Yes, filter roast is the same as light roast.
According to coffee terminology, filter roast and light roast are indeed interchangeable terms used to describe the same level of coffee roasting.
Understanding Coffee Roasts
Coffee beans undergo roasting to develop their flavour and aroma. The temperature and duration of the roasting process significantly impact the final characteristics of the coffee.
Here's a comparison of light (filter) roast and medium roast based on the provided information:
| Characteristic | Light Roast (Filter Roast) | Medium Roast |
|---|---|---|
| Internal Temp | Reaches lower internal temperatures | Reaches higher internal temperatures |
| Body | Less body compared to medium roast | More 'body' |
| Acidity | Generally higher acidity is preserved | Less acidity compared to light roast |
| Common Use | Often used for filter methods | Considered 'everyday, go-to brews' |
| Alternative Name | Filter Roast | Often just called 'Medium Roast' or similar |
As the reference states, 'light roast' and 'filter roast' are just two names for the same thing. This roast level is typically achieved at lower temperatures than medium roasts, resulting in a coffee that retains more of the bean's original characteristics, often highlighting bright, fruity, or floral notes and higher acidity.
In contrast, medium roasts, reaching higher temperatures, develop more body and a balance between acidity and sweetness, making them the common choice for various brewing methods and preferred by many as their daily coffee.
Essentially, if you see a bag labeled 'Filter Roast', you can expect a coffee roasted to a light level, suitable for methods like pour-over, drip coffee, or AeroPress, where clarity and origin characteristics are desired.
