Finding out the strongest coffee in the world

Coffee has long been regarded as a "wonderful remedy" since it gives you energy and makes it easier to wake up and begin your day. But have you ever wondered what exactly goes into making a strong, flavorful cup of coffee?

A common misconception is that the strongest coffee is the one with the highest caffeine content. Is that accurate? Let’s explore the answer in this article.

What factors make coffee strong?

For coffee enthusiasts searching for the perfect cup, and for those exploring the complex art and science of coffee brewing, knowing what factors affect coffee strength is essential. Strong coffee is evaluated based on different aspects, which include:

Caffeine content

Caffeine is a natural stimulant found in coffee beans, and its presence plays a remarkable role in determining the strength of coffee. Accordingly, bitterness rises with caffeine levels and can contribute complexity and intensity to the brew’s flavor profile. Because it can have a strong aftertaste and stay on the mouth, its bitterness is frequently linked to the strength of coffee.

In addition, a stronger coffee might give the consumer a more powerful and energizing sensation due to its increased caffeine level. Two popular coffee varieties for consumption are Robusta and Arabica because they contain prominent caffeine content.

factors determining the strongest coffee

Finding out the factors determining the strongest coffee

Types of beans

Though there are currently more than 120 varieties of coffee beans, as we mentioned above, Robusta and Arabica are the most commonly consumed varieties.

Arabica is also known as Coffea Arabica, and it is renowned for having a fruity and slightly acidic undertone along with a smooth, moderate flavor profile. This type of bean typically produces a brew with less caffeine content than Robusta.

Compared to Arabica beans, Robusta beans are known for their stronger, bolder flavor and more caffeine. Additionally, Robusta beans typically have dark roasts, which create a rich, intense taste and a thick crema. Due to their higher caffeine content and robust flavor, Robusta can contribute significantly to the strength of coffee.

robusta beans have higher caffeine than arabica

Robusta beans have higher caffeine than Arabica

Roast level

Before getting the perfect cup of coffee for you, coffee will go through many different processes. After harvesting the coffee beans, the farmer will peel them and start roasting them. The coffee's flavor and caffeine level are impacted by this process. Coffee is usually roasted to one of three levels:

  • Light roast: This roasting level is subjected to lower temperatures and shorter roasting timers, preserving more of their natural acidity and nuanced flavors. Of course, light roasts are usually more fruity, floral, or herbal, and gentle in flavor. Nonetheless, it means the potential per cup contains more caffeine. 
  • Medium roast: A coffee with this roast degree has a more rounded flavor profile, with well-balanced sweetness and acidity, and faint notes of cocoa or nuttiness. Regarding strength, medium roasts usually offer a moderate intensity, with a medium-bodied mouthfeel. Although medium roasts preserve some of the bean's natural caffeine content, because of the longer roasting period, the amount of caffeine may be slightly less than in light roasts.
  • Dark roast: Higher temperatures and longer roasting times are applied to darkly roasted coffee beans, which produce a robust, rich flavor profile with caramelized sugars and a noticeable bitterness. This degree of roasting has less acidity than lighter roasts and frequently includes undertones of smoke, chocolate, or spice. And it also has a bit less caffeine than light roasts, this is because extended roasting might cause some caffeine molecules to degrade.
level roasts also affect to the strength of coffee

Level roasts also affect to the strength of coffee

Grind size

Another factor that goes into deciding which is the “strongest coffee” is grind size. During brewing, the extraction rate is directly impacted by the grind size. While coarse grinds extract more caffeine more slowly, finer grinds offer a larger surface area that enables faster extraction. The balance of tastes in the coffee is impacted by this variation in extraction rate.

Brewing method

Those who enjoy coffee are aware that the process of brewing coffee influences not just the flavor but also its strength and caffeine level. In addition, the water-to-coffee ratio influences how strong and concentrated the coffee is. There are always a variety of ways to brew coffee, of which the Vietnamese phin filter brewing method is considered to help the coffee retain its strong consistency.

Furthermore, there are additional well-liked brewing techniques, including pour-over, French press, etc., that preserve the coffee's flavor and bitterness.

phin filter helps coffee retain its rich flavor

Phin filter helps coffee retain its rich flavor

Awaken your energy with the authentic and strong Vietnamese coffee at 88 Coffee

It can be seen that evaluating which type of coffee is the strongest needs to be based on many different factors and also on each person's preferences.

choosing 88 coffee

88 Coffee - Giving the strong and intense your cup of coffee

However, we believe that by sourcing authentic Robusta beans from Vietnam ensures a high caffeine content and bold taste profile, making it perfect for those who crave a strong caffeine kick. Additionally, with the phin filter at 88 Coffee, the coffee becomes even more bitter and rich, creating a perfect and wonderful experience for your cup of coffee.