Dark roast coffee beans are often used to make espresso, a rich, nuanced coffee beverage.
So it makes sense that coffee enthusiasts worldwide were perplexed when Starbucks revealed that blonde espresso would be one of its newest items. Espresso that has a lighter roast is known as blonde espresso.
The outcome is lighter-colored beans and less bitter coffee since the coffee beans used for blonde espresso are roasted for a shorter period of time than ordinary espresso coffee beans. The following characteristics define blonde espresso:
What distinguishes regular espresso from blonde espresso?
What distinguishes blonde espresso from ordinary espresso, then? The following are some of the primary variations between these two categories of espresso drinks:
- Steak level
The roast of the fresh coffee beans makes the most difference, as we’ve already explained. While a medium or dark roast will be roasted for significantly longer, a blonde roast will be baked for a shorter period of time at a lower temperature.
Due to its resemblance to the spice, blonde roast was once known as cinnamon roast; however, the term didn’t catch on.
- Color
The blonde espresso is, well, blonde in colour. Blond coffee roasts are light in colour, while dark coffee roasts are slightly darker.
Both the physical coffee bean and the way the coffee appears in your cup will show this difference.
- Citrate level
The roasting process breaks down part of the caffeine in the coffee, thus a lighter roast will still contain the majority of its original caffeine content. This creates an odd contrast in that light roast coffee can still contain more caffeine than dark roast.
Starbucks’s distinctive dark roast brew contains only 260 milligrammes of caffeine, but a grande blonde espresso beverage has 360 mg.
Therefore, choose blonde espresso instead of standard espresso if you’re seeking for an espresso alternative with a little extra zing.
- Taste
A cup of coffee with a less bitter and sweeter flavour comes from a lighter roast. Additionally, some people prefer the flavour profile of blonde espresso over regular espresso since it is more subdued.
Of course, this has a direct impact on how potent the beverage is. Espresso with a blonde roast is much weaker than one with a dark or medium roast.
Due to its extremely light flavour, some individuals have referred as blonde espresso as “coffee for coffee haters.” It’s also true that if you enjoy a powerful cup of dark roast coffee, blonde espresso will probably taste a little on the bland side.
- Taste profile
Espresso that is blonde tastes very differently than espresso that is black. Blonde espresso is a mellower, less bitter, lighter, and sweeter flavour. The roasting procedure brings out the light roast’s more sugary and nearly caramelised flavours, giving it a much mellower flavour.
A medium roast espresso, on the other hand, will have greater body and a flavour that is richer, darker, and has more nuanced flavours. The stronger flavour is frequently referred to as “smokey.”
How Potent is Blonde Espresso?
Espresso that is blonde, or lighter-roasted, is nonetheless regarded as robust. Because it contains a concentrated amount of coffee, it will by definition be stronger than the majority of the drip or cold brew coffees we are accustomed to.
However, the blonde roast could appear weaker and lighter in comparison to a darker roast. Even so, the acidity will still be higher than in a darker roast.
Which is stronger, blonde or regular espresso?
A blonde roast will have more caffeine than a dark roast. However, some people have a tendency to equate strength with the roast profile, so they could believe that the flavour of a darker roast is more potent.
What degree of roast is blonde?
Starbucks refers to their Blonde Roast as a light roast, however keep in mind that they are known for extensively roasting their beans.
Starbucks’ light roast often corresponds to other coffee makers’ medium roasts. There are numerous roast levels and numerous roast names.
Light roasts are frequently referred to as Half-City, New England, or Cinnamon. At a temperature between 356°F to 401°F, light roast coffee beans are normally removed from the heat just before the first crack.
These beans lack oils and seem lighter in colour since they aren’t roasted all the way to the second crack.
Conclusion
Overall, blonde espresso is an excellent option if you’re searching for a coffee that still packs a big dose of caffeine but isn’t quite as bitter and has a little more sweetness.
It’s also ideal for individuals who wish to experience light roast coffee beans without switching to a different variety.
Most Starbucks stores sell blonde espresso, but you can as easily prepare one at home. Simply alter your grind and adhere to your coffee maker’s recommendations.
Additionally, don’t forget to include some creamy steamed milk, sweetener, and possibly even a flavouring syrup to create a wonderfully delectable cup of blonde espresso.