That's Strong Coffee
In addition to the main regional coffees mentioned in Coffee Pairing (see sidebar), there are a few notable dark-roasted blends you're likely to find at most coffee shops. Look out, though--these are not your grandmother's instant flavor crystals:
Espresso Roast: these are usually dark, robust blends with a caramel-like sweetness. Espresso roasts are specifically created to stand up to the intense process of brewing espresso, but can be brewed using other methods with great results.
- Body: full
- Acidity: low
- Flavor Pairings: caramel, chocolate, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom
Try these recipes for pairing with Espresso Blends:
Italian Roast: the name refers to the way in which the coffee is roasted: very dark, as is popular in Italy. Italian roasts are a blend of beans from different regions, but often have those from Latin America in common.
- Body: Full
- Acidity: Low
- Flavor Pairings: chocolate, caramel, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, nuts
Try these recipes for pairing with Italian Roasts:
French Roast: these blends are roasted even darker than the Italian Roast. While French Roasts are not actually full-bodied, their flavor is strong and intense, often with a smoky quality--they have a relatively small, but loyal following.
- Body: light to medium
- Acidity: low
- Flavor Pairings: toasted almonds, toasted hazelnuts, caramelized sugar
Try these recipes for pairing with French Roasts:
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