Medium Roast Coffee: The Perfect Balance Between Bold & Smooth

Some like it light. Some like it dark. But the real coffee lovers? They know medium roast coffee is where the magic happens.

It’s the perfect middle ground, delivering bold richness without the bitterness, and sweet caramelization without losing origin flavors. Whether you’re a casual sipper or a coffee connoisseur, medium roast is the underrated king of the coffee world.

But what exactly makes medium roast coffee so special? How does it compare to dark roasts? How much caffeine does it have? And most importantly—what’s the best medium roast coffee you can get your hands on?

Buckle up, because we’re about to break it all down with expert knowledge, a bit of sass, and a whole lot of love for the best roast in the game.

What Is Medium Roast Coffee?

Medium roast coffee is the Goldilocks of coffee roasts—not too light, not too dark, but just right.

Characteristics of Medium Roast Coffee:

☕ Color: A rich brown hue with little to no oil on the surface.
☕ Flavor Profile: Well-balanced with a touch of acidity, a hint of roasty sweetness, and flavors that let the bean’s origin shine through.
☕ Roasting Temperature: Typically roasted between 410°F – 428°F, stopping before the second crack.
☕ Caffeine Content: Slightly less than light roast, but more than dark roast (we’ll break this down later).

Medium roast coffee is versatile, flavorful, and smooth, making it the perfect go-to roast for any brewing method and any time of day.

How Is Medium Roast Coffee Made?

The roasting process is where the magic happens. Here’s how raw, green coffee beans transform into the beautiful brown medium roast coffee you know and love:

1. The First Crack – Where Medium Roast Takes Shape

• Green coffee beans are slowly heated to bring out their natural flavors.
• Around 385°F – 395°F, the beans hit the first crack—a popping sound that signals the beginning of true roasting.
• For medium roast coffee, the beans continue roasting past this stage but stop before the second crack.

2. The Perfect Balance of Caramelization & Acidity

• Roasting past the first crack allows natural sugars to caramelize, giving medium roasts their signature sweet, nutty, and chocolatey flavors.
• But because it’s not roasted too long, medium roast retains some of its original acidity—which is why you still taste bright, fruity, or floral notes.

3. Cooling & Resting

• Once the beans reach 410°F – 428°F, they are rapidly cooled to stop roasting.
• They’re then left to rest for 12-24 hours, allowing the flavors to develop before grinding and brewing.

The result? A coffee that preserves the best of both worlds—the lively character of light roast with the deep, rich notes of dark roast.

How Much Caffeine Is in Medium Roast Coffee?

Ah, caffeine—the reason many of us are functioning members of society.

Contrary to popular belief, darker roasts don’t have more caffeine than lighter roasts. In fact, medium roast coffee actually has slightly more caffeine than dark roast!

☕ Light Roast = Highest caffeine per bean
☕ Medium Roast = Balanced caffeine + best flavor
☕ Dark Roast = Slightly less caffeine due to longer roasting

The difference isn’t massive, but if you want the perfect balance of caffeine and flavor, medium roast coffee is the way to go.

Medium Roast vs. Dark Roast vs. Light Roast Coffee – What’s the Difference?

Coffee roasting is an art and a science, and where a coffee bean lands on the light-to-dark spectrum dramatically affects its flavor, acidity, body, and caffeine content.

While medium roast is the beautiful middle ground, light roast and dark roast each have their own distinct characteristics.

Which Roast Is Right for You?

🔥 Go Light if you love bright, floral, fruity coffee with high acidity.
🔥 Go Medium if you want the perfect balance of flavor, body, and smoothness. Check out our Light Roast Coffee Guide for more! 
🔥 Go Dark if you love deep, smoky, and bold flavors with a heavy body.
Need a more in-depth analysis about the differences between Light, Medium, and Dark roast coffee? Check out our blog post: Light Roast vs. Dark Roast: Which Coffee is Right for You?

What Does Medium Roast Coffee Taste Like?

If light roast is bright and citrusy, and dark roast is bold and smoky, then medium roast is beautifully balanced with:

☕ Sweet caramel & nutty notes
☕ Hints of fruit, honey, or chocolate
☕ A smooth, slightly crisp finish

Because medium roast doesn’t overpower the bean’s natural flavors, it’s one of the best choices if you want to actually taste where your coffee comes from.

Brewing Medium Roast Coffee – Best Methods for Maximum Flavor

Medium roast coffee is one of the most versatile roasts, meaning you can brew it however you like—but some methods bring out the best in it:

☕ Pour-Over (Best for Flavor Clarity)

• Highlights sweet, fruity, and chocolatey notes.
• Use a medium grind and brew at 195-205°F.

☕ French Press (Best for Full-Bodied Brews)

• Brings out richer, bolder notes with a silky texture.
• Use a coarse grind and steep for 4 minutes.

☕ Espresso (Best for Bold, Balanced Shots)

• Creates a rich, caramelized espresso shot with slight acidity.
• Use a fine grind and extract in 25-30 seconds.

☕ Drip Coffee (Best for Everyday Simplicity)

• Smooth, balanced, and easy to drink.
• Use a medium grind for best results.

Meet the Best Medium Roast Coffees from 40 Thieves

At 40 Thieves Coffee, we don’t do average. We craft bold, flavorful, and unforgettable medium roasts for those who demand quality, depth, and character in every sip.

Whether you're after smooth balance, high-octane energy, or a rich and complex experience, we have the perfect medium roast for you.

FAQ – Everything You Need to Know About Medium Roast Coffee

Is Medium Roast Coffee Strong?

Yes and no—it has a bold, rich flavor but isn’t as smoky or bitter as dark roast.

What’s the Best Medium Roast Coffee?

El Bandido, Original, and Jet Fuel, and Rise N Grind. No contest.

How Much Caffeine in Medium Roast Coffee?

More than dark roast, slightly less than light roast—perfect for balanced energy.

A Thieves' Final Thoughts – The Perfect Roast for Coffee Lovers

If there’s one thing we know for certain, it’s this: Medium roast coffee isn’t just a middle ground—it’s where the best of both worlds collide.

It’s bold without being overpowering.
It’s smooth without being boring.
It’s complex yet incredibly easy to drink.

It’s the roast that coffee lovers come back to again and again.

Whether you’re starting your morning with a steaming hot cup, brewing an afternoon pick-me-up, or pulling a perfect espresso shot, medium roast delivers the depth, balance, and richness that makes every sip worth savoring.

Why Medium Roast Coffee Is the Best Choice:

✅ More flavor than light roast, but without the bitterness of dark roast.
✅ A perfect balance of natural origin flavors & caramelized sweetness.
✅ Versatile for every brewing method—drip, French press, espresso, you name it.
✅ Enough caffeine to wake you up, but not so much it punches you in the face.

At 40 Thieves Coffee, we don’t just make coffee—we craft legendary roasts that fuel hustlers, dreamers, and everyday coffee lovers alike.

So if you’re ready to elevate your coffee game, it’s time to experience the best medium roast coffee for yourself.

☕🔥 Grab a bag of 40 Thieves Coffee today and taste the difference.