Are Brazilian Beans Better for French Roast Coffee?

Coffee is life for most of us and we all have our preferences when it comes to how we make our daily cup of joe. Some people prefer a light roast while others like a medium or dark roast but what type of coffee beans are best for French roast coffee?

A French roast is known for its bold and robust flavor which makes it a favorite of many coffee lovers. While there are several types of coffee beans out there that can be used for making a French roast, Brazilian beans are considered a popular choice and one of my favorite selections.

In this article,  I’ll explore why I prefer Brazilian beans in my French roast coffee and other think they are perfect for this style of coffee as well!

Are Brazilian Beans the Best Choice for French Roast Coffee?

The answer to this question is yes! They have a natural sweetness that is balanced by a smoky aftertaste, giving them the perfect flavor profile for French roasts. But let’s explore a couple more reasons why Brazilian beans are a great choice for your next French roast coffee.

Exploring The Flavor Notes of Brazilian Coffee

It’s important to understand that Brazilian beans are known for their low acidity levels. This attribute makes it ideal for a French roast because the high heat used to create the roast can often amplify the acidity in coffee beans which some people find unpleasant. The low acidity in Brazilian beans allows for the roast to maintain a smooth and rich flavor without any overpowering sourness. And that’s extremely important.

Another reason why Brazilian beans are popular for French roast coffee is their bold and full-bodied flavor profile. As a dark roast, French roast coffee is known for its rich and intense flavor, which Brazilian beans deliver perfectly. Brazilian beans have a nutty and caramel-like flavor, which pairs well with the robustness of a French roast. This flavor profile makes for a delicious and satisfying cup of coffee.

Not only do Brazilian beans make a delicious cup of French roast coffee, but they’re also cost-effective compared to other high-quality coffee beans. Brazil is the world’s largest coffee producer, which means there’s a consistent and abundant supply of high-quality Brazilian beans available throughout the year. Therefore, it’s easy to get access to Brazilian beans at affordable prices, without compromising on quality.

Lastly, Brazilian beans are known for their quality and consistency. Brazilian coffee farmers are some of the most experienced and skilled in the world. They take pride in their craft and work tirelessly to produce the highest quality coffee beans. This devotion to quality is reflected in the beans’ consistent quality, making them perfect for creating a delicious cup of French roast coffee every time.

What Kind of Coffee Beans Are Used for French Roast?

french roasted coffee

While Brazilian beans are the most popular choice for French roast coffee, there are other types of beans that can be used. Some of these include Colombian, Ethiopian, and Kenyan beans. Each type of bean will offer a unique flavor profile, which can range from sweet to smoky or even fruity. Ultimately, it’s up to the individual to decide which beans best suit their flavor preferences.

Which Coffee is Stronger: French Roast or Colombian?

When it comes to comparing different types of coffee beans, the flavor profile is usually more important than the strength. Generally speaking, French roast coffee tends to be bolder and more intense in flavor than Colombian coffee. However, this can vary depending on how dark or light the roast is.

Is Colombian Coffee a Better Choice for French Roast Coffee?

colombian beans

I have personally tried Colombian coffee for my French roast and I didn’t love it as much as I did when I made it with Brazilian coffee beans. However, taste preferences are very subjective and the answer to this question depends on what you enjoy.  I encourage you to make both and see which one you love.

While Colombian beans may not be as bold and full-bodied as Brazilian beans, they can still offer a delicious cup of French roast coffee. They have a sweet but mellower flavor with hints of nuttiness, making them another decent choice for those looking for something less intense than Brazilian beans.

As described above, Brazilian beans offer a more robust and smoky flavor.

What are Some Recommended Brazilian Coffee Brands to Try in a French Roast?

For those looking for a great Brazilian coffee to use in their French roast, I am recommending the three Brazilian coffee brands that I keep around at all time: Cafe do Ponto, Pilao, and 3 Coracoes.

Why? Because they are delicious, have been around for a few years, and provide consistence in the quality of the beans time and time again. Let me go over why I picked each one of these coffees below:

#1. Pilao

If you love Brazilian coffee and haven’t tried Pilao, then fix that! It’s a well-known brand and is favored among Brazilians for good reasons: I find it nutty and caramel-y mixed in with a bit of boldness. They’re an awesome choice to try for your French roast coffee!

#2. Cafe do Ponto:

Cafe do Ponto beans offer a bolder flavor than other Brazilian coffees. They have a smoky flavor with a hint of fruitiness, making them perfect for creating a bold and full-bodied cup of French roast. Perfect if you like a strong punch.

#3. 3 Coracoes

3 Coracoes beans are known for their consistent quality and intense flavor profile. They have a smoky and nutty taste with hints of dark chocolate, which makes them an excellent choice for French roast coffee.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Brazilian beans are the ideal choice for French roast coffee because of their low acidity levels, bold flavor, cost-effectiveness, and consistency. The nutty and caramel-like flavors of the beans perfectly complement the robustness of a French roast, resulting in a satisfying and delicious cup of coffee.

It took me years to find out that Brazilian beans are awesomely suited to French press coffee, so the next time you’re looking to make a French roast, be sure to give Brazilian beans a try and experience the unique flavors they have to offer.