Welcome To The Dark Side - An Overview Of Lifeboost’s Darkest Coffee Roasts

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Welcome To The Dark Side - An Overview Of Lifeboost’s Darkest Coffee Roasts

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Welcome To The Dark Side - An Overview Of Lifeboost’s Darkest Coffee Roasts

11 min read JUL 31, 2025

“What’s in a name?”

This common phrase/question challenges our often-inherent assumptions, pointing out that a name or a label doesn’t necessarily define the true nature or value of a person or thing.

…unless we’re talking about coffee!

When it comes to coffee, roasts (or names) can tell you a lot about the brew you’re seeking to sip.

Light roast, medium roast, dark roast, espresso (yep, this one’s actually a specific roast too), midnight roast - each of these labels or names serve to provide consumers with a description, one that clues you in on the flavors of each brew as well as the level of acidity in what you’re sipping.

These labels/names can even help you decide what foods or treats pair best with what’s in your cup!

A light roasted coffee, for instance, is roasted for the least amount of time, and at a lower temperature, compared to other roasts. Because of this, you can expect to enjoy the authentic flavors of the region in which the coffee was grown.

Lighter roasts also tend to be brighter and more acidic, pairing best with light, delicate, and fruity desserts as well as buttery, flaky options such as croissants.

Then, on the other end of the java roast spectrum you’ve got dark roasts, and frankly, this category is a bit more extensive than other roast selections.

Why?

Because folks love a good dark roast, so much so that over time roasters have dared to go beyond typical expectations, pushing the roasting envelope resulting in brews that move beyond dark allowing us to experience richer flavors, bolder brews, and unparalleled pairings.

And, that’s where we’d like to center our thoughts today, examining the dark side of coffee…boldly going where no man has gone before…okay, that’s not true, but we couldn’t pass up a Star Trek reference in our bold, dark coffee roast discussion.

So then, let’s dig into the world of dark roasts and discover all there is to know about Lifeboost’s darkest coffees.

Lifeboost Dark Coffee Roasts - Dark, Espresso, And Midnight

Did you know Lifeboost Coffee offers more than your typical classic coffee roasts?
And no, I’m not referring to our health boosters, many flavored coffee selections, or even our line of clean, organic, and tasty teas.

Instead of simply offering classic roasts - light, medium, and dark, including each roast’s decaf and/or half caff partner - we’ve also ventured into darker territory, providing a few selections that take your typical dark roast to new levels.

So, we’d like to give you the specific details of each brew, looking at flavor profiles, acidity, roasting specifics, best pairings, and even a recipe or two to allow you to fancy things up a bit if you’d like.

First, let’s start with our Dark Roast…

Lifeboost Dark Roast Coffee

Lifeboost Dark Roast Coffee…it’s our CEO’s (Dr. Charles) pick, it’s smooth with a heavier body, its flavors are deep, rich, and dark, and it’s perfectly balanced, allowing you to experience a slight dryness coupled with a hint of sweetness in each sip.

Our dark roast is commonly likened to an Italian coffee roast, and its flavors, as described above, are phenomenal.
But, what makes a dark roast so smooth?
Why are dark roasted beans oilier than lighter roasts?

And, what can you really expect regarding flavor and acidity in a dark roast?
Let’s find out…

When coffee is roasted at higher temperatures for longer periods of time (compared to light and medium roasts), this yields what we call a dark roast coffee.

Due to these high temperatures, combined with extended roasting times, dark roasted coffee beans no longer provide you with a palatable glimpse into the flavors of the region where the coffee was grown, instead allowing you to taste the craft of the roaster.

Dark roasted coffee is typically exposed to temperatures ranging from 430-450 degrees Fahrenheit, heat that “pushes the beans well beyond the second crack phase, a critical point in the roasting process.”

And, as these temperatures essentially cook out the inherent flavors and brightness in the coffee beans, something wonderful happens.

At high roasting temps, the coffee beans undergo a change, one which brings out the natural sugars in the beans, the heat causing them to caramelize - this is why dark roasted coffee commonly has a flavor description including notes of chocolate, caramel, and sometimes a deep, rich, smokiness.

You should also notice an oily sheen on your dark roasted coffee beans, as the high temperatures break down the cell structure of the beans, causing the oils to migrate to the surface.

Then, another characteristic of dark roasted coffee is its smoothness, and this is due to the fact that the high temperatures these beans are exposed to breaks down the natural acids in the coffee beans, leaving you with a less bright, but more balanced, full bodied, smooth brew.

The flavor profile and smoothness of our dark roast makes this brew a perfect companion for rich and creamy chocolate desserts, nutty offerings such as almond biscotti, a variety of rich and creamy cheeses, as well as savory selections such as ham and cheese or spinach and feta croissants, each of these tastes complementing the bold flavors in your brew.

Want to amplify your tasty dark roast brew? Try the following recipe featuring Lifeboost Dark Roast Coffee!

Dark roasts pair so well with chocolate, so of course we had to include a recipe combining these fabulous flavors: a bold, smooth brew, rich and creamy chocolate…yes, please!

Ingredients

8 ounces freshly brewed Lifeboost Dark Roast Coffee
½ teaspoon unsweetened cacao powder
2 tablespoons chocolate pieces
1-2 tablespoons almond milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 tablespoons pure/real maple syrup
Whipped cream, optional for topping

Instructions

Brew coffee, then pour into your favorite mug.
Stir cacao powder into the hot coffee. (You’ll likely have to stir vigorously to ensure the powder fully incorporates.)
Add chocolate pieces and stir until dissolved.
Stir in almond milk, vanilla, and maple syrup.
If you’d like, top with whipped cream, and enjoy!

*Can’t have caffeine? Be sure to check out our Dark Roast Decaf and Dark Half Caff coffees, both made using the Swiss Water Method of decaffeination, a process which safely removes caffeine without the use of harsh chemicals!

Lifeboost Espresso Coffee

Espresso is often a misunderstood brew.

Some have been led to believe this brew is an entirely different type of coffee.

Others believe espresso comes from a larger coffee bean.

And, some think espresso roasts can’t be brewed without an espresso machine.

But, the truth of the matter is that espresso is simply a very dark roasted coffee that is prepared in a different way, utilizing a few more complicated elements compared to a typical drip brewer, french press, or pour over, etc.

Of course, you can still brew Lifeboost Espresso Coffee using traditional brewing methods, but this deep, rich, and very dark roast of coffee was made with the following in mind…

Angelo Moriondo is credited with patenting the first espresso machine. He came up with this brewing method essentially as a way to cut down on the time it takes to brew a traditional cup of joe.
Moriondo’s machine and method is truly what differentiates espresso from other coffee roasts as this method utilizes intensely hot water, pressure, and very finely ground coffee to produce this global favorite cup.

Despite the customary brewing differences for a true shot of espresso, like dark roast, espresso coffee is roasted at very high temperatures for longer periods of time (compared to medium and light roasted coffee).

The only change here, specifically pertaining to Lifeboost Espresso Coffee, is that this roast is actually roasted at temps that are a little hotter for a longer period of time to yield a cup that’s bolder, darker, smokier, and fuller flavored than our dark roast.

Due to its uniquely dark flavor profile, our Espresso Coffee’s boldness can easily stand up to a variety of added ingredients.

Of course, this is true of most espressos you’ll find in cafes and coffee houses across the globe, which is why this brew is commonly used to make macchiatos, lattes, cappuccinos, iced brews, and more, each of which typically combines a generous amount of milk, sugar, and potential flavors such as chocolate, caramel, and well…let’s be honest, just about any tastes you can think of!

And, as you can imagine, since espresso coffee is roasted longer than your typical dark roast, more of the coffee’s acidic compounds are broken down, meaning espresso is even less acidic than dark roast.

In fact, individuals with very sensitive digestive systems commonly find espresso to be more tolerable than even a dark roast.

And, due to this brew’s full, smoky flavor, it pairs exceptionally well with contrasting flavors in foods such as aged cheeses, chocolate, biscotti, rich and creamy ice creams or gelatos, and so much more.

Espresso really is such a versatile coffee due to its rich and bold flavors. In fact, some of the world’s most unique drinks contain espresso for this very reason!

Wanna try a fanciful and tasty espresso-based cup? Check this out…

While a classic espresso-based drink, such as a latte, only combines a single (or double) shot of espresso and roughly 4 ounces of milk (and ice if you’re seeking a chilly brew), the following recipe incorporates a few additional ingredients showcasing espresso’s true boldness, allowing you to savor the rich coffee flavors through the added milks, spices, and sweetness.

Ingredients

1-2 pulled shots of Lifeboost Espresso Coffee
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
½ cup vanilla almond milk
½ cup rice milk
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons agave nectar
ice

Instructions

Brew espresso and set aside to cool slightly.
Add vanilla almond milk, rice milk, cinnamon, vanilla, and agave nectar to a blender and blend until smooth and frothy.
Add ice to a glass, top with blended semi-homemade horchata, and espresso. You can stir this mixture or leave it layered, allowing the flavors to blend as you sip. Enjoy!

*Be sure to give our Blonde Espresso a try as well!

Midnight Roast(s)

Now to close things out by venturing into even darker territory.

That’s right, here at Lifeboost we actually go beyond our Espresso Coffee, offering a roast that’s definitely darker than our dark roast, and even darker than our espresso!

Lifeboost Midnight Roast is our boldest and darkest roast, perfect for those seeking an extra robust brew.

And as you likely guessed, this coffee is roasted at temperatures slightly hotter than our espresso coffee, and these temps yield a smoky, bold brew that, like espresso, is a tasty cup on its own, but certainly stands up to flavorful additions as well.

Some liken our Midnight Roast to a French Roast coffee.

And, as we discussed with our Dark Roast and Espresso Coffee, this roast (Lifeboost Midnight Roast) can be gentler on your stomach due to its less acidic flavor profile.

Are you ready for a bonus now?

Lifeboost Coffee isn’t just specialty grade Arabica coffee.

Lifeboost Coffee isn’t just sustainably grown without the use of harsh chemicals.

And, Lifeboost Coffee isn’t simply a single origin, nutrient dense, clean, healthy brew…

Lifeboost Coffee is also naturally low acid!

That’s right, our coffee, including our smooth, stomach-friendly Dark Roast, Espresso Coffee, and Midnight Roast are nearly as alkaline as water!

According to the EPA, drinking water is recommended to have a pH between 6.5-8.5.

And, Lifeboost Dark Roast Coffee, the lightest roast of the three deeply dark offerings we’ve discussed today, has an average pH level of 6.5-6.8!

If you’re new to our Midnight Roast, check out a few things our loyal customers had to say after venturing into the very dark side of coffee with this brew:

“Smooth. Excellent taste and no acidity.”
“Midnight, this is probably my favorite overall. Great dark roast, smooth and flavorful.”
“Midnight Roast is an excellent fuller bodied Italian Roast, without acidity. Extremely smooth and satisfying.”

Wondering what to pair with this smoky, low acid brew?

The natural bitterness of dark chocolate pairs well with our Midnight Roast as the chocolate can balance the boldness of the brew.

Decadent and rich chocolate cake or brownies also pair well here as the sweetness in such desserts provides a pleasant contrast to the smoky notes of the coffee.

Rich coffee ice cream or creamy vanilla gelato are commonly enjoyed with such a deeply dark roast as the flavors combine to yield an unparalleled velvety smoothness.

And, for savory offerings, this roast’s (or our Espresso Coffee) smokiness pleasantly mirrors the charred flavors of grilled meats, specifically a rich steak, so pairing the two can create a bold and savory combination.

Of course, spiced nuts and aged cheeses pair well with this brew too.

Mmmm, I don’t know about you, but I’m imagining a mouthwatering spread with freshly grilled steak, a strong aged cheese, a few spiced nuts, and a perfectly brewed, piping hot cup of Midnight Roast!!

But, if you’re looking for more of a tasty morning brew as you enjoy some porch time or something to perk up your morning commute, give this recipe featuring our Midnight Roast a try:

Ingredients

8 ounces freshly brewed Lifeboost Midnight Roast Coffee
2 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
Ice

Instructions

Pour freshly brewed coffee into a mug, stir in sweetened condensed milk until fully dissolved/incorporated.
Add ice to a tall glass, pour prepared coffee over ice, and enjoy!

*You could, of course, enjoy this Vietnamese inspired brew hot by omitting the ice. And, for a fruity twist, consider muddling fresh blueberries in the bottom of your glass prior to adding the remaining ingredients.

**If you’d like to turn this into a delicious coffee cocktail, simply add 1-2 ounces coffee liqueur to the finished brew, and stir to combine.

***If you love deeply dark roasted brews, but also like a bit of added flavor, give our Midnight Blueberry Mocha Coffee a try…spoiler alert…it’s fabulous!!