100% recyclable aluminum capsules
  • Guaranteed coffee freshness
  • Creates a mellow, soft, and balanced espresso
  • Enhances the sweet side of milk in espresso drinks

Cons

Bluestone Lane Bayside Blonde Light Roast

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4.5 out of 5 • Buy it for $15 at Amazon • Price last checked Jul 29, 2023

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4.5 out of 5 • No price available, check stock on Amazon • Price last checked Jul 29, 2023

Bluestone Lane Bayside Blonde Light RoastBluestone Lane Bayside Blonde Light Roast

Features

These coffee beans from Bluestone Lane offer a light, crisp, and fruity flavor, perfect for daily brewing. The Bayside Blonde Light Roast is a go-to for coffee enthusiasts who prefer a lighter, smoother profile. Each 12-ounce bag contains whole beans for maximum freshness and flavor.

Pros

  • Pleasant, light and crisp flavor
  • Ideal for daily brewing
  • Beans are whole for maximum freshness and taste

Cons

Starbucks Instant Coffee Veranda Blend

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4.6 out of 5 • Buy it for $39 at Amazon • Price last checked Aug 01, 2023

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4.6 out of 5 • No price available, check stock on Amazon • Price last checked Aug 01, 2023

Starbucks Instant Coffee Veranda BlendStarbucks Instant Coffee Veranda Blend

Features

Starbucks VIA blends are the product of years-long collaborations with coffee farmers in Latin America. This specific blend was inspired by the lightly roasted coffees enjoyed on breezy verandas. It's subtle yet flavorful, with notes of toasted malt and milk chocolate, mixing beautifully with milk. It's an inviting and approachable coffee for every coffee lover.

Pros

  • Notes of toasted sweet malt and milk chocolate
  • Mixes well with milk
  • Inspired by traditional Latin American coffees
  • Ideal for all coffee lovers
  • Easy to prepare

Cons

Caza Trail Coffee Pods Blonde Roast Single Serve

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4.4 out of 5 • Buy it for $42 at Amazon • Price last checked Aug 01, 2023

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4.4 out of 5 • No price available, check stock on Amazon • Price last checked Aug 01, 2023

Caza Trail Coffee Pods Blonde Roast Single ServeCaza Trail Coffee Pods Blonde Roast Single Serve

Features

Caza Trail Blonde Roast coffee stuns with its bright, complex flavor. With each cup, a delightful blend of moderate acidity, citrus, and chocolate notes emerge. Dedicated to offering a variety of flavors, Caza Trail ensures a successful hunt for rich coffee cups anytime, anywhere. Every sip captures the essence of our high-quality, carefully crafted products.

Pros

  • Bright and complex flavor profile.
  • Balanced notes of citrus and chocolate.
  • Suitable for any time of day.
  • Unique essences in every sip.
  • Demonstrates care and quality.

Cons

Blonde Blend - Light Roast

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4 out of 5 • Buy it for $10 at Etsy • Price last checked Aug 01, 2023

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4 out of 5 • No price available, check stock on Etsy • Price last checked Aug 01, 2023

Blonde Blend - Light RoastBlonde Blend - Light Roast

Features

This blend is a charming mix of South American and African coffee, providing a refined, light roast. It is characterized by higher levels of acidity that encapsulate the diverse flavor nuances, a characteristic feature of the lighter roast.

Pros

  • Sweet blend
  • Lightly roasted
  • Higher in acidity
  • Dynamic flavor nuances

Cons

Blonde Blend | Light Roast

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1 out of 5 • Buy it for $10 at Etsy • Price last checked Jul 29, 2023

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1 out of 5 • No price available, check stock on Etsy • Price last checked Jul 29, 2023

Blonde Blend | Light RoastBlonde Blend | Light Roast

Features

The Blonde Blend offers a sweetly nuanced flavour, courtesy of its South American and African roots. The lighter roast degree gives it a pleasant acidity and enriches its taste.

Pros

  • Sweet blend
  • Light roast
  • High acidity

Cons

5 Coffee Drinks Ideas for Blonde Roast Coffee

Blonde roast coffee's delicate and bright flavors make it a versatile base for a variety of delightful coffee drinks. For those who appreciate the pure essence of the bean's origin, a simple cup of brewed blonde roast coffee highlights its subtle fruity and floral notes, offering a refreshing and clean taste experience. Here are a few ideas for coffee drinks to try out Blonde Roast Coffee:

  1. Brewed Blonde Roast: Enjoy the pure essence of the bean's origin with a simple cup of brewed blonde roast coffee, highlighting its subtle fruity and floral notes for a refreshing and clean taste experience.
  2. Blonde Latte: Indulge in a classic and creamy treat by blending steamed milk with the light-bodied coffee, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
  3. Blonde Roast Iced Coffee: Stay refreshed on warm days with this icy and invigorating option, maintaining the coffee's vibrant qualities even when chilled.
  4. Blonde Caramel Macchiato: Add an extra touch of sweetness to your coffee with a Blonde Caramel Macchiato, combining blonde roast coffee with velvety steamed milk and a drizzle of caramel syrup for a luxurious and indulgent sip.
  5. Flavored Coffee Drinks: The clean finish and lack of lingering aftertaste of blonde roast coffee make it an excellent base for various flavored coffee drinks, allowing added ingredients to shine without overwhelming the coffee's natural charm.
A macchiato drink with caramel drizzle in a white cup

Blonde Roast vs Darker Roast

Blonde roast coffee beans undergo a comparably shorter roasting time at lower temperatures. It results in beans with a light brown color and a dry surface, while medium roasts have a medium brown color with a slightly shiny surface. The bean's natural sugars are caramelized in the medium roast, giving a broader range of flavors. On the other hand, the blonde roast has an acidic taste with a clean finish and light-bodied mouthfeel.

Dark roasts are coffee beans roasted for a long duration at high temperatures, creating a richly flavored coffee. The beans are dark brown to almost black and usually have a shiny surface as the extended roasting releases coffee oils. Furthermore, the prolonged roasting process reduces the chlorogenic acid levels in the beans, lowering the acidity level.

In comparison, blonde roasts are light-bodied with bright acidity and subtle fruity and floral flavors, easily discernible on the palate. It has a clean and crisp aftertaste, while dark roasts are notably bitter with smoky notes.

A spectrum of 8 types of roasts starting from very dark roasted beans to very light roasted beans

Conclusion

Blonde roast coffee is an excellent example of the delicate world of coffee roasting. This roast profile helps preserve the bean's original flavors, allowing its unique characteristics to take center stage. For coffee lovers, the fascination for blonde roast coffee lies in its refreshing and bright flavors, clean finish, and lack of lingering aftertaste, often associated with darker roasts. Moreover, blonde roast coffee offers health benefits due to its high antioxidant and caffeine content. So, whether you are a seasoned or a casual coffee consumer, we recommend trying the bright and mellow taste of the blonde roast to experience a unique coffee adventure.

Author

Wanjiku is an experienced interior designer who loves creating beautiful spaces, one room at a time. When not designing, you can find her enjoying her favorite coffee drinks and planning her next road trip adventure!

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