I've seen too many people get a V60, brew one cup, get a weak or bitter result, and shove it in a drawer. That's not the brewer's fault—it's the learning curve. The V60 is notoriously finicky: water temperature, pour speed, grind size—everything matters. A light roast amplifies those mistakes, turning a slight over-extraction into a bitter mess.

Medium roasts are more forgiving. They're not as sensitive to small errors, so a beginner can still get a decent cup on their first try. That's a huge deal for a gift. You want the recipient to feel successful, not frustrated. And if they're already a coffee hobbyist who owns a good grinder and a gooseneck kettle, they can handle a light roast—but they might still appreciate a medium for those lazy Sunday mornings.

Think about the person's gear and skill level. If they're just starting, medium gives them room to learn. If they're experienced, a light roast might excite them more, but they'll also enjoy a well-chosen medium as a daily drinker.