Light Roast Movement

The light roast movement is closely tied to third wave values and Nordic roasting influence, particularly Scandinavian roasters like Tim Wendelboe, Koppi, and April who championed dropping coffee before or at first crack. Light-roasted beans are denser, more soluble, and require higher brew temperatures and finer grinds to extract fully. Flavor profiles emphasize floral, citrus, berry, and tea-like qualities over the nutty, chocolatey notes of medium roasts. Critics argue that ultra-light roasts can taste grassy or underdeveloped, and the movement has sparked ongoing debate about the boundary between showcasing origin and under-roasting.