Get as intense as you prefer
The best cup of coffee you’ll have is one that ticks every box – the perfect roast, the taste notes you enjoy, and exactly as intense as you want it to be. With this in mind, let's delve into the world of coffee intensity and discover the perfect match for your taste buds.
Coffee intensity is impacted by its roast type. The intensity level is decided upon based on how bitter the coffee is and by the body (texture) of the coffee.
The Starbucks® Roast Spectrum is a blend of art and science and divides the full Starbucks® range into 3 delicious segments – Starbucks Blonde® Roast, Medium Roast, and Dark Roast. This is to appeal to the preferences of coffee drinkers, based on the intensity and tasting notes they enjoy. The spectrum moves from a smooth, light-bodied Starbucks® Blonde to a rich, bold strong intensity – and everything in between. Remember though, intensity is defined by a coffee's degree of roasting, its body, its bitterness and the concentration of the coffee, not the amount of caffeine it contains.
Remember – “coffee intensity” doesn’t just refer to how strong a coffee is. The coffee intensity scale considers the roast type, the bitterness, and texture in every sip.
From the moment your espresso starts brewing, begin to take note: what aromas are in the air? What notes do you taste when you take that first sip?
A more intense coffee will often have roasty, oaky aromas and tasting notes, while a lower intensity coffee could reveal mellower, lighter aromas and taste notes.
It can feel like a lot to keep in mind, but let your nose and tastebuds guide you to the coffee intensity you enjoy the most.
Delicate notes varying across citrus, biscuit, toasted cereal and vanilla, usually with a slightly sweeter edge.
Notes of caramel, chocolate, nuts or cocoa and overall, a smooth finish.
Deep, dark, and rich notes. This can be caramel or chocolate and even have a herbal and earthy edge.
Reading about finding your favourite intensity coffee is only the beginning. With everything you’ve discovered so far, you’re prepared to take the next step and get brewing at home.
With a range of coffees that cover the roast spectrum and offer the best intensities, Starbucks® by Nespresso® provides an ideal selection for any coffee lover – or those who have just started their coffee journey. Click here to view them all.
RECOMMENDED COFFEE
A delicious blend of Latin American and Asia/Pacific coffees, this espresso has a rich and caramelly sweetness and is at the heart of our handcrafted latte.
