It is normal to hear and see these terms when classifying a coffee and although it is common to believe that they refer to the same thing, The intensity and strength of coffee are two different measurements. , which can help us better understand what's in our cup, the preparation we want to drink, or simply learn more about everything that goes into a good cup of coffee. So today, we'll understand each of these terms and learn to differentiate them.
When do we say a coffee is strong?
It is believed that more roasted coffees are stronger Countries like Brazil, which prefer strong coffees and grow a variety like Robusta, tend to roast their beans a little more, seeking greater strength in their beverage and thus masking the bean's imperfections. Strong coffees are more bitter and less acidic. Another characteristic of strong coffee is its caffeine concentration; the strength of the coffee can be felt even in the heart.
Let's define the intensity of coffee
The first thing to make clear is that strong coffee isn't the one that calls you every hour; rather, you're the strong one with the coffee that you're always looking for. But seriously, Intensity is a scale used to determine the degree of perception of both flavors and aroma, whether in the nose or in the mouth. . It is determined by the coffee's acidity and bitterness levels, which analyze the strength of the aromas and the duration of the flavors after tasting the coffee. It's important to clarify, however, that the intensity of the coffee is not a criterion for defining its quality. Another characteristic associated with the perception of intensity is the coffee's body. It's common to find intensity in a coffee with a body that's almost thick and silky at the base. Something that stands out when a coffee is intense is the prominence of its fruity and sweet flavors.
What influences the intensity of coffee?
We know that beans make a difference and can be differentiated by their flavor and aroma, but these characteristics can also be modified and enhanced at different stages of production, so it's important to understand the aspects of the process that can contribute to the intensity of our cup. The first will always be the grain , the variety is decisive in these aspects, for example, a Robusta bean produces more bitter and intense flavors than an Arabica bean, in addition to containing more caffeine, which is why this variety tends to be associated with intense cups.
The next factor is the roasting of the bean , this is a process that involves heat treatment of the bean, which helps develop the different flavors and aromas within it. The level of exposure to this process is proportional to the final intensity in the cup. Coffees with a medium roast tend to have sweet notes, while dark roasts are associated with a more intense coffee.
The coffee maker also influences the intensity of the coffee It's well known that the way we prepare coffee highlights its different flavors and intensity. When we use an Italian coffee maker, we can achieve a result similar to an espresso—not in body, but with a very similar intensity. The French press can also achieve cups with great flavor and intensity. With a coarse grind and prolonged exposure to hot water, we extract more noticeable flavors, which stand out more in our cup and clearly on our palate when tasting that delicious and intense coffee. On the other hand, drip methods, such as the Chemex, achieve a smoother, cleaner coffee, a lighter coffee, especially when the bean is of the Arabica variety.
But then, strong or intense?
That's very simple, both. It all depends on taste, the moment, and the purpose for which we're preparing our coffee. On those cold, foggy, and rainy mornings, when we'd rather stay in bed than get out, a cup of strong, caffeinated coffee will get us going and accomplish every goal, replenished with the best energy. But on those cool afternoons, with good company and a good dark chocolate to accompany the coffee, an intense coffee that highlights the fruity flavors, allowing you to feel the body and the different natural sensations in every sip—a coffee that accompanies that special moment and is the center of conversation.