StrongNatural lot with Dark Chocolate, Walnut, and Cherry in the cup.
Minas Gerais, BR / Natural
DarkDark ChocolateWalnutCherry
ROTY 2017 roaster
$1.83/oz
Cherrybook · live picks
The best dark-roast specialty coffees in our catalog
Dark roasts often get a bad reputation for masking quality, but these twenty selections prove otherwise. We have curated a list that prioritizes clarity and sweetness over simple carbonized bitterness. The majority of these lots are washed, which helps maintain the structural integrity of the bean during the roast process. You will find classic varieties like Caturra, Catuai, and Bourbon represented here, sourced from regions ranging from the high altitudes of Dota to the wet-hulled traditions of Sumatra. Roasters like George Howell and Phil & Sebastian lead this collection, demonstrating that a darker profile can still highlight origin character. Whether you prefer a heavy-bodied espresso or a structured drip, these coffees offer a clean, developed finish that respects the raw material.
What to taste for:Look for deep notes of caramelized sugar, toasted nuts, and dark chocolate without any acrid or burnt aftertaste.
24 live picks · ranked by Cherry's Index
Strong
StrongWashed lot with Dark Chocolate, Caramel, and Walnut in the cup.
Dota, CR / Washed
DarkDark ChocolateCaramelWalnut
ROTY 2017 roaster
$1.75/oz
StrongExpect Campfire, Burnt Caramel, and Chocolate from this washed.
El Cielito & El Cedral, HN / Washed
DarkSmokeCaramelizedChocolate+1
Buyer 5.0 (13)
$1.48/oz
StrongDark Berries, Subtle Warming Spices, and Molasses Like Sweetness on a washed build.
Kayanza, BI / Washed
DarkBerryMolassesSpice
COE #5 · 2022
$1.74/oz
StrongExpect Dried Fruits, Black Licorice, and Bakers Chocolate from this wet-hulled.
Sumatra, ID / Wet-Hulled
Medium-DarkDried FruitAniseDark Chocolate+4
Buyer 5.0 (21)
$1.30/oz
StrongNougat, Raspberry Jam, and Dark Caramel on a washed natural blend build.
Washed Natural Blend
Medium-DarkNougatRaspberryCaramel+1
ROTY 2017 roaster
$1.67/oz
StrongNatural lot with Sangria, Tamarind, and Papaya in the cup.
Santa Clara, PA / Natural
DarkOther FruitTamarindPapaya
Buyer 4.9 (14)
$2.05/oz
StrongAlmond Joy, Orange Candy, and Dark Chocolate on a anaerobic honey build.
Kayanza Province, BI / Anaerobic Honey
DarkAlmondChocolateOrange+1
COE #5 · 2022
$2.00/oz
StrongPeaches In Syrup, Raspberry, and Dark Florals on a washed build.
Kayanza, BI / Washed
DarkPeachRaspberryFloral
Well-reviewed roaster
$2.09/oz
StrongNatural lot with Chestnuts, Honey, and Milk Chocolate in the cup.
Chimaltenango, GT / Natural
DarkChestnutHoneyMilk Chocolate+5
Well-reviewed roaster
$3.20/oz
StrongSweet Orange, Wildflower Honey, and Red Apple on a washed build.
Santa Bárbara, HN / Washed
DarkOrangeHoneyApple+2
Well-reviewed roaster
$3.47/oz
StrongWashed lot with Dark Cocoa, Toasted Walnut, and Toffee in the cup.
Washed
DarkDark ChocolateNuttyCaramelized
Buyer 4.8 (6)
$2.05/oz
StrongThink Apricot, Cacao Nib, and Caramel.
Medium-DarkPeachCocoaCaramelized
Buyer 4.9 (69)
$1.75/oz
StrongNatural lot with Naranja Confitada, Chocolate 70%, and Ciruela Negra in the cup.
Sidamo, ET / Natural
DarkOrangeChocolatePlum+2
Well-reviewed roaster
$2.33/oz
StrongDark Chocolate, Peanut Butter, and Caramel on a washed build.
Tolima,, CO / Washed
DarkDark ChocolatePeanut ButterCaramel+1
Buyer 4.9 (18)
$2.00/oz
StrongExpect S'mores, Baker's Chocolate, and Molasses from this washed.
El Cielito & El Cedral, HN / Washed
DarkChocolateMolassesOverall Sweet
Buyer 4.9 (36)
$1.44/oz
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