When it comes to coffee, there are two main types of roasts – Vienna and French. Both have their own unique flavor profiles that can make your coffee drinking experience different. So, what are the main differences to decide which one you should choose?
As a whole, it depends on personal preference but If you like a more intense, bold flavor, then you should go for a Vienna roast. You should choose a French roast if you prefer a more delicate, nuanced flavor. The different roasting process has a significant flavor impact on how it tastes.
Let’s discuss the main differences and similarities between the two roasts so you can choose which one you want to drink.
Difference Between Vienna Roast vs. French Roast
The main difference between Vienna roast and French roast is that Vienna roast coffee beans are roasted for a longer period of time than French roast beans. This roast level results in a darker color and a more intense flavor for the Vienna roast, while the French roast has a lighter color and a more mild flavor.
Both roasts are similar but have their distinct features, which will be discussed below:
Appearance
The appearance of the coffee beans is quite different in both types of roasts. French roast has been roasted to a stage where it becomes dark brown and almost black. On the other hand, Vienna Roast is medium to dark brown with a hint of redness.
Color
While both Vienna and French roasts are dark roasts, the color is not the same. A Vienna roast has a lighter body color, with light-to-medium brown shades. On the other hand, French roast is much darker, with a more intense aroma and flavor notes similar to espresso coffee.
Aroma and Flavor Notes
The aroma and flavor notes of both French roast and Vienna roast are different. The aroma of a Vienna roast is more floral or nutty, while the smell of a French roast is more earthy and wine-like, with hints of chocolate.
The flavor notes in both kinds of roasts also differ from one another. A Vienna roast has a fruity, malty taste with some bitter undertones, while French roasts have a distinctive caramelized flavor similar to espresso coffees.
Body
Vienna’s have a light to medium body, while French roasts have a medium to entire body as compared to Vienna’s, which have light body density. This means that you will find Vienna’s having more acidity than French roasts, which are richer in flavor but lighter in body density.
Taste
The taste of French Roast differs significantly from Vienna Roast in terms of its flavor profile and intensity when brewed or ground into fine powder form and then used for making coffee beverages like espresso or cappuccino etcetera.
What is French Roast?
French roast is a dark, oily coffee made from a blend of beans from different origins. It is most closely associated with the classic French press method of brewing. French roast is a dark, oily coffee made from a blend of beans from different origins. It is most closely associated with the classic French press method of brewing.
French roasts are traditionally roasted longer than other roasts, which results in a very dark roast with an almost charred appearance that gives it its name. The longer roasting process creates more oils and fats within each coffee bean, making it more bitter than other types of coffee.
French roasts are often used in espresso drinks like lattes and cappuccinos because they have more bodies than lighter roasts. French roast flavor profile tends to be rich and smoky with hints of chocolate or caramel notes.
Why Is It Called French Roast?
French roast, also known as French roast or ristretto, is a coffee roasted in dark brown style. This is the darkest roast you can get before turning the beans into charcoal.
Like any other coffee, the longer it’s roasted, the more bitter it becomes. So when you buy French roast, you’re buying a coffee roasted for a long time and has lost most of its natural sweetness and flavor.
The name “French roast” comes from France, where they have an older style of roasting called ristretto (meaning “restricted” in Italian). Ristretto was used to create a very dark kind of coffee that was very strong in flavor and could stand up to cream and sugar without getting too bitter or acidic.
What is Vienna Roast?
Vienna Roast is a dark roast coffee. It is brewed using 100% Arabica beans and has a medium to the whole body. It has a distinctive flavor and aroma, which makes it suitable for any time of the day.
Vienna Roast is popular with people who like its coffee as solid and flavorful. When you brew Vienna Roast, it has a nutty taste that will remind you of hazelnut or almond flavors. It also has notes of chocolate and caramel, which make it perfect for drinking with dessert or eating sweet treats.
The robustness of this coffee makes it great for those who like intense flavors in their morning cup of joe. Vienna Roast can be enjoyed by people who want bolder tastes in their hot beverage and those who prefer lighter flavors in their hot drink.
What Does Vienna Roast Taste Like?
Vienna roast is a dark-roast coffee roasted to a medium-dark level. It is named after the city of Vienna, Austria, where it was first developed. The taste of Vienna roast is often described as “mild” and “smooth,” but it can also be bitter and acidic.
The mildness of the Vienna roast comes from its low acidity, which makes it easier on your stomach than other darker roasts.
However, if you are sensitive to acidity or caffeine, you may find this blend to have just enough kick to keep you awake at work or school during the day and relaxed, sufficient for sleep at night.
For those not sensitive to caffeine, this blend can enjoy an afternoon pick-me-up or evening treat without disrupting their sleep schedule.
What Are the Best Ways to Brew French and Vienna Roasts?
If you love the taste of rich, dark coffee with a smoky flavor, then the French roast is made for you. This roast will only bring out the strong, bold taste and becomes firmer as it cools down.
Vienna roast is more mellow than French roast, which is slightly less acidic than the French roast. It’s also sweeter and silkier than the French variation. Here are the best ways to brew French and Vienna roast.
French Press
French press is the best way to brew French and Vienna roasts. It’s easy to use, and you can get a great cup of coffee. The process is simple:
- Add water to your French press.
- Add ground coffee beans.
- Let it sit for three minutes before pressing firmly on the plunger.
The result will be delicious, flavorful coffee that’s rich but not bitter. It’s also a great way to save money on coffee because you can reuse grounds from other brews-you need to ensure they’re scorched before adding them back into the grinds jar or container.
Cold Brew
Cold brewing is the easiest way to brew French and Vienna roasts and is also the most popular. The process involves steeping coffee grounds in room-temperature water for 12-24 hours before straining the feet.
This results in a concentrate that can be diluted with hot or cold water to make your perfect cup of coffee.
Espresso Machine
There are many types of espresso machines on the market today, some more expensive than others, but all perform the same primary function: they force hot water through small holes at high pressure into a chamber containing finely ground coffee beans.
This creates a rich, concentrated shot of espresso that you can use in various ways: it can be added to milk for a latte or served over ice as an iced coffee without milk drink.
Pour Over Brewer
A pour-over brewer is a drip coffee maker with an easy-to-use design that allows anyone to brew fresh coffee quickly and consistently. The brewer’s cone shape will enable users to easily control the water flow rate onto their grounds so they can achieve perfect results every time.
Final Thoughts
Both Vienna roast and French roast coffee beans have their own distinct flavor profiles. While both types of coffee beans can be used to produce a delicious cup of coffee, each type of bean will produce a slightly different flavor.
When choosing between these two types of coffee beans, it is important to consider what kind of flavor you are looking for in your cup of coffee. It really comes down to personal preference in the end. So, try out both roasts and see which one you like best!
Now that you know the differences between Vienna roast vs French roast you may be interested in reading our article on making coffee extract. We have a great beginner’s guide that walks you through each step.
Alex is a self confessed coffee addict – but he takes his love of caffeine seriously in a completely responsible way. He loves trying new coffees and testing the latest machines and is not usually fan of one button pod machines. Alex is happiest when he is tinkering with settings and milk temperatures to create the perfect cup. When not obsessing over coffee, Alex is a keen musician and plays weddings and other social events (usually fuelled by… yes, you guessed it… coffee).