What is light roast coffee?
Quick answer
Light roasts are heated until first crack finishes or shortly after — beans stay lighter in color, retain origin flavors (fruit, florals), and show more acidity. Brew with hotter water (~94 °C) and medium-fine grind on pour over; under-extraction tastes sour fast.
How to brew light roast at home
Pour over and V60 are the usual match — see the V60 recipe. Start 1:16, adjust grind before chasing ratio.
Common questions
Why does light roast taste sour? Often under-extraction — grind finer or use slightly hotter water.
Light roast for French press? Works with longer steep and slightly more coffee; less common than pour over.
Compare with dark roast.