Discover the best coffee beans espresso with a wide range of flavor notes and tastes with no bitterness to satisfy all types of drinkers in the coffee world.
Espresso is a type of coffee made from highly concentrated coffee beans. It is made by forcing hot water, under pressure, through finely-ground coffee beans. When it comes to espresso, the best coffee beans make all the difference. Many factors can affect the flavor, from the freshness and quality of the beans to the grind size and roast profile.
For me, the best coffee espresso is rich without being bitter, so I use a dark-roasted Robusta bean that has been blended with sweet and subtle Arabica beans to bring out the flavor without overwhelming bitterness. Ultimately, it is a matter of personal taste and preference. However, there are certain guidelines that can help guide you in your search for the best coffee beans espresso. Let’s dig deeper!
Ten Best Espresso Beans Reviewed
I have tried to give you a list of the best espresso coffee beans based on various taste notes, roasting profiles that create a rich, robust cup or a sweet and mellow one, and types of beans (both single origin and blends of both Arabica and Robusta beans).
Some of us like to support those responsibly sourced whole bean brands that take care of the environment and the people involved in coffee cultivation. Therefore, I have included fairtrade certified espresso bean brands. There are still others who look for organic coffee and you will find these types of coffee beans too here.
10 Best Coffee Beans Espresso
| Products | Origin | Flavor | Pros | Cons |
| Kicking Horse Cliff Hanger Espresso | Africa, Indonesia, Central & South America | Fruity, cocoa | Organic Kosher-certified Fairtrade Arabica beans Responsibly harvested Multiple brewing methods | The bag is not easily resealable |
| Lavazza Super Crema | Vietnam and Indonesia for Robusta Brazil, Colombia, India for Arabica | Hazelnuts, brown sugar | Blend of Arabica and Robusta beans Medium roast Made in nut-free facilities Authentic Italian espresso taste | The bag is not resealable Can be used in an espresso machine only |
| Coffee Bros Whole Bean Dark Espresso | Brazil, Ethiopia | Red fruit, chocolate | 100% Arabica beans Chocolate and red fruit taste notes Dark-roasted in small batches to retain freshness Resealable bag with degassing valve | Limited brewing methods |
| Death Wish Coffee Whole Bean Espresso | Peru, Sumatra, India | Caramel, cherries, cocoa | Climate pledge friendly Dark roast for deep flavor Arabica and Robusta beans for the perfect blend Sustainably sourced coffee beans from Peru, India, Sumatra Organic Brewing details on the packaging Multiple brewing options 100% refund for risk-free trials | Extra caffeine kick may not agree with everyone |
| Starbucks Espresso Roast | Asia Pacific, Latin America | Caramel, molasses | Reasonable price Ethical sourcing Consistent quality and flavor for the perfect cup Notes of molasses and caramel Suitable for multiple brewing methods 15% off subscription option | May not taste exactly the same as in Starbucks stores |
| Peet’s Dark Roast Whole Bean Espresso Coffee | Indo-Pacific, Americas | Hazelnut, chocolate | Blend of Arabica coffee beans for the perfect espresso Sourced responsibly Hazelnut and chocolate taste notes Full body and robust flavor Roasting date printed on bag for transparency | Becomes stale within 2 to 3 weeks |
| illy Intenso Whole Bean Coffee, Dark Roast | Not specified | Cocoa, dried fruit | Recyclable can package Specially pressurized packaging for freshness Arabica bean blend from 9 different countries Cocoa and dried fruit taste notes Intense and rich body No preservatives Responsible sourcing | The can is not airtight |
| San Francisco Bay Espresso Roast Whole Bean | Central America | Rich, complex | Rich and full-bodied taste and flavor 100% Arabica beans Hand-picked for quality No bitterness Stringent roasting process | The bag is not properly resealable |
| Cameron’s Espresso Whole Bean Coffee | Central America, Sumatra | Earthy, smooth | Great value for money Climate pledge friendly 100% Arabica beans Certified organic Reasonable price Gluten-free and allergen-free Roasted in small batches | The date of roasting is not given on the package |
| Ethical Bean Sweet Espresso Whole Bean Coffee | Ethiopia, Americas | Cocoa, sweet | Ethically sourced and traceable for transparency Roasted in small batches Fully organic and Fairtrade certified 100% Arabica beans Convenient 12-ounce bag Pull-tab zipper for resealing the bag | Die-hard espresso lovers may not like the sweet hint |
01 Kicking Horse Coffee, Cliff Hanger Espresso, Medium Roast
The 2.2 lb. of espresso beans are made of Arabica beans originating in Central and South America, Indonesia, and Africa. The medium roast coffee beans in this pouch are Kosher-certified and organic. The Fairtrade seal on these espresso beans indicates that they have been cultivated and processed according to the governing ethical and environmental standards.
The tones of cocoa and fruit lend a chocolatey hint and you won’t miss the deep caramel aroma of milk chocolate, blackcurrant, and brown sugar. The smooth as silk mouthfeel with a wild berry syrup texture will leave you feeling deeply satisfied with these espresso beans. You can use other brewing methods besides expresso to make coffee with Kicking Horse Cliff Hanger espresso beans like the pour-over method, French press, cold brew, and drip coffee maker. Here’s the perfect way to make drip coffee.
Pros
Organic
Kosher-certified
Fairtrade Arabica Beans
Responsibly harvested
Multiple brewing methods
Cons
The bag is not easily resealable
02 Lavazza Super Crema
Lavazza Super Crema whole bean coffee blend medium roast has a mild and thick texture with a sweet aroma hinting at brown sugar and hazelnuts. With 40% Robusta and 60% Arabica beans, it offers the best of both worlds to coffee connoisseurs – rich flavor and a thick crema with floral and fruity notes.
The Arabica beans have their origin in Colombia, India, and Brazil while the Robusta beans come from Vietnam and Indonesia. Manufactured in a nut-free facility to prevent any reaction to nut allergies, you can get the authentic Italian roast espresso taste from this blend of espresso beans. The 2.2 lb. bag contains nothing but real coffee.
Pros
Blend of Arabica and Robusta beans for a balanced flavor and taste
Medium roast
Made in nut-free facilities
Authentic Italian espresso taste
Cons
The bag is not resealable
Can be used in an espresso machine only
03 Coffee Bros Whole Bean Dark Espresso Roast
The 12-ounce pack of Coffee Bros will catch your eye with its black front and back and the sides featuring colorful icons of florals, citrus, fruits, chocolate, and coffee plants. Made from 100% Arabica coffee beans sourced from Ethiopia and Brazil, Coffee Bros is one of the best dark espresso beans. The rich and deep espresso tastes of red fruit and chocolate and its luxurious crema will satisfy all coffee connoisseurs.
Perfect for any espresso-based beverage, the whole beans are roasted in small batches just minutes before packing to ensure you get the freshest espresso beans. The resealable bag comes with a degassing valve to ensure the coffee beans remain fresh and aromatic. You can make espresso in a Moka pot or espresso machine with these.
Pros
100% Arabica beans for a rich and smooth taste
Chocolate and red fruit taste notes
Dark-roasted in small batches to retain freshness
Resealable bag with degassing valve
Cons
Limited brewing methods
04 Death Wish Coffee Whole Bean Espresso Roast
One of the best espresso beans to buy is the 14-ounce bag of Death Wish dark roast whole beans not only because of its intense and smooth flavor but also because it is Fair Trade certified. A blend of Arabica and Robusta beans sourced from Peru, Sumatra, and India make these espresso beans full of bold flavors of cherries, caramelized sugars, and cocoa without being bitter.
USDA Organic-certified, this brand of espresso coffee beans is the choice for those who are conscious of sustainable farming practices. I especially like the packaging as the graphics show clearly the kind of grind you need for making coffee in your espresso machine or French press or drip coffee maker. In addition, you can how to store coffee beans and the amount to be used per 6 ounces of water.
What no other brand of espresso beans offers but Death Wish does is a 100% refund if you are not satisfied with the quality.
Pros
Climate pledge friendly for sustainability
Dark roast for deep flavor
Arabica and Robusta beans for the perfect blend
Sustainably sourced coffee beans from Peru, India, Sumatra
Organic
Brewing details on the packaging
Multiple brewing options
100% refund for risk-free trials
Cons
Extra caffeine kick may not agree with everyone
05 Starbucks Espresso Roast Whole Bean Coffee
The 18-ounce bag of whole bean Starbucks espresso roast coffee is 100% Arabica beans sourced ethically from South America and Asia Pacific. You will get the same consistency in every cup from this bag of espresso beans. With notes of caramel and molasses, you can make any classic espresso drink that needs a fuller body.
Starbucks ships the same quality of coffee used in its stores so no matter whether you’re using a Moka pot, French press, a drip coffee machine, or a pour-over machine, you can expect the same flavor and quality. You can also subscribe to get the Starbucks Espresso roast coffee delivered right to your door at 15% off the regular price. Some Starbucks espresso coffee beans reviews on Amazon mention that the coffee doesn’t taste as good as what they get in stores.
Pros
18-ounce bag at a reasonable price
Ethical sourcing
Consistent quality and flavor for the perfect cup
Notes of molasses and caramel
Suitable for multiple brewing methods
15% off subscription option
Cons
It may not taste exactly the same as in Starbucks stores
06 Peet’s Dark Roast Whole Bean Espresso Coffee
Espresso bean reviews are always a good way to spot the best espresso coffee beans and with 75% of more than 2,000 reviews awarding Peet’s Dark roast coffee a 5-star rating, this should be on our list. Made from 100% Arabica beans, the 32-ounce bag will give you delightful cups of espresso with hazelnut and chocolate taste notes and a rich thick crema on top. Peet’s Espresso Forte is made especially for espressos to give you a full body and robust flavor.
The coffee beans are sourced responsibly from the Americas and Indo-Pacific regions so that the environment and the coffee growers are taken care of properly. Before buying, you can check the roast date printed on the bag to ensure you get only the freshest espresso beans. The coffee company works hard to confirm that you get your bag of beans within 3 months of the roasting date for maximum freshness.
Pros
Blend of Arabica coffee beans for the perfect espresso
Sourced responsibly
Hazelnut and chocolate taste notes
Full body and robust flavor
Roasting date printed on bag for transparency
Cons
Becomes stale within 2 to 3 weeks
07 illy Intenso Whole Bean Coffee, Dark Roast
Packaged in an 8.8-ounce can so that there’s no hassle of resealing a bag or transferring the espresso beans to another container, illy Intense is made from 100% Arabica beans that have been dark roasted for a great cup of espresso. The coffee beans have been sourced from the top 9 destinations worldwide known for their Arabica quality. The result is a beautiful aroma of dried fruit and cocoa and an intense and robust body.
In pursuit of the perfect blend for eight decades, no wonder you get only the best espresso beans from illy. The flavor and richness of the Illy blend are preserved thanks to our special pressure packaging, which also improves the aroma of the coffee and guarantees it is kept at its freshest. No preservatives have been used in the blend. The coffee brand also supports coffee growing methods so that there are no negative environmental, social, or economic effects.
Pros
Recyclable can package
Specially pressurized packaging to retain freshness
Arabica bean blend from 9 different countries
Cocoa and dried fruit taste notes
Intense and rich body
No preservatives
Responsible sourcing
Cons
The can is not airtight
08 San Francisco Bay Coffee Espresso Roast Whole Bean
This medium-dark roast of espresso coffee beans comes in a 32-ounce bag and promises to give your espresso a rich and full-bodied mouthfeel. San Francisco Bay Coffee is made from some of the best 100% Arabica coffee beans grown in high altitudes of Central America. Hand-picked to ensure only the highest quality beans are being chosen for your cup, these whole beans are roasted until the first crack. This is just enough to draw out some of the oil for a richer flavor but not so much as to make them bitter.
Sustainably grown, sourced, and packaged for maximum protection of the environment and people involved, the family-owned US company is all about fair practices. Analyzing, cupping, and roasting are the three key stages the coffee beans go through at the facilities before being packaged and shipped out. These steps ensure you get only the best coffee beans for your espresso.
Pros
Rich and full-bodied taste and flavor
100% Arabica beans
Hand-picked for quality
No bitterness
Stringent roasting process
Cons
The bag is not properly resealable
09 Cameron’s Espresso Whole Bean Coffee
Cameron’s Coffee is positively focused on the environment, people, and coffee and produces espresso blends with 100% arabica coffee beans. Coffee beans sourced from Sumatra and Central America provide the perfect full-body, earthy notes, and rich mouthfeel to pick you up on dull days. The 28-ounce bag of Cameron espresso beans is certified organic so there are no harmful chemicals or fertilizers used in the cultivation.
The coffee beans are roasted in small batches in the US so that you always get a smooth and fresh taste every time you brew without any bitterness from over-roasting. The price is also reasonable, giving you one more reason to try this brand out. Allergen-free and gluten-free, even those sensitive can enjoy this delicious espresso blend without any worries.
Pros
Great value for money
Climate pledge friendly
100% Arabica beans
Certified organic
Reasonable price
Gluten-free and allergen-free
Roasted in small batches for maximum aroma and taste
Cons
The date of roasting is not given on the package
10 Ethical Bean Sweet Espresso Whole Bean Coffee
As you can tell by the name, Ethical Bean espresso beans come from a company that is climate pledge friendly. Moreover, the 100% fair trade Arabica beans are organic, which means you are not contributing to the exploitation of workers and the environment. The medium dark roast espresso is slightly sweet with cocoa notes and makes a rich cup especially when you add milk. The beans are sourced seasonally to get the best out of the crop and roasted in small batches for a fresh aroma.
The small 12-ounce bag is a perfect stocking stuffer or gift for any occasion and the pull-tab zip allows the bag to be resealed to retain the freshness of the whole beans. Trace the journey of the coffee beans to your cup by scanning the QR code on the pack. You can use the free app from Ethical Bean or enter the lot number on the company website.
Pros
Ethically sourced and traceable for transparency
Roasted in small batches for maximum freshness
Fully organic and Fairtrade certified
100% Arabica beans
Convenient 12-ounce bag size for gifts
Pull-tab zipper for resealing the bag
Cons
Die-hard espresso lovers may not like the sweet hint
What Are Espresso Beans?
It’s natural to wonder what coffee beans for expresso make them special. Well, there are some significant factors that make espresso beans what they are – roast time, grind size, and brewing method. Let’s explore how these factors can affect the espresso experience. And by the way, the origin or the flavor profile of the coffee beans has little to do with whether coffee beans are espresso or not.
Roast Time
Best espresso beans are often roasted longer and to a deeper color than regular coffee beans. This results in more decadent flavors and more noticeable natural oils. Do oily beans affect the taste of coffee? It does! A longer roasting time to get a dark roast releases all the oils and flavors from the coffee beans which results in a fuller-tasting beverage. Also, darker roasts are less acidic and have fuller bodies. They are more water-soluble and porous in their construction which makes them the right option for a fast extraction method.
Grind Size
The coffee beans must be finely ground to make them qualify as espresso coffee beans. Find out how to grind coffee beans if you’re not sure. Finely ground coffee beans are necessary as they have to withstand high pressure and high water temperature from an espresso machine. Don’t have one at home but want to make espresso like a pro? Find out which coffee machine in Starbucks is used so that you can come close to making barista-grade espresso at home!
Trying to figure out how fine should be the grind? Just take a look at the crema or the beige layer that forms on top of your espresso. Too many large bubbles or a thin layer of crema mean you need a finer grind size. Or just ensure the coffee grind feels the same as flour.
If you’re using your Moka pot, a medium-fine grind will do.
Brewing Method
The brewing method involves proper tamping, the pressure applied to coffee beans for espresso, and the water temperature. If you’ve ever taken a barista course as I did, you’d know what pressure means when making espresso. First, you must properly tamp the finely ground coffee in the filter basket. Tamping affects how quickly the water goes through the puck when you pull a shot in espresso machines. For the grinds to be packed tightly enough to extract correctly, you need 30 pounds or 15 bars of pressure; with less pressure, the water passes through too quickly, resulting in less than optimum extraction, leaving your espresso weaker.
Water is heated to a high temperature of 200°F (93°C) in espresso machines like this to get quick extraction from the finely grounded beans for espresso. Since these espresso coffee beans are finely ground, they can withstand the high temperature and pressure applied to push the steam through them within a mere 25-30 seconds to get the perfect extraction.
Why Should You Use Espresso Beans To Brew Espresso?
There are a few benefits of using only espresso beans to make espresso in espresso machines. As mentioned earlier, coffee beans for espresso are medium dark to dark roasted for the full, robust flavor and that’s what a proper espresso should be. Next, espresso beans are finely grounded for use in an espresso machine. If you use the same grind in a non-espresso machine, you will most likely face water overflowing from the machine or clogging the coffee maker.
Moreover, an espresso machine uses water at a very high temperature to make the brew. Such high temperatures cannot be reached in a French press or pour-over machine. So, if you don’t use beans for espresso in an espresso machine, the resulting brew will taste sour and weak as the lower water temperature would fail to get the full extraction from the beans.
How To Buy The Best Espresso Beans
There are a few factors to consider before you buy the best espresso beans for your espresso maker. As we have seen in the espresso beans reviews above, plenty of flavor and taste options are available in the market. Similarly, the region where the coffee beans are grown also plays a role in the final product as does the brewing method, roasting time, grind size, and others.
Region
Let’s look at the basics – the region where the coffee beans are grown. Brazilian coffee doesn’t have the same flavor profile as Ethiopian coffee or coffee beans from other parts of Latin America. So let’s see which region produces what kind of flavor and taste notes.
Africa
African beans have a fruity, floral, bright, aromatic, and lively flavor.
Ethiopia: delicious, sharp acidity, mild, tangy.
Tanzania: strong citrus flavors, bright colors, and a medium body
Kenya: flavors include citrus, berries, and strong acidity.
Americas
The beans from the Americas have a lively acidity and are smooth, sweet, crisp, clean, and balanced.
Brazil: substantial body, low acid, nutty, buttery, and bittersweet chocolate notes
Costa Rica: mild, vibrant
Hawaii: fruity, medium-bodied, low-acid, creamy, silky, with undertones of milk chocolate
Colombia: creamy, caramel-like, smooth, and mellow
Peru: gentle, vibrant, bubbly, medium body
Mexico: light to medium body, balanced acidity, fruity and spicy flavors
Nicaragua: full-bodied, hazelnut
Guatemala: honey, fragrant, silky, winey acidity
The Caribbean
The only place in the Caribbean from where coffee beans are sourced is Jamaica. Jamaican coffee beans have a well-balanced flavor with low acidity and a smooth, rich flavor with a full body.
Asia
Asian beans are smooth, full-bodied, earthy, musty, and mildly acidic.
Yemen: earthy, flavorful, and pungent
India: full-bodied, creamy, gentle, smooth, and low in acid
Sumatra: rich, smooth, full-bodied, chocolate and syrup notes
Sulawesi: full-bodied, earthy, and mildly acidic
Java: full-bodied, rich, and low-acid
Single Origin Beans Vs Espresso Blends
You might not always be able to buy beans year-round if they come from a single source because they can be seasonal. Depending on when they are picked or processed, they have varying flavors. That’s why single origin coffee beans may not give you consistent espresso. On the other hand, an espresso blend combines coffee from several origins to produce a flavor that is more well-rounded and consistent. For more complex flavor profiles and to correct any flavor flaws, espresso roasters mix complementing flavors together.
Roast Type And Brewing Method
The roast type and brewing method of espresso coffee beans are closely related. Choose the coffee bean depending on its roast type and the method you will use for brewing. If you’re going to use an espresso maker, choose a medium to dark roast so that the full extraction can be done within a short brewing time.
However, if you want a Moka pot espresso, a medium roast will work just as well. But if you’re using a slower extraction method like a pour-over or drip coffee machine, choose lighter roasts so that the coffee beans give you the right cup – not too bitter or too weak.
Here are the main features of medium and medium dark roasts so that you can be sure to choose the best espresso beans to suit your palate.
| Roast | Features | Also Known As |
| Dark Roast | Richer flavor Less acidity Dark brown color More bitter Best for fast extraction | Dark roast Dark French Roast Espresso Italian Spanish Turkish Dark French European Heavy High Neapolitan New Orleans |
| Medium Dark Roast | Lower acidity than light and medium roasts Less bitter and smoother than dark roasts Richer and bolder flavor than medium and light roasts | Light espresso Medium dark Continental Viennese After dinner Light French roast |
Arabica Or Robusta Beans
Another key factor to look into when buying espresso beans for coffee is to look at whether these are made from 100% Arabica beans or Robusta beans or a blend of both. We are going to talk about why Arabica beans make the best espresso in a bit. Suffice it is to mention here that Arabica beans have some features that make them better for making espresso beans. If there is a blend, make sure that the brand doesn’t have more than 25% Robusta beans.
Arabica Vs Robusta: Which Beans Are Better As Espresso Beans?
When you see on the packaging that the coffee beans are 100% Arabica, you know that they are of the best quality and are perfect for making espresso. However, many brands make a blend of Robusta and Arabica beans because Robusta has a stronger, more bitter flavor and can be used to make a bold cup of espresso. That said, Robusta beans have a lower percentage – 20%-25% – in these blends so as not to make the coffee too bitter.
Let’s look at the reasons why Arabica beans are preferred over Robusta in coffee beans for espresso.
Arabica Beans Are Sweeter
Unlike Robusta beans, Arabica beans are produced at higher elevations in shaded environments. This means that when Arabica coffee beans are harvested and roasted, they are sweeter. Compared to Robusta coffee beans, they have approximately twice as much sugar. Arabica espresso has a slight sweetness to it by nature whereas Robusta coffee calls for a lot of cream and sugar.
Better Range Of Aromas In Arabica Beans
Any variation of an Arabica coffee bean will smell better than any Robusta coffee bean variation. Complex aromas with sweet undertones, rich mid-notes, and vibrant top notes can be found in Arabica beans. As aroma and flavor go hand in hand, this is a crucial consideration when brewing espresso. The aroma of Robusta beans is similar to that of coffee, but that is about all. You’ll get bitter and burnt flavors if you make an espresso shot using exclusively Robusta beans.
Arabica Has More Flavor
Arabica beans naturally have more oil (50% – 70% more than Robusta) since they are not grown in the same arid conditions as Robusta beans. Caffeine and many of the flavoring ingredients that go into your espresso are found in these oils. As a result, you’ll obtain a better oil release from Arabica beans when you grind them. This results in a smoother, cleaner mouthfeel with espresso crema that is distributed evenly.
More Consistency In Arabica Flavor
Because Arabica coffee trees self-pollinate, the resulting beans have a more consistent flavor. This is significant given that an espresso shot with an even flavor spread tastes better. Because Robusta beans are cross-pollinated, each coffee bean will differ more.
Less Caffeine In Arabica Beans
The oil from which caffeine is derived is present in higher concentrations in Robusta beans. Arabica beans often have less caffeine even if they have higher oils. Also, other, more delicious oils found in Arabica beans can leave you with a fruity, flowery, tangy, or creamy aftertaste. They have superior caffeine balance, therefore the aftereffects of jitteriness and trembling are less likely.
More Carefully Grown For Better Quality
Arabica coffee trees require more attention. They need to be kept in the proper conditions and take longer to mature. You can be certain that the Arabica coffee beans you use were grown on well-tended plants, ensuring the highest quality.
On the other hand, Robusta beans are simple to grow. They are also less expensive to grow since they are resilient and tough. The intense farming practices used to grow a lot of Robusta beans result in bitter, rubbery-tasting coffee beans.
Can Regular Coffee Beans Make Espresso?
Can coffee beans be used for espresso is a common question among those just stepping into the coffee world. The short answer is yes. Espresso is a type of coffee brewed in a special way so that it comes in a concentrated format. So, you can use regular coffee beans to make espresso although typically, only medium dark to dark roasted beans qualify as espresso coffee beans. I mean there’s nothing to stop you from making espresso using your go-to coffee beans.
But, you won’t get the same robust flavor if you use a medium roast blend or lighter roasts that have not been finely ground. Espresso refers more to the brewing method than the bean, so if you’re wondering what is the difference between espresso coffee beans and regular coffee beans, there’s none!
To get the strongest espresso beans, make sure they are medium-dark to dark roast, have a fine grind, and Arabica beans for a sweet and smooth taste or Robusta beans for a deep velvety mouthfeel or a balanced blend of both.
Tips To Brew The Perfect Espresso
Follow the tips below to make the best espresso with espresso beans.
01 Invest in a good quality espresso machine and coffee burr.
02 Always buy whole coffee beans.
03 Use finely ground coffee beans only.
04 Grind the espresso beans for coffee right before brewing.
05 Tamp the ground coffee beans properly in the filter basket.
06 Pre-infuse the ground coffee to release the carbon dioxide gas and ensure the optimum flow through the wet grounds. This is the same as letting the coffee bloom.
FAQs
What Is The Best Espresso Bean?
The best espresso bean is the one that’s made from 100% Arabica coffee beans and single origin beans to ensure the best quality, a range of flavor notes, rich taste, no bitterness, and consistent flavor. However, the best beans for making espresso may require a bit more bitterness for some people and for them it’s better to get a blend of espresso beans that contain 20-25% Robusta beans for more caffeine and some bitterness.
Can You Use Light Roasts For Making Espresso?
Ideally, you should not use light roasts for espresso beans because they have been roasted for the least time. Light roasts have an earthy flavor and are very dry as they don’t have been roasted long enough to allow the flavor oils to surface. They won’t give you a rich, bold flavor that an espresso has at its core.