Coffee is more than just a drink; it’s a ritual, a passion, and for many, a necessity. One of the most popular types of coffee beans is the medium roast, known for its balanced flavor, body, and acidity. Whether you’re new to coffee or an experienced enthusiast, a great medium roast can provide the perfect cup. In this article, we’ll explore the top 3 medium roast coffee beans, offering an in-depth look at each option’s unique flavor, origins, brewing recommendations, and much more.
Top 3 Recommendations
1. Stumptown Coffee Roasters – Holler Mountain
Origin: A blend from Latin America (primarily Guatemala, Colombia, and Nicaragua)
Flavor Profile: Chocolatey, nutty, caramel undertones with a smooth, balanced finish
Best Brewing Methods: Drip machines, pour-over, or French press
Why it Stands Out: Stumptown Coffee Roasters is a well-respected name in the coffee industry, known for sourcing high-quality beans and producing coffees that are both accessible and sophisticated. The Holler Mountain medium roast is one of their most popular blends, offering a great balance of flavors that coffee drinkers adore. It’s a versatile coffee, perfect for everyday drinking but with enough depth to stand out in a crowded market.
Flavor Profile: With tasting notes of chocolate, caramel, and a hint of nuttiness, this medium roast has a smooth and well-rounded profile. The chocolatey flavor is particularly prominent, with slight caramel sweetness adding to the overall richness. This makes it perfect for those who enjoy a comforting, familiar flavor in their cup.
Bean Source and Quality: Stumptown sources its beans from top-quality farms in Central and South America, with a strong commitment to direct trade practices. The beans used in Holler Mountain are ethically sourced, ensuring fair pay for farmers and contributing to sustainability efforts. Their commitment to freshness and quality is apparent in every cup.
Brewing Suitability: Holler Mountain performs exceptionally well in drip machines, pour-over setups, and French press brewing methods. The medium grind is ideal for these methods, allowing the flavors to bloom without overwhelming the palate.
Customer Reviews and Ratings: Customers consistently rave about the smoothness and rich flavor of Holler Mountain. Many note its versatility for different brewing methods and appreciate the clean aftertaste. With a high rating across platforms like Amazon and the Stumptown website, it’s clear that coffee enthusiasts appreciate this blend for its reliability and quality.
Pricing and Value: The price for a 12-ounce bag of Stumptown Holler Mountain typically ranges from $15 to $18. While on the higher end, it’s worth the investment for the quality and ethical sourcing practices, not to mention the fantastic taste.
Where to Buy: Stumptown coffee is available for purchase through their official website, local coffee shops, and popular online retailers like Amazon.
2. Lavazza – Super Crema
Origin: A blend of beans from Brazil, Colombia, and Vietnam
Flavor Profile: Creamy, nutty, with hints of honey, almond, and a mild, pleasant acidity
Best Brewing Methods: Espresso, drip coffee, and Italian-style coffee makers (Moka pot)
Why it Stands Out: Lavazza is an iconic name in the coffee world, renowned for its consistent quality and rich blends. Super Crema is a popular medium roast, known for its smooth, balanced profile that is both easy to drink and full of character. It’s often praised for its creamy texture and flavor complexity, making it a favorite among coffee lovers who prefer a versatile and premium option.
Flavor Profile: Lavazza Super Crema brings a perfect balance of smooth sweetness with hints of honey and almond. The nutty undertones offer a satisfying depth, while the subtle acidity keeps the cup refreshing and balanced. It’s a perfect coffee for those who appreciate a rich, creamy texture without an overpowering aftertaste.
Bean Source and Quality: Lavazza sources beans from some of the best coffee-growing regions in the world, including Brazil and Colombia, known for their high-quality Arabica beans, as well as Vietnamese Robusta beans for a touch of boldness. The coffee is expertly blended to create a harmonious flavor that appeals to a wide audience. While not necessarily organic, Lavazza’s commitment to quality and consistency is unparalleled.
Brewing Suitability: This medium roast is particularly well-suited for espresso, where its creamy body and smooth finish shine. It also works beautifully in drip coffee makers and Moka pots, providing a rich and satisfying cup whether you’re making a morning espresso or brewing a pot of coffee for a leisurely weekend breakfast.
Customer Reviews and Ratings: Lavazza Super Crema consistently earns high marks for its smoothness and versatility. Customers often comment on its creamy texture and mild acidity, noting that it produces a rich espresso shot with a beautiful crema on top. The value for money also stands out, especially for espresso enthusiasts who seek high-quality beans at a reasonable price.
Pricing and Value: A 2.2-pound bag of Lavazza Super Crema typically costs between $20 and $25. Considering the premium quality and its suitability for espresso machines, it offers a great value for those who want to recreate an Italian café experience at home.
Where to Buy: You can find Lavazza Super Crema at major online retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, and specialty coffee shops.
3. Peet’s Coffee – Major Dickason’s Blend
Origin: A blend of beans from Latin America and the Pacific
Flavor Profile: Bold, smoky, rich with hints of chocolate, dried fruit, and spice
Best Brewing Methods: French press, drip coffee, pour-over
Why it Stands Out: Peet’s Coffee is an American coffee company known for its commitment to high-quality beans and bold flavors. Major Dickason’s Blend is a medium roast that has gained a loyal following thanks to its rich, full-bodied flavor and smooth finish. It’s one of Peet’s signature blends, popular for its well-balanced cup that’s not too light, but still easy to drink every day.
Flavor Profile: This medium roast offers a bold flavor profile, with smoky undertones and hints of chocolate and dried fruit. There’s a touch of spice in the background, which makes each sip interesting and satisfying. The coffee has a rich mouthfeel, with a slightly low acidity, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a strong yet smooth cup.
Bean Source and Quality: Peet’s coffee is known for its commitment to sourcing the best beans available, often working directly with farmers to ensure sustainable practices. The Major Dickason’s Blend uses high-quality beans from Latin America and the Pacific, with a blend that’s designed to provide the perfect balance of strength and flavor.
Brewing Suitability: The boldness of Major Dickason’s Blend works best with methods like French press or pour-over, where its full-bodied nature can really shine. It also brews well in a drip coffee machine, making it a versatile option for those who enjoy different brewing styles.
Customer Reviews and Ratings: Fans of Major Dickason’s Blend rave about its bold, full flavor and smooth finish. Many highlight its depth and richness, with notes of chocolate and spice that make it stand out from other medium roasts. It’s a favorite for those who enjoy a coffee with character but without overpowering bitterness.
Pricing and Value: A 12-ounce bag of Peet’s Major Dickason’s Blend is typically priced between $14 and $18. It’s a premium option for those seeking a strong yet smooth medium roast with a unique flavor profile. Given its popularity and quality, it offers good value for money.
Where to Buy: You can purchase Peet’s Major Dickason’s Blend from their official website, major online retailers, and select grocery stores.
Additional Tips for Brewing the Perfect Medium Roast
Storage: To maintain the freshness of your coffee beans, store them in an airtight container away from heat, light, and moisture. Ideally, keep your coffee in a dark cupboard or pantry to preserve its flavor.
Grinding: For the best results, grind your beans just before brewing. The grind size should match your brewing method. A medium grind works well for drip machines and pour-over, while a coarser grind is better for French press.
Brewing Ratio: A good starting point is using 1 to 2 tablespoons of ground coffee per 6 ounces of water. Adjust this based on your personal preference for a stronger or lighter cup.
Water Quality: Using filtered water can improve the taste of your coffee. Hard or tap water may affect the flavor, so always use clean, fresh water for brewing.
Conclusion
Choosing the right medium roast coffee can make all the difference in your daily cup. Stumptown’s Holler Mountain, Lavazza’s Super Crema, and Peet’s Major Dickason’s Blend all offer distinctive flavors, high-quality beans, and the perfect balance of body, flavor, and acidity. Whether you’re after something smooth and chocolatey, nutty and creamy, or bold and full-bodied, these medium roasts are sure to satisfy. Keep in mind that freshness is key to a great cup, and always experiment with different brewing methods to find your perfect brew. Happy brewing!
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