If you’re a coffee aficionado, then you already know there’s nothing quite like a perfectly pulled shot of espresso — the intense flavor, crema, and kick of caffeine is the best way to start your day or when you’re resting on your balcony in the evening. While it may seem intriguing and interesting, it can be pretty challenging to get that perfect beans for espresso. So, we’ve saved you the time and stress and curated a list of some of the best espresso beans available.
What is the difference between espresso beans and coffee beans?
The main difference between espresso beans and coffee beans lies in their roast level and intended use.
Espresso beans: Espresso beans are typically roasted darker than regular coffee beans. The dark roast brings out bold flavors, rich aromas, and oils, making them suitable for brewing espresso. These beans are finely ground and brewed under high pressure, resulting in a concentrated shot of espresso with a distinct crema on top.
Coffee beans: Coffee beans, on the other hand, can refer to a broader range of beans used for various brewing methods. They come in different roast levels, including light, medium, and dark. Lighter roasts tend to retain more of the beans’ natural flavors and acidity, while darker roasts develop deeper, bolder flavors. Coffee beans are typically ground coarser and brewed using methods like drip brewing, pour-over, French press, or cold brew.
In summary, the key differences between espresso beans and coffee beans are the roast level, intended use, and the brewing methods associated with them. Espresso beans are dark-roasted and finely ground for brewing concentrated shots of espresso, while coffee beans can encompass a wider range of roasts and are used for various brewing methods.
Featured Products
Espresso Blend - Spirit Animal
⭐ 4.9/5 • 💰 ~$23
Spirit Animal Coffee offers bold, rich flavors of ethically sourced, high-quality beans. Spirit Animal Coffee has a limited selection, but the quality of its dark roast is incredible. This dark roast has tasting notes of citrus, honey, sweet fruit, floral, and peach. It gave us the most delicious cup of espresso!
Pros:
- Bold and rich flavor
- High-quality beans
- Ethical sourcing
Nostalgia Coffee - Memory Lane
⭐ 4.9/5 • 💰 ~$18
Memory Lane Espresso Coffee Beans is for everyone; a coffee that sparks joy in coffee connoisseurs and new coffee drinkers alike; a coffee that makes excellent espresso and is incredible with milk or straight up.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Has a good and distinctive taste
- Notes of Swiss chocolate
- Delicious coffee based on customer reviews
Art de Vivre - Lantern Robusta
The Art de Vivre - Lantern Robusta coffee is an intriguing offering that showcases the unique qualities of the Robusta bean.
Pros:
- Rich and Bold Flavor
- High Caffeine Content
- Versatile Brewing
- Affordable Option
Nguyen Coffee Supply - Moxy Arabica
⭐ 3.9/5 • 💰 ~$18
Moxy Arabica: Smooth & fruity medium roast, Vietnamese grown & direct trade, finely ground & powerful flavor.
Pros:
- Smooth & fruity coffee
- No additives, flavorings, or oils used
- 100% Arabica beans
- Finley ground for brewing with a Vietnamese Phin filter
Cooper’s Cask Coffee - Colombian Dark Roast Coffee
⭐ 4.6/5 • 💰 ~$18
Sourced from a single-origin farm, Coopers delivers robust flavors to its dark java. Despite its wide selection of blends, the coffee is priced affordably. Grown from volcanic soil rich in minerals and nutrients, single origin Columbian coffee beans are known throughout the world for their quality. This signature roasting process helps bring out a unique and celebrated, yet mild flavor that includes hints of rustic sweetness, cocoa, and dark fruit notes. Fully Washed & Roasted in the U.S.A.
Pros:
- Strong and robust flavors
- Diverse selection of blends
- Affordable prices
Clout Coffee Single Malt Whisky
⭐ 4.7/5 • 💰 ~$28
Focusing on small-batch roasting gives more control to Clout Coffee’s roasting process. The coffee leaves a smooth and well-balanced taste on your tongue with attention to detail in sourcing and roasting.
While it possesses the enticing aroma and smoothness reminiscent of whisky, it surpasses traditional whisky with its superior qualities. This coffee is a delightful and invigorating choice to lift your spirits. Crafted by combining single origin Colombian Arabica beans with freshly emptied whisky barrels, it delivers a rich and full-bodied taste. The infusion of earthy and vanilla flavors creates a remarkably smooth whisky-like finish that will leave you craving for another cup. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to savor this extraordinary blend - get your hands on Clout’s Whisky Barrel-Aged Coffee today.
Pros:
- Smooth and well-balanced taste
- Offers both single-origin and blends
House Espresso - Out of the Grey
⭐ 4.6/5 • 💰 ~$18
House Espresso - Out of the Grey is a delightful coffee blend that promises a satisfying espresso experience.
Pros:
- Well-balanced Flavor
- Versatile
- Freshly Roasted
Espresso Dark Roast - Volcanica
⭐ 4.6/5 • 💰 ~$17
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Espresso Dark Roast - Volcanica is a bold and intense coffee blend specifically crafted for espresso enthusiasts. Its deep flavor profile and careful sourcing have gained a reputation among coffee lovers.
Pros:
- Rich and Robust Flavor
- High-Quality Sourcing
- Versatile
- Freshness and Roasting
Wake up! Espresso Roast - Altruistic Joe
⭐ 4.6/5 • 💰 ~$21
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As the name suggests, this bean is perfect for making a morning wake up espresso shot. With beans originating from Guatemala and Ethiopia, this espresso blend is a perfect balance of dried fruit, crisp notes of citrus, and a rich cocoa body. While this is an espresso blend, the beans are also perfect for drip coffee — so, that’s a 2-in-one package.
Pros:
- Excellent notes with good flavor notes
- Perfect for morning shot of espresso
- Bean undergo proper washing
Black Cat Classic Espresso - Intelligentsia
⭐ 4.5/5 • 💰 ~$17
This blend has a syrupy sweet espresso feel with a supreme balance and excellent sweet taste that makes it a classic. Its beans are from Brazil and Colombia and undergo a honey and washed processing method, respectively. They are sun-dried patio to give the best chocolate and molasses flavor and taste.
The Best Espresso Beans For Lattes
Choosing the right espresso beans can make all the difference when crafting a delicious latte. For a harmonious balance of flavor and texture, opt for espresso beans with a medium to dark roast profile. Look for beans that possess a smooth and creamy body with hints of chocolate, caramel, or nutty undertones. Some popular espresso bean varieties that excel in latte creations include Brazilian Santos, Colombian Supremo, or Italian blends. These beans deliver a robust and full-bodied espresso that pairs exceptionally well with milk, creating a luscious and velvety latte experience. Remember, personal preference plays a significant role. Don’t be afraid to sample different espresso beans and find the flavor profile that best complements your taste preferences for the perfect latte.
Conclusion
The intense flavor is one of the main reasons coffee lovers prefer a shot of espresso. If you’re still unsure of which espresso beans to try out, you can make a choice from our list above and indulge yourself with the awesomeness found in their taste.
