Full City Plus Roast

What is a Full City Plus roast? In the spectrum of coffee roasting, Full City Plus sits firmly in the medium-dark category. It is a stage that follows the standard Full City roast, pushing the beans a bit further into the development phase without reaching the aggressive carbonization of darker roasts like French or Italian. By the time a coffee reaches this level, the internal temperature of the beans is typically approaching the threshold of second crack, though the roast is usually dropped before that audible popping begins in earnest.

When you drink a coffee roasted to a Full City Plus level, you are looking for a specific balance. At this stage, the bright, vibrant acidity characteristic of lighter roasts has largely receded, replaced by a smoother, more rounded mouthfeel. The sugars within the bean have undergone significant caramelization, contributing to a deeper sweetness that often manifests as notes of chocolate, caramel, or toasted nuts. It is a popular choice for those who find light roasts too sharp or acidic but want to avoid the heavy, smoky, or burnt flavors associated with darker, oilier roasts.

For the roaster, achieving a consistent Full City Plus profile requires careful attention to the rate of rise as the beans approach the end of the roast. Because the beans are nearing the second crack, the window for error is smaller; a few seconds too long can push the coffee into a darker, more bitter profile, while pulling it too early might leave the coffee feeling underdeveloped or thin. It is a delicate dance of heat management to ensure the bean structure is sufficiently developed to provide that signature body without sacrificing the inherent character of the origin.

In practice, this roast level is highly versatile. It is frequently used for espresso blends, where the added body and reduced acidity help the coffee cut through milk, and it is also a favorite for those who prefer a classic, comforting cup of drip coffee. When buying coffee, seeing 'Full City Plus' on a bag is a reliable indicator that you are getting a cup that prioritizes sweetness and body over the high-toned, floral, or fruity notes found in lighter roasts.