Why We Love Light Roasts at Hugo Coffee

Here at Hugo Coffee Roasters, we believe a great cup of coffee can make any day better! Not just for you but also for animals who benefit from every purchase. As a purveyor of premium roasts, we take our commitment to quality, sustainability, and animal welfare to heart in every sip. 

Today, we’re venturing into the nuanced world of light roast with its subtle flavors. Let’s drink in the charm of light roasts and how best to savor the rich tapestry of flavors they offer.

The Art of the Light Roast

In the simplest terms, a light roast is a coffee bean that has been roasted at a lower temperature and for a shorter duration than its darker counterparts. This gentle treatment preserves the bean’s unique flavors and characteristics that reflect its origin and the terroir in which it was grown. Light roast coffee drinkers enjoy floral aromas, vibrant acidity, and a lighter body that allows the subtler notes to shine through.

Finding Balance in the Roast

For us, the art of roasting light is a meticulous process. It begins with sourcing the finest coffee beans from responsible farmers around the world. The roast is a dance, not a science, and our roasters skillfully bring out the best in each bean by continuously monitoring the process and using all their senses to gauge the bean’s readiness for the next stage of its transformation. This intuitive approach is key to delivering a light roast that is both nuanced and balanced.

The Taste and Smell of Light Roasts

Light roast coffee may create a sensory awakening for those first encountering it. The fragrance of the ground beans immediately nods to the herbal and fruity notes to come. When brewed, expect a complex flavor profile that includes citrus, floral, and even chocolate undertones, all harmonized by a gentle sweetness and clean finish.

Hugo’s New Trick Light Roast Coffee

New Trick features single-origin beans from Central America that are full of bright and sweet personality. It’s lightly roasted so that more of the beans’ natural flavor and caffeine remain (if you rely on your morning coffee for a little extra kick to start the day). Different and exciting, this edgy blend is roasted specifically for the adventurous and learned coffee connoisseur.

Why We Love Light Roasts

As the coffee industry shifts towards more discerning and ethically-minded consumers, light roasts are enjoying a renaissance. Coffee drinkers are seeking unique and artisanal experiences, and New Trick provides just that through the complexity and individuality that light roasts bring to the table. 

What’s more, recent scientific research suggests that light roasts may have certain health benefits, including a higher concentration of antioxidants and a lower level of acrylamide, a potential carcinogen formed during the roasting process. 

Additionally, many light roast beans come from shade-grown coffee plants. These farms provide natural habitat for birds and local wildlife, promote biodiversity, and contribute to the local ecosystem’s health. By choosing shade-grown coffee, consumers can play a role in conservation efforts around the globe—in addition to helping save animals across the United States.

Crafting Your Perfect Cup

The key to a perfect cup of light roast coffee lies in the preparation. 

The grind of your coffee may be the most influential factor in your brewing. For light roasts, a medium-fine grind is usually best. It allows the water to extract the flavors fully without over-extracting the delicate compounds and ending up with a bitter cup.

When brewing light roasts, aim for water between 195-205°F, the sweet spot for brewing the complex flavors without scalding the coffee. Whether you prefer a pour-over, French press, or drip method, a precise brew time and a good stir will ensure an even extraction.

New Trick Light Roast: A Reflection of Our Palate and Personality

As the sun rises on another day, we invite you to savor and appreciate the finer details of New Trick Light Roast—where every sip is a new trick waiting to be mastered. It’s your time to drink in the experience.