What distinguishes dark roast coffee from regular coffee?

Dark roast coffee is characterized by its richer and bolder flavor, which is a result of the longer roasting process it undergoes. During this process, the beans are exposed to higher temperatures for a longer duration, leading to the development of deep, robust flavors. The roasting brings out the oils in the coffee beans, which contribute to the full-bodied taste and aroma that dark roast lovers appreciate.

In contrast, options such as having a lighter flavor profile or being brewed for a shorter time do not accurately reflect the characteristics of dark roast coffee. Additionally, while there are myths regarding caffeine content, dark roast coffee generally has a slightly lower caffeine concentration when measured by volume compared to lighter roasts, which may lead to misconceptions about it containing more caffeine. Thus, the distinct richness and boldness is the key feature that sets dark roast coffee apart from regular coffee.