Discover the ultimate coffee beans for espresso enthusiasts. From the rich hazelnut and brown sugar notes of Lavazza Super Crema to Illy’s velvety blend of caramel, chocolate, and toasted bread, these carefully curated options promise an exceptional brewing experience. Indulge in Blue Bottle’s medium-dark roast, boasting a fusion of chocolate, caramel, and dried fruit flavors, or savor the nutty and caramel undertones of Stumptown’s medium-dark beans. For a more intense profile, explore Intelligentsia’s medium-dark roast with its tantalizing mix of dark chocolate, caramel, and brown sugar. No matter your preference, this selection offers a tantalizing journey through a diverse array of espresso beans that are sure to elevate your coffee ritual.
Top 15 Best brands and products for making espresso
If you’re looking to step up your espresso game, the quality of the coffee beans you use can make a big difference. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best brands and products for coffee beans that are ideal for making espresso.
Here is a quick chart for some of the best coffee beans for espresso:
| Espresso Coffee Beans | Flavor Notes | Roast Level | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lavazza Super Crema | Hazelnut, Brown Sugar, Citrus | Medium | Italy |
| Illy Coffee Beans for Espresso | Caramel, Chocolate, Toasted Bread | Medium | Italy |
| Blue Bottle Coffee Beans for Espresso | Chocolate, Caramel, Dried Fruit | Medium-Dark | Various |
| Stumptown Coffee Roasters Beans for Espresso | Dark Chocolate, Nutty, Caramel | Medium-Dark | Various |
| Intelligentsia Coffee Beans for Espresso | Dark Chocolate, Caramel, Brown Sugar | Medium-Dark | Various |
| Counter Culture Coffee Beans for Espresso | Chocolate, Nutty, Caramel | Medium | Various |
| Verve Coffee Roasters Beans for Espresso | Cocoa, Brown Sugar, Cherry | Medium-Dark | Various |
| Peet’s Coffee Major Dickason’s Blend | Dark Chocolate, Caramel, Fruit | Medium-Dark | Latin America, Africa |
| Death Wish Coffee | Dark Chocolate, Cherry, Spice | Dark | Various |
| Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee | Nutty, Earthy | Dark | Various |
1. Lavazza Super Crema Whole Bean Coffee
Lavazza Super Crema Whole Bean Coffee is a blend of Arabica and Robusta beans sourced from various regions around the world, including Brazil, India, Colombia, and Indonesia.
The blend is well-balanced and offers a smooth and creamy flavor, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a classic Italian espresso. The medium roast produces a full-bodied and rich coffee that is perfect for making espresso, drip coffee, or a latte.
The beans are carefully selected and blended to ensure consistent quality and flavor in every cup. The packaging is designed to preserve the freshness of the beans, and it comes in a 2.2-pound bag to ensure that there is plenty of coffee for multiple servings.
Overall, Lavazza Super Crema Whole Bean Coffee is a popular choice for those looking for a high-quality, versatile coffee that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.
2. Illy Coffee
Illy is another Italian coffee company that produces high-quality coffee beans for espresso. Illy Coffee Beans for Espresso is a popular choice among coffee lovers and are specifically designed for use in espresso machines. The beans are made from a blend of nine different varieties of Arabica beans, sourced from South and Central America, India, and Africa.
The beans are carefully roasted to produce a smooth, medium-bodied espresso with a rich and velvety crema. Illy Coffee Beans for Espresso are known for their balanced and consistent flavor, with notes of chocolate, caramel, and floral undertones.
The beans are packaged in a pressurized can that preserves the freshness of the beans, allowing for a consistent and high-quality espresso experience every time. The can is designed to protect the beans from air, light, and moisture, which can all degrade the quality of the coffee over time.
Illy is a brand that is known for its commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing practices. They work directly with coffee farmers around the world to ensure fair wages and environmentally responsible growing practices.
Their signature blend is a medium roast that is made with nine different types of Arabica beans from around the world. This creates a balanced, smooth espresso with notes of chocolate, caramel, and a hint of floral.
3. Blue Bottle Coffee
Blue Bottle Coffee is a specialty coffee roaster based in Oakland, California, that offers a range of different coffee beans for espresso.
One popular option is the Hayes Valley Espresso, a blend of coffee beans sourced from Guatemala, Ethiopia, and Brazil. This medium roast espresso blend offers a balanced and complex flavor profile, with notes of dark chocolate, cherry, and brown sugar. It is designed to be rich and full-bodied, with a smooth and velvety texture.
Another popular option is their Bella Donovan espresso blend, which is a darker roast made from beans sourced from Guatemala, Ethiopia, and Sumatra. This blend offers a bold and intense flavor, with notes of chocolate, molasses, and dried fruit.
Blue Bottle Coffee is known for its commitment to quality, and its coffee beans are carefully sourced and roasted in small batches to ensure maximum freshness and flavor. They work directly with coffee farmers to ensure fair prices and sustainable growing practices, and they prioritize transparency in their sourcing and production processes.
Their Bella Donovan blend is a medium roast that is made with a combination of Ethiopian and Latin American beans, creating a bright and fruity espresso with notes of blueberry, citrus, and a hint of chocolate.
4. Stumptown Coffee Roasters
Stumptown Coffee Roasters is a specialty coffee roaster based in Portland, Oregon, that offers a range of different coffee beans for espresso.
One popular option is the Hair Bender espresso blend, which is made from beans sourced from Latin America, Indonesia, and Africa. This medium roast blend offers a complex flavor profile, with notes of dark chocolate, caramel, and citrus. It is designed to be sweet and balanced, with bright acidity and a smooth, creamy finish.
Another popular option is their Holler Mountain espresso blend, which is a darker roast made from beans sourced from Latin America and East Africa. This blend offers a bold and robust flavor, with notes of dark chocolate, caramel, and toasted nuts. It is designed to be full-bodied and intense, with a long, lingering finish.
Their Hair Bender blend is a medium roast that is made with a combination of Latin American, African, and Indonesian beans, creating a complex and flavorful espresso with notes of dark chocolate, cherry, and a hint of citrus.
5. Intelligentsia Coffee
Intelligentsia Coffee is a specialty coffee roaster based in Chicago, Illinois, that offers a range of different coffee beans for espresso.
One popular option is their Black Cat Classic Espresso, which is made from beans sourced from Latin America, Africa, and Indonesia. This medium roast blend offers a complex flavor profile, with notes of chocolate, caramel, and dried fruit. It is designed to be sweet and balanced, with bright acidity and a smooth, creamy finish.
Another popular option is their Single Origin Espresso, which is made from beans sourced from a single farm or region. These beans offer a unique and nuanced flavor profile, with distinct notes that reflect the growing conditions and processing methods used by the farmers.
Their Black Cat Classic Espresso blend is a medium roast that is made with a combination of Latin American and African beans, creating a balanced and smooth espresso with notes of dark chocolate, caramel, and a hint of citrus.
6. Counter Culture Coffee
Counter Culture Coffee is a specialty coffee roaster based in Durham, North Carolina, that offers a range of different coffee beans for espresso.
One popular option is their Hologram espresso blend, which is made from beans sourced from Ethiopia, Colombia, and Guatemala. This medium roast blend offers a complex flavor profile, with notes of blueberry, jasmine, and dark chocolate. It is designed to be bright and fruity, with juicy acidity and a smooth, creamy finish.
Another popular option is their Big Trouble espresso blend, which is a darker roast made from beans sourced from Latin America and Indonesia. This blend offers a bold and rich flavor, with notes of chocolate, caramel, and nuts. It is designed to be full-bodied and intense, with a long, smooth finish.
Their Big Trouble blend is a medium roast that is made with a combination of Latin American and African beans, creating a sweet and smooth espresso with notes of dark chocolate, caramel, and a hint of fruit.
7. Verve Coffee Roasters
Verve Coffee Roasters is a specialty coffee roaster based in Santa Cruz, California, that offers a range of different coffee beans for espresso.
One popular option is their Sermon espresso blend, which is made from beans sourced from Latin America, Africa, and Indonesia. This medium roast blend offers a complex flavor profile, with notes of chocolate, caramel, and dried fruit. It is designed to be sweet and balanced, with bright acidity and a smooth, creamy finish.
Another popular option is their Bronson espresso blend, which is a darker roast made from beans sourced from Latin America and Africa. This blend offers a bold and rich flavor, with notes of chocolate, hazelnut, and spice. It is designed to be full-bodied and intense, with a long, smooth finish.
Their Sermon blend is a medium roast that is made with a combination of Latin American and African beans, creating a balanced and sweet espresso with notes of chocolate, caramel, and a hint of fruit.
8. Peet’s Coffee
Peet’s Coffee is indeed a well-known and respected coffee roaster based in California that has been in operation for over 50 years.
One of their most popular espresso blends is the Major Dickason’s Blend, named after the company’s founder, Alfred Peet’s, most loyal customer. This medium-dark roast blend is made from a combination of high-quality Latin American and African beans, which are carefully selected and roasted to create a rich and complex flavor profile.
The Major Dickason’s Blend is designed to be bold and full-bodied, with a smooth and creamy mouthfeel. It offers notes of dark chocolate, caramel, and a hint of fruit, with a rich, smoky finish. It is a versatile blend that works well in a variety of espresso-based drinks, from simple shots to cappuccinos and lattes.
In addition to the Major Dickason’s Blend, Peet’s Coffee offers a wide range of other coffee beans for espresso, including single-origin varieties from Ethiopia, Colombia, and Brazil, as well as other blends designed to meet the diverse tastes of coffee lovers.
Overall, Peet’s Coffee is a highly regarded coffee roaster that takes great pride in sourcing and roasting the highest quality beans to create delicious and satisfying espresso blends.
9. Death Wish Coffee
Death Wish Coffee is indeed a specialty coffee company based in Saratoga Springs, New York that is known for producing high-quality coffee beans with higher-than-average caffeine content.
Their signature blend, which is marketed as “The World’s Strongest Coffee,” is a dark roast made from a blend of carefully sourced Arabica and Robusta beans. The Robusta beans, which contain more caffeine than Arabica beans, are roasted to bring out their bold and intense flavor profile.
The resulting espresso has a rich and full-bodied flavor, with notes of dark chocolate, cherry, and a hint of spice. It is designed to be smooth and well-balanced, despite its high caffeine content, and it works well in a variety of espresso-based drinks.
In addition to their signature blend, Death Wish Coffee offers a range of other coffee beans for espresso, including single-origin varieties from Peru and Ethiopia. They are committed to sourcing high-quality beans and roasting them to perfection, using a unique blend of traditional and modern roasting techniques to bring out the best in each bean.
Overall, Death Wish Coffee is a unique and innovative coffee company that is dedicated to producing high-quality, high-caffeine coffee beans that are sure to please coffee lovers looking for a bold and intense espresso experience.
10. Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee
Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee is indeed a unique coffee blend that combines coffee beans with functional mushrooms, which are mushrooms that have been shown to provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition.
Their Mushroom Coffee blend is a dark roast made with 100% Arabica beans and includes functional mushrooms such as lion’s mane and chaga. Lion’s mane is believed to support cognitive function, while chaga is thought to provide immune system support. The mushrooms used in Four Sigmatic’s coffee are carefully sourced and extracted to ensure maximum potency and bioavailability.
The resulting espresso has a smooth and rich flavor, with notes of nutty and earthy flavors. The functional mushrooms add a subtle earthy undertone to the coffee but do not overpower the flavor of the coffee itself. Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee is designed to provide a balanced and sustained energy boost, without the jitters or crashes that can come from drinking regular coffee.
In addition to their Mushroom Coffee blend, Four Sigmatic also offers a variety of other mushroom-infused coffee and beverage products, as well as a range of mushroom supplements and snacks. They are committed to using high-quality, organic ingredients and sustainable practices to create products that are both delicious and beneficial for overall health and wellness.
Overall, Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee is a unique and innovative coffee blend that is designed to provide a healthy and sustainable energy boost, without sacrificing flavor or quality. It’s a great option for coffee lovers who want to try something new and incorporate functional mushrooms into their daily routine.
11. La Colombe Coffee Roasters
La Colombe Coffee Roasters is a specialty coffee company based in Philadelphia that produces high-quality coffee beans for espresso. Their Nizza blend is a medium roast that is made with a combination of Latin American and African beans, creating a balanced and sweet espresso with notes of Browniewith a Honey-Sweet Roasted Nuttiness.
12. Onyx Coffee Lab
Onyx Coffee Lab is a specialty coffee company based in Arkansas that produces high-quality coffee beans for espresso. Their Southern Weather blend is a medium roast that is made with a combination of Latin American and African beans, creating a complex and flavorful espresso with notes of chocolate, caramel, and a hint of fruit.
13. Ritual Coffee Roasters
Ritual Coffee Roasters is a specialty coffee company based in San Francisco that produces high-quality coffee beans for espresso. Their Sabbath Coffee Roaster Ritual House Blend, Mild Roast Whole Bean Coffee Gourmet Coffee Beans with Ethiopia Guji and Guatemala Huehuetenango – Sustainably Sourced, Small Batches, Whether you’re a fan of classic espresso, filtered, cold brew, coffee specialties, latte, cappuccino, pour over, French press, the Ritual House Blend is your perfect choice for office, home use, bar, restaurant or hotel.
14. Heart Coffee Roasters
Heart Coffee Roasters is a specialty coffee company based in Portland, Oregon, that produces high-quality coffee beans for espresso. Their Stereo blend is a medium roast that is made with 50% Kenya and 50% Colombia whole bean, creating a complex and flavorful espresso. Heart Roasters brings a rigorous, scientific approach to their meticulous, clean coffees.
15. Devoción Coffee
Devocion Coffee is a Colombian coffee brand that was founded in 2006 with a mission to change the way Colombian coffee is consumed globally. The brand is known for its emphasis on sourcing the freshest coffee possible, with beans hand-selected from farms in Colombia’s most inaccessible zones.
The Colombia Citrus Blend is a smooth and fruity Caturra variety coffee from farms in the Timana and San Bernardo regions of Huila. It has a variety of citrus notes, including blood orange, mandarin peel, and Meyer lemon, and is available year-round as a staple pour over coffee.
Devocion Coffee pays fair-trade prices to coffee growers and has established social and environmental programs to help secure their future. The company mills all its beans in Bogota and rapidly ships them to the USA via FedEx for roasting, ensuring newly roasted, ultra-fresh coffee.
10 Types of Coffee Beans for Espresso
1. Arabica Beans
Arabica beans are widely considered to be the best coffee beans for espresso. They have a sweeter, more complex flavor profile with notes of chocolate, caramel, and nuts. Arabica beans are also lower in acidity, making them perfect for espresso shots.
However, Arabica beans can be quite expensive due to their high quality. So, if you’re on a budget, you may want to consider other options.
2. Robusta Beans
Robusta beans are another popular choice for espresso lovers. They have a strong, bold flavor profile with notes of chocolate and earthy tones. Robusta beans are also high in caffeine, making them perfect for those who need an extra boost of energy in the morning.
However, Robusta beans are higher in acidity than Arabica beans, which can make them slightly more bitter. But, when blended with Arabica beans, they can create a balanced and flavorful espresso shot.
3. Espresso Roast Beans
Espresso roast beans are specifically roasted for espresso machines. They are often a blend of Arabica and Robusta beans, roasted to perfection to create a balanced and smooth shot.
Espresso roast beans are also known for their creamy texture and dark, rich flavor. They have notes of chocolate, nuts, and caramel, making them perfect for espresso shots.
4. Italian Roast Beans
Italian roast beans are another popular choice for espresso lovers. They are roasted for a longer period, creating a darker, richer flavor profile. Italian roast beans have notes of chocolate, caramel, and smokiness, which can create a bold and flavorful espresso shot.
However, Italian roast beans can be quite bitter, which may not be to everyone’s taste. So, it’s important to experiment and find the right balance for your taste buds.
5. Sumatra Beans
Sumatra beans are a unique option for espresso lovers. They have a deep, earthy flavor with notes of chocolate, nuts, and a hint of spice. Sumatra beans are also low in acidity, making them perfect for espresso shots.
However, Sumatra beans can be quite bold, which may not be to everyone’s taste. But, when blended with other beans, they can create a delicious and unique espresso shot.
6. Colombian Beans
Colombian beans are another popular choice for espresso lovers. They have a smooth, creamy flavor profile with notes of chocolate, nuts, and a hint of citrus. Colombian beans are also low in acidity, making them perfect for espresso shots.
However, Colombian beans can be quite mild, which may not be to everyone’s taste. But, when blended with other beans, they can create a balanced and flavorful espresso shot.
7. Brazilian Beans
Brazilian beans are a popular choice for espresso lovers. They have a mild, nutty flavor profile with notes of chocolate and caramel. Brazilian beans are also low in acidity, making them perfect for espresso shots.
However, Brazilian beans can be quite mild, which may not be to everyone’s taste. But, when blended with other beans, they can create a delicious and balanced espresso shot.
8. Ethiopian Beans
Ethiopian beans are a unique and flavorful option for espresso lovers. They have a fruity, floral flavor profile with notes of blueberry, jasmine, and a hint of citrus. Ethiopian beans are also low in acidity, making them perfect for espresso shots.
However, Ethiopian beans can be quite bold, which may not be to everyone’s taste. But, when blended with other beans, they can create a delicious and unique espresso shot.
9. Guatemalan Beans
Guatemalan beans are another great option for espresso lovers. They have a complex flavor profile with notes of chocolate, nuts, and a hint of citrus. Guatemalan beans are also low in acidity, making them perfect for espresso shots.
However, Guatemalan beans can be quite bold, which may not be to everyone’s taste. But, when blended with other beans, they can create a delicious and balanced espresso shot.
10. Tanzanian Beans
Tanzanian beans are a lesser-known option for espresso lovers, but they shouldn’t be overlooked. They have a bright, fruity flavor profile with notes of blackcurrant, plum, and a hint of chocolate. Tanzanian beans are also low in acidity, making them perfect for espresso shots.
However, Tanzanian beans can be quite bold and may not be to everyone’s taste. But, when blended with other beans, they can create a delicious and unique espresso shot.
Conclusion
There are many high-quality coffee beans available for making espresso, and choosing the right one can be a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer a bold and intense espresso, while others prefer a sweeter and smoother espresso. The brands and products we’ve listed here are some of the best options available, and they all offer a unique and flavorful espresso experience. Experiment with different brands and blends to find the perfect coffee beans for your taste, and enjoy the delicious and complex flavors that a well-crafted espresso can offer.
FAQs
There’s a variety of excellent options for espresso enthusiasts. Lavazza Super Crema offers hazelnut and brown sugar notes, while Illy’s blend brings out caramel, chocolate, and toasted bread flavors. Blue Bottle’s beans provide a mix of chocolate, caramel, and dried fruit, while Stumptown’s beans present dark chocolate, nutty, and caramel undertones. Intelligentsia’s beans offer a rich combination of dark chocolate, caramel, and brown sugar flavors.
Absolutely! Verve Coffee Roasters’ beans feature cocoa, brown sugar, and cherry notes, providing a unique and balanced profile. Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee takes a different approach with nutty and earthy flavors, adding a distinctive twist to your espresso experience.
While it’s a matter of personal preference, most coffee experts recommend a medium-to-dark roast for espresso. This helps to bring out the rich, bold flavors that are characteristic of a good espresso shot.
There are several types of coffee beans that are great for espresso, including Arabica, Robusta, and a blend of the two. Arabica beans are known for their high-quality flavor, while Robusta beans are prized for their bold, intense taste. A blend of the two can offer the best of both worlds.
Again, this is a matter of personal preference. Single-origin coffee beans come from one specific region and offer a unique flavor profile, while blend coffee beans are a combination of beans from different regions, resulting in a more complex taste. Experiment with both to see which you prefer.
Coffee beans should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. It’s best to only buy enough beans to last for a week or two, so you’re always using fresh coffee for the best espresso.
For espresso, you’ll need a fine grind size that’s specifically meant for espresso machines. Invest in a quality grinder or have your beans ground fresh at your local coffee shop for the best results.
For those seeking a bold and intense espresso, Death Wish Coffee is a dark-roasted option that combines dark chocolate, cherry, and spice notes, delivering a robust flavor profile.
Counter Culture Coffee Beans offer a medium roast with a harmonious blend of chocolate, nutty, and caramel flavors, making them approachable yet intricate – ideal for both beginners and seasoned espresso drinkers.
Peet’s Coffee Major Dickason’s Blend incorporates beans from Latin America and Africa, resulting in a medium-dark roast with a fusion of dark chocolate, caramel, and fruit notes, providing a complex and well-rounded taste.
These espresso beans are available from various reputable brands and roasters, both online and in specialty coffee shops. Check the official websites of Lavazza, Illy, Blue Bottle, Stumptown, Intelligentsia, Counter Culture, Verve, Peet’s Coffee, Death Wish Coffee, and Four Sigmatic for purchasing options.
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Contents
- Top 15 Best brands and products for making espresso
- 1. Lavazza Super Crema Whole Bean Coffee
- 2. Illy Coffee
- 3. Blue Bottle Coffee
- 4. Stumptown Coffee Roasters
- 5. Intelligentsia Coffee
- 6. Counter Culture Coffee
- 7. Verve Coffee Roasters
- 8. Peet’s Coffee
- 9. Death Wish Coffee
- 10. Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee
- 11. La Colombe Coffee Roasters
- 12. Onyx Coffee Lab
- 13. Ritual Coffee Roasters
- 14. Heart Coffee Roasters
- 15. Devoción Coffee
- 10 Types of Coffee Beans for Espresso
- Conclusion
- FAQs
