🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 43 (from laksa020)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa043.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.seriouseats.com/best-espresso-beans-7506734\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.seriouseats.com/best-espresso-beans-7506734\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/best-espresso-beans-7506734","crawl_time":1775511088,"first_indexed_time":1686243378,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,seriouseats!www,\/best-espresso-beans-7506734 s443","src_root_hash":"3385208949286065243","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"The 7 Best Espresso Beans of 2026, Tested & Reviewed","meta_descriptions":["We tested 15 espresso beans and found seven top picks—ones that were smooth, delicious, and at home in a variety of coffee drinks."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Straight to the Point\nMy favorite espresso beans are the\nPartners Coffee Roasters Bedford Espresso\n. It makes excellent, smooth espresso shots.\nOne of my first post-college jobs was working at a small café in an independent bookstore, where I made espresso drinks. Back then, I loved darker roasts. But as specialty coffee has slowly expanded and become more commonplace, so has my palate. I now embrace the medium and light roast beans that are popular with specialty coffee roasters. And though I still appreciate beans with chocolate, nutty flavors, I also love ones that are delicately balanced and feature fruity or bright, floral notes. \nEven with my experience, judging coffee beans can be challenging, especially those meant for espresso. The rich, intense flavor of espresso is often associated with darker, bitter notes. But espresso doesn’t have to be just dark and bitter—it can be rich, complex, and sweet. And though any bean can be used to make espresso, not all beans are well-suited for this syrupy, rich coffee. With that in mind, I tested 15 espresso beans to find the best ones for a variety of drinks, be it a cappuccino or cortado.\nThe Tests\nI made loads of espresso to test the quality of the beans.\nSerious Eats\nEspresso Shot Test\n: Using each bean, I pulled a double shot of espresso with one of Serious Eats’ favorite espresso machines, the\nBreville Barista Express Impress\n. I then tasted the coffee and took notes on its flavor profile.\nLong Black Test\n: I added 100 grams of near-boiling water (200°F) to a mug. Then, I pulled a double shot of espresso directly into the water. I tasted and took notes on its flavor profile. \nLatte Test\n: I pulled a double shot of espresso and then steamed 200 grams (seven ounces) of whole milk to 140°F. I made a latte and tasted it, taking notes of the flavor profile and any changes I noticed in the presence of milk. \nWhat We Learned\nEspresso Is a Process and a Drink\nEspresso is as much the process of brewing as it is the beans.\nSerious Eats\nUnlike, say, a French press or pour-over, espresso brews using pressure. A typical\nespresso machine\nuses about nine bars of pressure to force hot water through finely ground coffee. The result is a small amount of intensely concentrated coffee, typically with a total dissolved solids (TDS) of 8 to 12%. (Basically, TDS is the amount of coffee present.) By comparison, French press coffee ranges from 1.4% to 1.7%, and pour-over is only 1.2% to 1.5%. \nThis concentrated espresso shot can be enjoyed in multiple ways, be it sipped from an\nespresso cup\nor made into espresso drinks like Americanos, lattes, cappuccinos, and mochas. \nThere’s No Such Thing as Espresso Beans or an Espresso Roast\nEspresso beans aren't actually a thing.\nSerious Eats\nA common misconception is that espresso beans are all dark roasted. Traditionally, this is true. But there isn’t an actual espresso coffee bean, nor is there a standard roast for espresso. Colin Stoeber, Education Manager at\nSightglass Coffee,\nsays, “Technically, there is no difference between the coffee beans used for espresso versus any other brewing method. That's right—the same plant, the same seeds, and the same caffeine level! ‘Espresso’ is a method of brewing coffee defined by using a machine that creates pressure (around nine bars) to catalyze the extraction for a short, quick, and intense beverage.”\nNowadays, modern coffee shops use a wide range of roasts for espresso, though darker ones are more common. Stoeber further explained, “In the roastery, espresso blends are often developed just a pinch longer than other offerings. Increasing the development during the roasting process increases the solubility of the coffee, which makes it easier to work with in brewing methods with shorter contact times.” Still, some roasters put “espresso roast” on their bags. This typically means that they have blended or roasted their beans with espresso in mind.\nThat said, some beans might be better suited to espresso, just as others lend themselves well to pour-over or French press. A bean that has delicate flavor notes might get lost in a concentrated espresso shot. Daria Whalen, the green coffee buyer at\nRitual Coffee Roasters\n, explained it this way: “Coffees with rich flavors of cocoa or red fruits tend to pop more in an espresso or a darker roasted drip coffee, and those with more tea-like flavors are best reserved for drip roasts.”\nStill, I didn’t necessarily favor the darker roasted bean I tried. The\nBlue Bottle’s Hayes Valley Espresso\n, for example, had an overly burnt flavor. This was something I particularly noticed when it was made into a long black, which is similar to an Americano. Darker roasted beans were also more brittle, as evident when I found numerous broken beans in the Blue Bottle bag. \nRoast Date Was Important\nThe fresher the espresso bean, the better the result.\nSerious Eats\nThere’s a Goldilocks window of coffee freshness. Andrea Allen, founder of\nOnyx Coffee Lab\n, says, “Best practice would be a week off roast but fresher than three months.” This is because freshly roasted coffee beans have a lot of carbon dioxide built up inside them. This is why you bloom your coffee when doing a\npour-over\n, as this allows the grounds to expel the carbon dioxide, which otherwise might interfere with extraction and brewing. Carbon dioxide is what produces crema, the light-colored foam on top of the espresso shot. But too much CO2 can result in an uneven pull, resulting in a beautiful-looking crema (because of the gas) but a weak, flat espresso that lacks sweetness.\nBest Was Subjective\nSome folks might prefer dark roast over light, so in the end, taste is subjective.\nSerious Eats\nTaste is subjective, and you might not like the coffee I like. In the\nNew Rules of Coffee\nby Jordan Michelman and Zachary Carlsen, Rule 15 starts out: “Does it taste good? There you go, you’ve found your favorite coffee!” \nI enjoy a wide range of coffees, including bright, floral, and fruity beans and darker, nutty, chocolatey ones. But my husband definitely prefers the latter. Neither is right nor wrong, just different. As such, I tried to categorize and pick espresso beans that fit all different palates. But if there’s an espresso bean you love that isn’t on the list, it’s not because I didn’t like it. Hundreds of roasters make excellent coffee, and as much as I would love to try them all, that’s not feasible. \nThe Criteria: What to Look for in Espresso Beans\nSerious Eats\nLook for beans that have tasting notes that match your palate and preference, expecting those flavors to become more intense when made into an espresso shot. If you plan on using the espresso beans for a milk-based drink like lattes or cappuccinos, consider looking for a washed processed bean that has notes of caramel or chocolate. Finally, look for beans that have a roast date on the bag. This indicates that the roaster is of higher quality. It also gives you a sense of how old the beans are. If you can, use the beans within one week of roasting for optimum flavor.\nOur Favorite Coffee Beans for Espresso\nWhat we liked\n: Partners Bedford espresso is a beautiful blend of Colombian and Ethiopian beans. It has a classic espresso taste without any overly bitter notes, as well as a deeper, complex flavor profile and rich, smooth body. Dominant flavors include dark chocolate, caramel, brown sugar, and molasses—all typical flavor notes most folks associate with espresso. This makes it ideal for milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. There were also hints of black currant and dark, British-style, Seville orange marmalade, giving it dimension in sip after sip. When I diluted the espresso shot and made it a long black, I found the sweet brown sugar flavors became more dominant, with notes of hazelnut and milk chocolate in the finish. \nWhat we didn’t like\n: Folks who prefer more traditional, darker roasts might want to opt for a bean that isn’t as complex as this one.\nKey Specs\nBag size\n: 12 ounces\nCoffee origin\n: Colombia and Ethiopia\nRoaster’s tasting notes\n: Marmalade, pomegranate, brown sugar\nCredit: Serious Eats\nCredit: Serious Eats\nCredit: Serious Eats\nCredit: Serious Eats\nWhat we liked\n: George Howell is a pioneer in the coffee industry, creating the Coffee Connection initially based out of Cambridge, Massachusetts, before being bought out by Starbucks in 1994. (The company acquired the rights to use the name “Frappuccino” with the buyout.) Ten years later, he founded George Howell Coffee and has been directly working with coffee farmers to find the best, sustainably grown beans.\nAlchemy is a blend orffering a classic espresso flavor that works well in milk-based drinks. A slightly darker roast develops the dark chocolate, malt, and nutty flavors that are traditionally associated with espresso but without the biting bitterness that’s often a result of darker roasting. The espresso had a rich, velvety body with top notes of peanut and pecan leading into bittersweet chocolate. The long black revealed a hint of cherry cordial along with the dark chocolate.  And the latte had a rich body and a classic flavor with sweet, molasses notes.\nWhat we didn’t like\n: The dark roast of these beans produced a classic espresso shot, but it wasn’t quite as complex as some of the beans I tasted. \nKey Specs\nBag size\n: 12 ounces\nCoffee origin\n: Brazil, Costa Rica, Guatemala\nRoaster’s tasting notes\n: Chocolate, almond, nougat\nCredit: Serious Eats\nCredit: Serious Eats\nCredit: Serious Eats\nWhat we liked\n: Ritual Coffee specializes in seasonal beans, and that means the beans it uses for its espresso offerings of Sweet Tooth and Ace tend to rotate throughout the year. Sweet Tooth offers a sweeter profile, featuring a rich, syrupy body that hits you up front with butterscotch and toffee notes. The flavor lingers with notes of summer berries, like strawberry and blackberry.\nA slight acidity also helps cut through some of the sweetness of the espresso, creating a balanced shot. When diluted into a long black, the espresso’s sweetness mellows and its acidity sharpens. I detected notes of mandarin orange and key lime, as well as a turbinado sugar finish. Lattes had a lovely butterscotch flavor and were classically coffee-forward. \nWhat we didn’t like\n: Because of the sweet profile, this bean might not appeal to those folks who favor darker, more bitter espresso.\nKey Specs\nBag size\n: 12 ounces\nCoffee origin\n: Burundi\nRoaster’s tasting notes\n: Strawberry, lime, butterscotch\nCredit: Serious Eats\nCredit: Serious Eats\nCredit: Serious Eats\nCredit: Serious Eats\nWhat we liked\n: The Onyx Geometry was one of the most interesting, intriguing beans I tried. It was a light roast, leading to a bright, complex espresso with citrus notes of lemon and tangerine as well as summer stone fruit like pluot and apricot. The fruity notes are balanced with an earthier, nutty pecan and dark chocolate finish, making this bean layered and lively.\nThe long black drink had a round, full body with a nutty pecan, lemon, and dark chocolate finish. The latte brought out baking spices like cloves and nutmeg, as well as peach and nectarine. If you like bright, complex coffee, the Geometry is an excellent espresso bean.\nWhat we didn’t like\n:\nFolks wanting a classic espresso should look elsewhere, as this light-roasted bean is far from traditional. The beans are so lightly roasted that they are difficult to grind, jamming the built-in grinder on the Breville Barista Impress Express. I found I had to either hand-grind them or just add a teaspoon of beans at a time to the grinder for it to work properly.\nKey Specs\nBag size\n: 10 ounces\nCoffee origin\n: Colombia and Ethiopia\nRoaster’s tasting notes\n: Berries, stone fruit, earl grey, honeysuckle\nCredit: Serious Eats\nCredit: Serious Eats\nCredit: Serious Eats\nWhat we liked\n: Owl’s Howl is a blended medium-roast bean that falls somewhere between the bright complexity of Onyx Geometry and the more classic George Howell Alchemy. Initial sips of it offered a round body with slight, pleasant bitterness that most folks expect from quality espresso. The espresso gains dimension from complex notes of dark plum, orange peel, burnt molasses, and dark chocolate. The long black offered a full-bodied cup, with cocoa powder, toasted almond, and plum, while the latte had a lovely balance with darker notes of molasses, cacao nib, and orange peel. \nWhat we didn’t like\n: This is a beautiful coffee, but it walks the line between a traditional espresso and a brighter, more complexly flavored espresso. Folks looking for something classic might find it too complex, while folks who enjoy bright and lively drinks might think it lacks nuance.\nKey Specs\nBag size\n: 12 ounces\nCoffee origin\n: Central America and East Africa (varying)\nRoaster’s tasting notes\n: Cacao nib, stone fruit, candied orange\nCredit: Serious Eats\nCredit: Serious Eats\nCredit: Serious Eats\nWhat we liked\n: A pioneer in the third-wave coffee scene—a movement toward higher quality beans, single-origin sourcing, and lighter-roasted beans that started in the late 1990s and early 2000s—Counter Culture has a strong educational program built into its mission statement. Its blended espresso bean, Big Trouble, can be found at many grocery stores and has an accessible price point and flavor profile.\nThe bean is a medium-dark roast, which highlights some pleasant bitterness up front. The espresso shot had some nuttiness, bittersweet chocolate, and a very subtle hint of dark cherry in it. The long black brought out notes of caramel and molasses while keeping the dark chocolate front and center. The latte highlighted the chocolate as well, delivering a round-bodied drink with classic latte flavors like cocoa powder and almond.\nWhat we didn’t like\n: Big Trouble was less flavorful and complex than other beans I tasted. \nKey Specs\nBag size\n: 12 ounces\nCoffee origin\n: Varies throughout the year\nRoaster’s tasting notes\n: Caramel, nutty, round\nCredit: Serious Eats\nCredit: Serious Eats\nCredit: Serious Eats\nWhat we liked\n: The\nprocess of decaffeinating coffee\nwill often strip out flavor, as it’s impossible to\njust\nremove caffeine from a coffee bean. But Decaf Eye of the Tiger offers a bean that pulls a solid espresso, with notes of milk chocolate, nutty almond, tangerine peel, and baking spices like cinnamon and allspice.\nFeaturing a lighter roast than is typical for decaf and espresso, these beans came through with fruity notes of orange and tangerine in both the espresso shot and long black. The latte had a mild but still balanced flavor, with nutty toasted walnut and almond notes and a mellow, malt chocolate finish. \nWhat we didn’t like\n: Like all decaf coffees, this bean isn’t super robust in flavor. Still, it’s one of the better decaffeinated espresso beans I tried.\nKey Specs\nBag size\n: 10.5 ounces\nCoffee origin\n: Colombia and Brazil (varies throughout the year)\nRoaster’s tasting notes\n: cranberry, chocolate-covered almonds, mulling spices\nCredit: Serious Eats\nCredit: Serious Eats\nCredit: Serious Eats\nThe Competition\nOther Good Options\nRitual Ace\n: In addition to Sweet Tooth, Ritual also offers the Ace espresso bean year-round. A dual-purpose bean, it’s roasted and intended for both pour-over and espresso. It produces a medium-bodied espresso that’s sweet, though not as sweet as Sweet Tooth. Tasting notes include baking spices like nutmeg and allspice as well as a milk chocolate and butter toffee finish.\nIntelligentsia Black Cat Espresso\n: This darker roasted bean had a medium body and round flavor with notes of milk chocolate and earthy blueberry. It’s not overly robust in flavor, but it still offered a balanced shot, a pleasant long black, and a classic latte coffee flavor.\nKuma Coffee Classic\n: This classic espresso had semisweet chocolate and nutty pecan notes. It was a nicely balanced bean with a round body, smooth finish, and mild acidity.\nStumptown Hair Bender\n: I enjoy Hair Bender as a pour-over coffee and was excited to try it as an espresso. It had a classic flavor, with bittersweet chocolate, plum, and pecan tasting notes. It didn’t have as robust a body when pulled as an espresso, though it made an excellent long black and created a classic latte flavor when poured into steamed milk.\nNot Recommended\nBlue Bottle Hayes Valley Espresso\n: This dark-roasted bean tasted bitter and left a lingering burnt taste in my mouth. Some of the beans were noticeably damaged and broken when the bag was opened, and it was twice as expensive as others..\nTandem Coffee Time and Temperature\n: A medium-light-roasted bean, Time and Temperature was surprisingly bitter and had less flavor than other beans. It was also not as rich or full-bodied.\nIntelligentsia Black Cat Decaf\n: Intelligentsia’s Black Cat Decaf bean started with a strong, bitter note and didn’t have as much flavor afterward. Espresso, long black, and lattes all lacked depth and tasted one-note.\nLavazza Super Crema\n: This reasonably priced large bag of espresso is a blend of Arabica beans, which are typically used for specialty coffee, and Robusta beans, which are usually grown for cheaper commodity coffee. It produced an adequate but unremarkable shot of espresso with strong, bitter notes. Lattes were one-dimensional and flat, though espresso and long black drinks were slightly better with notes of chocolate and toasted bread.\nFAQs\nWhat makes a good espresso blend?\nA good espresso blend has a balance of acidity, bitterness, and sweetness, and offers a medium- to full-bodied shot. Because coffee is a seasonal crop, an espresso blend is crafted to maintain consistency throughout the year, hitting the same flavor notes even when using different beans.\nDo espresso beans have more caffeine than coffee beans?\nAny bean can be used to make espresso, and as such, espresso beans have the same amount of caffeine as regular coffee beans. Some roasts, like those from\nOnyx Coffee Lab\n, will even list how much caffeine is in each bean they sell. That said, because espresso is a more concentrated form of coffee, there is often more caffeine in a shot of espresso than there is in a similar amount of a pour-over or French press coffee.\nWhat roast makes the best espresso? \nTraditionally, darker-roasted beans have been used for espresso, but all roasts can be used to make espresso. Different roasts will produce espresso with different flavors. But if you prefer a more classic espresso, opt for medium- to dark-roast beans. For a more complex flavored espresso, experiment with light- or medium-roast beans.\nWhy We're the Experts \nIrvin Lin\n is a cookbook author, recipe developer, food writer, photographer, and ceramicist. He wrote the cookbook \nMarbled, Swirled, and Layered\n,\nwhich was picked by\nThe New York Times\n as one of the best baking cookbooks of 2016. He's also an IACP-award-winning photographer and is currently on the James Beard Book Awards Subcommittee.\nIrvin runs a blog called \nEat the Love\n, where he’s developed, photographed, and written recipes since 2010.\nHe’s tested and reviewed hundreds of kitchen items, including \nstand mixers\n and \ndigital thermometers\n.\nFor this review, Irvin tried 15 different espresso beans, pulling over 50 shots and tasting multiple drinks with each shot, including long blacks and lattes. He’s still reeling from the caffeine buzz.","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to Content](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/best-espresso-beans-7506734#skip-to-content)\n\n[My Saves](https:\/\/www.myrecipes.com\/)\n\nbutton\n\nbutton\n\n- [Recipes](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/all-recipes-5117985)\n  - [Recipes by Course](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/recipes-by-course-5117906)\n  - [Recipes by Ingredient](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/recipes-by-ingredient-recipes-5117749)\n  - [Recipes by Cuisine](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/recipes-by-world-cuisine-5117277)\n  - [Recipes by Method](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/recipes-by-method-5117399)\n  - [Recipes by Diet](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/recipes-by-diet-5117779)\n  - [Recipes by Holiday & Season](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/holiday-season-recipes-5117984)\n  - [View all](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/all-recipes-5117985)\n- [How-Tos](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/how-tos-5118034)\n  - [Techniques](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/techniques-5118032)\n  - 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If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.\n\n# I Tried 15 Espresso Beans to Find the Best Ones for Lattes, Americanos, and Lungos\nMy top picks are from Partners Coffee Roasters, George Howell, and Ritual Coffee.\n\nBy\n\n[Irvin Lin](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/irvin-lin-5248800)\n\n![Irvin Lin]()\n\n![Irvin Lin](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/bK-M_YvakArQLCGIhNbzPhBiobA=\/200x200\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/Irvin-Lin-HeadShot-1500x2250-cf5ac0f8d6b04b27b72e40b375c574d8.jpg)\n\n[Irvin Lin](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/irvin-lin-5248800)\n\nIrvin Lin is a contributing writer for Serious Eats. He’s written and created content focusing on food, travel and lifestyle for over 10 years.\n\nLearn about Serious Eats' [Editorial Process](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/about-us-5120006#toc-editorial-guidelines)\n\nUpdated February 18, 2026\n\n![A variety of espresso coffee bags from different brands arranged side by side](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/g0b_LXRgphtMOLYCERpn1Hdx7wU=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-espresso-beans-lead-image-irvin-lin-06-499bf43f39ac4dcc835acd8272e8c815.jpeg)\n\n![A variety of espresso coffee bags from different brands arranged side by side](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/g0b_LXRgphtMOLYCERpn1Hdx7wU=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-espresso-beans-lead-image-irvin-lin-06-499bf43f39ac4dcc835acd8272e8c815.jpeg)\n\nSerious Eats\n\nIn This Article\n\nExpand\n\n- [Top Picks](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/best-espresso-beans-7506734#toc-top-picks)\n- [The Tests](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/best-espresso-beans-7506734#toc-the-tests)\n- [What We Learned](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/best-espresso-beans-7506734#toc-what-we-learned)\n- [The Criteria](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/best-espresso-beans-7506734#toc-the-criteria-what-to-look-for-in-espresso-beans)\n- [Our Favorite Coffee Beans for Espresso](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/best-espresso-beans-7506734#toc-our-favorite-coffee-beans-for-espresso)\n- [The Competition](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/best-espresso-beans-7506734#toc-the-competition)\n- [FAQs](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/best-espresso-beans-7506734#toc-faqs)\n\n### Straight to the Point\nMy favorite espresso beans are the [Partners Coffee Roasters Bedford Espresso](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/TOBYS-ESTATE-Bedford-Espresso-Coffee\/dp\/B07DRLLRSN?th=1&tag=seriouseats-onsite-prod-20&ascsubtag=7506734). It makes excellent, smooth espresso shots.\n\nOne of my first post-college jobs was working at a small café in an independent bookstore, where I made espresso drinks. Back then, I loved darker roasts. But as specialty coffee has slowly expanded and become more commonplace, so has my palate. I now embrace the medium and light roast beans that are popular with specialty coffee roasters. And though I still appreciate beans with chocolate, nutty flavors, I also love ones that are delicately balanced and feature fruity or bright, floral notes.\n\nEven with my experience, judging coffee beans can be challenging, especially those meant for espresso. The rich, intense flavor of espresso is often associated with darker, bitter notes. But espresso doesn’t have to be just dark and bitter—it can be rich, complex, and sweet. And though any bean can be used to make espresso, not all beans are well-suited for this syrupy, rich coffee. With that in mind, I tested 15 espresso beans to find the best ones for a variety of drinks, be it a cappuccino or cortado.\n\n## Top Picks\nThe Best Espresso Beans:\n\n[Partners Coffee Roasters Bedford Espresso at Amazon \\$22](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/TOBYS-ESTATE-Bedford-Espresso-Coffee\/dp\/B07DRLLRSN?tag=seriouseats-onsite-prod-20&ascsubtag=7506734)\n\n[Jump to Review](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/best-espresso-beans-7506734#toc-the-best-espresso-beans-partners-coffee-roasters-bedford-espresso)\n\nThe Best Classic, Chocolatey Espresso Beans:\n\n[George Howell Coffee Alchemy Espresso at Georgehowellcoffee.com \\$20](https:\/\/georgehowellcoffee.com\/collections\/espresso\/products\/alchemy-espresso-alc-001)\n\n[Jump to Review](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/best-espresso-beans-7506734#toc-the-best-classic-chocolatey-espresso-beans-george-howell-coffee-alchemy-espresso)\n\nThe Best Espresso Beans with a Sweet Profile:\n\n[Ritual Sweet Tooth Espresso Roast at Ritualcoffee.com](https:\/\/ritualcoffee.com\/shop\/coffee\/sweet-tooth-espresso-incuti\/)\n\n[Jump to Review](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/best-espresso-beans-7506734#toc-the-best-espresso-beans-with-a-sweet-profile-ritual-sweet-tooth-espresso-roast)\n\nThe Best Bright, Complex Espresso Beans:\n\n[Onyx Coffee Geometry Roast at Onyxcoffeelab.com \\$23](https:\/\/onyxcoffeelab.com\/products\/geometry?variant=31862717677666)\n\n[Jump to Review](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/best-espresso-beans-7506734#toc-the-best-bright-complex-espresso-beans-onyx-coffee-geometry-roast)\n\nAnother Great Complex Espresso Bean:\n\n[Sightglass Coffee Owl’s Howl Espresso at Sightglasscoffee.com \\$21](https:\/\/sightglasscoffee.com\/products\/owls-howl?variant=16451284762739)\n\n[Jump to Review](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/best-espresso-beans-7506734#toc-another-great-complex-espresso-bean-sightglass-coffee-owls-howl-espresso)\n\nThe Best, Most Recognizable Espresso Beans:\n\n[Counter Culture Coffee Big Trouble at Amazon \\$20](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Counter-Culture-Coffee-Trouble-Ounce\/dp\/B07N3FC7L6?tag=seriouseats-onsite-prod-20&ascsubtag=7506734)\n\n[Jump to Review](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/best-espresso-beans-7506734#toc-the-best-most-recognizable-espresso-beans-counter-culture-coffee-big-trouble)\n\nThe Best Decaf Espresso Beans:\n\n[Equator Coffee Decaf Eye of the Tiger Espresso at Williams Sonoma \\$20](https:\/\/www.williams-sonoma.com\/products\/equator-coffee-decaf-eye-of-the-tiger-espresso-coffee-beans\/?catalogId=79&sku=9560572)\n\n[Jump to Review](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/best-espresso-beans-7506734#toc-the-best-decaf-espresso-beans-equator-coffee-decaf-eye-of-the-tiger-espresso)\n## The Tests\n![Espresso machine pouring coffee into a glass cup on a scale](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/QzCKoi2UZsY0v38409rb0-9E-VA=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-espresso-beans-lead-image-irvin-lin-09-ea0b17aea8764eb4bd7a4a98ff5b4860.jpeg)\n\n![Espresso machine pouring coffee into a glass cup on a scale](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/QzCKoi2UZsY0v38409rb0-9E-VA=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-espresso-beans-lead-image-irvin-lin-09-ea0b17aea8764eb4bd7a4a98ff5b4860.jpeg)\n\nI made loads of espresso to test the quality of the beans.\n\nSerious Eats\n\n- **Espresso Shot Test**: Using each bean, I pulled a double shot of espresso with one of Serious Eats’ favorite espresso machines, the [Breville Barista Express Impress](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Breville-Express%252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525C2%252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525AE-Espresso-Stainless-BES876BSS\/dp\/B0BBYNPV33?tag=seriouseats-onsite-prod-20&ascsubtag=7506734). I then tasted the coffee and took notes on its flavor profile.\n- **Long Black Test**: I added 100 grams of near-boiling water (200°F) to a mug. Then, I pulled a double shot of espresso directly into the water. I tasted and took notes on its flavor profile.\n- **Latte Test**: I pulled a double shot of espresso and then steamed 200 grams (seven ounces) of whole milk to 140°F. I made a latte and tasted it, taking notes of the flavor profile and any changes I noticed in the presence of milk.\n## What We Learned\n### Espresso Is a Process and a Drink\n![Espresso machine pouring espresso into a glass](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/QyO2G8SoDozq3HWoFMn2REogx7o=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-espresso-beans-lead-image-irvin-lin-10-7a26006a39f349bb93981cee136fd1f4.jpeg)\n\n![Espresso machine pouring espresso into a glass](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/QyO2G8SoDozq3HWoFMn2REogx7o=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-espresso-beans-lead-image-irvin-lin-10-7a26006a39f349bb93981cee136fd1f4.jpeg)\n\nEspresso is as much the process of brewing as it is the beans.\n\nSerious Eats\n\nUnlike, say, a French press or pour-over, espresso brews using pressure. A typical [espresso machine](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/best-espresso-machines-5185482) uses about nine bars of pressure to force hot water through finely ground coffee. The result is a small amount of intensely concentrated coffee, typically with a total dissolved solids (TDS) of 8 to 12%. (Basically, TDS is the amount of coffee present.) By comparison, French press coffee ranges from 1.4% to 1.7%, and pour-over is only 1.2% to 1.5%.\n\nThis concentrated espresso shot can be enjoyed in multiple ways, be it sipped from an [espresso cup](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/best-espresso-cups-8604313) or made into espresso drinks like Americanos, lattes, cappuccinos, and mochas.\n\n### There’s No Such Thing as Espresso Beans or an Espresso Roast\n![Two coffee brands displayed with coffee beans and compressed coffee grounds](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/Agl0T99Iv2BIyYnoNlThEP-Hnu8=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-onyx-geometry-irvin-lin-04-4f5cb86c157d4d4492e5591a357d3e38.jpeg)\n\n![Two coffee brands displayed with coffee beans and compressed coffee grounds](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/Agl0T99Iv2BIyYnoNlThEP-Hnu8=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-onyx-geometry-irvin-lin-04-4f5cb86c157d4d4492e5591a357d3e38.jpeg)\n\nEspresso beans aren't actually a thing.\n\nSerious Eats\n\nA common misconception is that espresso beans are all dark roasted. Traditionally, this is true. But there isn’t an actual espresso coffee bean, nor is there a standard roast for espresso. Colin Stoeber, Education Manager at [Sightglass Coffee,](https:\/\/sightglasscoffee.com\/) says, “Technically, there is no difference between the coffee beans used for espresso versus any other brewing method. That's right—the same plant, the same seeds, and the same caffeine level! ‘Espresso’ is a method of brewing coffee defined by using a machine that creates pressure (around nine bars) to catalyze the extraction for a short, quick, and intense beverage.”\n\nNowadays, modern coffee shops use a wide range of roasts for espresso, though darker ones are more common. Stoeber further explained, “In the roastery, espresso blends are often developed just a pinch longer than other offerings. Increasing the development during the roasting process increases the solubility of the coffee, which makes it easier to work with in brewing methods with shorter contact times.” Still, some roasters put “espresso roast” on their bags. This typically means that they have blended or roasted their beans with espresso in mind.\n\nThat said, some beans might be better suited to espresso, just as others lend themselves well to pour-over or French press. A bean that has delicate flavor notes might get lost in a concentrated espresso shot. Daria Whalen, the green coffee buyer at [Ritual Coffee Roasters](https:\/\/ritualcoffee.com\/), explained it this way: “Coffees with rich flavors of cocoa or red fruits tend to pop more in an espresso or a darker roasted drip coffee, and those with more tea-like flavors are best reserved for drip roasts.”\n\nStill, I didn’t necessarily favor the darker roasted bean I tried. The [Blue Bottle’s Hayes Valley Espresso](https:\/\/bluebottlecoffee.com\/us\/eng\/product\/hayes-valley-espresso), for example, had an overly burnt flavor. This was something I particularly noticed when it was made into a long black, which is similar to an Americano. Darker roasted beans were also more brittle, as evident when I found numerous broken beans in the Blue Bottle bag.\n\n### Roast Date Was Important\n![Three coffee bags displayed, featuring branding and promotional text](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/aXdoqsvesSKqkMOkufmvslW8LZ8=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-espresso-beans-lead-image-irvin-lin-01-e769675eb05147e69a52e5aa9308ca73.jpeg)\n\n![Three coffee bags displayed, featuring branding and promotional text](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/aXdoqsvesSKqkMOkufmvslW8LZ8=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-espresso-beans-lead-image-irvin-lin-01-e769675eb05147e69a52e5aa9308ca73.jpeg)\n\nThe fresher the espresso bean, the better the result.\n\nSerious Eats\n\nThere’s a Goldilocks window of coffee freshness. Andrea Allen, founder of [Onyx Coffee Lab](https:\/\/onyxcoffeelab.com\/), says, “Best practice would be a week off roast but fresher than three months.” This is because freshly roasted coffee beans have a lot of carbon dioxide built up inside them. This is why you bloom your coffee when doing a [pour-over](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/make-better-pourover-coffee-how-pourover-works-temperature-timing), as this allows the grounds to expel the carbon dioxide, which otherwise might interfere with extraction and brewing. Carbon dioxide is what produces crema, the light-colored foam on top of the espresso shot. But too much CO2 can result in an uneven pull, resulting in a beautiful-looking crema (because of the gas) but a weak, flat espresso that lacks sweetness.\n\n### Best Was Subjective\n![Espresso flowing from a machine into a ceramic mug on a scale](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/h3wExMsel_Y3dbwR-NItcTiHaiQ=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-espresso-beans-lead-image-irvin-lin-08-da4a1433886a4e289c6104bf38a0b800.jpeg)\n\n![Espresso flowing from a machine into a ceramic mug on a scale](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/h3wExMsel_Y3dbwR-NItcTiHaiQ=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-espresso-beans-lead-image-irvin-lin-08-da4a1433886a4e289c6104bf38a0b800.jpeg)\n\nSome folks might prefer dark roast over light, so in the end, taste is subjective.\n\nSerious Eats\n\nTaste is subjective, and you might not like the coffee I like. In the [*New Rules of Coffee*](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/New-Rules-Coffee-Modern-Everyone\/dp\/0399581626?tag=seriouseats-onsite-prod-20&ascsubtag=7506734) by Jordan Michelman and Zachary Carlsen, Rule 15 starts out: “Does it taste good? There you go, you’ve found your favorite coffee!”\n\nI enjoy a wide range of coffees, including bright, floral, and fruity beans and darker, nutty, chocolatey ones. But my husband definitely prefers the latter. Neither is right nor wrong, just different. As such, I tried to categorize and pick espresso beans that fit all different palates. But if there’s an espresso bean you love that isn’t on the list, it’s not because I didn’t like it. Hundreds of roasters make excellent coffee, and as much as I would love to try them all, that’s not feasible.\n\n## The Criteria: What to Look for in Espresso Beans\n![a bag of espresso beans with a small bowl of beans in front](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/IEWXIqaj_PkVJ3dObDl-cnugi28=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/winners-graphic-sea-partners-coffee-roasters-bedford-espresso-irvin-lin-04-01-baa7185085b841faa28d3332e09a1d09.jpg)\n\n![a bag of espresso beans with a small bowl of beans in front](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/IEWXIqaj_PkVJ3dObDl-cnugi28=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/winners-graphic-sea-partners-coffee-roasters-bedford-espresso-irvin-lin-04-01-baa7185085b841faa28d3332e09a1d09.jpg)\n\nSerious Eats\n\nLook for beans that have tasting notes that match your palate and preference, expecting those flavors to become more intense when made into an espresso shot. If you plan on using the espresso beans for a milk-based drink like lattes or cappuccinos, consider looking for a washed processed bean that has notes of caramel or chocolate. Finally, look for beans that have a roast date on the bag. This indicates that the roaster is of higher quality. It also gives you a sense of how old the beans are. If you can, use the beans within one week of roasting for optimum flavor.\n\n## Our Favorite Coffee Beans for Espresso\n## The Best Espresso Beans\n[Partners Coffee Roasters Bedford Espresso](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/TOBYS-ESTATE-Bedford-Espresso-Coffee\/dp\/B07DRLLRSN?tag=seriouseats-onsite-prod-20&ascsubtag=7506734)\n\n[![Partners Coffee Roasters Bedford Espresso](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/J6kNSvJasdrgY069PZKV4QzKQXo=\/fit-in\/1500x1000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/bedford-7b042b01dffe4191b8b4bbf805ab9273.jpg) ![Partners Coffee Roasters Bedford Espresso](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/J6kNSvJasdrgY069PZKV4QzKQXo=\/fit-in\/1500x1000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/bedford-7b042b01dffe4191b8b4bbf805ab9273.jpg)](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/TOBYS-ESTATE-Bedford-Espresso-Coffee\/dp\/B07DRLLRSN?tag=seriouseats-onsite-prod-20&ascsubtag=7506734)\n\nCredit: Amazon\n\n[\\$22 at Amazon](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/TOBYS-ESTATE-Bedford-Espresso-Coffee\/dp\/B07DRLLRSN?tag=seriouseats-onsite-prod-20&ascsubtag=7506734)\n\n**What we liked**: Partners Bedford espresso is a beautiful blend of Colombian and Ethiopian beans. It has a classic espresso taste without any overly bitter notes, as well as a deeper, complex flavor profile and rich, smooth body. Dominant flavors include dark chocolate, caramel, brown sugar, and molasses—all typical flavor notes most folks associate with espresso. This makes it ideal for milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. There were also hints of black currant and dark, British-style, Seville orange marmalade, giving it dimension in sip after sip. When I diluted the espresso shot and made it a long black, I found the sweet brown sugar flavors became more dominant, with notes of hazelnut and milk chocolate in the finish.\n\n**What we didn’t like**: Folks who prefer more traditional, darker roasts might want to opt for a bean that isn’t as complex as this one.\n\n### Key Specs\n- **Bag size**: 12 ounces\n- **Coffee origin**: Colombia and Ethiopia\n- **Roaster’s tasting notes**: Marmalade, pomegranate, brown sugar\n\n- ![Coffee beans, brewed coffee, and a bag of Partners Coffee Roasters Bedford blend](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/JpGBOwdrdzwuvP63xp8ZNkW5TTM=\/fit-in\/1500x2000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-partners-coffee-roasters-bedford-espresso-irvin-lin-02-6399365d7f714942bcd9290e2fba7f30.jpeg)\n  \n  ![Coffee beans, brewed coffee, and a bag of Partners Coffee Roasters Bedford blend](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/JpGBOwdrdzwuvP63xp8ZNkW5TTM=\/fit-in\/1500x2000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-partners-coffee-roasters-bedford-espresso-irvin-lin-02-6399365d7f714942bcd9290e2fba7f30.jpeg)\n  Credit: Serious Eats\n- ![Bag of Bedford espresso coffee from Partners Coffee Roasters, tasting notes include marmalade, pomegranate, and brown sugar]()\n  \n  ![Bag of Bedford espresso coffee from Partners Coffee Roasters, tasting notes include marmalade, pomegranate, and brown sugar](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/9voADNJki0HROWPiKYEW9fAgmyI=\/fit-in\/1500x1420\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-partners-coffee-roasters-bedford-espresso-irvin-lin-05-5e22d1dd897845e99ec96cf702cd991b.jpeg)\n  Credit: Serious Eats\n- ![A package of Partners Coffee Bedford espresso with a bowl of coffee beans]()\n  \n  ![A package of Partners Coffee Bedford espresso with a bowl of coffee beans](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/jfh8ee6aWrfnGWhE6a0e0AZ4kro=\/fit-in\/1500x2000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-partners-coffee-roasters-bedford-espresso-irvin-lin-04-11bf25030d3043ad9405225a68e4ce5d.jpeg)\n  Credit: Serious Eats\n- ![A bag of Partners coffee labeled Bedford with a glass cup of coffee and a bowl of coffee beans on a marble surface]()\n  \n  ![A bag of Partners coffee labeled Bedford with a glass cup of coffee and a bowl of coffee beans on a marble surface](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/65AhOXtDP-16kmTsfOS1wk6PCtQ=\/fit-in\/1500x2000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-partners-coffee-roasters-bedford-espresso-irvin-lin-01-da32b1a0bbf64a0eb311de4012a6ff9f.jpeg)\n  Credit: Serious Eats\n\n- ![Coffee beans, brewed coffee, and a bag of Partners Coffee Roasters Bedford blend](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/cNlbZJ1415qdFpSC5Jz1rVhHu8A=\/fit-in\/200x2000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-partners-coffee-roasters-bedford-espresso-irvin-lin-02-6399365d7f714942bcd9290e2fba7f30.jpeg)\n  \n  ![Coffee beans, brewed coffee, and a bag of Partners Coffee Roasters Bedford blend](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/cNlbZJ1415qdFpSC5Jz1rVhHu8A=\/fit-in\/200x2000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-partners-coffee-roasters-bedford-espresso-irvin-lin-02-6399365d7f714942bcd9290e2fba7f30.jpeg)\n- ![Bag of Bedford espresso coffee from Partners Coffee Roasters, tasting notes include marmalade, pomegranate, and brown sugar](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/d1d7_dSTgA2-0CK8Ec7n5aEwlGc=\/fit-in\/200x1420\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-partners-coffee-roasters-bedford-espresso-irvin-lin-05-5e22d1dd897845e99ec96cf702cd991b.jpeg)\n  \n  ![Bag of Bedford espresso coffee from Partners Coffee Roasters, tasting notes include marmalade, pomegranate, and brown sugar](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/d1d7_dSTgA2-0CK8Ec7n5aEwlGc=\/fit-in\/200x1420\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-partners-coffee-roasters-bedford-espresso-irvin-lin-05-5e22d1dd897845e99ec96cf702cd991b.jpeg)\n- ![A package of Partners Coffee Bedford espresso with a bowl of coffee beans](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/IEXuSSyG2Ytdp1s9w16jMBDAcjw=\/fit-in\/200x2000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-partners-coffee-roasters-bedford-espresso-irvin-lin-04-11bf25030d3043ad9405225a68e4ce5d.jpeg)\n  \n  ![A package of Partners Coffee Bedford espresso with a bowl of coffee beans](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/IEXuSSyG2Ytdp1s9w16jMBDAcjw=\/fit-in\/200x2000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-partners-coffee-roasters-bedford-espresso-irvin-lin-04-11bf25030d3043ad9405225a68e4ce5d.jpeg)\n- ![A bag of Partners coffee labeled Bedford with a glass cup of coffee and a bowl of coffee beans on a marble surface](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/qQl4TjmagDfgBm7DTFHuyhUBmr0=\/fit-in\/200x2000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-partners-coffee-roasters-bedford-espresso-irvin-lin-01-da32b1a0bbf64a0eb311de4012a6ff9f.jpeg)\n  \n  ![A bag of Partners coffee labeled Bedford with a glass cup of coffee and a bowl of coffee beans on a marble surface](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/qQl4TjmagDfgBm7DTFHuyhUBmr0=\/fit-in\/200x2000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-partners-coffee-roasters-bedford-espresso-irvin-lin-01-da32b1a0bbf64a0eb311de4012a6ff9f.jpeg)\n\n## The Best Classic, Chocolatey Espresso Beans\n[George Howell Coffee Alchemy Espresso](https:\/\/georgehowellcoffee.com\/collections\/espresso\/products\/alchemy-espresso-alc-001)\n\n[![George Howell Coffee Alchemy Espresso](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/hgG5k00Zy-NMcbp9W1Pvx8HFtCM=\/fit-in\/1500x1000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/George-Howell-Coffee-Alchemy-Espresso-af7bb1e21a4948df98dd191364ae682c.jpg) ![George Howell Coffee Alchemy Espresso](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/hgG5k00Zy-NMcbp9W1Pvx8HFtCM=\/fit-in\/1500x1000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/George-Howell-Coffee-Alchemy-Espresso-af7bb1e21a4948df98dd191364ae682c.jpg)](https:\/\/georgehowellcoffee.com\/collections\/espresso\/products\/alchemy-espresso-alc-001)\n\nCredit: George Howell Coffee\n\n[\\$20 at Georgehowellcoffee.com](https:\/\/georgehowellcoffee.com\/collections\/espresso\/products\/alchemy-espresso-alc-001)\n\n**What we liked**: George Howell is a pioneer in the coffee industry, creating the Coffee Connection initially based out of Cambridge, Massachusetts, before being bought out by Starbucks in 1994. (The company acquired the rights to use the name “Frappuccino” with the buyout.) Ten years later, he founded George Howell Coffee and has been directly working with coffee farmers to find the best, sustainably grown beans.\n\nAlchemy is a blend orffering a classic espresso flavor that works well in milk-based drinks. A slightly darker roast develops the dark chocolate, malt, and nutty flavors that are traditionally associated with espresso but without the biting bitterness that’s often a result of darker roasting. The espresso had a rich, velvety body with top notes of peanut and pecan leading into bittersweet chocolate. The long black revealed a hint of cherry cordial along with the dark chocolate. And the latte had a rich body and a classic flavor with sweet, molasses notes.\n\n**What we didn’t like**: The dark roast of these beans produced a classic espresso shot, but it wasn’t quite as complex as some of the beans I tasted.\n\n### Key Specs\n- **Bag size**: 12 ounces\n- **Coffee origin**: Brazil, Costa Rica, Guatemala\n- **Roaster’s tasting notes**: Chocolate, almond, nougat\n\n- ![A bag of Alchemy Espresso coffee beans, a small bowl of whole coffee beans, and a glass of espresso on a marble countertop](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/sxTcgL-APmT0JXb2BoJZ-m-WskI=\/fit-in\/1500x2092\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-george-howell-alchemy-espresso-irvin-lin-01-16f04eae045b449f8204e9f88bbb11d7.jpeg)\n  \n  ![A bag of Alchemy Espresso coffee beans, a small bowl of whole coffee beans, and a glass of espresso on a marble countertop](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/sxTcgL-APmT0JXb2BoJZ-m-WskI=\/fit-in\/1500x2092\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-george-howell-alchemy-espresso-irvin-lin-01-16f04eae045b449f8204e9f88bbb11d7.jpeg)\n  Credit: Serious Eats\n- ![A bag of George Howell Coffee, Alchemy Espresso blend, placed on a white surface]()\n  \n  ![A bag of George Howell Coffee, Alchemy Espresso blend, placed on a white surface](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/bkQQlPz5fJOR63WLIXEJOs_cEEU=\/fit-in\/1500x1870\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-george-howell-alchemy-espresso-irvin-lin-03-54d9153edfe94a6c97f06ad0cdeb7e39.jpeg)\n  Credit: Serious Eats\n- ![Bag of George Howell Alchemy Espresso coffee next to a bowl of beans]()\n  \n  ![Bag of George Howell Alchemy Espresso coffee next to a bowl of beans](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/Uid_VR33dw15LYmyVoTHnJijwWo=\/fit-in\/1500x2129\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-george-howell-alchemy-espresso-irvin-lin-02-4f1c3e7ef19a43459b38438d8a410f23.jpeg)\n  Credit: Serious Eats\n\n- ![A bag of Alchemy Espresso coffee beans, a small bowl of whole coffee beans, and a glass of espresso on a marble countertop](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/ZfZpHCsp8jJZvDCJvLlaQdVfHuc=\/fit-in\/200x2092\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-george-howell-alchemy-espresso-irvin-lin-01-16f04eae045b449f8204e9f88bbb11d7.jpeg)\n  \n  ![A bag of Alchemy Espresso coffee beans, a small bowl of whole coffee beans, and a glass of espresso on a marble countertop](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/ZfZpHCsp8jJZvDCJvLlaQdVfHuc=\/fit-in\/200x2092\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-george-howell-alchemy-espresso-irvin-lin-01-16f04eae045b449f8204e9f88bbb11d7.jpeg)\n- ![A bag of George Howell Coffee, Alchemy Espresso blend, placed on a white surface](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/S-KUGxrckpYP1OjAZrUPTcF6cj0=\/fit-in\/200x1870\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-george-howell-alchemy-espresso-irvin-lin-03-54d9153edfe94a6c97f06ad0cdeb7e39.jpeg)\n  \n  ![A bag of George Howell Coffee, Alchemy Espresso blend, placed on a white surface](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/S-KUGxrckpYP1OjAZrUPTcF6cj0=\/fit-in\/200x1870\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-george-howell-alchemy-espresso-irvin-lin-03-54d9153edfe94a6c97f06ad0cdeb7e39.jpeg)\n- ![Bag of George Howell Alchemy Espresso coffee next to a bowl of beans](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/IHu3tSTE1yktWvvkjBjXOY9DlVM=\/fit-in\/200x2129\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-george-howell-alchemy-espresso-irvin-lin-02-4f1c3e7ef19a43459b38438d8a410f23.jpeg)\n  \n  ![Bag of George Howell Alchemy Espresso coffee next to a bowl of beans](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/IHu3tSTE1yktWvvkjBjXOY9DlVM=\/fit-in\/200x2129\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-george-howell-alchemy-espresso-irvin-lin-02-4f1c3e7ef19a43459b38438d8a410f23.jpeg)\n\n## The Best Espresso Beans with a Sweet Profile\n[Ritual Sweet Tooth Espresso Roast](https:\/\/ritualcoffee.com\/shop\/coffee\/sweet-tooth-espresso-incuti\/)\n\n[![Ritual Sweet Tooth Espresso Roast](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/n4imadvfHYz2yW8cHq69_Uc6VUo=\/fit-in\/1500x1000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/ritual-sweet-tooth-espresso-roast-fe4d4dbe0e3342178e94d767f1668e1d.jpg) ![Ritual Sweet Tooth Espresso Roast](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/n4imadvfHYz2yW8cHq69_Uc6VUo=\/fit-in\/1500x1000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/ritual-sweet-tooth-espresso-roast-fe4d4dbe0e3342178e94d767f1668e1d.jpg)](https:\/\/ritualcoffee.com\/shop\/coffee\/sweet-tooth-espresso-incuti\/)\n\nCredit: Ritual\n\n[View on Ritualcoffee.com](https:\/\/ritualcoffee.com\/shop\/coffee\/sweet-tooth-espresso-incuti\/)\n\n**What we liked**: Ritual Coffee specializes in seasonal beans, and that means the beans it uses for its espresso offerings of Sweet Tooth and Ace tend to rotate throughout the year. Sweet Tooth offers a sweeter profile, featuring a rich, syrupy body that hits you up front with butterscotch and toffee notes. The flavor lingers with notes of summer berries, like strawberry and blackberry.\n\nA slight acidity also helps cut through some of the sweetness of the espresso, creating a balanced shot. When diluted into a long black, the espresso’s sweetness mellows and its acidity sharpens. I detected notes of mandarin orange and key lime, as well as a turbinado sugar finish. Lattes had a lovely butterscotch flavor and were classically coffee-forward.\n\n**What we didn’t like**: Because of the sweet profile, this bean might not appeal to those folks who favor darker, more bitter espresso.\n\n### Key Specs\n- **Bag size**: 12 ounces\n- **Coffee origin**: Burundi\n- **Roaster’s tasting notes**: Strawberry, lime, butterscotch\n\n- ![A bag of Ritual coffee labeled 'Sweet Tooth' with a bowl of coffee beans and a glass of espresso on a countertop]()\n  \n  ![A bag of Ritual coffee labeled 'Sweet Tooth' with a bowl of coffee beans and a glass of espresso on a countertop](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/DeorCp38QsQRFesNuNgtW6KnkkA=\/fit-in\/1500x2000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-ritual-coffee-sweet-tooth-irvin-lin-02-34e80ae078904d1089865769564948dd.jpeg)\n  Credit: Serious Eats\n- ![A bag of Ritual coffee labeled 'Sweet Tooth' on a tiled surface]()\n  \n  ![A bag of Ritual coffee labeled 'Sweet Tooth' on a tiled surface](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/BmQMpCnsY1bX-P8D7Wu8SFoujU8=\/fit-in\/1500x2000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-ritual-coffee-sweet-tooth-irvin-lin-04-89a7b6f13bbc49758adddeb4b62ed440.jpeg)\n  Credit: Serious Eats\n- ![Coffee bag labeled 'Ritual Sweet Tooth,' accompanied by a bowl of coffee beans and a mug of brewed coffee]()\n  \n  ![Coffee bag labeled 'Ritual Sweet Tooth,' accompanied by a bowl of coffee beans and a mug of brewed coffee](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/nmzbENKMX37KCF8r98Gd-uzj62M=\/fit-in\/1500x2000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-ritual-coffee-sweet-tooth-irvin-lin-01-5e5f47413cfe45949debb39046238f15.jpeg)\n  Credit: Serious Eats\n- ![Bag of coffee labeled 'Ritual Sweet Tooth,' with a bowl of coffee beans on a counter]()\n  \n  ![Bag of coffee labeled 'Ritual Sweet Tooth,' with a bowl of coffee beans on a counter](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/ZmsE8_3FGQ25qR87TlHwwz59WtE=\/fit-in\/1500x2000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-ritual-coffee-sweet-tooth-irvin-lin-03-d3d7073d75154e608b7f0c1affb7483d.jpeg)\n  Credit: Serious Eats\n\n- ![A bag of Ritual coffee labeled 'Sweet Tooth' with a bowl of coffee beans and a glass of espresso on a countertop]()\n  \n  ![A bag of Ritual coffee labeled 'Sweet Tooth' with a bowl of coffee beans and a glass of espresso on a countertop](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/RZ_IumljTpruwDLju0soquiYCTU=\/fit-in\/200x2000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-ritual-coffee-sweet-tooth-irvin-lin-02-34e80ae078904d1089865769564948dd.jpeg)\n- ![A bag of Ritual coffee labeled 'Sweet Tooth' on a tiled surface]()\n  \n  ![A bag of Ritual coffee labeled 'Sweet Tooth' on a tiled surface](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/IcAUkPTwtIBsCp9EoqYZtL1u0c8=\/fit-in\/200x2000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-ritual-coffee-sweet-tooth-irvin-lin-04-89a7b6f13bbc49758adddeb4b62ed440.jpeg)\n- ![Coffee bag labeled 'Ritual Sweet Tooth,' accompanied by a bowl of coffee beans and a mug of brewed coffee]()\n  \n  ![Coffee bag labeled 'Ritual Sweet Tooth,' accompanied by a bowl of coffee beans and a mug of brewed coffee](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/AaiKZaGRYH2ViYrTS2De-TbIqmg=\/fit-in\/200x2000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-ritual-coffee-sweet-tooth-irvin-lin-01-5e5f47413cfe45949debb39046238f15.jpeg)\n- ![Bag of coffee labeled 'Ritual Sweet Tooth,' with a bowl of coffee beans on a counter]()\n  \n  ![Bag of coffee labeled 'Ritual Sweet Tooth,' with a bowl of coffee beans on a counter](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/iViLM5bdtN0gxVR_ohjHLddkqtY=\/fit-in\/200x2000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-ritual-coffee-sweet-tooth-irvin-lin-03-d3d7073d75154e608b7f0c1affb7483d.jpeg)\n\n## The Best Bright, Complex Espresso Beans\n[Onyx Coffee Geometry Roast](https:\/\/onyxcoffeelab.com\/products\/geometry?variant=31862717677666)\n\n[![Onyx Coffee Geometry Roast]() ![Onyx Coffee Geometry Roast](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/tbXec4PhVTV-39jDVwdvSaypx60=\/fit-in\/1500x1000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/onyx-coffee-geometry-roast-ab4af4442bea41ba92f37765ea352d31.jpg)](https:\/\/onyxcoffeelab.com\/products\/geometry?variant=31862717677666)\n\nCredit: Onyx Coffee\n\n[\\$23 at Onyxcoffeelab.com](https:\/\/onyxcoffeelab.com\/products\/geometry?variant=31862717677666)\n\n**What we liked**: The Onyx Geometry was one of the most interesting, intriguing beans I tried. It was a light roast, leading to a bright, complex espresso with citrus notes of lemon and tangerine as well as summer stone fruit like pluot and apricot. The fruity notes are balanced with an earthier, nutty pecan and dark chocolate finish, making this bean layered and lively.\n\nThe long black drink had a round, full body with a nutty pecan, lemon, and dark chocolate finish. The latte brought out baking spices like cloves and nutmeg, as well as peach and nectarine. If you like bright, complex coffee, the Geometry is an excellent espresso bean.\n\n**What we didn’t like**:Folks wanting a classic espresso should look elsewhere, as this light-roasted bean is far from traditional. The beans are so lightly roasted that they are difficult to grind, jamming the built-in grinder on the Breville Barista Impress Express. I found I had to either hand-grind them or just add a teaspoon of beans at a time to the grinder for it to work properly.\n\n### Key Specs\n- **Bag size**: 10 ounces\n- **Coffee origin**: Colombia and Ethiopia\n- **Roaster’s tasting notes**: Berries, stone fruit, earl grey, honeysuckle\n\n- ![Bag and box of Onyx Coffee with a bowl of coffee beans and a glass of espresso on a marble table]()\n  \n  ![Bag and box of Onyx Coffee with a bowl of coffee beans and a glass of espresso on a marble table](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/tXT45a_TY91SN5Ge2LGEed0kCRE=\/fit-in\/1500x2000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-onyx-geometry-irvin-lin-01-31e7dc717f9640e9b09d75701fe51c99.jpeg)\n  Credit: Serious Eats\n- ![Box of Onyx Coffee Geometry blend on a countertop]()\n  \n  ![Box of Onyx Coffee Geometry blend on a countertop](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/8kcQ8pPGgvOx0Ro0jfWKVjSGx70=\/fit-in\/1500x1525\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-onyx-geometry-irvin-lin-03-b75db61b372c42799ada4153579d24c4.jpeg)\n  Credit: Serious Eats\n- ![Packaging and beans for Onyx Coffee on a marble surface]()\n  \n  ![Packaging and beans for Onyx Coffee on a marble surface](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/eaWWXVhAvZi2SXrdBTcPVYPsNxE=\/fit-in\/1500x1863\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-onyx-geometry-irvin-lin-02-f85844991a334ff0bd06010c917ce990.jpeg)\n  Credit: Serious Eats\n\n- ![Bag and box of Onyx Coffee with a bowl of coffee beans and a glass of espresso on a marble table]()\n  \n  ![Bag and box of Onyx Coffee with a bowl of coffee beans and a glass of espresso on a marble table](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/OTRzznglylWy5IaQLwNC1jGhQAg=\/fit-in\/200x2000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-onyx-geometry-irvin-lin-01-31e7dc717f9640e9b09d75701fe51c99.jpeg)\n- ![Box of Onyx Coffee Geometry blend on a countertop]()\n  \n  ![Box of Onyx Coffee Geometry blend on a countertop](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/uYQweXCUQB2lEI-1jo2P9ZtSoCs=\/fit-in\/200x1525\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-onyx-geometry-irvin-lin-03-b75db61b372c42799ada4153579d24c4.jpeg)\n- ![Packaging and beans for Onyx Coffee on a marble surface]()\n  \n  ![Packaging and beans for Onyx Coffee on a marble surface](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/ZeOTgohgOF1JdChz9x-7NF5XBfk=\/fit-in\/200x1863\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-onyx-geometry-irvin-lin-02-f85844991a334ff0bd06010c917ce990.jpeg)\n\n## Another Great Complex Espresso Bean\n[Sightglass Coffee Owl’s Howl Espresso](https:\/\/sightglasscoffee.com\/products\/owls-howl?variant=16451284762739)\n\n[![Sightglass Coffee Owl’s Howl Espresso]() ![Sightglass Coffee Owl’s Howl Espresso](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/lykLbH8xDltSfiSkCm3SpTpJVMM=\/fit-in\/1500x1000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sightglass-coffee-owls-howl-espresso-6f0a28b6c5a84b7190566a42de324fc3.jpg)](https:\/\/sightglasscoffee.com\/products\/owls-howl?variant=16451284762739)\n\nCredit: Sightglass Coffee\n\n[\\$21 at Sightglasscoffee.com](https:\/\/sightglasscoffee.com\/products\/owls-howl?variant=16451284762739)\n\n**What we liked**: Owl’s Howl is a blended medium-roast bean that falls somewhere between the bright complexity of Onyx Geometry and the more classic George Howell Alchemy. Initial sips of it offered a round body with slight, pleasant bitterness that most folks expect from quality espresso. The espresso gains dimension from complex notes of dark plum, orange peel, burnt molasses, and dark chocolate. The long black offered a full-bodied cup, with cocoa powder, toasted almond, and plum, while the latte had a lovely balance with darker notes of molasses, cacao nib, and orange peel.\n\n**What we didn’t like**: This is a beautiful coffee, but it walks the line between a traditional espresso and a brighter, more complexly flavored espresso. Folks looking for something classic might find it too complex, while folks who enjoy bright and lively drinks might think it lacks nuance.\n\n### Key Specs\n- **Bag size**: 12 ounces\n- **Coffee origin**: Central America and East Africa (varying)\n- **Roaster’s tasting notes**: Cacao nib, stone fruit, candied orange\n\n- ![A bag of Sight Glass Owls Howl espresso whole bean coffee, labeled organic with tasting notes and weight details]()\n  \n  ![A bag of Sight Glass Owls Howl espresso whole bean coffee, labeled organic with tasting notes and weight details](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/hfT_XeOcv__d5X18uPyKJo91gbw=\/fit-in\/1500x1921\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-sightglass-coffee-owls-howl-irvin-lin-03-8122188bd7da4df985a6a1f96f84a6f2.jpeg)\n  Credit: Serious Eats\n- ![Bag of organic whole bean coffee with a bowl of coffee beans in the foreground]()\n  \n  ![Bag of organic whole bean coffee with a bowl of coffee beans in the foreground](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/9kKBhNlAwB9uFWnMeu_WMFPRznQ=\/fit-in\/1500x2000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-sightglass-coffee-owls-howl-irvin-lin-02-835c57d2a81a4ce8abb104544309be58.jpeg)\n  Credit: Serious Eats\n- ![Bag of Owl's Howl coffee with a cup and bowl of beans]()\n  \n  ![Bag of Owl's Howl coffee with a cup and bowl of beans](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/EkLG_UJMeIzzda4fbLRiAOc3TLs=\/fit-in\/1500x2000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-sightglass-coffee-owls-howl-irvin-lin-01-fed49fee2f8c4af89012c6e323bea73a.jpeg)\n  Credit: Serious Eats\n\n- ![A bag of Sight Glass Owls Howl espresso whole bean coffee, labeled organic with tasting notes and weight details]()\n  \n  ![A bag of Sight Glass Owls Howl espresso whole bean coffee, labeled organic with tasting notes and weight details](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/nPh9kpUiIj99_4jJsJZ3tP3hYsw=\/fit-in\/200x1921\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-sightglass-coffee-owls-howl-irvin-lin-03-8122188bd7da4df985a6a1f96f84a6f2.jpeg)\n- ![Bag of organic whole bean coffee with a bowl of coffee beans in the foreground]()\n  \n  ![Bag of organic whole bean coffee with a bowl of coffee beans in the foreground](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/yDZL7KNnzcVK8lnZ_oknnbJGtk8=\/fit-in\/200x2000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-sightglass-coffee-owls-howl-irvin-lin-02-835c57d2a81a4ce8abb104544309be58.jpeg)\n- ![Bag of Owl's Howl coffee with a cup and bowl of beans]()\n  \n  ![Bag of Owl's Howl coffee with a cup and bowl of beans](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/frsfe00rDO97VseYseAJ829ECPo=\/fit-in\/200x2000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-sightglass-coffee-owls-howl-irvin-lin-01-fed49fee2f8c4af89012c6e323bea73a.jpeg)\n\n## The Best, Most Recognizable Espresso Beans\n[Counter Culture Coffee Big Trouble](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Counter-Culture-Coffee-Trouble-Ounce\/dp\/B07N3FC7L6?tag=seriouseats-onsite-prod-20&ascsubtag=7506734)\n\n[![Counter Culture Coffee Big Trouble]() ![Counter Culture Coffee Big Trouble](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/M5TlEoUXaIV2VHNuw7-G_AgKClk=\/fit-in\/1500x999\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/Counter-Culture-Coffee-Big-Trouble-b91fb95d74c942d9b13f1f063992966a.jpg)](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Counter-Culture-Coffee-Trouble-Ounce\/dp\/B07N3FC7L6?tag=seriouseats-onsite-prod-20&ascsubtag=7506734)\n\nCredit: Counter Culture Coffee\n\n[\\$20 at Amazon](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Counter-Culture-Coffee-Trouble-Ounce\/dp\/B07N3FC7L6?tag=seriouseats-onsite-prod-20&ascsubtag=7506734)   [\\$20 at Counterculturecoffee.com](https:\/\/counterculturecoffee.com\/collections\/coffee\/products\/big-trouble)   [\\$11 at Walmart](https:\/\/www.walmart.com\/ip\/Counter-Culture-Whole-Bean-Coffee-Big-Trouble-12-Ounce-Pack-Of-1\/1915181864)\n\n**What we liked**: A pioneer in the third-wave coffee scene—a movement toward higher quality beans, single-origin sourcing, and lighter-roasted beans that started in the late 1990s and early 2000s—Counter Culture has a strong educational program built into its mission statement. Its blended espresso bean, Big Trouble, can be found at many grocery stores and has an accessible price point and flavor profile.\n\nThe bean is a medium-dark roast, which highlights some pleasant bitterness up front. The espresso shot had some nuttiness, bittersweet chocolate, and a very subtle hint of dark cherry in it. The long black brought out notes of caramel and molasses while keeping the dark chocolate front and center. The latte highlighted the chocolate as well, delivering a round-bodied drink with classic latte flavors like cocoa powder and almond.\n\n**What we didn’t like**: Big Trouble was less flavorful and complex than other beans I tasted.\n\n### Key Specs\n- **Bag size**: 12 ounces\n- **Coffee origin**: Varies throughout the year\n- **Roaster’s tasting notes**: Caramel, nutty, round\n\n- ![Bag of Counter Culture Coffee Big Trouble, bowl of coffee beans, and cup of espresso on a counter]()\n  \n  ![Bag of Counter Culture Coffee Big Trouble, bowl of coffee beans, and cup of espresso on a counter](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/WObGKvFu9oxXZITbSNHHYCzrNGU=\/fit-in\/1500x2000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-counter-culture-coffee-big-trouble-irvin-lin-01-508d4de8e3c44bbabc6215e81f31e02a.jpeg)\n  Credit: Serious Eats\n- ![A bag of Counter Culture Coffee, labeled Big Trouble with tasting notes caramel, nutty, and round, on a white tile background]()\n  \n  ![A bag of Counter Culture Coffee, labeled Big Trouble with tasting notes caramel, nutty, and round, on a white tile background](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/G7rqmy0H3e4TZqszVXe6SiF-P0I=\/fit-in\/1500x1801\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-counter-culture-coffee-big-trouble-irvin-lin-03-5a5798beb02340bfaa2c86076a4bf3e7.jpeg)\n  Credit: Serious Eats\n- ![A bag of Counter Culture Coffee labeled 'Big Trouble' next to a small glass bowl of coffee beans]()\n  \n  ![A bag of Counter Culture Coffee labeled 'Big Trouble' next to a small glass bowl of coffee beans](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/KsoHJOSPuQYOLXQ9UZVipMvd0GA=\/fit-in\/1500x2000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-counter-culture-coffee-big-trouble-irvin-lin-02-b52ed301e24d4d038027bfca5235cb46.jpeg)\n  Credit: Serious Eats\n\n- ![Bag of Counter Culture Coffee Big Trouble, bowl of coffee beans, and cup of espresso on a counter]()\n  \n  ![Bag of Counter Culture Coffee Big Trouble, bowl of coffee beans, and cup of espresso on a counter](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/k08F9fhlcF_5CmbY5AIdUT6e1TM=\/fit-in\/200x2000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-counter-culture-coffee-big-trouble-irvin-lin-01-508d4de8e3c44bbabc6215e81f31e02a.jpeg)\n- ![A bag of Counter Culture Coffee, labeled Big Trouble with tasting notes caramel, nutty, and round, on a white tile background]()\n  \n  ![A bag of Counter Culture Coffee, labeled Big Trouble with tasting notes caramel, nutty, and round, on a white tile background](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/4c_lqcOtFc6Vmuq7wGAFGBxVdfQ=\/fit-in\/200x1801\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-counter-culture-coffee-big-trouble-irvin-lin-03-5a5798beb02340bfaa2c86076a4bf3e7.jpeg)\n- ![A bag of Counter Culture Coffee labeled 'Big Trouble' next to a small glass bowl of coffee beans]()\n  \n  ![A bag of Counter Culture Coffee labeled 'Big Trouble' next to a small glass bowl of coffee beans](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/8mxKySr1fcg7-pgfNe4MYg4rp8U=\/fit-in\/200x2000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-counter-culture-coffee-big-trouble-irvin-lin-02-b52ed301e24d4d038027bfca5235cb46.jpeg)\n\n## The Best Decaf Espresso Beans\n[Equator Coffee Decaf Eye of the Tiger Espresso](https:\/\/www.williams-sonoma.com\/products\/equator-coffee-decaf-eye-of-the-tiger-espresso-coffee-beans\/?catalogId=79&sku=9560572)\n\n[![Trade Equator Coffee Decaf Eye of the Tiger Espresso]() ![Trade Equator Coffee Decaf Eye of the Tiger Espresso](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/6XrzRhn5Q-d4GwtJJtVnALDbivo=\/fit-in\/1500x1000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/equator-coffees-decaf-eye-of-the-tiger-espresso-3230c2f9ffd045179a9d8a8c36dda9ae.jpg)](https:\/\/www.williams-sonoma.com\/products\/equator-coffee-decaf-eye-of-the-tiger-espresso-coffee-beans\/?catalogId=79&sku=9560572)\n\nCredit: Trade\n\n[\\$20 at Williams Sonoma](https:\/\/www.williams-sonoma.com\/products\/equator-coffee-decaf-eye-of-the-tiger-espresso-coffee-beans\/?catalogId=79&sku=9560572)   [\\$22 at Drinktrade.com](https:\/\/www.drinktrade.com\/products\/decaf-eye-of-the-tiger-espresso)\n\n**What we liked**: The [process of decaffeinating coffee](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/how-coffee-gets-decaffeinated-water-process-what-is-decaf) will often strip out flavor, as it’s impossible to *just* remove caffeine from a coffee bean. But Decaf Eye of the Tiger offers a bean that pulls a solid espresso, with notes of milk chocolate, nutty almond, tangerine peel, and baking spices like cinnamon and allspice.\n\nFeaturing a lighter roast than is typical for decaf and espresso, these beans came through with fruity notes of orange and tangerine in both the espresso shot and long black. The latte had a mild but still balanced flavor, with nutty toasted walnut and almond notes and a mellow, malt chocolate finish.\n\n**What we didn’t like**: Like all decaf coffees, this bean isn’t super robust in flavor. Still, it’s one of the better decaffeinated espresso beans I tried.\n\n### Key Specs\n- **Bag size**: 10.5 ounces\n- **Coffee origin**: Colombia and Brazil (varies throughout the year)\n- **Roaster’s tasting notes**: cranberry, chocolate-covered almonds, mulling spices\n\n- ![A coffee bag labeled Equator Coffees, a bowl of coffee beans, and an espresso shot in a glass cup]()\n  \n  ![A coffee bag labeled Equator Coffees, a bowl of coffee beans, and an espresso shot in a glass cup](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/m72CgojNwS-9SHJ6tJfsV9TD8Ss=\/fit-in\/1500x2000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-equator-decaf-eye-of-the-tiger-espresso-irvin-lin-01-e350bf8661814ed29546caa412d22cf2.jpeg)\n  Credit: Serious Eats\n- ![Bag of Decaf Eye of the Tiger Espresso by Equator Coffees, with tasting notes and certifications displayed]()\n  \n  ![Bag of Decaf Eye of the Tiger Espresso by Equator Coffees, with tasting notes and certifications displayed](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/VmsviLhEub21DnBr86vpHp3y-oM=\/fit-in\/1500x1831\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-equator-decaf-eye-of-the-tiger-espresso-irvin-lin-03-71c8279d7ae44dd4b45420b672e16f5d.jpeg)\n  Credit: Serious Eats\n- ![A bag of Equator Coffees decaf coffee labeled Eye of the Tiger Espresso next to a small bowl of coffee beans]()\n  \n  ![A bag of Equator Coffees decaf coffee labeled Eye of the Tiger Espresso next to a small bowl of coffee beans](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/iANYY2Viq4OKJX7A98QfocNUP4I=\/fit-in\/1500x2000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-equator-decaf-eye-of-the-tiger-espresso-irvin-lin-02-d1a9c0650c684276a304f8ddf4e039eb.jpeg)\n  Credit: Serious Eats\n\n- ![A coffee bag labeled Equator Coffees, a bowl of coffee beans, and an espresso shot in a glass cup]()\n  \n  ![A coffee bag labeled Equator Coffees, a bowl of coffee beans, and an espresso shot in a glass cup](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/hYWaoemQv6rL97NqdFZn62zSbPY=\/fit-in\/200x2000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-equator-decaf-eye-of-the-tiger-espresso-irvin-lin-01-e350bf8661814ed29546caa412d22cf2.jpeg)\n- ![Bag of Decaf Eye of the Tiger Espresso by Equator Coffees, with tasting notes and certifications displayed]()\n  \n  ![Bag of Decaf Eye of the Tiger Espresso by Equator Coffees, with tasting notes and certifications displayed](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/xw6SvCCYpefBS6scGx9TrI-nQuU=\/fit-in\/200x1831\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-equator-decaf-eye-of-the-tiger-espresso-irvin-lin-03-71c8279d7ae44dd4b45420b672e16f5d.jpeg)\n- ![A bag of Equator Coffees decaf coffee labeled Eye of the Tiger Espresso next to a small bowl of coffee beans]()\n  \n  ![A bag of Equator Coffees decaf coffee labeled Eye of the Tiger Espresso next to a small bowl of coffee beans](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/RIjLVx4QLypE_nLmEHhDH8OYFFk=\/fit-in\/200x2000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-equator-decaf-eye-of-the-tiger-espresso-irvin-lin-02-d1a9c0650c684276a304f8ddf4e039eb.jpeg)\n## The Competition\n### Other Good Options\n- [Ritual Ace](https:\/\/ritualcoffee.com\/shop\/coffee\/ace-esperanca-brasil\/): In addition to Sweet Tooth, Ritual also offers the Ace espresso bean year-round. A dual-purpose bean, it’s roasted and intended for both pour-over and espresso. It produces a medium-bodied espresso that’s sweet, though not as sweet as Sweet Tooth. Tasting notes include baking spices like nutmeg and allspice as well as a milk chocolate and butter toffee finish.\n- [Intelligentsia Black Cat Espresso](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Intelligentsia-Classic-Espresso-Coffee-12-Ounce\/dp\/B0055ZRUOO\/?th=1&tag=seriouseats-onsite-prod-20&ascsubtag=7506734): This darker roasted bean had a medium body and round flavor with notes of milk chocolate and earthy blueberry. It’s not overly robust in flavor, but it still offered a balanced shot, a pleasant long black, and a classic latte coffee flavor.\n- [Kuma Coffee Classic](https:\/\/www.drinktrade.com\/products\/balanced?variant=45941994979647): This classic espresso had semisweet chocolate and nutty pecan notes. It was a nicely balanced bean with a round body, smooth finish, and mild acidity.\n- [Stumptown Hair Bender](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B008J4WEBM\/?th=1&tag=seriouseats-onsite-prod-20&ascsubtag=7506734): I enjoy Hair Bender as a pour-over coffee and was excited to try it as an espresso. It had a classic flavor, with bittersweet chocolate, plum, and pecan tasting notes. It didn’t have as robust a body when pulled as an espresso, though it made an excellent long black and created a classic latte flavor when poured into steamed milk.\n### Not Recommended\n- [Blue Bottle Hayes Valley Espresso](https:\/\/bluebottlecoffee.com\/us\/eng\/product\/hayes-valley-espresso): This dark-roasted bean tasted bitter and left a lingering burnt taste in my mouth. Some of the beans were noticeably damaged and broken when the bag was opened, and it was twice as expensive as others..\n- [Tandem Coffee Time and Temperature](https:\/\/www.mistobox.com\/time-and-temperature-espresso-blend): A medium-light-roasted bean, Time and Temperature was surprisingly bitter and had less flavor than other beans. It was also not as rich or full-bodied.\n- [Intelligentsia Black Cat Decaf](https:\/\/www.intelligentsia.com\/products\/decaf-black-cat-espresso): Intelligentsia’s Black Cat Decaf bean started with a strong, bitter note and didn’t have as much flavor afterward. Espresso, long black, and lattes all lacked depth and tasted one-note.\n- [Lavazza Super Crema](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/B000SDKDM4\/?tag=seriouseats-onsite-prod-20&ascsubtag=7506734): This reasonably priced large bag of espresso is a blend of Arabica beans, which are typically used for specialty coffee, and Robusta beans, which are usually grown for cheaper commodity coffee. It produced an adequate but unremarkable shot of espresso with strong, bitter notes. Lattes were one-dimensional and flat, though espresso and long black drinks were slightly better with notes of chocolate and toasted bread.\n## FAQs\n### What makes a good espresso blend?\nA good espresso blend has a balance of acidity, bitterness, and sweetness, and offers a medium- to full-bodied shot. Because coffee is a seasonal crop, an espresso blend is crafted to maintain consistency throughout the year, hitting the same flavor notes even when using different beans.\n\n### Do espresso beans have more caffeine than coffee beans?\nAny bean can be used to make espresso, and as such, espresso beans have the same amount of caffeine as regular coffee beans. Some roasts, like those from [Onyx Coffee Lab](https:\/\/onyxcoffeelab.com\/), will even list how much caffeine is in each bean they sell. That said, because espresso is a more concentrated form of coffee, there is often more caffeine in a shot of espresso than there is in a similar amount of a pour-over or French press coffee.\n\n### What roast makes the best espresso?\nTraditionally, darker-roasted beans have been used for espresso, but all roasts can be used to make espresso. Different roasts will produce espresso with different flavors. But if you prefer a more classic espresso, opt for medium- to dark-roast beans. For a more complex flavored espresso, experiment with light- or medium-roast beans.\n\n### Why We're the Experts\n- [Irvin Lin](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/irvin-lin-5248800) is a cookbook author, recipe developer, food writer, photographer, and ceramicist. He wrote the cookbook [*Marbled, Swirled, and Layered*](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Marbled-Swirled-Layered-Recipes-Variations\/dp\/0544453735?ascsubtag=7506734&tag=seriouseats-onsite-prod-20)*,* which was picked by *The New York Times* as one of the best baking cookbooks of 2016. He's also an IACP-award-winning photographer and is currently on the James Beard Book Awards Subcommittee.\n- Irvin runs a blog called [Eat the Love](https:\/\/www.eatthelove.com\/), where he’s developed, photographed, and written recipes since 2010.\n- He’s tested and reviewed hundreds of kitchen items, including [stand mixers](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/best-stand-mixers-7377555) and [digital thermometers](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/best-instant-read-thermometers-5323231).\n- For this review, Irvin tried 15 different espresso beans, pulling over 50 shots and tasting multiple drinks with each shot, including long blacks and lattes. He’s still reeling from the caffeine buzz.\n\n[The 14 Best Espresso Machines for Every Budget, According to Our Ridiculously In-Depth Tests](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/best-espresso-machines-5185482)\n\nExplore more:\n\n- [Equipment](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/equipment-5117081)\n- [Coffee & Tea](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/coffee-tea-5118050)\n\n#### More Serious Eats Recipes\n[![A person turns the crank on the top of the Timemore C2 Max Manual Grinder]() ![A person turns the crank on the top of the Timemore C2 Max Manual Grinder](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/kqGCM3l3b_uEGhLE0TddsZE_bO4=\/375x250\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-coffee-grinders-oct-24-test-timemore-c2-max-manual-nsimpson-204-442876697c474f1795713d7392e66147.jpeg) To Find the Best Handheld Coffee Grinders, I Put the Top Ones to the Test—and Drank Far Too Much Coffee](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/best-handheld-coffee-grinders-6541211)\n\n[![Numerous coffee canisters holding coffee on a kitchen countertop.]() ![Numerous coffee canisters holding coffee on a kitchen countertop.](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/XmQB_8ByW3NBJiV1C3jNJpJqey0=\/375x250\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-coffee-canisters-lead-afton-cyrus-01-8f20d82f70ef40a1b79e6aa9ee25f627.jpeg) To Find the Best Coffee Canisters, I Stored and Brewed Pounds and Pounds of Beans](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/best-coffee-canisters-6891316)\n\n[![Three espresso grinders on a kitchen counter]() ![Three espresso grinders on a kitchen counter](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/tbC18YsBG2DO9NtZF8mNRYBYVkc=\/375x250\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-espresso-grinders-primary-nsimpson-33-f769b380700240e9a15a18abe227be24.jpeg) The 5 Best Espresso Grinders for Beginners, Experts, and Everyone in Between](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/best-espresso-grinders-7377134)\n\n[![The OXO Brew 9-Cup Coffee Maker with thermal carafe on a kitchen counter surrounded by coffee mugs]() ![The OXO Brew 9-Cup Coffee Maker with thermal carafe on a kitchen counter surrounded by coffee mugs](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/qFGLzF9mH4sWnrCnup9dc8IYS_I=\/375x250\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-product-oxo-brew-9-cup-coffee-maker-19-wdickey-413-4e82fc035b3f4bd191576174bb584968.jpeg) The 14 Best Coffee Makers, Whether You Like Espresso, Drip, Pour-Over, or French Press](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/best-coffee-makers-7484583)\n\n[![A person pours coffee beans into the Baratza Encore coffee grinder]() ![A person pours coffee beans into the Baratza Encore coffee grinder](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/YiKt-NwlWNJD4tyszd3dHqOqqJU=\/375x250\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-coffee-grinders-baratza-encore-seriously-good-16a1e8eb64d541069f7c0d112d5c38a5.jpg) I’ve Been Using the Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder for Eight Years, and It’s Still My Go-To](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/baratza-encore-review-11780164)\n\n[![A coffee brewing setup with a wooden dripper on a glass carafe, placed on Hario Polaris Coffee Scale showing readings]() ![A coffee brewing setup with a wooden dripper on a glass carafe, placed on Hario Polaris Coffee Scale showing readings](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/I9ID_tLMaiMRfpIm9MMC8XudTS0=\/375x250\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-hario-polaris-coffee-scale-irvin-lin-07-dc73858eff1a4cbf857132e1d29af6e4.jpeg) I Tested 15 Coffee Scales to Find the Best Ones for Pour-Overs and Espresso Shots](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/best-coffee-scales-6361787)\n\n[![three espresso machines on a kitchen countertop]() ![three espresso machines on a kitchen countertop](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/eIcDuIWE1MeFiB3_uU_xYWuAi-M=\/375x250\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-primary-espresso-machines-nsimpson-3654-cd6db639048e400bba6f231ed76c5c7f.jpeg) The 14 Best Espresso Machines for Every Budget, According to Our Ridiculously In-Depth Tests](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/best-espresso-machines-5185482)\n\n[![Breville Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine with Grinder making espresso on a white marble countertop]() ![Breville Barista Touch Impress Espresso Machine with Grinder making espresso on a white marble countertop](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/5BLTydqCFPrRTNnreNmvhV8i4iQ=\/375x250\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-product-breville-barista-touch-impress-espresso-machine-nsimpson-3370-f33afaef93bf49439a2d15ee416114bf.jpeg) This Breville Espresso Maker Has Turned Me Back Into a Coffee Drinker](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/breville-barista-touch-impress-espresso-maker-review-11929111)\n\n[![A white coffee canister and its gasket on top of a wooden butcher block]() ![A white coffee canister and its gasket on top of a wooden butcher block](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/JM-jPqJR2JcTz9dMdEzOQsPPsHk=\/375x250\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/miir-coffee-canister-rochelle-bilow-lead-af18dadfb3e54b5da0d1f2f82d50675c.jpg) This \\$40 Coffee Canister Got a Major Overhaul—Now It's My Go-To for Keeping Beans Fresh](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/miir-coffee-canister-review-11885530)\n\n[![Testing coffee grinders at Joe Pro coffee shop]() ![Testing coffee grinders at Joe Pro coffee shop](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/JEAWoBlvz7gJxFCw_WWiL2zJqPo=\/375x250\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/__opt__aboutcom__coeus__resources__content_migration__serious_eats__seriouseats.com__2019__02__BurrGrinder_SeriousEats_LizClayman_04-1500x1001-dd0fdc9cf0c444a8aa1a8858d503c13d.jpg) What’s the Difference Between Burr and Blade Grinders?](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/burr-vs-blade-coffee-grinders-7557180)\n\n[![A collection of inexpensive coffee makers on a kitchen counter]() ![A collection of inexpensive coffee makers on a kitchen counter](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/rbOUalzBJDnFiBkH25RldA_80eU=\/375x250\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-groupshot-budget-coffee-makers-madeline-muzzi-03-bbc4be3b45804fa99c179e5a5cbedf39.jpeg) I Brewed 27 Pots of Coffee to Find the Best Inexpensive Coffee Makers](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/best-inexpensive-coffee-makers-5219420)\n\n[![four coffee makers with built-in grinders lined up on a kitchen counter]() ![four coffee makers with built-in grinders lined up on a kitchen counter](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/ltR_95oSQpk3fHmhO9SmD7uzPsE=\/375x250\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/Header-130259c073b9427992f1ed33f7273675.jpg) Should You Buy a Coffee Maker With a Built-In Grinder?](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/best-coffee-makers-with-grinders-6829978)\n\n[![the comandante hand grinder with a cup of coffee next to it]() ![the comandante hand grinder with a cup of coffee next to it](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/vLrX-wRDa1EmbHDRNsBHCytd6TA=\/375x250\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/seriously-good-sea-coffee-grinders-oct-24-test-comandante-c40-nitro-blade-nsimpson-85-f0c6d11097b44e2bbcf7880855661a51.jpg) This Portable Grinder Is the Key to Great Coffee Anywhere, Anytime](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/comandante-grinder-review-11724549)\n\n[![A Breville espresso machine brewing coffee into a small cup.]() ![A Breville espresso machine brewing coffee into a small cup.](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/rjmQxfIDWOo-Un6TH7uqOYfJmbw=\/375x250\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/badge-sea-product-breville-barista-express-impress-espresso-machine-nsimpson-3341-c2258f63a2074a659f9e7bdc016f5ecf-55131e0fd1fc43b580106c53da08d84c.jpg) This Beginner-Friendly Espresso Machine Is \\$150 Off—And You Can Still Get It Before the Holidays](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/breville-barista-express-impress-espresso-machine-review-7093527)\n\n[![an array of espresso knock boxes]() ![an array of espresso knock boxes](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/g35LlJ7De_5DTQrkbQ4FkuxAtNA=\/375x250\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/EspressoKnockBoxLeadImage-acb419fa19b849409fe3305a1617cd9d.jpg) I Tested 11 Espresso Knock Boxes—5 Were Sturdy and Spacious](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/best-espresso-knock-boxes-7112160)\n\n[![Five French press coffee makers on a wooden countertop. A person is pouring coffee from a French press into a mug.]() ![Five French press coffee makers on a wooden countertop. A person is pouring coffee from a French press into a mug.](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/jem4eph5P_r02Jfc5RLQmV_z11I=\/375x250\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-tier-3-primary-best-french-presses-ahuang-022-b487dfc17e0942be83f8f3231066f5a2.jpeg) To Find the 5 Best French Presses, I Put 17 Models to the Test—and Drank Far Too Much Coffee](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/the-best-french-press-coffee-makers-5197670)\n\nGet fresh recipes, cooking tips, deal alerts, and more\\!\n\n- [Recipes](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/all-recipes-5117985)\n- [How-Tos](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/how-tos-5118034)\n- [World Cuisines](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/world-cuisine-guides-5117177)\n- [Ingredients](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/ingredients-guides-5118013)\n- [Equipment](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/equipment-5117081)\n- [Features](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/features-5118040)\n\n- [About Us](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/about-us-5120006)\n- [Advertise](https:\/\/www.people.inc\/advertising)\n- [Terms of Service](https:\/\/www.people.inc\/brands-termsofservice)\n- [Careers](https:\/\/www.people.inc\/careers)\n- [Editorial Guidelines](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/about-us-5120006#toc-recipe-development-and-testing)\n- [Sweepstakes](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/sweepstakes)\n- [Contact](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/about-us-5120006#toc-contact-us)\n- [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.people.inc\/brands-privacy)\n\nSerious Eats is part of the [People Inc.](https:\/\/www.people.inc\/) publishing family.\n\nMyrecipes Dialog\n\n![]()","attrs_readable_markdown":"### Straight to the Point\nMy favorite espresso beans are the [Partners Coffee Roasters Bedford Espresso](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/TOBYS-ESTATE-Bedford-Espresso-Coffee\/dp\/B07DRLLRSN?th=1&tag=seriouseats-onsite-prod-20&ascsubtag=7506734). It makes excellent, smooth espresso shots.\n\nOne of my first post-college jobs was working at a small café in an independent bookstore, where I made espresso drinks. Back then, I loved darker roasts. But as specialty coffee has slowly expanded and become more commonplace, so has my palate. I now embrace the medium and light roast beans that are popular with specialty coffee roasters. And though I still appreciate beans with chocolate, nutty flavors, I also love ones that are delicately balanced and feature fruity or bright, floral notes.\n\nEven with my experience, judging coffee beans can be challenging, especially those meant for espresso. The rich, intense flavor of espresso is often associated with darker, bitter notes. But espresso doesn’t have to be just dark and bitter—it can be rich, complex, and sweet. And though any bean can be used to make espresso, not all beans are well-suited for this syrupy, rich coffee. With that in mind, I tested 15 espresso beans to find the best ones for a variety of drinks, be it a cappuccino or cortado.\n\n## The Tests\nI made loads of espresso to test the quality of the beans.\n\nSerious Eats\n\n- **Espresso Shot Test**: Using each bean, I pulled a double shot of espresso with one of Serious Eats’ favorite espresso machines, the [Breville Barista Express Impress](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Breville-Express%252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525C2%252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525AE-Espresso-Stainless-BES876BSS\/dp\/B0BBYNPV33?tag=seriouseats-onsite-prod-20&ascsubtag=7506734). I then tasted the coffee and took notes on its flavor profile.\n- **Long Black Test**: I added 100 grams of near-boiling water (200°F) to a mug. Then, I pulled a double shot of espresso directly into the water. I tasted and took notes on its flavor profile.\n- **Latte Test**: I pulled a double shot of espresso and then steamed 200 grams (seven ounces) of whole milk to 140°F. I made a latte and tasted it, taking notes of the flavor profile and any changes I noticed in the presence of milk.\n## What We Learned\n### Espresso Is a Process and a Drink\nEspresso is as much the process of brewing as it is the beans.\n\nSerious Eats\n\nUnlike, say, a French press or pour-over, espresso brews using pressure. A typical [espresso machine](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/best-espresso-machines-5185482) uses about nine bars of pressure to force hot water through finely ground coffee. The result is a small amount of intensely concentrated coffee, typically with a total dissolved solids (TDS) of 8 to 12%. (Basically, TDS is the amount of coffee present.) By comparison, French press coffee ranges from 1.4% to 1.7%, and pour-over is only 1.2% to 1.5%.\n\nThis concentrated espresso shot can be enjoyed in multiple ways, be it sipped from an [espresso cup](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/best-espresso-cups-8604313) or made into espresso drinks like Americanos, lattes, cappuccinos, and mochas.\n\n### There’s No Such Thing as Espresso Beans or an Espresso Roast\nEspresso beans aren't actually a thing.\n\nSerious Eats\n\nA common misconception is that espresso beans are all dark roasted. Traditionally, this is true. But there isn’t an actual espresso coffee bean, nor is there a standard roast for espresso. Colin Stoeber, Education Manager at [Sightglass Coffee,](https:\/\/sightglasscoffee.com\/) says, “Technically, there is no difference between the coffee beans used for espresso versus any other brewing method. That's right—the same plant, the same seeds, and the same caffeine level! ‘Espresso’ is a method of brewing coffee defined by using a machine that creates pressure (around nine bars) to catalyze the extraction for a short, quick, and intense beverage.”\n\nNowadays, modern coffee shops use a wide range of roasts for espresso, though darker ones are more common. Stoeber further explained, “In the roastery, espresso blends are often developed just a pinch longer than other offerings. Increasing the development during the roasting process increases the solubility of the coffee, which makes it easier to work with in brewing methods with shorter contact times.” Still, some roasters put “espresso roast” on their bags. This typically means that they have blended or roasted their beans with espresso in mind.\n\nThat said, some beans might be better suited to espresso, just as others lend themselves well to pour-over or French press. A bean that has delicate flavor notes might get lost in a concentrated espresso shot. Daria Whalen, the green coffee buyer at [Ritual Coffee Roasters](https:\/\/ritualcoffee.com\/), explained it this way: “Coffees with rich flavors of cocoa or red fruits tend to pop more in an espresso or a darker roasted drip coffee, and those with more tea-like flavors are best reserved for drip roasts.”\n\nStill, I didn’t necessarily favor the darker roasted bean I tried. The [Blue Bottle’s Hayes Valley Espresso](https:\/\/bluebottlecoffee.com\/us\/eng\/product\/hayes-valley-espresso), for example, had an overly burnt flavor. This was something I particularly noticed when it was made into a long black, which is similar to an Americano. Darker roasted beans were also more brittle, as evident when I found numerous broken beans in the Blue Bottle bag.\n\n### Roast Date Was Important\nThe fresher the espresso bean, the better the result.\n\nSerious Eats\n\nThere’s a Goldilocks window of coffee freshness. Andrea Allen, founder of [Onyx Coffee Lab](https:\/\/onyxcoffeelab.com\/), says, “Best practice would be a week off roast but fresher than three months.” This is because freshly roasted coffee beans have a lot of carbon dioxide built up inside them. This is why you bloom your coffee when doing a [pour-over](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/make-better-pourover-coffee-how-pourover-works-temperature-timing), as this allows the grounds to expel the carbon dioxide, which otherwise might interfere with extraction and brewing. Carbon dioxide is what produces crema, the light-colored foam on top of the espresso shot. But too much CO2 can result in an uneven pull, resulting in a beautiful-looking crema (because of the gas) but a weak, flat espresso that lacks sweetness.\n\n### Best Was Subjective\nSome folks might prefer dark roast over light, so in the end, taste is subjective.\n\nSerious Eats\n\nTaste is subjective, and you might not like the coffee I like. In the [*New Rules of Coffee*](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/New-Rules-Coffee-Modern-Everyone\/dp\/0399581626?tag=seriouseats-onsite-prod-20&ascsubtag=7506734) by Jordan Michelman and Zachary Carlsen, Rule 15 starts out: “Does it taste good? There you go, you’ve found your favorite coffee!”\n\nI enjoy a wide range of coffees, including bright, floral, and fruity beans and darker, nutty, chocolatey ones. But my husband definitely prefers the latter. Neither is right nor wrong, just different. As such, I tried to categorize and pick espresso beans that fit all different palates. But if there’s an espresso bean you love that isn’t on the list, it’s not because I didn’t like it. Hundreds of roasters make excellent coffee, and as much as I would love to try them all, that’s not feasible.\n\n## The Criteria: What to Look for in Espresso Beans\nSerious Eats\n\nLook for beans that have tasting notes that match your palate and preference, expecting those flavors to become more intense when made into an espresso shot. If you plan on using the espresso beans for a milk-based drink like lattes or cappuccinos, consider looking for a washed processed bean that has notes of caramel or chocolate. Finally, look for beans that have a roast date on the bag. This indicates that the roaster is of higher quality. It also gives you a sense of how old the beans are. If you can, use the beans within one week of roasting for optimum flavor.\n\n## Our Favorite Coffee Beans for Espresso\n**What we liked**: Partners Bedford espresso is a beautiful blend of Colombian and Ethiopian beans. It has a classic espresso taste without any overly bitter notes, as well as a deeper, complex flavor profile and rich, smooth body. Dominant flavors include dark chocolate, caramel, brown sugar, and molasses—all typical flavor notes most folks associate with espresso. This makes it ideal for milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. There were also hints of black currant and dark, British-style, Seville orange marmalade, giving it dimension in sip after sip. When I diluted the espresso shot and made it a long black, I found the sweet brown sugar flavors became more dominant, with notes of hazelnut and milk chocolate in the finish.\n\n**What we didn’t like**: Folks who prefer more traditional, darker roasts might want to opt for a bean that isn’t as complex as this one.\n\n### Key Specs\n- **Bag size**: 12 ounces\n- **Coffee origin**: Colombia and Ethiopia\n- **Roaster’s tasting notes**: Marmalade, pomegranate, brown sugar\n\n- ![Coffee beans, brewed coffee, and a bag of Partners Coffee Roasters Bedford blend](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/JpGBOwdrdzwuvP63xp8ZNkW5TTM=\/fit-in\/1500x2000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-partners-coffee-roasters-bedford-espresso-irvin-lin-02-6399365d7f714942bcd9290e2fba7f30.jpeg)\n  Credit: Serious Eats\n- ![Bag of Bedford espresso coffee from Partners Coffee Roasters, tasting notes include marmalade, pomegranate, and brown sugar](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/9voADNJki0HROWPiKYEW9fAgmyI=\/fit-in\/1500x1420\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-partners-coffee-roasters-bedford-espresso-irvin-lin-05-5e22d1dd897845e99ec96cf702cd991b.jpeg)\n  Credit: Serious Eats\n- ![A package of Partners Coffee Bedford espresso with a bowl of coffee beans](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/jfh8ee6aWrfnGWhE6a0e0AZ4kro=\/fit-in\/1500x2000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-partners-coffee-roasters-bedford-espresso-irvin-lin-04-11bf25030d3043ad9405225a68e4ce5d.jpeg)\n  Credit: Serious Eats\n- ![A bag of Partners coffee labeled Bedford with a glass cup of coffee and a bowl of coffee beans on a marble surface](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/65AhOXtDP-16kmTsfOS1wk6PCtQ=\/fit-in\/1500x2000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-partners-coffee-roasters-bedford-espresso-irvin-lin-01-da32b1a0bbf64a0eb311de4012a6ff9f.jpeg)\n  Credit: Serious Eats\n\n- ![Coffee beans, brewed coffee, and a bag of Partners Coffee Roasters Bedford blend](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/cNlbZJ1415qdFpSC5Jz1rVhHu8A=\/fit-in\/200x2000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-partners-coffee-roasters-bedford-espresso-irvin-lin-02-6399365d7f714942bcd9290e2fba7f30.jpeg)\n- ![Bag of Bedford espresso coffee from Partners Coffee Roasters, tasting notes include marmalade, pomegranate, and brown sugar](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/d1d7_dSTgA2-0CK8Ec7n5aEwlGc=\/fit-in\/200x1420\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-partners-coffee-roasters-bedford-espresso-irvin-lin-05-5e22d1dd897845e99ec96cf702cd991b.jpeg)\n- ![A package of Partners Coffee Bedford espresso with a bowl of coffee beans](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/IEXuSSyG2Ytdp1s9w16jMBDAcjw=\/fit-in\/200x2000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-partners-coffee-roasters-bedford-espresso-irvin-lin-04-11bf25030d3043ad9405225a68e4ce5d.jpeg)\n- ![A bag of Partners coffee labeled Bedford with a glass cup of coffee and a bowl of coffee beans on a marble surface](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/qQl4TjmagDfgBm7DTFHuyhUBmr0=\/fit-in\/200x2000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-partners-coffee-roasters-bedford-espresso-irvin-lin-01-da32b1a0bbf64a0eb311de4012a6ff9f.jpeg)\n\n**What we liked**: George Howell is a pioneer in the coffee industry, creating the Coffee Connection initially based out of Cambridge, Massachusetts, before being bought out by Starbucks in 1994. (The company acquired the rights to use the name “Frappuccino” with the buyout.) Ten years later, he founded George Howell Coffee and has been directly working with coffee farmers to find the best, sustainably grown beans.\n\nAlchemy is a blend orffering a classic espresso flavor that works well in milk-based drinks. A slightly darker roast develops the dark chocolate, malt, and nutty flavors that are traditionally associated with espresso but without the biting bitterness that’s often a result of darker roasting. The espresso had a rich, velvety body with top notes of peanut and pecan leading into bittersweet chocolate. The long black revealed a hint of cherry cordial along with the dark chocolate. And the latte had a rich body and a classic flavor with sweet, molasses notes.\n\n**What we didn’t like**: The dark roast of these beans produced a classic espresso shot, but it wasn’t quite as complex as some of the beans I tasted.\n\n### Key Specs\n- **Bag size**: 12 ounces\n- **Coffee origin**: Brazil, Costa Rica, Guatemala\n- **Roaster’s tasting notes**: Chocolate, almond, nougat\n\n- ![A bag of Alchemy Espresso coffee beans, a small bowl of whole coffee beans, and a glass of espresso on a marble countertop](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/sxTcgL-APmT0JXb2BoJZ-m-WskI=\/fit-in\/1500x2092\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-george-howell-alchemy-espresso-irvin-lin-01-16f04eae045b449f8204e9f88bbb11d7.jpeg)\n  Credit: Serious Eats\n- ![A bag of George Howell Coffee, Alchemy Espresso blend, placed on a white surface](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/bkQQlPz5fJOR63WLIXEJOs_cEEU=\/fit-in\/1500x1870\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-george-howell-alchemy-espresso-irvin-lin-03-54d9153edfe94a6c97f06ad0cdeb7e39.jpeg)\n  Credit: Serious Eats\n- ![Bag of George Howell Alchemy Espresso coffee next to a bowl of beans](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/Uid_VR33dw15LYmyVoTHnJijwWo=\/fit-in\/1500x2129\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-george-howell-alchemy-espresso-irvin-lin-02-4f1c3e7ef19a43459b38438d8a410f23.jpeg)\n  Credit: Serious Eats\n\n- ![A bag of Alchemy Espresso coffee beans, a small bowl of whole coffee beans, and a glass of espresso on a marble countertop](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/ZfZpHCsp8jJZvDCJvLlaQdVfHuc=\/fit-in\/200x2092\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-george-howell-alchemy-espresso-irvin-lin-01-16f04eae045b449f8204e9f88bbb11d7.jpeg)\n- ![A bag of George Howell Coffee, Alchemy Espresso blend, placed on a white surface](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/S-KUGxrckpYP1OjAZrUPTcF6cj0=\/fit-in\/200x1870\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-george-howell-alchemy-espresso-irvin-lin-03-54d9153edfe94a6c97f06ad0cdeb7e39.jpeg)\n- ![Bag of George Howell Alchemy Espresso coffee next to a bowl of beans](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/IHu3tSTE1yktWvvkjBjXOY9DlVM=\/fit-in\/200x2129\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-george-howell-alchemy-espresso-irvin-lin-02-4f1c3e7ef19a43459b38438d8a410f23.jpeg)\n\n**What we liked**: Ritual Coffee specializes in seasonal beans, and that means the beans it uses for its espresso offerings of Sweet Tooth and Ace tend to rotate throughout the year. Sweet Tooth offers a sweeter profile, featuring a rich, syrupy body that hits you up front with butterscotch and toffee notes. The flavor lingers with notes of summer berries, like strawberry and blackberry.\n\nA slight acidity also helps cut through some of the sweetness of the espresso, creating a balanced shot. When diluted into a long black, the espresso’s sweetness mellows and its acidity sharpens. I detected notes of mandarin orange and key lime, as well as a turbinado sugar finish. Lattes had a lovely butterscotch flavor and were classically coffee-forward.\n\n**What we didn’t like**: Because of the sweet profile, this bean might not appeal to those folks who favor darker, more bitter espresso.\n\n### Key Specs\n- **Bag size**: 12 ounces\n- **Coffee origin**: Burundi\n- **Roaster’s tasting notes**: Strawberry, lime, butterscotch\n\n- ![A bag of Ritual coffee labeled 'Sweet Tooth' with a bowl of coffee beans and a glass of espresso on a countertop](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/DeorCp38QsQRFesNuNgtW6KnkkA=\/fit-in\/1500x2000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-ritual-coffee-sweet-tooth-irvin-lin-02-34e80ae078904d1089865769564948dd.jpeg)\n  Credit: Serious Eats\n- ![A bag of Ritual coffee labeled 'Sweet Tooth' on a tiled surface](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/BmQMpCnsY1bX-P8D7Wu8SFoujU8=\/fit-in\/1500x2000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-ritual-coffee-sweet-tooth-irvin-lin-04-89a7b6f13bbc49758adddeb4b62ed440.jpeg)\n  Credit: Serious Eats\n- ![Coffee bag labeled 'Ritual Sweet Tooth,' accompanied by a bowl of coffee beans and a mug of brewed coffee](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/nmzbENKMX37KCF8r98Gd-uzj62M=\/fit-in\/1500x2000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-ritual-coffee-sweet-tooth-irvin-lin-01-5e5f47413cfe45949debb39046238f15.jpeg)\n  Credit: Serious Eats\n- ![Bag of coffee labeled 'Ritual Sweet Tooth,' with a bowl of coffee beans on a counter](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/ZmsE8_3FGQ25qR87TlHwwz59WtE=\/fit-in\/1500x2000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-ritual-coffee-sweet-tooth-irvin-lin-03-d3d7073d75154e608b7f0c1affb7483d.jpeg)\n  Credit: Serious Eats\n\n- ![A bag of Ritual coffee labeled 'Sweet Tooth' with a bowl of coffee beans and a glass of espresso on a countertop](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/RZ_IumljTpruwDLju0soquiYCTU=\/fit-in\/200x2000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-ritual-coffee-sweet-tooth-irvin-lin-02-34e80ae078904d1089865769564948dd.jpeg)\n- ![A bag of Ritual coffee labeled 'Sweet Tooth' on a tiled surface](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/IcAUkPTwtIBsCp9EoqYZtL1u0c8=\/fit-in\/200x2000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-ritual-coffee-sweet-tooth-irvin-lin-04-89a7b6f13bbc49758adddeb4b62ed440.jpeg)\n- ![Coffee bag labeled 'Ritual Sweet Tooth,' accompanied by a bowl of coffee beans and a mug of brewed coffee](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/AaiKZaGRYH2ViYrTS2De-TbIqmg=\/fit-in\/200x2000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-ritual-coffee-sweet-tooth-irvin-lin-01-5e5f47413cfe45949debb39046238f15.jpeg)\n- ![Bag of coffee labeled 'Ritual Sweet Tooth,' with a bowl of coffee beans on a counter](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/iViLM5bdtN0gxVR_ohjHLddkqtY=\/fit-in\/200x2000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-ritual-coffee-sweet-tooth-irvin-lin-03-d3d7073d75154e608b7f0c1affb7483d.jpeg)\n\n**What we liked**: The Onyx Geometry was one of the most interesting, intriguing beans I tried. It was a light roast, leading to a bright, complex espresso with citrus notes of lemon and tangerine as well as summer stone fruit like pluot and apricot. The fruity notes are balanced with an earthier, nutty pecan and dark chocolate finish, making this bean layered and lively.\n\nThe long black drink had a round, full body with a nutty pecan, lemon, and dark chocolate finish. The latte brought out baking spices like cloves and nutmeg, as well as peach and nectarine. If you like bright, complex coffee, the Geometry is an excellent espresso bean.\n\n**What we didn’t like**:Folks wanting a classic espresso should look elsewhere, as this light-roasted bean is far from traditional. The beans are so lightly roasted that they are difficult to grind, jamming the built-in grinder on the Breville Barista Impress Express. I found I had to either hand-grind them or just add a teaspoon of beans at a time to the grinder for it to work properly.\n\n### Key Specs\n- **Bag size**: 10 ounces\n- **Coffee origin**: Colombia and Ethiopia\n- **Roaster’s tasting notes**: Berries, stone fruit, earl grey, honeysuckle\n\n- ![Bag and box of Onyx Coffee with a bowl of coffee beans and a glass of espresso on a marble table](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/tXT45a_TY91SN5Ge2LGEed0kCRE=\/fit-in\/1500x2000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-onyx-geometry-irvin-lin-01-31e7dc717f9640e9b09d75701fe51c99.jpeg)\n  Credit: Serious Eats\n- ![Box of Onyx Coffee Geometry blend on a countertop](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/8kcQ8pPGgvOx0Ro0jfWKVjSGx70=\/fit-in\/1500x1525\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-onyx-geometry-irvin-lin-03-b75db61b372c42799ada4153579d24c4.jpeg)\n  Credit: Serious Eats\n- ![Packaging and beans for Onyx Coffee on a marble surface](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/eaWWXVhAvZi2SXrdBTcPVYPsNxE=\/fit-in\/1500x1863\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-onyx-geometry-irvin-lin-02-f85844991a334ff0bd06010c917ce990.jpeg)\n  Credit: Serious Eats\n\n- ![Bag and box of Onyx Coffee with a bowl of coffee beans and a glass of espresso on a marble table](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/OTRzznglylWy5IaQLwNC1jGhQAg=\/fit-in\/200x2000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-onyx-geometry-irvin-lin-01-31e7dc717f9640e9b09d75701fe51c99.jpeg)\n- ![Box of Onyx Coffee Geometry blend on a countertop](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/uYQweXCUQB2lEI-1jo2P9ZtSoCs=\/fit-in\/200x1525\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-onyx-geometry-irvin-lin-03-b75db61b372c42799ada4153579d24c4.jpeg)\n- ![Packaging and beans for Onyx Coffee on a marble surface](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/ZeOTgohgOF1JdChz9x-7NF5XBfk=\/fit-in\/200x1863\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-onyx-geometry-irvin-lin-02-f85844991a334ff0bd06010c917ce990.jpeg)\n\n**What we liked**: Owl’s Howl is a blended medium-roast bean that falls somewhere between the bright complexity of Onyx Geometry and the more classic George Howell Alchemy. Initial sips of it offered a round body with slight, pleasant bitterness that most folks expect from quality espresso. The espresso gains dimension from complex notes of dark plum, orange peel, burnt molasses, and dark chocolate. The long black offered a full-bodied cup, with cocoa powder, toasted almond, and plum, while the latte had a lovely balance with darker notes of molasses, cacao nib, and orange peel.\n\n**What we didn’t like**: This is a beautiful coffee, but it walks the line between a traditional espresso and a brighter, more complexly flavored espresso. Folks looking for something classic might find it too complex, while folks who enjoy bright and lively drinks might think it lacks nuance.\n\n### Key Specs\n- **Bag size**: 12 ounces\n- **Coffee origin**: Central America and East Africa (varying)\n- **Roaster’s tasting notes**: Cacao nib, stone fruit, candied orange\n\n- ![A bag of Sight Glass Owls Howl espresso whole bean coffee, labeled organic with tasting notes and weight details](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/hfT_XeOcv__d5X18uPyKJo91gbw=\/fit-in\/1500x1921\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-sightglass-coffee-owls-howl-irvin-lin-03-8122188bd7da4df985a6a1f96f84a6f2.jpeg)\n  Credit: Serious Eats\n- ![Bag of organic whole bean coffee with a bowl of coffee beans in the foreground](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/9kKBhNlAwB9uFWnMeu_WMFPRznQ=\/fit-in\/1500x2000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-sightglass-coffee-owls-howl-irvin-lin-02-835c57d2a81a4ce8abb104544309be58.jpeg)\n  Credit: Serious Eats\n- ![Bag of Owl's Howl coffee with a cup and bowl of beans](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/EkLG_UJMeIzzda4fbLRiAOc3TLs=\/fit-in\/1500x2000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-sightglass-coffee-owls-howl-irvin-lin-01-fed49fee2f8c4af89012c6e323bea73a.jpeg)\n  Credit: Serious Eats\n\n- ![A bag of Sight Glass Owls Howl espresso whole bean coffee, labeled organic with tasting notes and weight details](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/nPh9kpUiIj99_4jJsJZ3tP3hYsw=\/fit-in\/200x1921\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-sightglass-coffee-owls-howl-irvin-lin-03-8122188bd7da4df985a6a1f96f84a6f2.jpeg)\n- ![Bag of organic whole bean coffee with a bowl of coffee beans in the foreground](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/yDZL7KNnzcVK8lnZ_oknnbJGtk8=\/fit-in\/200x2000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-sightglass-coffee-owls-howl-irvin-lin-02-835c57d2a81a4ce8abb104544309be58.jpeg)\n- ![Bag of Owl's Howl coffee with a cup and bowl of beans](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/frsfe00rDO97VseYseAJ829ECPo=\/fit-in\/200x2000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-sightglass-coffee-owls-howl-irvin-lin-01-fed49fee2f8c4af89012c6e323bea73a.jpeg)\n\n**What we liked**: A pioneer in the third-wave coffee scene—a movement toward higher quality beans, single-origin sourcing, and lighter-roasted beans that started in the late 1990s and early 2000s—Counter Culture has a strong educational program built into its mission statement. Its blended espresso bean, Big Trouble, can be found at many grocery stores and has an accessible price point and flavor profile.\n\nThe bean is a medium-dark roast, which highlights some pleasant bitterness up front. The espresso shot had some nuttiness, bittersweet chocolate, and a very subtle hint of dark cherry in it. The long black brought out notes of caramel and molasses while keeping the dark chocolate front and center. The latte highlighted the chocolate as well, delivering a round-bodied drink with classic latte flavors like cocoa powder and almond.\n\n**What we didn’t like**: Big Trouble was less flavorful and complex than other beans I tasted.\n\n### Key Specs\n- **Bag size**: 12 ounces\n- **Coffee origin**: Varies throughout the year\n- **Roaster’s tasting notes**: Caramel, nutty, round\n\n- ![Bag of Counter Culture Coffee Big Trouble, bowl of coffee beans, and cup of espresso on a counter](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/WObGKvFu9oxXZITbSNHHYCzrNGU=\/fit-in\/1500x2000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-counter-culture-coffee-big-trouble-irvin-lin-01-508d4de8e3c44bbabc6215e81f31e02a.jpeg)\n  Credit: Serious Eats\n- ![A bag of Counter Culture Coffee, labeled Big Trouble with tasting notes caramel, nutty, and round, on a white tile background](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/G7rqmy0H3e4TZqszVXe6SiF-P0I=\/fit-in\/1500x1801\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-counter-culture-coffee-big-trouble-irvin-lin-03-5a5798beb02340bfaa2c86076a4bf3e7.jpeg)\n  Credit: Serious Eats\n- ![A bag of Counter Culture Coffee labeled 'Big Trouble' next to a small glass bowl of coffee beans](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/KsoHJOSPuQYOLXQ9UZVipMvd0GA=\/fit-in\/1500x2000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-counter-culture-coffee-big-trouble-irvin-lin-02-b52ed301e24d4d038027bfca5235cb46.jpeg)\n  Credit: Serious Eats\n\n- ![Bag of Counter Culture Coffee Big Trouble, bowl of coffee beans, and cup of espresso on a counter](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/k08F9fhlcF_5CmbY5AIdUT6e1TM=\/fit-in\/200x2000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-counter-culture-coffee-big-trouble-irvin-lin-01-508d4de8e3c44bbabc6215e81f31e02a.jpeg)\n- ![A bag of Counter Culture Coffee, labeled Big Trouble with tasting notes caramel, nutty, and round, on a white tile background](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/4c_lqcOtFc6Vmuq7wGAFGBxVdfQ=\/fit-in\/200x1801\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-counter-culture-coffee-big-trouble-irvin-lin-03-5a5798beb02340bfaa2c86076a4bf3e7.jpeg)\n- ![A bag of Counter Culture Coffee labeled 'Big Trouble' next to a small glass bowl of coffee beans](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/8mxKySr1fcg7-pgfNe4MYg4rp8U=\/fit-in\/200x2000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-counter-culture-coffee-big-trouble-irvin-lin-02-b52ed301e24d4d038027bfca5235cb46.jpeg)\n\n**What we liked**: The [process of decaffeinating coffee](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/how-coffee-gets-decaffeinated-water-process-what-is-decaf) will often strip out flavor, as it’s impossible to *just* remove caffeine from a coffee bean. But Decaf Eye of the Tiger offers a bean that pulls a solid espresso, with notes of milk chocolate, nutty almond, tangerine peel, and baking spices like cinnamon and allspice.\n\nFeaturing a lighter roast than is typical for decaf and espresso, these beans came through with fruity notes of orange and tangerine in both the espresso shot and long black. The latte had a mild but still balanced flavor, with nutty toasted walnut and almond notes and a mellow, malt chocolate finish.\n\n**What we didn’t like**: Like all decaf coffees, this bean isn’t super robust in flavor. Still, it’s one of the better decaffeinated espresso beans I tried.\n\n### Key Specs\n- **Bag size**: 10.5 ounces\n- **Coffee origin**: Colombia and Brazil (varies throughout the year)\n- **Roaster’s tasting notes**: cranberry, chocolate-covered almonds, mulling spices\n\n- ![A coffee bag labeled Equator Coffees, a bowl of coffee beans, and an espresso shot in a glass cup](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/m72CgojNwS-9SHJ6tJfsV9TD8Ss=\/fit-in\/1500x2000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-equator-decaf-eye-of-the-tiger-espresso-irvin-lin-01-e350bf8661814ed29546caa412d22cf2.jpeg)\n  Credit: Serious Eats\n- ![Bag of Decaf Eye of the Tiger Espresso by Equator Coffees, with tasting notes and certifications displayed](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/VmsviLhEub21DnBr86vpHp3y-oM=\/fit-in\/1500x1831\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-equator-decaf-eye-of-the-tiger-espresso-irvin-lin-03-71c8279d7ae44dd4b45420b672e16f5d.jpeg)\n  Credit: Serious Eats\n- ![A bag of Equator Coffees decaf coffee labeled Eye of the Tiger Espresso next to a small bowl of coffee beans](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/iANYY2Viq4OKJX7A98QfocNUP4I=\/fit-in\/1500x2000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-equator-decaf-eye-of-the-tiger-espresso-irvin-lin-02-d1a9c0650c684276a304f8ddf4e039eb.jpeg)\n  Credit: Serious Eats\n\n- ![A coffee bag labeled Equator Coffees, a bowl of coffee beans, and an espresso shot in a glass cup](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/hYWaoemQv6rL97NqdFZn62zSbPY=\/fit-in\/200x2000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-equator-decaf-eye-of-the-tiger-espresso-irvin-lin-01-e350bf8661814ed29546caa412d22cf2.jpeg)\n- ![Bag of Decaf Eye of the Tiger Espresso by Equator Coffees, with tasting notes and certifications displayed](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/xw6SvCCYpefBS6scGx9TrI-nQuU=\/fit-in\/200x1831\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-equator-decaf-eye-of-the-tiger-espresso-irvin-lin-03-71c8279d7ae44dd4b45420b672e16f5d.jpeg)\n- ![A bag of Equator Coffees decaf coffee labeled Eye of the Tiger Espresso next to a small bowl of coffee beans](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/thmb\/RIjLVx4QLypE_nLmEHhDH8OYFFk=\/fit-in\/200x2000\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/sea-equator-decaf-eye-of-the-tiger-espresso-irvin-lin-02-d1a9c0650c684276a304f8ddf4e039eb.jpeg)\n## The Competition\n### Other Good Options\n- [Ritual Ace](https:\/\/ritualcoffee.com\/shop\/coffee\/ace-esperanca-brasil\/): In addition to Sweet Tooth, Ritual also offers the Ace espresso bean year-round. A dual-purpose bean, it’s roasted and intended for both pour-over and espresso. It produces a medium-bodied espresso that’s sweet, though not as sweet as Sweet Tooth. Tasting notes include baking spices like nutmeg and allspice as well as a milk chocolate and butter toffee finish.\n- [Intelligentsia Black Cat Espresso](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Intelligentsia-Classic-Espresso-Coffee-12-Ounce\/dp\/B0055ZRUOO\/?th=1&tag=seriouseats-onsite-prod-20&ascsubtag=7506734): This darker roasted bean had a medium body and round flavor with notes of milk chocolate and earthy blueberry. It’s not overly robust in flavor, but it still offered a balanced shot, a pleasant long black, and a classic latte coffee flavor.\n- [Kuma Coffee Classic](https:\/\/www.drinktrade.com\/products\/balanced?variant=45941994979647): This classic espresso had semisweet chocolate and nutty pecan notes. It was a nicely balanced bean with a round body, smooth finish, and mild acidity.\n- [Stumptown Hair Bender](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B008J4WEBM\/?th=1&tag=seriouseats-onsite-prod-20&ascsubtag=7506734): I enjoy Hair Bender as a pour-over coffee and was excited to try it as an espresso. It had a classic flavor, with bittersweet chocolate, plum, and pecan tasting notes. It didn’t have as robust a body when pulled as an espresso, though it made an excellent long black and created a classic latte flavor when poured into steamed milk.\n### Not Recommended\n- [Blue Bottle Hayes Valley Espresso](https:\/\/bluebottlecoffee.com\/us\/eng\/product\/hayes-valley-espresso): This dark-roasted bean tasted bitter and left a lingering burnt taste in my mouth. Some of the beans were noticeably damaged and broken when the bag was opened, and it was twice as expensive as others..\n- [Tandem Coffee Time and Temperature](https:\/\/www.mistobox.com\/time-and-temperature-espresso-blend): A medium-light-roasted bean, Time and Temperature was surprisingly bitter and had less flavor than other beans. It was also not as rich or full-bodied.\n- [Intelligentsia Black Cat Decaf](https:\/\/www.intelligentsia.com\/products\/decaf-black-cat-espresso): Intelligentsia’s Black Cat Decaf bean started with a strong, bitter note and didn’t have as much flavor afterward. Espresso, long black, and lattes all lacked depth and tasted one-note.\n- [Lavazza Super Crema](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/B000SDKDM4\/?tag=seriouseats-onsite-prod-20&ascsubtag=7506734): This reasonably priced large bag of espresso is a blend of Arabica beans, which are typically used for specialty coffee, and Robusta beans, which are usually grown for cheaper commodity coffee. It produced an adequate but unremarkable shot of espresso with strong, bitter notes. Lattes were one-dimensional and flat, though espresso and long black drinks were slightly better with notes of chocolate and toasted bread.\n## FAQs\n### What makes a good espresso blend?\nA good espresso blend has a balance of acidity, bitterness, and sweetness, and offers a medium- to full-bodied shot. Because coffee is a seasonal crop, an espresso blend is crafted to maintain consistency throughout the year, hitting the same flavor notes even when using different beans.\n\n### Do espresso beans have more caffeine than coffee beans?\nAny bean can be used to make espresso, and as such, espresso beans have the same amount of caffeine as regular coffee beans. Some roasts, like those from [Onyx Coffee Lab](https:\/\/onyxcoffeelab.com\/), will even list how much caffeine is in each bean they sell. That said, because espresso is a more concentrated form of coffee, there is often more caffeine in a shot of espresso than there is in a similar amount of a pour-over or French press coffee.\n\n### What roast makes the best espresso?\nTraditionally, darker-roasted beans have been used for espresso, but all roasts can be used to make espresso. Different roasts will produce espresso with different flavors. But if you prefer a more classic espresso, opt for medium- to dark-roast beans. For a more complex flavored espresso, experiment with light- or medium-roast beans.\n\n### Why We're the Experts\n- [Irvin Lin](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/irvin-lin-5248800) is a cookbook author, recipe developer, food writer, photographer, and ceramicist. He wrote the cookbook [*Marbled, Swirled, and Layered*](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Marbled-Swirled-Layered-Recipes-Variations\/dp\/0544453735?ascsubtag=7506734&tag=seriouseats-onsite-prod-20)*,* which was picked by *The New York Times* as one of the best baking cookbooks of 2016. He's also an IACP-award-winning photographer and is currently on the James Beard Book Awards Subcommittee.\n- Irvin runs a blog called [Eat the Love](https:\/\/www.eatthelove.com\/), where he’s developed, photographed, and written recipes since 2010.\n- He’s tested and reviewed hundreds of kitchen items, including [stand mixers](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/best-stand-mixers-7377555) and [digital thermometers](https:\/\/www.seriouseats.com\/best-instant-read-thermometers-5323231).\n- For this review, Irvin tried 15 different espresso beans, pulling over 50 shots and tasting multiple drinks with each shot, including long blacks and lattes. He’s still reeling from the caffeine buzz.","meta_canonical":null}

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Meta Title	The 7 Best Espresso Beans of 2026, Tested & Reviewed
Meta Description	We tested 15 espresso beans and found seven top picks—ones that were smooth, delicious, and at home in a variety of coffee drinks.
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Boilerpipe Text	Straight to the Point My favorite espresso beans are the Partners Coffee Roasters Bedford Espresso . It makes excellent, smooth espresso shots. One of my first post-college jobs was working at a small café in an independent bookstore, where I made espresso drinks. Back then, I loved darker roasts. But as specialty coffee has slowly expanded and become more commonplace, so has my palate. I now embrace the medium and light roast beans that are popular with specialty coffee roasters. And though I still appreciate beans with chocolate, nutty flavors, I also love ones that are delicately balanced and feature fruity or bright, floral notes. Even with my experience, judging coffee beans can be challenging, especially those meant for espresso. The rich, intense flavor of espresso is often associated with darker, bitter notes. But espresso doesn’t have to be just dark and bitter—it can be rich, complex, and sweet. And though any bean can be used to make espresso, not all beans are well-suited for this syrupy, rich coffee. With that in mind, I tested 15 espresso beans to find the best ones for a variety of drinks, be it a cappuccino or cortado. The Tests I made loads of espresso to test the quality of the beans. Serious Eats Espresso Shot Test : Using each bean, I pulled a double shot of espresso with one of Serious Eats’ favorite espresso machines, the Breville Barista Express Impress . I then tasted the coffee and took notes on its flavor profile. Long Black Test : I added 100 grams of near-boiling water (200°F) to a mug. Then, I pulled a double shot of espresso directly into the water. I tasted and took notes on its flavor profile. Latte Test : I pulled a double shot of espresso and then steamed 200 grams (seven ounces) of whole milk to 140°F. I made a latte and tasted it, taking notes of the flavor profile and any changes I noticed in the presence of milk. What We Learned Espresso Is a Process and a Drink Espresso is as much the process of brewing as it is the beans. Serious Eats Unlike, say, a French press or pour-over, espresso brews using pressure. A typical espresso machine uses about nine bars of pressure to force hot water through finely ground coffee. The result is a small amount of intensely concentrated coffee, typically with a total dissolved solids (TDS) of 8 to 12%. (Basically, TDS is the amount of coffee present.) By comparison, French press coffee ranges from 1.4% to 1.7%, and pour-over is only 1.2% to 1.5%. This concentrated espresso shot can be enjoyed in multiple ways, be it sipped from an espresso cup or made into espresso drinks like Americanos, lattes, cappuccinos, and mochas. There’s No Such Thing as Espresso Beans or an Espresso Roast Espresso beans aren't actually a thing. Serious Eats A common misconception is that espresso beans are all dark roasted. Traditionally, this is true. But there isn’t an actual espresso coffee bean, nor is there a standard roast for espresso. Colin Stoeber, Education Manager at Sightglass Coffee, says, “Technically, there is no difference between the coffee beans used for espresso versus any other brewing method. That's right—the same plant, the same seeds, and the same caffeine level! ‘Espresso’ is a method of brewing coffee defined by using a machine that creates pressure (around nine bars) to catalyze the extraction for a short, quick, and intense beverage.” Nowadays, modern coffee shops use a wide range of roasts for espresso, though darker ones are more common. Stoeber further explained, “In the roastery, espresso blends are often developed just a pinch longer than other offerings. Increasing the development during the roasting process increases the solubility of the coffee, which makes it easier to work with in brewing methods with shorter contact times.” Still, some roasters put “espresso roast” on their bags. This typically means that they have blended or roasted their beans with espresso in mind. That said, some beans might be better suited to espresso, just as others lend themselves well to pour-over or French press. A bean that has delicate flavor notes might get lost in a concentrated espresso shot. Daria Whalen, the green coffee buyer at Ritual Coffee Roasters , explained it this way: “Coffees with rich flavors of cocoa or red fruits tend to pop more in an espresso or a darker roasted drip coffee, and those with more tea-like flavors are best reserved for drip roasts.” Still, I didn’t necessarily favor the darker roasted bean I tried. The Blue Bottle’s Hayes Valley Espresso , for example, had an overly burnt flavor. This was something I particularly noticed when it was made into a long black, which is similar to an Americano. Darker roasted beans were also more brittle, as evident when I found numerous broken beans in the Blue Bottle bag. Roast Date Was Important The fresher the espresso bean, the better the result. Serious Eats There’s a Goldilocks window of coffee freshness. Andrea Allen, founder of Onyx Coffee Lab , says, “Best practice would be a week off roast but fresher than three months.” This is because freshly roasted coffee beans have a lot of carbon dioxide built up inside them. This is why you bloom your coffee when doing a pour-over , as this allows the grounds to expel the carbon dioxide, which otherwise might interfere with extraction and brewing. Carbon dioxide is what produces crema, the light-colored foam on top of the espresso shot. But too much CO2 can result in an uneven pull, resulting in a beautiful-looking crema (because of the gas) but a weak, flat espresso that lacks sweetness. Best Was Subjective Some folks might prefer dark roast over light, so in the end, taste is subjective. Serious Eats Taste is subjective, and you might not like the coffee I like. In the New Rules of Coffee by Jordan Michelman and Zachary Carlsen, Rule 15 starts out: “Does it taste good? There you go, you’ve found your favorite coffee!” I enjoy a wide range of coffees, including bright, floral, and fruity beans and darker, nutty, chocolatey ones. But my husband definitely prefers the latter. Neither is right nor wrong, just different. As such, I tried to categorize and pick espresso beans that fit all different palates. But if there’s an espresso bean you love that isn’t on the list, it’s not because I didn’t like it. Hundreds of roasters make excellent coffee, and as much as I would love to try them all, that’s not feasible. The Criteria: What to Look for in Espresso Beans Serious Eats Look for beans that have tasting notes that match your palate and preference, expecting those flavors to become more intense when made into an espresso shot. If you plan on using the espresso beans for a milk-based drink like lattes or cappuccinos, consider looking for a washed processed bean that has notes of caramel or chocolate. Finally, look for beans that have a roast date on the bag. This indicates that the roaster is of higher quality. It also gives you a sense of how old the beans are. If you can, use the beans within one week of roasting for optimum flavor. Our Favorite Coffee Beans for Espresso What we liked : Partners Bedford espresso is a beautiful blend of Colombian and Ethiopian beans. It has a classic espresso taste without any overly bitter notes, as well as a deeper, complex flavor profile and rich, smooth body. Dominant flavors include dark chocolate, caramel, brown sugar, and molasses—all typical flavor notes most folks associate with espresso. This makes it ideal for milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. There were also hints of black currant and dark, British-style, Seville orange marmalade, giving it dimension in sip after sip. When I diluted the espresso shot and made it a long black, I found the sweet brown sugar flavors became more dominant, with notes of hazelnut and milk chocolate in the finish. What we didn’t like : Folks who prefer more traditional, darker roasts might want to opt for a bean that isn’t as complex as this one. Key Specs Bag size : 12 ounces Coffee origin : Colombia and Ethiopia Roaster’s tasting notes : Marmalade, pomegranate, brown sugar Credit: Serious Eats Credit: Serious Eats Credit: Serious Eats Credit: Serious Eats What we liked : George Howell is a pioneer in the coffee industry, creating the Coffee Connection initially based out of Cambridge, Massachusetts, before being bought out by Starbucks in 1994. (The company acquired the rights to use the name “Frappuccino” with the buyout.) Ten years later, he founded George Howell Coffee and has been directly working with coffee farmers to find the best, sustainably grown beans. Alchemy is a blend orffering a classic espresso flavor that works well in milk-based drinks. A slightly darker roast develops the dark chocolate, malt, and nutty flavors that are traditionally associated with espresso but without the biting bitterness that’s often a result of darker roasting. The espresso had a rich, velvety body with top notes of peanut and pecan leading into bittersweet chocolate. The long black revealed a hint of cherry cordial along with the dark chocolate. And the latte had a rich body and a classic flavor with sweet, molasses notes. What we didn’t like : The dark roast of these beans produced a classic espresso shot, but it wasn’t quite as complex as some of the beans I tasted. Key Specs Bag size : 12 ounces Coffee origin : Brazil, Costa Rica, Guatemala Roaster’s tasting notes : Chocolate, almond, nougat Credit: Serious Eats Credit: Serious Eats Credit: Serious Eats What we liked : Ritual Coffee specializes in seasonal beans, and that means the beans it uses for its espresso offerings of Sweet Tooth and Ace tend to rotate throughout the year. Sweet Tooth offers a sweeter profile, featuring a rich, syrupy body that hits you up front with butterscotch and toffee notes. The flavor lingers with notes of summer berries, like strawberry and blackberry. A slight acidity also helps cut through some of the sweetness of the espresso, creating a balanced shot. When diluted into a long black, the espresso’s sweetness mellows and its acidity sharpens. I detected notes of mandarin orange and key lime, as well as a turbinado sugar finish. Lattes had a lovely butterscotch flavor and were classically coffee-forward. What we didn’t like : Because of the sweet profile, this bean might not appeal to those folks who favor darker, more bitter espresso. Key Specs Bag size : 12 ounces Coffee origin : Burundi Roaster’s tasting notes : Strawberry, lime, butterscotch Credit: Serious Eats Credit: Serious Eats Credit: Serious Eats Credit: Serious Eats What we liked : The Onyx Geometry was one of the most interesting, intriguing beans I tried. It was a light roast, leading to a bright, complex espresso with citrus notes of lemon and tangerine as well as summer stone fruit like pluot and apricot. The fruity notes are balanced with an earthier, nutty pecan and dark chocolate finish, making this bean layered and lively. The long black drink had a round, full body with a nutty pecan, lemon, and dark chocolate finish. The latte brought out baking spices like cloves and nutmeg, as well as peach and nectarine. If you like bright, complex coffee, the Geometry is an excellent espresso bean. What we didn’t like : Folks wanting a classic espresso should look elsewhere, as this light-roasted bean is far from traditional. The beans are so lightly roasted that they are difficult to grind, jamming the built-in grinder on the Breville Barista Impress Express. I found I had to either hand-grind them or just add a teaspoon of beans at a time to the grinder for it to work properly. Key Specs Bag size : 10 ounces Coffee origin : Colombia and Ethiopia Roaster’s tasting notes : Berries, stone fruit, earl grey, honeysuckle Credit: Serious Eats Credit: Serious Eats Credit: Serious Eats What we liked : Owl’s Howl is a blended medium-roast bean that falls somewhere between the bright complexity of Onyx Geometry and the more classic George Howell Alchemy. Initial sips of it offered a round body with slight, pleasant bitterness that most folks expect from quality espresso. The espresso gains dimension from complex notes of dark plum, orange peel, burnt molasses, and dark chocolate. The long black offered a full-bodied cup, with cocoa powder, toasted almond, and plum, while the latte had a lovely balance with darker notes of molasses, cacao nib, and orange peel. What we didn’t like : This is a beautiful coffee, but it walks the line between a traditional espresso and a brighter, more complexly flavored espresso. Folks looking for something classic might find it too complex, while folks who enjoy bright and lively drinks might think it lacks nuance. Key Specs Bag size : 12 ounces Coffee origin : Central America and East Africa (varying) Roaster’s tasting notes : Cacao nib, stone fruit, candied orange Credit: Serious Eats Credit: Serious Eats Credit: Serious Eats What we liked : A pioneer in the third-wave coffee scene—a movement toward higher quality beans, single-origin sourcing, and lighter-roasted beans that started in the late 1990s and early 2000s—Counter Culture has a strong educational program built into its mission statement. Its blended espresso bean, Big Trouble, can be found at many grocery stores and has an accessible price point and flavor profile. The bean is a medium-dark roast, which highlights some pleasant bitterness up front. The espresso shot had some nuttiness, bittersweet chocolate, and a very subtle hint of dark cherry in it. The long black brought out notes of caramel and molasses while keeping the dark chocolate front and center. The latte highlighted the chocolate as well, delivering a round-bodied drink with classic latte flavors like cocoa powder and almond. What we didn’t like : Big Trouble was less flavorful and complex than other beans I tasted. Key Specs Bag size : 12 ounces Coffee origin : Varies throughout the year Roaster’s tasting notes : Caramel, nutty, round Credit: Serious Eats Credit: Serious Eats Credit: Serious Eats What we liked : The process of decaffeinating coffee will often strip out flavor, as it’s impossible to just remove caffeine from a coffee bean. But Decaf Eye of the Tiger offers a bean that pulls a solid espresso, with notes of milk chocolate, nutty almond, tangerine peel, and baking spices like cinnamon and allspice. Featuring a lighter roast than is typical for decaf and espresso, these beans came through with fruity notes of orange and tangerine in both the espresso shot and long black. The latte had a mild but still balanced flavor, with nutty toasted walnut and almond notes and a mellow, malt chocolate finish. What we didn’t like : Like all decaf coffees, this bean isn’t super robust in flavor. Still, it’s one of the better decaffeinated espresso beans I tried. Key Specs Bag size : 10.5 ounces Coffee origin : Colombia and Brazil (varies throughout the year) Roaster’s tasting notes : cranberry, chocolate-covered almonds, mulling spices Credit: Serious Eats Credit: Serious Eats Credit: Serious Eats The Competition Other Good Options Ritual Ace : In addition to Sweet Tooth, Ritual also offers the Ace espresso bean year-round. A dual-purpose bean, it’s roasted and intended for both pour-over and espresso. It produces a medium-bodied espresso that’s sweet, though not as sweet as Sweet Tooth. Tasting notes include baking spices like nutmeg and allspice as well as a milk chocolate and butter toffee finish. Intelligentsia Black Cat Espresso : This darker roasted bean had a medium body and round flavor with notes of milk chocolate and earthy blueberry. It’s not overly robust in flavor, but it still offered a balanced shot, a pleasant long black, and a classic latte coffee flavor. Kuma Coffee Classic : This classic espresso had semisweet chocolate and nutty pecan notes. It was a nicely balanced bean with a round body, smooth finish, and mild acidity. Stumptown Hair Bender : I enjoy Hair Bender as a pour-over coffee and was excited to try it as an espresso. It had a classic flavor, with bittersweet chocolate, plum, and pecan tasting notes. It didn’t have as robust a body when pulled as an espresso, though it made an excellent long black and created a classic latte flavor when poured into steamed milk. Not Recommended Blue Bottle Hayes Valley Espresso : This dark-roasted bean tasted bitter and left a lingering burnt taste in my mouth. Some of the beans were noticeably damaged and broken when the bag was opened, and it was twice as expensive as others.. Tandem Coffee Time and Temperature : A medium-light-roasted bean, Time and Temperature was surprisingly bitter and had less flavor than other beans. It was also not as rich or full-bodied. Intelligentsia Black Cat Decaf : Intelligentsia’s Black Cat Decaf bean started with a strong, bitter note and didn’t have as much flavor afterward. Espresso, long black, and lattes all lacked depth and tasted one-note. Lavazza Super Crema : This reasonably priced large bag of espresso is a blend of Arabica beans, which are typically used for specialty coffee, and Robusta beans, which are usually grown for cheaper commodity coffee. It produced an adequate but unremarkable shot of espresso with strong, bitter notes. Lattes were one-dimensional and flat, though espresso and long black drinks were slightly better with notes of chocolate and toasted bread. FAQs What makes a good espresso blend? A good espresso blend has a balance of acidity, bitterness, and sweetness, and offers a medium- to full-bodied shot. Because coffee is a seasonal crop, an espresso blend is crafted to maintain consistency throughout the year, hitting the same flavor notes even when using different beans. Do espresso beans have more caffeine than coffee beans? Any bean can be used to make espresso, and as such, espresso beans have the same amount of caffeine as regular coffee beans. Some roasts, like those from Onyx Coffee Lab , will even list how much caffeine is in each bean they sell. That said, because espresso is a more concentrated form of coffee, there is often more caffeine in a shot of espresso than there is in a similar amount of a pour-over or French press coffee. What roast makes the best espresso? Traditionally, darker-roasted beans have been used for espresso, but all roasts can be used to make espresso. Different roasts will produce espresso with different flavors. But if you prefer a more classic espresso, opt for medium- to dark-roast beans. For a more complex flavored espresso, experiment with light- or medium-roast beans. Why We're the Experts Irvin Lin is a cookbook author, recipe developer, food writer, photographer, and ceramicist. He wrote the cookbook Marbled, Swirled, and Layered , which was picked by The New York Times as one of the best baking cookbooks of 2016. He's also an IACP-award-winning photographer and is currently on the James Beard Book Awards Subcommittee. Irvin runs a blog called Eat the Love , where he’s developed, photographed, and written recipes since 2010. He’s tested and reviewed hundreds of kitchen items, including stand mixers and digital thermometers . For this review, Irvin tried 15 different espresso beans, pulling over 50 shots and tasting multiple drinks with each shot, including long blacks and lattes. He’s still reeling from the caffeine buzz.
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If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. # I Tried 15 Espresso Beans to Find the Best Ones for Lattes, Americanos, and Lungos My top picks are from Partners Coffee Roasters, George Howell, and Ritual Coffee. By [Irvin Lin](https://www.seriouseats.com/irvin-lin-5248800) ![Irvin Lin]() ![Irvin Lin](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/bK-M_YvakArQLCGIhNbzPhBiobA=/200x200/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/Irvin-Lin-HeadShot-1500x2250-cf5ac0f8d6b04b27b72e40b375c574d8.jpg) [Irvin Lin](https://www.seriouseats.com/irvin-lin-5248800) Irvin Lin is a contributing writer for Serious Eats. He’s written and created content focusing on food, travel and lifestyle for over 10 years. Learn about Serious Eats' [Editorial Process](https://www.seriouseats.com/about-us-5120006#toc-editorial-guidelines) Updated February 18, 2026 ![A variety of espresso coffee bags from different brands arranged side by side](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/g0b_LXRgphtMOLYCERpn1Hdx7wU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-espresso-beans-lead-image-irvin-lin-06-499bf43f39ac4dcc835acd8272e8c815.jpeg) ![A variety of espresso coffee bags from different brands arranged side by side](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/g0b_LXRgphtMOLYCERpn1Hdx7wU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-espresso-beans-lead-image-irvin-lin-06-499bf43f39ac4dcc835acd8272e8c815.jpeg) Serious Eats In This Article Expand - [Top Picks](https://www.seriouseats.com/best-espresso-beans-7506734#toc-top-picks) - [The Tests](https://www.seriouseats.com/best-espresso-beans-7506734#toc-the-tests) - [What We Learned](https://www.seriouseats.com/best-espresso-beans-7506734#toc-what-we-learned) - [The Criteria](https://www.seriouseats.com/best-espresso-beans-7506734#toc-the-criteria-what-to-look-for-in-espresso-beans) - [Our Favorite Coffee Beans for Espresso](https://www.seriouseats.com/best-espresso-beans-7506734#toc-our-favorite-coffee-beans-for-espresso) - [The Competition](https://www.seriouseats.com/best-espresso-beans-7506734#toc-the-competition) - [FAQs](https://www.seriouseats.com/best-espresso-beans-7506734#toc-faqs) ### Straight to the Point My favorite espresso beans are the [Partners Coffee Roasters Bedford Espresso](https://www.amazon.com/TOBYS-ESTATE-Bedford-Espresso-Coffee/dp/B07DRLLRSN?th=1&tag=seriouseats-onsite-prod-20&ascsubtag=7506734). It makes excellent, smooth espresso shots. One of my first post-college jobs was working at a small café in an independent bookstore, where I made espresso drinks. Back then, I loved darker roasts. But as specialty coffee has slowly expanded and become more commonplace, so has my palate. I now embrace the medium and light roast beans that are popular with specialty coffee roasters. And though I still appreciate beans with chocolate, nutty flavors, I also love ones that are delicately balanced and feature fruity or bright, floral notes. Even with my experience, judging coffee beans can be challenging, especially those meant for espresso. The rich, intense flavor of espresso is often associated with darker, bitter notes. But espresso doesn’t have to be just dark and bitter—it can be rich, complex, and sweet. And though any bean can be used to make espresso, not all beans are well-suited for this syrupy, rich coffee. With that in mind, I tested 15 espresso beans to find the best ones for a variety of drinks, be it a cappuccino or cortado. ## Top Picks The Best Espresso Beans: [Partners Coffee Roasters Bedford Espresso at Amazon \$22](https://www.amazon.com/TOBYS-ESTATE-Bedford-Espresso-Coffee/dp/B07DRLLRSN?tag=seriouseats-onsite-prod-20&ascsubtag=7506734) [Jump to Review](https://www.seriouseats.com/best-espresso-beans-7506734#toc-the-best-espresso-beans-partners-coffee-roasters-bedford-espresso) The Best Classic, Chocolatey Espresso Beans: [George Howell Coffee Alchemy Espresso at Georgehowellcoffee.com \$20](https://georgehowellcoffee.com/collections/espresso/products/alchemy-espresso-alc-001) [Jump to Review](https://www.seriouseats.com/best-espresso-beans-7506734#toc-the-best-classic-chocolatey-espresso-beans-george-howell-coffee-alchemy-espresso) The Best Espresso Beans with a Sweet Profile: [Ritual Sweet Tooth Espresso Roast at Ritualcoffee.com](https://ritualcoffee.com/shop/coffee/sweet-tooth-espresso-incuti/) [Jump to Review](https://www.seriouseats.com/best-espresso-beans-7506734#toc-the-best-espresso-beans-with-a-sweet-profile-ritual-sweet-tooth-espresso-roast) The Best Bright, Complex Espresso Beans: [Onyx Coffee Geometry Roast at Onyxcoffeelab.com \$23](https://onyxcoffeelab.com/products/geometry?variant=31862717677666) [Jump to Review](https://www.seriouseats.com/best-espresso-beans-7506734#toc-the-best-bright-complex-espresso-beans-onyx-coffee-geometry-roast) Another Great Complex Espresso Bean: [Sightglass Coffee Owl’s Howl Espresso at Sightglasscoffee.com \$21](https://sightglasscoffee.com/products/owls-howl?variant=16451284762739) [Jump to Review](https://www.seriouseats.com/best-espresso-beans-7506734#toc-another-great-complex-espresso-bean-sightglass-coffee-owls-howl-espresso) The Best, Most Recognizable Espresso Beans: [Counter Culture Coffee Big Trouble at Amazon \$20](https://www.amazon.com/Counter-Culture-Coffee-Trouble-Ounce/dp/B07N3FC7L6?tag=seriouseats-onsite-prod-20&ascsubtag=7506734) [Jump to Review](https://www.seriouseats.com/best-espresso-beans-7506734#toc-the-best-most-recognizable-espresso-beans-counter-culture-coffee-big-trouble) The Best Decaf Espresso Beans: [Equator Coffee Decaf Eye of the Tiger Espresso at Williams Sonoma \$20](https://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/equator-coffee-decaf-eye-of-the-tiger-espresso-coffee-beans/?catalogId=79&sku=9560572) [Jump to Review](https://www.seriouseats.com/best-espresso-beans-7506734#toc-the-best-decaf-espresso-beans-equator-coffee-decaf-eye-of-the-tiger-espresso) ## The Tests ![Espresso machine pouring coffee into a glass cup on a scale](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/QzCKoi2UZsY0v38409rb0-9E-VA=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-espresso-beans-lead-image-irvin-lin-09-ea0b17aea8764eb4bd7a4a98ff5b4860.jpeg) ![Espresso machine pouring coffee into a glass cup on a scale](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/QzCKoi2UZsY0v38409rb0-9E-VA=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-espresso-beans-lead-image-irvin-lin-09-ea0b17aea8764eb4bd7a4a98ff5b4860.jpeg) I made loads of espresso to test the quality of the beans. Serious Eats - Espresso Shot Test: Using each bean, I pulled a double shot of espresso with one of Serious Eats’ favorite espresso machines, the [Breville Barista Express Impress](https://www.amazon.com/Breville-Express%252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525C2%252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525AE-Espresso-Stainless-BES876BSS/dp/B0BBYNPV33?tag=seriouseats-onsite-prod-20&ascsubtag=7506734). I then tasted the coffee and took notes on its flavor profile. - Long Black Test: I added 100 grams of near-boiling water (200°F) to a mug. Then, I pulled a double shot of espresso directly into the water. I tasted and took notes on its flavor profile. - Latte Test: I pulled a double shot of espresso and then steamed 200 grams (seven ounces) of whole milk to 140°F. I made a latte and tasted it, taking notes of the flavor profile and any changes I noticed in the presence of milk. ## What We Learned ### Espresso Is a Process and a Drink ![Espresso machine pouring espresso into a glass](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/QyO2G8SoDozq3HWoFMn2REogx7o=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-espresso-beans-lead-image-irvin-lin-10-7a26006a39f349bb93981cee136fd1f4.jpeg) ![Espresso machine pouring espresso into a glass](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/QyO2G8SoDozq3HWoFMn2REogx7o=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-espresso-beans-lead-image-irvin-lin-10-7a26006a39f349bb93981cee136fd1f4.jpeg) Espresso is as much the process of brewing as it is the beans. Serious Eats Unlike, say, a French press or pour-over, espresso brews using pressure. A typical [espresso machine](https://www.seriouseats.com/best-espresso-machines-5185482) uses about nine bars of pressure to force hot water through finely ground coffee. The result is a small amount of intensely concentrated coffee, typically with a total dissolved solids (TDS) of 8 to 12%. (Basically, TDS is the amount of coffee present.) By comparison, French press coffee ranges from 1.4% to 1.7%, and pour-over is only 1.2% to 1.5%. This concentrated espresso shot can be enjoyed in multiple ways, be it sipped from an [espresso cup](https://www.seriouseats.com/best-espresso-cups-8604313) or made into espresso drinks like Americanos, lattes, cappuccinos, and mochas. ### There’s No Such Thing as Espresso Beans or an Espresso Roast ![Two coffee brands displayed with coffee beans and compressed coffee grounds](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/Agl0T99Iv2BIyYnoNlThEP-Hnu8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-onyx-geometry-irvin-lin-04-4f5cb86c157d4d4492e5591a357d3e38.jpeg) ![Two coffee brands displayed with coffee beans and compressed coffee grounds](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/Agl0T99Iv2BIyYnoNlThEP-Hnu8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-onyx-geometry-irvin-lin-04-4f5cb86c157d4d4492e5591a357d3e38.jpeg) Espresso beans aren't actually a thing. Serious Eats A common misconception is that espresso beans are all dark roasted. Traditionally, this is true. But there isn’t an actual espresso coffee bean, nor is there a standard roast for espresso. Colin Stoeber, Education Manager at [Sightglass Coffee,](https://sightglasscoffee.com/) says, “Technically, there is no difference between the coffee beans used for espresso versus any other brewing method. That's right—the same plant, the same seeds, and the same caffeine level! ‘Espresso’ is a method of brewing coffee defined by using a machine that creates pressure (around nine bars) to catalyze the extraction for a short, quick, and intense beverage.” Nowadays, modern coffee shops use a wide range of roasts for espresso, though darker ones are more common. Stoeber further explained, “In the roastery, espresso blends are often developed just a pinch longer than other offerings. Increasing the development during the roasting process increases the solubility of the coffee, which makes it easier to work with in brewing methods with shorter contact times.” Still, some roasters put “espresso roast” on their bags. This typically means that they have blended or roasted their beans with espresso in mind. That said, some beans might be better suited to espresso, just as others lend themselves well to pour-over or French press. A bean that has delicate flavor notes might get lost in a concentrated espresso shot. Daria Whalen, the green coffee buyer at [Ritual Coffee Roasters](https://ritualcoffee.com/), explained it this way: “Coffees with rich flavors of cocoa or red fruits tend to pop more in an espresso or a darker roasted drip coffee, and those with more tea-like flavors are best reserved for drip roasts.” Still, I didn’t necessarily favor the darker roasted bean I tried. The [Blue Bottle’s Hayes Valley Espresso](https://bluebottlecoffee.com/us/eng/product/hayes-valley-espresso), for example, had an overly burnt flavor. This was something I particularly noticed when it was made into a long black, which is similar to an Americano. Darker roasted beans were also more brittle, as evident when I found numerous broken beans in the Blue Bottle bag. ### Roast Date Was Important ![Three coffee bags displayed, featuring branding and promotional text](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/aXdoqsvesSKqkMOkufmvslW8LZ8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-espresso-beans-lead-image-irvin-lin-01-e769675eb05147e69a52e5aa9308ca73.jpeg) ![Three coffee bags displayed, featuring branding and promotional text](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/aXdoqsvesSKqkMOkufmvslW8LZ8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-espresso-beans-lead-image-irvin-lin-01-e769675eb05147e69a52e5aa9308ca73.jpeg) The fresher the espresso bean, the better the result. Serious Eats There’s a Goldilocks window of coffee freshness. Andrea Allen, founder of [Onyx Coffee Lab](https://onyxcoffeelab.com/), says, “Best practice would be a week off roast but fresher than three months.” This is because freshly roasted coffee beans have a lot of carbon dioxide built up inside them. This is why you bloom your coffee when doing a [pour-over](https://www.seriouseats.com/make-better-pourover-coffee-how-pourover-works-temperature-timing), as this allows the grounds to expel the carbon dioxide, which otherwise might interfere with extraction and brewing. Carbon dioxide is what produces crema, the light-colored foam on top of the espresso shot. But too much CO2 can result in an uneven pull, resulting in a beautiful-looking crema (because of the gas) but a weak, flat espresso that lacks sweetness. ### Best Was Subjective ![Espresso flowing from a machine into a ceramic mug on a scale](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/h3wExMsel_Y3dbwR-NItcTiHaiQ=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-espresso-beans-lead-image-irvin-lin-08-da4a1433886a4e289c6104bf38a0b800.jpeg) ![Espresso flowing from a machine into a ceramic mug on a scale](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/h3wExMsel_Y3dbwR-NItcTiHaiQ=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-espresso-beans-lead-image-irvin-lin-08-da4a1433886a4e289c6104bf38a0b800.jpeg) Some folks might prefer dark roast over light, so in the end, taste is subjective. Serious Eats Taste is subjective, and you might not like the coffee I like. In the [New Rules of Coffee](https://www.amazon.com/New-Rules-Coffee-Modern-Everyone/dp/0399581626?tag=seriouseats-onsite-prod-20&ascsubtag=7506734) by Jordan Michelman and Zachary Carlsen, Rule 15 starts out: “Does it taste good? There you go, you’ve found your favorite coffee!” I enjoy a wide range of coffees, including bright, floral, and fruity beans and darker, nutty, chocolatey ones. But my husband definitely prefers the latter. Neither is right nor wrong, just different. As such, I tried to categorize and pick espresso beans that fit all different palates. But if there’s an espresso bean you love that isn’t on the list, it’s not because I didn’t like it. Hundreds of roasters make excellent coffee, and as much as I would love to try them all, that’s not feasible. ## The Criteria: What to Look for in Espresso Beans ![a bag of espresso beans with a small bowl of beans in front](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/IEWXIqaj_PkVJ3dObDl-cnugi28=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/winners-graphic-sea-partners-coffee-roasters-bedford-espresso-irvin-lin-04-01-baa7185085b841faa28d3332e09a1d09.jpg) ![a bag of espresso beans with a small bowl of beans in front](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/IEWXIqaj_PkVJ3dObDl-cnugi28=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/winners-graphic-sea-partners-coffee-roasters-bedford-espresso-irvin-lin-04-01-baa7185085b841faa28d3332e09a1d09.jpg) Serious Eats Look for beans that have tasting notes that match your palate and preference, expecting those flavors to become more intense when made into an espresso shot. If you plan on using the espresso beans for a milk-based drink like lattes or cappuccinos, consider looking for a washed processed bean that has notes of caramel or chocolate. Finally, look for beans that have a roast date on the bag. This indicates that the roaster is of higher quality. It also gives you a sense of how old the beans are. If you can, use the beans within one week of roasting for optimum flavor. ## Our Favorite Coffee Beans for Espresso ## The Best Espresso Beans [Partners Coffee Roasters Bedford Espresso](https://www.amazon.com/TOBYS-ESTATE-Bedford-Espresso-Coffee/dp/B07DRLLRSN?tag=seriouseats-onsite-prod-20&ascsubtag=7506734) [![Partners Coffee Roasters Bedford Espresso](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/J6kNSvJasdrgY069PZKV4QzKQXo=/fit-in/1500x1000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/bedford-7b042b01dffe4191b8b4bbf805ab9273.jpg) ![Partners Coffee Roasters Bedford Espresso](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/J6kNSvJasdrgY069PZKV4QzKQXo=/fit-in/1500x1000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/bedford-7b042b01dffe4191b8b4bbf805ab9273.jpg)](https://www.amazon.com/TOBYS-ESTATE-Bedford-Espresso-Coffee/dp/B07DRLLRSN?tag=seriouseats-onsite-prod-20&ascsubtag=7506734) Credit: Amazon [\$22 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/TOBYS-ESTATE-Bedford-Espresso-Coffee/dp/B07DRLLRSN?tag=seriouseats-onsite-prod-20&ascsubtag=7506734) What we liked: Partners Bedford espresso is a beautiful blend of Colombian and Ethiopian beans. It has a classic espresso taste without any overly bitter notes, as well as a deeper, complex flavor profile and rich, smooth body. Dominant flavors include dark chocolate, caramel, brown sugar, and molasses—all typical flavor notes most folks associate with espresso. This makes it ideal for milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. There were also hints of black currant and dark, British-style, Seville orange marmalade, giving it dimension in sip after sip. When I diluted the espresso shot and made it a long black, I found the sweet brown sugar flavors became more dominant, with notes of hazelnut and milk chocolate in the finish. What we didn’t like: Folks who prefer more traditional, darker roasts might want to opt for a bean that isn’t as complex as this one. ### Key Specs - Bag size: 12 ounces - Coffee origin: Colombia and Ethiopia - Roaster’s tasting notes: Marmalade, pomegranate, brown sugar - ![Coffee beans, brewed coffee, and a bag of Partners Coffee Roasters Bedford blend](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/JpGBOwdrdzwuvP63xp8ZNkW5TTM=/fit-in/1500x2000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-partners-coffee-roasters-bedford-espresso-irvin-lin-02-6399365d7f714942bcd9290e2fba7f30.jpeg) ![Coffee beans, brewed coffee, and a bag of Partners Coffee Roasters Bedford blend](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/JpGBOwdrdzwuvP63xp8ZNkW5TTM=/fit-in/1500x2000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-partners-coffee-roasters-bedford-espresso-irvin-lin-02-6399365d7f714942bcd9290e2fba7f30.jpeg) Credit: Serious Eats - ![Bag of Bedford espresso coffee from Partners Coffee Roasters, tasting notes include marmalade, pomegranate, and brown sugar]() ![Bag of Bedford espresso coffee from Partners Coffee Roasters, tasting notes include marmalade, pomegranate, and brown sugar](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/9voADNJki0HROWPiKYEW9fAgmyI=/fit-in/1500x1420/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-partners-coffee-roasters-bedford-espresso-irvin-lin-05-5e22d1dd897845e99ec96cf702cd991b.jpeg) Credit: Serious Eats - ![A package of Partners Coffee Bedford espresso with a bowl of coffee beans]() ![A package of Partners Coffee Bedford espresso with a bowl of coffee beans](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/jfh8ee6aWrfnGWhE6a0e0AZ4kro=/fit-in/1500x2000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-partners-coffee-roasters-bedford-espresso-irvin-lin-04-11bf25030d3043ad9405225a68e4ce5d.jpeg) Credit: Serious Eats - ![A bag of Partners coffee labeled Bedford with a glass cup of coffee and a bowl of coffee beans on a marble surface]() ![A bag of Partners coffee labeled Bedford with a glass cup of coffee and a bowl of coffee beans on a marble surface](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/65AhOXtDP-16kmTsfOS1wk6PCtQ=/fit-in/1500x2000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-partners-coffee-roasters-bedford-espresso-irvin-lin-01-da32b1a0bbf64a0eb311de4012a6ff9f.jpeg) Credit: Serious Eats - ![Coffee beans, brewed coffee, and a bag of Partners Coffee Roasters Bedford blend](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/cNlbZJ1415qdFpSC5Jz1rVhHu8A=/fit-in/200x2000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-partners-coffee-roasters-bedford-espresso-irvin-lin-02-6399365d7f714942bcd9290e2fba7f30.jpeg) ![Coffee beans, brewed coffee, and a bag of Partners Coffee Roasters Bedford blend](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/cNlbZJ1415qdFpSC5Jz1rVhHu8A=/fit-in/200x2000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-partners-coffee-roasters-bedford-espresso-irvin-lin-02-6399365d7f714942bcd9290e2fba7f30.jpeg) - ![Bag of Bedford espresso coffee from Partners Coffee Roasters, tasting notes include marmalade, pomegranate, and brown sugar](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/d1d7_dSTgA2-0CK8Ec7n5aEwlGc=/fit-in/200x1420/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-partners-coffee-roasters-bedford-espresso-irvin-lin-05-5e22d1dd897845e99ec96cf702cd991b.jpeg) ![Bag of Bedford espresso coffee from Partners Coffee Roasters, tasting notes include marmalade, pomegranate, and brown sugar](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/d1d7_dSTgA2-0CK8Ec7n5aEwlGc=/fit-in/200x1420/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-partners-coffee-roasters-bedford-espresso-irvin-lin-05-5e22d1dd897845e99ec96cf702cd991b.jpeg) - ![A package of Partners Coffee Bedford espresso with a bowl of coffee beans](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/IEXuSSyG2Ytdp1s9w16jMBDAcjw=/fit-in/200x2000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-partners-coffee-roasters-bedford-espresso-irvin-lin-04-11bf25030d3043ad9405225a68e4ce5d.jpeg) ![A package of Partners Coffee Bedford espresso with a bowl of coffee beans](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/IEXuSSyG2Ytdp1s9w16jMBDAcjw=/fit-in/200x2000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-partners-coffee-roasters-bedford-espresso-irvin-lin-04-11bf25030d3043ad9405225a68e4ce5d.jpeg) - ![A bag of Partners coffee labeled Bedford with a glass cup of coffee and a bowl of coffee beans on a marble surface](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/qQl4TjmagDfgBm7DTFHuyhUBmr0=/fit-in/200x2000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-partners-coffee-roasters-bedford-espresso-irvin-lin-01-da32b1a0bbf64a0eb311de4012a6ff9f.jpeg) ![A bag of Partners coffee labeled Bedford with a glass cup of coffee and a bowl of coffee beans on a marble surface](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/qQl4TjmagDfgBm7DTFHuyhUBmr0=/fit-in/200x2000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-partners-coffee-roasters-bedford-espresso-irvin-lin-01-da32b1a0bbf64a0eb311de4012a6ff9f.jpeg) ## The Best Classic, Chocolatey Espresso Beans [George Howell Coffee Alchemy Espresso](https://georgehowellcoffee.com/collections/espresso/products/alchemy-espresso-alc-001) [![George Howell Coffee Alchemy Espresso](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/hgG5k00Zy-NMcbp9W1Pvx8HFtCM=/fit-in/1500x1000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/George-Howell-Coffee-Alchemy-Espresso-af7bb1e21a4948df98dd191364ae682c.jpg) ![George Howell Coffee Alchemy Espresso](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/hgG5k00Zy-NMcbp9W1Pvx8HFtCM=/fit-in/1500x1000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/George-Howell-Coffee-Alchemy-Espresso-af7bb1e21a4948df98dd191364ae682c.jpg)](https://georgehowellcoffee.com/collections/espresso/products/alchemy-espresso-alc-001) Credit: George Howell Coffee [\$20 at Georgehowellcoffee.com](https://georgehowellcoffee.com/collections/espresso/products/alchemy-espresso-alc-001) What we liked: George Howell is a pioneer in the coffee industry, creating the Coffee Connection initially based out of Cambridge, Massachusetts, before being bought out by Starbucks in 1994. (The company acquired the rights to use the name “Frappuccino” with the buyout.) Ten years later, he founded George Howell Coffee and has been directly working with coffee farmers to find the best, sustainably grown beans. Alchemy is a blend orffering a classic espresso flavor that works well in milk-based drinks. A slightly darker roast develops the dark chocolate, malt, and nutty flavors that are traditionally associated with espresso but without the biting bitterness that’s often a result of darker roasting. The espresso had a rich, velvety body with top notes of peanut and pecan leading into bittersweet chocolate. The long black revealed a hint of cherry cordial along with the dark chocolate. And the latte had a rich body and a classic flavor with sweet, molasses notes. What we didn’t like: The dark roast of these beans produced a classic espresso shot, but it wasn’t quite as complex as some of the beans I tasted. ### Key Specs - Bag size: 12 ounces - Coffee origin: Brazil, Costa Rica, Guatemala - Roaster’s tasting notes: Chocolate, almond, nougat - ![A bag of Alchemy Espresso coffee beans, a small bowl of whole coffee beans, and a glass of espresso on a marble countertop](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/sxTcgL-APmT0JXb2BoJZ-m-WskI=/fit-in/1500x2092/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-george-howell-alchemy-espresso-irvin-lin-01-16f04eae045b449f8204e9f88bbb11d7.jpeg) ![A bag of Alchemy Espresso coffee beans, a small bowl of whole coffee beans, and a glass of espresso on a marble countertop](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/sxTcgL-APmT0JXb2BoJZ-m-WskI=/fit-in/1500x2092/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-george-howell-alchemy-espresso-irvin-lin-01-16f04eae045b449f8204e9f88bbb11d7.jpeg) Credit: Serious Eats - ![A bag of George Howell Coffee, Alchemy Espresso blend, placed on a white surface]() ![A bag of George Howell Coffee, Alchemy Espresso blend, placed on a white surface](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/bkQQlPz5fJOR63WLIXEJOs_cEEU=/fit-in/1500x1870/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-george-howell-alchemy-espresso-irvin-lin-03-54d9153edfe94a6c97f06ad0cdeb7e39.jpeg) Credit: Serious Eats - ![Bag of George Howell Alchemy Espresso coffee next to a bowl of beans]() ![Bag of George Howell Alchemy Espresso coffee next to a bowl of beans](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/Uid_VR33dw15LYmyVoTHnJijwWo=/fit-in/1500x2129/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-george-howell-alchemy-espresso-irvin-lin-02-4f1c3e7ef19a43459b38438d8a410f23.jpeg) Credit: Serious Eats - ![A bag of Alchemy Espresso coffee beans, a small bowl of whole coffee beans, and a glass of espresso on a marble countertop](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/ZfZpHCsp8jJZvDCJvLlaQdVfHuc=/fit-in/200x2092/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-george-howell-alchemy-espresso-irvin-lin-01-16f04eae045b449f8204e9f88bbb11d7.jpeg) ![A bag of Alchemy Espresso coffee beans, a small bowl of whole coffee beans, and a glass of espresso on a marble countertop](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/ZfZpHCsp8jJZvDCJvLlaQdVfHuc=/fit-in/200x2092/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-george-howell-alchemy-espresso-irvin-lin-01-16f04eae045b449f8204e9f88bbb11d7.jpeg) - ![A bag of George Howell Coffee, Alchemy Espresso blend, placed on a white surface](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/S-KUGxrckpYP1OjAZrUPTcF6cj0=/fit-in/200x1870/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-george-howell-alchemy-espresso-irvin-lin-03-54d9153edfe94a6c97f06ad0cdeb7e39.jpeg) ![A bag of George Howell Coffee, Alchemy Espresso blend, placed on a white surface](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/S-KUGxrckpYP1OjAZrUPTcF6cj0=/fit-in/200x1870/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-george-howell-alchemy-espresso-irvin-lin-03-54d9153edfe94a6c97f06ad0cdeb7e39.jpeg) - ![Bag of George Howell Alchemy Espresso coffee next to a bowl of beans](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/IHu3tSTE1yktWvvkjBjXOY9DlVM=/fit-in/200x2129/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-george-howell-alchemy-espresso-irvin-lin-02-4f1c3e7ef19a43459b38438d8a410f23.jpeg) ![Bag of George Howell Alchemy Espresso coffee next to a bowl of beans](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/IHu3tSTE1yktWvvkjBjXOY9DlVM=/fit-in/200x2129/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-george-howell-alchemy-espresso-irvin-lin-02-4f1c3e7ef19a43459b38438d8a410f23.jpeg) ## The Best Espresso Beans with a Sweet Profile [Ritual Sweet Tooth Espresso Roast](https://ritualcoffee.com/shop/coffee/sweet-tooth-espresso-incuti/) [![Ritual Sweet Tooth Espresso Roast](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/n4imadvfHYz2yW8cHq69_Uc6VUo=/fit-in/1500x1000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/ritual-sweet-tooth-espresso-roast-fe4d4dbe0e3342178e94d767f1668e1d.jpg) ![Ritual Sweet Tooth Espresso Roast](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/n4imadvfHYz2yW8cHq69_Uc6VUo=/fit-in/1500x1000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/ritual-sweet-tooth-espresso-roast-fe4d4dbe0e3342178e94d767f1668e1d.jpg)](https://ritualcoffee.com/shop/coffee/sweet-tooth-espresso-incuti/) Credit: Ritual [View on Ritualcoffee.com](https://ritualcoffee.com/shop/coffee/sweet-tooth-espresso-incuti/) What we liked: Ritual Coffee specializes in seasonal beans, and that means the beans it uses for its espresso offerings of Sweet Tooth and Ace tend to rotate throughout the year. Sweet Tooth offers a sweeter profile, featuring a rich, syrupy body that hits you up front with butterscotch and toffee notes. The flavor lingers with notes of summer berries, like strawberry and blackberry. A slight acidity also helps cut through some of the sweetness of the espresso, creating a balanced shot. When diluted into a long black, the espresso’s sweetness mellows and its acidity sharpens. I detected notes of mandarin orange and key lime, as well as a turbinado sugar finish. Lattes had a lovely butterscotch flavor and were classically coffee-forward. What we didn’t like: Because of the sweet profile, this bean might not appeal to those folks who favor darker, more bitter espresso. ### Key Specs - Bag size: 12 ounces - Coffee origin: Burundi - Roaster’s tasting notes: Strawberry, lime, butterscotch - ![A bag of Ritual coffee labeled 'Sweet Tooth' with a bowl of coffee beans and a glass of espresso on a countertop]() ![A bag of Ritual coffee labeled 'Sweet Tooth' with a bowl of coffee beans and a glass of espresso on a countertop](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/DeorCp38QsQRFesNuNgtW6KnkkA=/fit-in/1500x2000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-ritual-coffee-sweet-tooth-irvin-lin-02-34e80ae078904d1089865769564948dd.jpeg) Credit: Serious Eats - ![A bag of Ritual coffee labeled 'Sweet Tooth' on a tiled surface]() ![A bag of Ritual coffee labeled 'Sweet Tooth' on a tiled surface](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/BmQMpCnsY1bX-P8D7Wu8SFoujU8=/fit-in/1500x2000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-ritual-coffee-sweet-tooth-irvin-lin-04-89a7b6f13bbc49758adddeb4b62ed440.jpeg) Credit: Serious Eats - ![Coffee bag labeled 'Ritual Sweet Tooth,' accompanied by a bowl of coffee beans and a mug of brewed coffee]() ![Coffee bag labeled 'Ritual Sweet Tooth,' accompanied by a bowl of coffee beans and a mug of brewed coffee](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/nmzbENKMX37KCF8r98Gd-uzj62M=/fit-in/1500x2000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-ritual-coffee-sweet-tooth-irvin-lin-01-5e5f47413cfe45949debb39046238f15.jpeg) Credit: Serious Eats - ![Bag of coffee labeled 'Ritual Sweet Tooth,' with a bowl of coffee beans on a counter]() ![Bag of coffee labeled 'Ritual Sweet Tooth,' with a bowl of coffee beans on a counter](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/ZmsE8_3FGQ25qR87TlHwwz59WtE=/fit-in/1500x2000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-ritual-coffee-sweet-tooth-irvin-lin-03-d3d7073d75154e608b7f0c1affb7483d.jpeg) Credit: Serious Eats - ![A bag of Ritual coffee labeled 'Sweet Tooth' with a bowl of coffee beans and a glass of espresso on a countertop]() ![A bag of Ritual coffee labeled 'Sweet Tooth' with a bowl of coffee beans and a glass of espresso on a countertop](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/RZ_IumljTpruwDLju0soquiYCTU=/fit-in/200x2000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-ritual-coffee-sweet-tooth-irvin-lin-02-34e80ae078904d1089865769564948dd.jpeg) - ![A bag of Ritual coffee labeled 'Sweet Tooth' on a tiled surface]() ![A bag of Ritual coffee labeled 'Sweet Tooth' on a tiled surface](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/IcAUkPTwtIBsCp9EoqYZtL1u0c8=/fit-in/200x2000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-ritual-coffee-sweet-tooth-irvin-lin-04-89a7b6f13bbc49758adddeb4b62ed440.jpeg) - ![Coffee bag labeled 'Ritual Sweet Tooth,' accompanied by a bowl of coffee beans and a mug of brewed coffee]() ![Coffee bag labeled 'Ritual Sweet Tooth,' accompanied by a bowl of coffee beans and a mug of brewed coffee](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/AaiKZaGRYH2ViYrTS2De-TbIqmg=/fit-in/200x2000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-ritual-coffee-sweet-tooth-irvin-lin-01-5e5f47413cfe45949debb39046238f15.jpeg) - ![Bag of coffee labeled 'Ritual Sweet Tooth,' with a bowl of coffee beans on a counter]() ![Bag of coffee labeled 'Ritual Sweet Tooth,' with a bowl of coffee beans on a counter](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/iViLM5bdtN0gxVR_ohjHLddkqtY=/fit-in/200x2000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-ritual-coffee-sweet-tooth-irvin-lin-03-d3d7073d75154e608b7f0c1affb7483d.jpeg) ## The Best Bright, Complex Espresso Beans [Onyx Coffee Geometry Roast](https://onyxcoffeelab.com/products/geometry?variant=31862717677666) [![Onyx Coffee Geometry Roast]() ![Onyx Coffee Geometry Roast](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/tbXec4PhVTV-39jDVwdvSaypx60=/fit-in/1500x1000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/onyx-coffee-geometry-roast-ab4af4442bea41ba92f37765ea352d31.jpg)](https://onyxcoffeelab.com/products/geometry?variant=31862717677666) Credit: Onyx Coffee [\$23 at Onyxcoffeelab.com](https://onyxcoffeelab.com/products/geometry?variant=31862717677666) What we liked: The Onyx Geometry was one of the most interesting, intriguing beans I tried. It was a light roast, leading to a bright, complex espresso with citrus notes of lemon and tangerine as well as summer stone fruit like pluot and apricot. The fruity notes are balanced with an earthier, nutty pecan and dark chocolate finish, making this bean layered and lively. The long black drink had a round, full body with a nutty pecan, lemon, and dark chocolate finish. The latte brought out baking spices like cloves and nutmeg, as well as peach and nectarine. If you like bright, complex coffee, the Geometry is an excellent espresso bean. What we didn’t like:Folks wanting a classic espresso should look elsewhere, as this light-roasted bean is far from traditional. The beans are so lightly roasted that they are difficult to grind, jamming the built-in grinder on the Breville Barista Impress Express. I found I had to either hand-grind them or just add a teaspoon of beans at a time to the grinder for it to work properly. ### Key Specs - Bag size: 10 ounces - Coffee origin: Colombia and Ethiopia - Roaster’s tasting notes: Berries, stone fruit, earl grey, honeysuckle - ![Bag and box of Onyx Coffee with a bowl of coffee beans and a glass of espresso on a marble table]() ![Bag and box of Onyx Coffee with a bowl of coffee beans and a glass of espresso on a marble table](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/tXT45a_TY91SN5Ge2LGEed0kCRE=/fit-in/1500x2000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-onyx-geometry-irvin-lin-01-31e7dc717f9640e9b09d75701fe51c99.jpeg) Credit: Serious Eats - ![Box of Onyx Coffee Geometry blend on a countertop]() ![Box of Onyx Coffee Geometry blend on a countertop](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/8kcQ8pPGgvOx0Ro0jfWKVjSGx70=/fit-in/1500x1525/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-onyx-geometry-irvin-lin-03-b75db61b372c42799ada4153579d24c4.jpeg) Credit: Serious Eats - ![Packaging and beans for Onyx Coffee on a marble surface]() ![Packaging and beans for Onyx Coffee on a marble surface](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/eaWWXVhAvZi2SXrdBTcPVYPsNxE=/fit-in/1500x1863/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-onyx-geometry-irvin-lin-02-f85844991a334ff0bd06010c917ce990.jpeg) Credit: Serious Eats - ![Bag and box of Onyx Coffee with a bowl of coffee beans and a glass of espresso on a marble table]() ![Bag and box of Onyx Coffee with a bowl of coffee beans and a glass of espresso on a marble table](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/OTRzznglylWy5IaQLwNC1jGhQAg=/fit-in/200x2000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-onyx-geometry-irvin-lin-01-31e7dc717f9640e9b09d75701fe51c99.jpeg) - ![Box of Onyx Coffee Geometry blend on a countertop]() ![Box of Onyx Coffee Geometry blend on a countertop](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/uYQweXCUQB2lEI-1jo2P9ZtSoCs=/fit-in/200x1525/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-onyx-geometry-irvin-lin-03-b75db61b372c42799ada4153579d24c4.jpeg) - ![Packaging and beans for Onyx Coffee on a marble surface]() ![Packaging and beans for Onyx Coffee on a marble surface](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/ZeOTgohgOF1JdChz9x-7NF5XBfk=/fit-in/200x1863/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-onyx-geometry-irvin-lin-02-f85844991a334ff0bd06010c917ce990.jpeg) ## Another Great Complex Espresso Bean [Sightglass Coffee Owl’s Howl Espresso](https://sightglasscoffee.com/products/owls-howl?variant=16451284762739) [![Sightglass Coffee Owl’s Howl Espresso]() ![Sightglass Coffee Owl’s Howl Espresso](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/lykLbH8xDltSfiSkCm3SpTpJVMM=/fit-in/1500x1000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sightglass-coffee-owls-howl-espresso-6f0a28b6c5a84b7190566a42de324fc3.jpg)](https://sightglasscoffee.com/products/owls-howl?variant=16451284762739) Credit: Sightglass Coffee [\$21 at Sightglasscoffee.com](https://sightglasscoffee.com/products/owls-howl?variant=16451284762739) What we liked: Owl’s Howl is a blended medium-roast bean that falls somewhere between the bright complexity of Onyx Geometry and the more classic George Howell Alchemy. Initial sips of it offered a round body with slight, pleasant bitterness that most folks expect from quality espresso. The espresso gains dimension from complex notes of dark plum, orange peel, burnt molasses, and dark chocolate. The long black offered a full-bodied cup, with cocoa powder, toasted almond, and plum, while the latte had a lovely balance with darker notes of molasses, cacao nib, and orange peel. What we didn’t like: This is a beautiful coffee, but it walks the line between a traditional espresso and a brighter, more complexly flavored espresso. Folks looking for something classic might find it too complex, while folks who enjoy bright and lively drinks might think it lacks nuance. ### Key Specs - Bag size: 12 ounces - Coffee origin: Central America and East Africa (varying) - Roaster’s tasting notes: Cacao nib, stone fruit, candied orange - ![A bag of Sight Glass Owls Howl espresso whole bean coffee, labeled organic with tasting notes and weight details]() ![A bag of Sight Glass Owls Howl espresso whole bean coffee, labeled organic with tasting notes and weight details](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/hfT_XeOcv__d5X18uPyKJo91gbw=/fit-in/1500x1921/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-sightglass-coffee-owls-howl-irvin-lin-03-8122188bd7da4df985a6a1f96f84a6f2.jpeg) Credit: Serious Eats - ![Bag of organic whole bean coffee with a bowl of coffee beans in the foreground]() ![Bag of organic whole bean coffee with a bowl of coffee beans in the foreground](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/9kKBhNlAwB9uFWnMeu_WMFPRznQ=/fit-in/1500x2000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-sightglass-coffee-owls-howl-irvin-lin-02-835c57d2a81a4ce8abb104544309be58.jpeg) Credit: Serious Eats - ![Bag of Owl's Howl coffee with a cup and bowl of beans]() ![Bag of Owl's Howl coffee with a cup and bowl of beans](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/EkLG_UJMeIzzda4fbLRiAOc3TLs=/fit-in/1500x2000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-sightglass-coffee-owls-howl-irvin-lin-01-fed49fee2f8c4af89012c6e323bea73a.jpeg) Credit: Serious Eats - ![A bag of Sight Glass Owls Howl espresso whole bean coffee, labeled organic with tasting notes and weight details]() ![A bag of Sight Glass Owls Howl espresso whole bean coffee, labeled organic with tasting notes and weight details](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/nPh9kpUiIj99_4jJsJZ3tP3hYsw=/fit-in/200x1921/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-sightglass-coffee-owls-howl-irvin-lin-03-8122188bd7da4df985a6a1f96f84a6f2.jpeg) - ![Bag of organic whole bean coffee with a bowl of coffee beans in the foreground]() ![Bag of organic whole bean coffee with a bowl of coffee beans in the foreground](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/yDZL7KNnzcVK8lnZ_oknnbJGtk8=/fit-in/200x2000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-sightglass-coffee-owls-howl-irvin-lin-02-835c57d2a81a4ce8abb104544309be58.jpeg) - ![Bag of Owl's Howl coffee with a cup and bowl of beans]() ![Bag of Owl's Howl coffee with a cup and bowl of beans](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/frsfe00rDO97VseYseAJ829ECPo=/fit-in/200x2000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-sightglass-coffee-owls-howl-irvin-lin-01-fed49fee2f8c4af89012c6e323bea73a.jpeg) ## The Best, Most Recognizable Espresso Beans [Counter Culture Coffee Big Trouble](https://www.amazon.com/Counter-Culture-Coffee-Trouble-Ounce/dp/B07N3FC7L6?tag=seriouseats-onsite-prod-20&ascsubtag=7506734) [![Counter Culture Coffee Big Trouble]() ![Counter Culture Coffee Big Trouble](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/M5TlEoUXaIV2VHNuw7-G_AgKClk=/fit-in/1500x999/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/Counter-Culture-Coffee-Big-Trouble-b91fb95d74c942d9b13f1f063992966a.jpg)](https://www.amazon.com/Counter-Culture-Coffee-Trouble-Ounce/dp/B07N3FC7L6?tag=seriouseats-onsite-prod-20&ascsubtag=7506734) Credit: Counter Culture Coffee [\$20 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Counter-Culture-Coffee-Trouble-Ounce/dp/B07N3FC7L6?tag=seriouseats-onsite-prod-20&ascsubtag=7506734) [\$20 at Counterculturecoffee.com](https://counterculturecoffee.com/collections/coffee/products/big-trouble) [\$11 at Walmart](https://www.walmart.com/ip/Counter-Culture-Whole-Bean-Coffee-Big-Trouble-12-Ounce-Pack-Of-1/1915181864) What we liked: A pioneer in the third-wave coffee scene—a movement toward higher quality beans, single-origin sourcing, and lighter-roasted beans that started in the late 1990s and early 2000s—Counter Culture has a strong educational program built into its mission statement. Its blended espresso bean, Big Trouble, can be found at many grocery stores and has an accessible price point and flavor profile. The bean is a medium-dark roast, which highlights some pleasant bitterness up front. The espresso shot had some nuttiness, bittersweet chocolate, and a very subtle hint of dark cherry in it. The long black brought out notes of caramel and molasses while keeping the dark chocolate front and center. The latte highlighted the chocolate as well, delivering a round-bodied drink with classic latte flavors like cocoa powder and almond. What we didn’t like: Big Trouble was less flavorful and complex than other beans I tasted. ### Key Specs - Bag size: 12 ounces - Coffee origin: Varies throughout the year - Roaster’s tasting notes: Caramel, nutty, round - ![Bag of Counter Culture Coffee Big Trouble, bowl of coffee beans, and cup of espresso on a counter]() ![Bag of Counter Culture Coffee Big Trouble, bowl of coffee beans, and cup of espresso on a counter](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/WObGKvFu9oxXZITbSNHHYCzrNGU=/fit-in/1500x2000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-counter-culture-coffee-big-trouble-irvin-lin-01-508d4de8e3c44bbabc6215e81f31e02a.jpeg) Credit: Serious Eats - ![A bag of Counter Culture Coffee, labeled Big Trouble with tasting notes caramel, nutty, and round, on a white tile background]() ![A bag of Counter Culture Coffee, labeled Big Trouble with tasting notes caramel, nutty, and round, on a white tile background](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/G7rqmy0H3e4TZqszVXe6SiF-P0I=/fit-in/1500x1801/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-counter-culture-coffee-big-trouble-irvin-lin-03-5a5798beb02340bfaa2c86076a4bf3e7.jpeg) Credit: Serious Eats - ![A bag of Counter Culture Coffee labeled 'Big Trouble' next to a small glass bowl of coffee beans]() ![A bag of Counter Culture Coffee labeled 'Big Trouble' next to a small glass bowl of coffee beans](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/KsoHJOSPuQYOLXQ9UZVipMvd0GA=/fit-in/1500x2000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-counter-culture-coffee-big-trouble-irvin-lin-02-b52ed301e24d4d038027bfca5235cb46.jpeg) Credit: Serious Eats - ![Bag of Counter Culture Coffee Big Trouble, bowl of coffee beans, and cup of espresso on a counter]() ![Bag of Counter Culture Coffee Big Trouble, bowl of coffee beans, and cup of espresso on a counter](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/k08F9fhlcF_5CmbY5AIdUT6e1TM=/fit-in/200x2000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-counter-culture-coffee-big-trouble-irvin-lin-01-508d4de8e3c44bbabc6215e81f31e02a.jpeg) - ![A bag of Counter Culture Coffee, labeled Big Trouble with tasting notes caramel, nutty, and round, on a white tile background]() ![A bag of Counter Culture Coffee, labeled Big Trouble with tasting notes caramel, nutty, and round, on a white tile background](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/4c_lqcOtFc6Vmuq7wGAFGBxVdfQ=/fit-in/200x1801/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-counter-culture-coffee-big-trouble-irvin-lin-03-5a5798beb02340bfaa2c86076a4bf3e7.jpeg) - ![A bag of Counter Culture Coffee labeled 'Big Trouble' next to a small glass bowl of coffee beans]() ![A bag of Counter Culture Coffee labeled 'Big Trouble' next to a small glass bowl of coffee beans](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/8mxKySr1fcg7-pgfNe4MYg4rp8U=/fit-in/200x2000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-counter-culture-coffee-big-trouble-irvin-lin-02-b52ed301e24d4d038027bfca5235cb46.jpeg) ## The Best Decaf Espresso Beans [Equator Coffee Decaf Eye of the Tiger Espresso](https://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/equator-coffee-decaf-eye-of-the-tiger-espresso-coffee-beans/?catalogId=79&sku=9560572) [![Trade Equator Coffee Decaf Eye of the Tiger Espresso]() ![Trade Equator Coffee Decaf Eye of the Tiger Espresso](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/6XrzRhn5Q-d4GwtJJtVnALDbivo=/fit-in/1500x1000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/equator-coffees-decaf-eye-of-the-tiger-espresso-3230c2f9ffd045179a9d8a8c36dda9ae.jpg)](https://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/equator-coffee-decaf-eye-of-the-tiger-espresso-coffee-beans/?catalogId=79&sku=9560572) Credit: Trade [\$20 at Williams Sonoma](https://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/equator-coffee-decaf-eye-of-the-tiger-espresso-coffee-beans/?catalogId=79&sku=9560572) [\$22 at Drinktrade.com](https://www.drinktrade.com/products/decaf-eye-of-the-tiger-espresso) What we liked: The [process of decaffeinating coffee](https://www.seriouseats.com/how-coffee-gets-decaffeinated-water-process-what-is-decaf) will often strip out flavor, as it’s impossible to just remove caffeine from a coffee bean. But Decaf Eye of the Tiger offers a bean that pulls a solid espresso, with notes of milk chocolate, nutty almond, tangerine peel, and baking spices like cinnamon and allspice. Featuring a lighter roast than is typical for decaf and espresso, these beans came through with fruity notes of orange and tangerine in both the espresso shot and long black. The latte had a mild but still balanced flavor, with nutty toasted walnut and almond notes and a mellow, malt chocolate finish. What we didn’t like: Like all decaf coffees, this bean isn’t super robust in flavor. Still, it’s one of the better decaffeinated espresso beans I tried. ### Key Specs - Bag size: 10.5 ounces - Coffee origin: Colombia and Brazil (varies throughout the year) - Roaster’s tasting notes: cranberry, chocolate-covered almonds, mulling spices - ![A coffee bag labeled Equator Coffees, a bowl of coffee beans, and an espresso shot in a glass cup]() ![A coffee bag labeled Equator Coffees, a bowl of coffee beans, and an espresso shot in a glass cup](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/m72CgojNwS-9SHJ6tJfsV9TD8Ss=/fit-in/1500x2000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-equator-decaf-eye-of-the-tiger-espresso-irvin-lin-01-e350bf8661814ed29546caa412d22cf2.jpeg) Credit: Serious Eats - ![Bag of Decaf Eye of the Tiger Espresso by Equator Coffees, with tasting notes and certifications displayed]() ![Bag of Decaf Eye of the Tiger Espresso by Equator Coffees, with tasting notes and certifications displayed](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/VmsviLhEub21DnBr86vpHp3y-oM=/fit-in/1500x1831/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-equator-decaf-eye-of-the-tiger-espresso-irvin-lin-03-71c8279d7ae44dd4b45420b672e16f5d.jpeg) Credit: Serious Eats - ![A bag of Equator Coffees decaf coffee labeled Eye of the Tiger Espresso next to a small bowl of coffee beans]() ![A bag of Equator Coffees decaf coffee labeled Eye of the Tiger Espresso next to a small bowl of coffee beans](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/iANYY2Viq4OKJX7A98QfocNUP4I=/fit-in/1500x2000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-equator-decaf-eye-of-the-tiger-espresso-irvin-lin-02-d1a9c0650c684276a304f8ddf4e039eb.jpeg) Credit: Serious Eats - ![A coffee bag labeled Equator Coffees, a bowl of coffee beans, and an espresso shot in a glass cup]() ![A coffee bag labeled Equator Coffees, a bowl of coffee beans, and an espresso shot in a glass cup](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/hYWaoemQv6rL97NqdFZn62zSbPY=/fit-in/200x2000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-equator-decaf-eye-of-the-tiger-espresso-irvin-lin-01-e350bf8661814ed29546caa412d22cf2.jpeg) - ![Bag of Decaf Eye of the Tiger Espresso by Equator Coffees, with tasting notes and certifications displayed]() ![Bag of Decaf Eye of the Tiger Espresso by Equator Coffees, with tasting notes and certifications displayed](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/xw6SvCCYpefBS6scGx9TrI-nQuU=/fit-in/200x1831/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-equator-decaf-eye-of-the-tiger-espresso-irvin-lin-03-71c8279d7ae44dd4b45420b672e16f5d.jpeg) - ![A bag of Equator Coffees decaf coffee labeled Eye of the Tiger Espresso next to a small bowl of coffee beans]() ![A bag of Equator Coffees decaf coffee labeled Eye of the Tiger Espresso next to a small bowl of coffee beans](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/RIjLVx4QLypE_nLmEHhDH8OYFFk=/fit-in/200x2000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-equator-decaf-eye-of-the-tiger-espresso-irvin-lin-02-d1a9c0650c684276a304f8ddf4e039eb.jpeg) ## The Competition ### Other Good Options - [Ritual Ace](https://ritualcoffee.com/shop/coffee/ace-esperanca-brasil/): In addition to Sweet Tooth, Ritual also offers the Ace espresso bean year-round. A dual-purpose bean, it’s roasted and intended for both pour-over and espresso. It produces a medium-bodied espresso that’s sweet, though not as sweet as Sweet Tooth. Tasting notes include baking spices like nutmeg and allspice as well as a milk chocolate and butter toffee finish. - [Intelligentsia Black Cat Espresso](https://www.amazon.com/Intelligentsia-Classic-Espresso-Coffee-12-Ounce/dp/B0055ZRUOO/?th=1&tag=seriouseats-onsite-prod-20&ascsubtag=7506734): This darker roasted bean had a medium body and round flavor with notes of milk chocolate and earthy blueberry. It’s not overly robust in flavor, but it still offered a balanced shot, a pleasant long black, and a classic latte coffee flavor. - [Kuma Coffee Classic](https://www.drinktrade.com/products/balanced?variant=45941994979647): This classic espresso had semisweet chocolate and nutty pecan notes. It was a nicely balanced bean with a round body, smooth finish, and mild acidity. - [Stumptown Hair Bender](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008J4WEBM/?th=1&tag=seriouseats-onsite-prod-20&ascsubtag=7506734): I enjoy Hair Bender as a pour-over coffee and was excited to try it as an espresso. It had a classic flavor, with bittersweet chocolate, plum, and pecan tasting notes. It didn’t have as robust a body when pulled as an espresso, though it made an excellent long black and created a classic latte flavor when poured into steamed milk. ### Not Recommended - [Blue Bottle Hayes Valley Espresso](https://bluebottlecoffee.com/us/eng/product/hayes-valley-espresso): This dark-roasted bean tasted bitter and left a lingering burnt taste in my mouth. Some of the beans were noticeably damaged and broken when the bag was opened, and it was twice as expensive as others.. - [Tandem Coffee Time and Temperature](https://www.mistobox.com/time-and-temperature-espresso-blend): A medium-light-roasted bean, Time and Temperature was surprisingly bitter and had less flavor than other beans. It was also not as rich or full-bodied. - [Intelligentsia Black Cat Decaf](https://www.intelligentsia.com/products/decaf-black-cat-espresso): Intelligentsia’s Black Cat Decaf bean started with a strong, bitter note and didn’t have as much flavor afterward. Espresso, long black, and lattes all lacked depth and tasted one-note. - [Lavazza Super Crema](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000SDKDM4/?tag=seriouseats-onsite-prod-20&ascsubtag=7506734): This reasonably priced large bag of espresso is a blend of Arabica beans, which are typically used for specialty coffee, and Robusta beans, which are usually grown for cheaper commodity coffee. It produced an adequate but unremarkable shot of espresso with strong, bitter notes. Lattes were one-dimensional and flat, though espresso and long black drinks were slightly better with notes of chocolate and toasted bread. ## FAQs ### What makes a good espresso blend? A good espresso blend has a balance of acidity, bitterness, and sweetness, and offers a medium- to full-bodied shot. Because coffee is a seasonal crop, an espresso blend is crafted to maintain consistency throughout the year, hitting the same flavor notes even when using different beans. ### Do espresso beans have more caffeine than coffee beans? Any bean can be used to make espresso, and as such, espresso beans have the same amount of caffeine as regular coffee beans. Some roasts, like those from [Onyx Coffee Lab](https://onyxcoffeelab.com/), will even list how much caffeine is in each bean they sell. That said, because espresso is a more concentrated form of coffee, there is often more caffeine in a shot of espresso than there is in a similar amount of a pour-over or French press coffee. ### What roast makes the best espresso? Traditionally, darker-roasted beans have been used for espresso, but all roasts can be used to make espresso. Different roasts will produce espresso with different flavors. But if you prefer a more classic espresso, opt for medium- to dark-roast beans. For a more complex flavored espresso, experiment with light- or medium-roast beans. ### Why We're the Experts - [Irvin Lin](https://www.seriouseats.com/irvin-lin-5248800) is a cookbook author, recipe developer, food writer, photographer, and ceramicist. He wrote the cookbook [Marbled, Swirled, and Layered](https://www.amazon.com/Marbled-Swirled-Layered-Recipes-Variations/dp/0544453735?ascsubtag=7506734&tag=seriouseats-onsite-prod-20), which was picked by The New York Times as one of the best baking cookbooks of 2016. He's also an IACP-award-winning photographer and is currently on the James Beard Book Awards Subcommittee. - Irvin runs a blog called [Eat the Love](https://www.eatthelove.com/), where he’s developed, photographed, and written recipes since 2010. - He’s tested and reviewed hundreds of kitchen items, including [stand mixers](https://www.seriouseats.com/best-stand-mixers-7377555) and [digital thermometers](https://www.seriouseats.com/best-instant-read-thermometers-5323231). - For this review, Irvin tried 15 different espresso beans, pulling over 50 shots and tasting multiple drinks with each shot, including long blacks and lattes. He’s still reeling from the caffeine buzz. 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Readable Markdown	### Straight to the Point My favorite espresso beans are the [Partners Coffee Roasters Bedford Espresso](https://www.amazon.com/TOBYS-ESTATE-Bedford-Espresso-Coffee/dp/B07DRLLRSN?th=1&tag=seriouseats-onsite-prod-20&ascsubtag=7506734). It makes excellent, smooth espresso shots. One of my first post-college jobs was working at a small café in an independent bookstore, where I made espresso drinks. Back then, I loved darker roasts. But as specialty coffee has slowly expanded and become more commonplace, so has my palate. I now embrace the medium and light roast beans that are popular with specialty coffee roasters. And though I still appreciate beans with chocolate, nutty flavors, I also love ones that are delicately balanced and feature fruity or bright, floral notes. Even with my experience, judging coffee beans can be challenging, especially those meant for espresso. The rich, intense flavor of espresso is often associated with darker, bitter notes. But espresso doesn’t have to be just dark and bitter—it can be rich, complex, and sweet. And though any bean can be used to make espresso, not all beans are well-suited for this syrupy, rich coffee. With that in mind, I tested 15 espresso beans to find the best ones for a variety of drinks, be it a cappuccino or cortado. ## The Tests I made loads of espresso to test the quality of the beans. Serious Eats - Espresso Shot Test: Using each bean, I pulled a double shot of espresso with one of Serious Eats’ favorite espresso machines, the [Breville Barista Express Impress](https://www.amazon.com/Breville-Express%252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525C2%252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525252525AE-Espresso-Stainless-BES876BSS/dp/B0BBYNPV33?tag=seriouseats-onsite-prod-20&ascsubtag=7506734). I then tasted the coffee and took notes on its flavor profile. - Long Black Test: I added 100 grams of near-boiling water (200°F) to a mug. Then, I pulled a double shot of espresso directly into the water. I tasted and took notes on its flavor profile. - Latte Test: I pulled a double shot of espresso and then steamed 200 grams (seven ounces) of whole milk to 140°F. I made a latte and tasted it, taking notes of the flavor profile and any changes I noticed in the presence of milk. ## What We Learned ### Espresso Is a Process and a Drink Espresso is as much the process of brewing as it is the beans. Serious Eats Unlike, say, a French press or pour-over, espresso brews using pressure. A typical [espresso machine](https://www.seriouseats.com/best-espresso-machines-5185482) uses about nine bars of pressure to force hot water through finely ground coffee. The result is a small amount of intensely concentrated coffee, typically with a total dissolved solids (TDS) of 8 to 12%. (Basically, TDS is the amount of coffee present.) By comparison, French press coffee ranges from 1.4% to 1.7%, and pour-over is only 1.2% to 1.5%. This concentrated espresso shot can be enjoyed in multiple ways, be it sipped from an [espresso cup](https://www.seriouseats.com/best-espresso-cups-8604313) or made into espresso drinks like Americanos, lattes, cappuccinos, and mochas. ### There’s No Such Thing as Espresso Beans or an Espresso Roast Espresso beans aren't actually a thing. Serious Eats A common misconception is that espresso beans are all dark roasted. Traditionally, this is true. But there isn’t an actual espresso coffee bean, nor is there a standard roast for espresso. Colin Stoeber, Education Manager at [Sightglass Coffee,](https://sightglasscoffee.com/) says, “Technically, there is no difference between the coffee beans used for espresso versus any other brewing method. That's right—the same plant, the same seeds, and the same caffeine level! ‘Espresso’ is a method of brewing coffee defined by using a machine that creates pressure (around nine bars) to catalyze the extraction for a short, quick, and intense beverage.” Nowadays, modern coffee shops use a wide range of roasts for espresso, though darker ones are more common. Stoeber further explained, “In the roastery, espresso blends are often developed just a pinch longer than other offerings. Increasing the development during the roasting process increases the solubility of the coffee, which makes it easier to work with in brewing methods with shorter contact times.” Still, some roasters put “espresso roast” on their bags. This typically means that they have blended or roasted their beans with espresso in mind. That said, some beans might be better suited to espresso, just as others lend themselves well to pour-over or French press. A bean that has delicate flavor notes might get lost in a concentrated espresso shot. Daria Whalen, the green coffee buyer at [Ritual Coffee Roasters](https://ritualcoffee.com/), explained it this way: “Coffees with rich flavors of cocoa or red fruits tend to pop more in an espresso or a darker roasted drip coffee, and those with more tea-like flavors are best reserved for drip roasts.” Still, I didn’t necessarily favor the darker roasted bean I tried. The [Blue Bottle’s Hayes Valley Espresso](https://bluebottlecoffee.com/us/eng/product/hayes-valley-espresso), for example, had an overly burnt flavor. This was something I particularly noticed when it was made into a long black, which is similar to an Americano. Darker roasted beans were also more brittle, as evident when I found numerous broken beans in the Blue Bottle bag. ### Roast Date Was Important The fresher the espresso bean, the better the result. Serious Eats There’s a Goldilocks window of coffee freshness. Andrea Allen, founder of [Onyx Coffee Lab](https://onyxcoffeelab.com/), says, “Best practice would be a week off roast but fresher than three months.” This is because freshly roasted coffee beans have a lot of carbon dioxide built up inside them. This is why you bloom your coffee when doing a [pour-over](https://www.seriouseats.com/make-better-pourover-coffee-how-pourover-works-temperature-timing), as this allows the grounds to expel the carbon dioxide, which otherwise might interfere with extraction and brewing. Carbon dioxide is what produces crema, the light-colored foam on top of the espresso shot. But too much CO2 can result in an uneven pull, resulting in a beautiful-looking crema (because of the gas) but a weak, flat espresso that lacks sweetness. ### Best Was Subjective Some folks might prefer dark roast over light, so in the end, taste is subjective. Serious Eats Taste is subjective, and you might not like the coffee I like. In the [New Rules of Coffee](https://www.amazon.com/New-Rules-Coffee-Modern-Everyone/dp/0399581626?tag=seriouseats-onsite-prod-20&ascsubtag=7506734) by Jordan Michelman and Zachary Carlsen, Rule 15 starts out: “Does it taste good? There you go, you’ve found your favorite coffee!” I enjoy a wide range of coffees, including bright, floral, and fruity beans and darker, nutty, chocolatey ones. But my husband definitely prefers the latter. Neither is right nor wrong, just different. As such, I tried to categorize and pick espresso beans that fit all different palates. But if there’s an espresso bean you love that isn’t on the list, it’s not because I didn’t like it. Hundreds of roasters make excellent coffee, and as much as I would love to try them all, that’s not feasible. ## The Criteria: What to Look for in Espresso Beans Serious Eats Look for beans that have tasting notes that match your palate and preference, expecting those flavors to become more intense when made into an espresso shot. If you plan on using the espresso beans for a milk-based drink like lattes or cappuccinos, consider looking for a washed processed bean that has notes of caramel or chocolate. Finally, look for beans that have a roast date on the bag. This indicates that the roaster is of higher quality. It also gives you a sense of how old the beans are. If you can, use the beans within one week of roasting for optimum flavor. ## Our Favorite Coffee Beans for Espresso What we liked: Partners Bedford espresso is a beautiful blend of Colombian and Ethiopian beans. It has a classic espresso taste without any overly bitter notes, as well as a deeper, complex flavor profile and rich, smooth body. Dominant flavors include dark chocolate, caramel, brown sugar, and molasses—all typical flavor notes most folks associate with espresso. This makes it ideal for milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. There were also hints of black currant and dark, British-style, Seville orange marmalade, giving it dimension in sip after sip. When I diluted the espresso shot and made it a long black, I found the sweet brown sugar flavors became more dominant, with notes of hazelnut and milk chocolate in the finish. What we didn’t like: Folks who prefer more traditional, darker roasts might want to opt for a bean that isn’t as complex as this one. ### Key Specs - Bag size: 12 ounces - Coffee origin: Colombia and Ethiopia - Roaster’s tasting notes: Marmalade, pomegranate, brown sugar - ![Coffee beans, brewed coffee, and a bag of Partners Coffee Roasters Bedford blend](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/JpGBOwdrdzwuvP63xp8ZNkW5TTM=/fit-in/1500x2000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-partners-coffee-roasters-bedford-espresso-irvin-lin-02-6399365d7f714942bcd9290e2fba7f30.jpeg) Credit: Serious Eats - ![Bag of Bedford espresso coffee from Partners Coffee Roasters, tasting notes include marmalade, pomegranate, and brown sugar](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/9voADNJki0HROWPiKYEW9fAgmyI=/fit-in/1500x1420/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-partners-coffee-roasters-bedford-espresso-irvin-lin-05-5e22d1dd897845e99ec96cf702cd991b.jpeg) Credit: Serious Eats - ![A package of Partners Coffee Bedford espresso with a bowl of coffee beans](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/jfh8ee6aWrfnGWhE6a0e0AZ4kro=/fit-in/1500x2000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-partners-coffee-roasters-bedford-espresso-irvin-lin-04-11bf25030d3043ad9405225a68e4ce5d.jpeg) Credit: Serious Eats - ![A bag of Partners coffee labeled Bedford with a glass cup of coffee and a bowl of coffee beans on a marble surface](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/65AhOXtDP-16kmTsfOS1wk6PCtQ=/fit-in/1500x2000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-partners-coffee-roasters-bedford-espresso-irvin-lin-01-da32b1a0bbf64a0eb311de4012a6ff9f.jpeg) Credit: Serious Eats - ![Coffee beans, brewed coffee, and a bag of Partners Coffee Roasters Bedford blend](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/cNlbZJ1415qdFpSC5Jz1rVhHu8A=/fit-in/200x2000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-partners-coffee-roasters-bedford-espresso-irvin-lin-02-6399365d7f714942bcd9290e2fba7f30.jpeg) - ![Bag of Bedford espresso coffee from Partners Coffee Roasters, tasting notes include marmalade, pomegranate, and brown sugar](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/d1d7_dSTgA2-0CK8Ec7n5aEwlGc=/fit-in/200x1420/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-partners-coffee-roasters-bedford-espresso-irvin-lin-05-5e22d1dd897845e99ec96cf702cd991b.jpeg) - ![A package of Partners Coffee Bedford espresso with a bowl of coffee beans](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/IEXuSSyG2Ytdp1s9w16jMBDAcjw=/fit-in/200x2000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-partners-coffee-roasters-bedford-espresso-irvin-lin-04-11bf25030d3043ad9405225a68e4ce5d.jpeg) - ![A bag of Partners coffee labeled Bedford with a glass cup of coffee and a bowl of coffee beans on a marble surface](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/qQl4TjmagDfgBm7DTFHuyhUBmr0=/fit-in/200x2000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-partners-coffee-roasters-bedford-espresso-irvin-lin-01-da32b1a0bbf64a0eb311de4012a6ff9f.jpeg) What we liked: George Howell is a pioneer in the coffee industry, creating the Coffee Connection initially based out of Cambridge, Massachusetts, before being bought out by Starbucks in 1994. (The company acquired the rights to use the name “Frappuccino” with the buyout.) Ten years later, he founded George Howell Coffee and has been directly working with coffee farmers to find the best, sustainably grown beans. Alchemy is a blend orffering a classic espresso flavor that works well in milk-based drinks. A slightly darker roast develops the dark chocolate, malt, and nutty flavors that are traditionally associated with espresso but without the biting bitterness that’s often a result of darker roasting. The espresso had a rich, velvety body with top notes of peanut and pecan leading into bittersweet chocolate. The long black revealed a hint of cherry cordial along with the dark chocolate. And the latte had a rich body and a classic flavor with sweet, molasses notes. What we didn’t like: The dark roast of these beans produced a classic espresso shot, but it wasn’t quite as complex as some of the beans I tasted. ### Key Specs - Bag size: 12 ounces - Coffee origin: Brazil, Costa Rica, Guatemala - Roaster’s tasting notes: Chocolate, almond, nougat - ![A bag of Alchemy Espresso coffee beans, a small bowl of whole coffee beans, and a glass of espresso on a marble countertop](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/sxTcgL-APmT0JXb2BoJZ-m-WskI=/fit-in/1500x2092/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-george-howell-alchemy-espresso-irvin-lin-01-16f04eae045b449f8204e9f88bbb11d7.jpeg) Credit: Serious Eats - ![A bag of George Howell Coffee, Alchemy Espresso blend, placed on a white surface](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/bkQQlPz5fJOR63WLIXEJOs_cEEU=/fit-in/1500x1870/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-george-howell-alchemy-espresso-irvin-lin-03-54d9153edfe94a6c97f06ad0cdeb7e39.jpeg) Credit: Serious Eats - ![Bag of George Howell Alchemy Espresso coffee next to a bowl of beans](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/Uid_VR33dw15LYmyVoTHnJijwWo=/fit-in/1500x2129/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-george-howell-alchemy-espresso-irvin-lin-02-4f1c3e7ef19a43459b38438d8a410f23.jpeg) Credit: Serious Eats - ![A bag of Alchemy Espresso coffee beans, a small bowl of whole coffee beans, and a glass of espresso on a marble countertop](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/ZfZpHCsp8jJZvDCJvLlaQdVfHuc=/fit-in/200x2092/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-george-howell-alchemy-espresso-irvin-lin-01-16f04eae045b449f8204e9f88bbb11d7.jpeg) - ![A bag of George Howell Coffee, Alchemy Espresso blend, placed on a white surface](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/S-KUGxrckpYP1OjAZrUPTcF6cj0=/fit-in/200x1870/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-george-howell-alchemy-espresso-irvin-lin-03-54d9153edfe94a6c97f06ad0cdeb7e39.jpeg) - ![Bag of George Howell Alchemy Espresso coffee next to a bowl of beans](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/IHu3tSTE1yktWvvkjBjXOY9DlVM=/fit-in/200x2129/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-george-howell-alchemy-espresso-irvin-lin-02-4f1c3e7ef19a43459b38438d8a410f23.jpeg) What we liked: Ritual Coffee specializes in seasonal beans, and that means the beans it uses for its espresso offerings of Sweet Tooth and Ace tend to rotate throughout the year. Sweet Tooth offers a sweeter profile, featuring a rich, syrupy body that hits you up front with butterscotch and toffee notes. The flavor lingers with notes of summer berries, like strawberry and blackberry. A slight acidity also helps cut through some of the sweetness of the espresso, creating a balanced shot. When diluted into a long black, the espresso’s sweetness mellows and its acidity sharpens. I detected notes of mandarin orange and key lime, as well as a turbinado sugar finish. Lattes had a lovely butterscotch flavor and were classically coffee-forward. What we didn’t like: Because of the sweet profile, this bean might not appeal to those folks who favor darker, more bitter espresso. ### Key Specs - Bag size: 12 ounces - Coffee origin: Burundi - Roaster’s tasting notes: Strawberry, lime, butterscotch - ![A bag of Ritual coffee labeled 'Sweet Tooth' with a bowl of coffee beans and a glass of espresso on a countertop](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/DeorCp38QsQRFesNuNgtW6KnkkA=/fit-in/1500x2000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-ritual-coffee-sweet-tooth-irvin-lin-02-34e80ae078904d1089865769564948dd.jpeg) Credit: Serious Eats - ![A bag of Ritual coffee labeled 'Sweet Tooth' on a tiled surface](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/BmQMpCnsY1bX-P8D7Wu8SFoujU8=/fit-in/1500x2000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-ritual-coffee-sweet-tooth-irvin-lin-04-89a7b6f13bbc49758adddeb4b62ed440.jpeg) Credit: Serious Eats - ![Coffee bag labeled 'Ritual Sweet Tooth,' accompanied by a bowl of coffee beans and a mug of brewed coffee](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/nmzbENKMX37KCF8r98Gd-uzj62M=/fit-in/1500x2000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-ritual-coffee-sweet-tooth-irvin-lin-01-5e5f47413cfe45949debb39046238f15.jpeg) Credit: Serious Eats - ![Bag of coffee labeled 'Ritual Sweet Tooth,' with a bowl of coffee beans on a counter](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/ZmsE8_3FGQ25qR87TlHwwz59WtE=/fit-in/1500x2000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-ritual-coffee-sweet-tooth-irvin-lin-03-d3d7073d75154e608b7f0c1affb7483d.jpeg) Credit: Serious Eats - ![A bag of Ritual coffee labeled 'Sweet Tooth' with a bowl of coffee beans and a glass of espresso on a countertop](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/RZ_IumljTpruwDLju0soquiYCTU=/fit-in/200x2000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-ritual-coffee-sweet-tooth-irvin-lin-02-34e80ae078904d1089865769564948dd.jpeg) - ![A bag of Ritual coffee labeled 'Sweet Tooth' on a tiled surface](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/IcAUkPTwtIBsCp9EoqYZtL1u0c8=/fit-in/200x2000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-ritual-coffee-sweet-tooth-irvin-lin-04-89a7b6f13bbc49758adddeb4b62ed440.jpeg) - ![Coffee bag labeled 'Ritual Sweet Tooth,' accompanied by a bowl of coffee beans and a mug of brewed coffee](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/AaiKZaGRYH2ViYrTS2De-TbIqmg=/fit-in/200x2000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-ritual-coffee-sweet-tooth-irvin-lin-01-5e5f47413cfe45949debb39046238f15.jpeg) - ![Bag of coffee labeled 'Ritual Sweet Tooth,' with a bowl of coffee beans on a counter](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/iViLM5bdtN0gxVR_ohjHLddkqtY=/fit-in/200x2000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-ritual-coffee-sweet-tooth-irvin-lin-03-d3d7073d75154e608b7f0c1affb7483d.jpeg) What we liked: The Onyx Geometry was one of the most interesting, intriguing beans I tried. It was a light roast, leading to a bright, complex espresso with citrus notes of lemon and tangerine as well as summer stone fruit like pluot and apricot. The fruity notes are balanced with an earthier, nutty pecan and dark chocolate finish, making this bean layered and lively. The long black drink had a round, full body with a nutty pecan, lemon, and dark chocolate finish. The latte brought out baking spices like cloves and nutmeg, as well as peach and nectarine. If you like bright, complex coffee, the Geometry is an excellent espresso bean. What we didn’t like:Folks wanting a classic espresso should look elsewhere, as this light-roasted bean is far from traditional. The beans are so lightly roasted that they are difficult to grind, jamming the built-in grinder on the Breville Barista Impress Express. I found I had to either hand-grind them or just add a teaspoon of beans at a time to the grinder for it to work properly. ### Key Specs - Bag size: 10 ounces - Coffee origin: Colombia and Ethiopia - Roaster’s tasting notes: Berries, stone fruit, earl grey, honeysuckle - ![Bag and box of Onyx Coffee with a bowl of coffee beans and a glass of espresso on a marble table](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/tXT45a_TY91SN5Ge2LGEed0kCRE=/fit-in/1500x2000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-onyx-geometry-irvin-lin-01-31e7dc717f9640e9b09d75701fe51c99.jpeg) Credit: Serious Eats - ![Box of Onyx Coffee Geometry blend on a countertop](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/8kcQ8pPGgvOx0Ro0jfWKVjSGx70=/fit-in/1500x1525/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-onyx-geometry-irvin-lin-03-b75db61b372c42799ada4153579d24c4.jpeg) Credit: Serious Eats - ![Packaging and beans for Onyx Coffee on a marble surface](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/eaWWXVhAvZi2SXrdBTcPVYPsNxE=/fit-in/1500x1863/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-onyx-geometry-irvin-lin-02-f85844991a334ff0bd06010c917ce990.jpeg) Credit: Serious Eats - ![Bag and box of Onyx Coffee with a bowl of coffee beans and a glass of espresso on a marble table](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/OTRzznglylWy5IaQLwNC1jGhQAg=/fit-in/200x2000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-onyx-geometry-irvin-lin-01-31e7dc717f9640e9b09d75701fe51c99.jpeg) - ![Box of Onyx Coffee Geometry blend on a countertop](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/uYQweXCUQB2lEI-1jo2P9ZtSoCs=/fit-in/200x1525/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-onyx-geometry-irvin-lin-03-b75db61b372c42799ada4153579d24c4.jpeg) - ![Packaging and beans for Onyx Coffee on a marble surface](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/ZeOTgohgOF1JdChz9x-7NF5XBfk=/fit-in/200x1863/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-onyx-geometry-irvin-lin-02-f85844991a334ff0bd06010c917ce990.jpeg) What we liked: Owl’s Howl is a blended medium-roast bean that falls somewhere between the bright complexity of Onyx Geometry and the more classic George Howell Alchemy. Initial sips of it offered a round body with slight, pleasant bitterness that most folks expect from quality espresso. The espresso gains dimension from complex notes of dark plum, orange peel, burnt molasses, and dark chocolate. The long black offered a full-bodied cup, with cocoa powder, toasted almond, and plum, while the latte had a lovely balance with darker notes of molasses, cacao nib, and orange peel. What we didn’t like: This is a beautiful coffee, but it walks the line between a traditional espresso and a brighter, more complexly flavored espresso. Folks looking for something classic might find it too complex, while folks who enjoy bright and lively drinks might think it lacks nuance. ### Key Specs - Bag size: 12 ounces - Coffee origin: Central America and East Africa (varying) - Roaster’s tasting notes: Cacao nib, stone fruit, candied orange - ![A bag of Sight Glass Owls Howl espresso whole bean coffee, labeled organic with tasting notes and weight details](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/hfT_XeOcv__d5X18uPyKJo91gbw=/fit-in/1500x1921/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-sightglass-coffee-owls-howl-irvin-lin-03-8122188bd7da4df985a6a1f96f84a6f2.jpeg) Credit: Serious Eats - ![Bag of organic whole bean coffee with a bowl of coffee beans in the foreground](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/9kKBhNlAwB9uFWnMeu_WMFPRznQ=/fit-in/1500x2000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-sightglass-coffee-owls-howl-irvin-lin-02-835c57d2a81a4ce8abb104544309be58.jpeg) Credit: Serious Eats - ![Bag of Owl's Howl coffee with a cup and bowl of beans](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/EkLG_UJMeIzzda4fbLRiAOc3TLs=/fit-in/1500x2000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-sightglass-coffee-owls-howl-irvin-lin-01-fed49fee2f8c4af89012c6e323bea73a.jpeg) Credit: Serious Eats - ![A bag of Sight Glass Owls Howl espresso whole bean coffee, labeled organic with tasting notes and weight details](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/nPh9kpUiIj99_4jJsJZ3tP3hYsw=/fit-in/200x1921/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-sightglass-coffee-owls-howl-irvin-lin-03-8122188bd7da4df985a6a1f96f84a6f2.jpeg) - ![Bag of organic whole bean coffee with a bowl of coffee beans in the foreground](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/yDZL7KNnzcVK8lnZ_oknnbJGtk8=/fit-in/200x2000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-sightglass-coffee-owls-howl-irvin-lin-02-835c57d2a81a4ce8abb104544309be58.jpeg) - ![Bag of Owl's Howl coffee with a cup and bowl of beans](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/frsfe00rDO97VseYseAJ829ECPo=/fit-in/200x2000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-sightglass-coffee-owls-howl-irvin-lin-01-fed49fee2f8c4af89012c6e323bea73a.jpeg) What we liked: A pioneer in the third-wave coffee scene—a movement toward higher quality beans, single-origin sourcing, and lighter-roasted beans that started in the late 1990s and early 2000s—Counter Culture has a strong educational program built into its mission statement. Its blended espresso bean, Big Trouble, can be found at many grocery stores and has an accessible price point and flavor profile. The bean is a medium-dark roast, which highlights some pleasant bitterness up front. The espresso shot had some nuttiness, bittersweet chocolate, and a very subtle hint of dark cherry in it. The long black brought out notes of caramel and molasses while keeping the dark chocolate front and center. The latte highlighted the chocolate as well, delivering a round-bodied drink with classic latte flavors like cocoa powder and almond. What we didn’t like: Big Trouble was less flavorful and complex than other beans I tasted. ### Key Specs - Bag size: 12 ounces - Coffee origin: Varies throughout the year - Roaster’s tasting notes: Caramel, nutty, round - ![Bag of Counter Culture Coffee Big Trouble, bowl of coffee beans, and cup of espresso on a counter](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/WObGKvFu9oxXZITbSNHHYCzrNGU=/fit-in/1500x2000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-counter-culture-coffee-big-trouble-irvin-lin-01-508d4de8e3c44bbabc6215e81f31e02a.jpeg) Credit: Serious Eats - ![A bag of Counter Culture Coffee, labeled Big Trouble with tasting notes caramel, nutty, and round, on a white tile background](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/G7rqmy0H3e4TZqszVXe6SiF-P0I=/fit-in/1500x1801/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-counter-culture-coffee-big-trouble-irvin-lin-03-5a5798beb02340bfaa2c86076a4bf3e7.jpeg) Credit: Serious Eats - ![A bag of Counter Culture Coffee labeled 'Big Trouble' next to a small glass bowl of coffee beans](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/KsoHJOSPuQYOLXQ9UZVipMvd0GA=/fit-in/1500x2000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-counter-culture-coffee-big-trouble-irvin-lin-02-b52ed301e24d4d038027bfca5235cb46.jpeg) Credit: Serious Eats - ![Bag of Counter Culture Coffee Big Trouble, bowl of coffee beans, and cup of espresso on a counter](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/k08F9fhlcF_5CmbY5AIdUT6e1TM=/fit-in/200x2000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-counter-culture-coffee-big-trouble-irvin-lin-01-508d4de8e3c44bbabc6215e81f31e02a.jpeg) - ![A bag of Counter Culture Coffee, labeled Big Trouble with tasting notes caramel, nutty, and round, on a white tile background](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/4c_lqcOtFc6Vmuq7wGAFGBxVdfQ=/fit-in/200x1801/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-counter-culture-coffee-big-trouble-irvin-lin-03-5a5798beb02340bfaa2c86076a4bf3e7.jpeg) - ![A bag of Counter Culture Coffee labeled 'Big Trouble' next to a small glass bowl of coffee beans](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/8mxKySr1fcg7-pgfNe4MYg4rp8U=/fit-in/200x2000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-counter-culture-coffee-big-trouble-irvin-lin-02-b52ed301e24d4d038027bfca5235cb46.jpeg) What we liked: The [process of decaffeinating coffee](https://www.seriouseats.com/how-coffee-gets-decaffeinated-water-process-what-is-decaf) will often strip out flavor, as it’s impossible to just remove caffeine from a coffee bean. But Decaf Eye of the Tiger offers a bean that pulls a solid espresso, with notes of milk chocolate, nutty almond, tangerine peel, and baking spices like cinnamon and allspice. Featuring a lighter roast than is typical for decaf and espresso, these beans came through with fruity notes of orange and tangerine in both the espresso shot and long black. The latte had a mild but still balanced flavor, with nutty toasted walnut and almond notes and a mellow, malt chocolate finish. What we didn’t like: Like all decaf coffees, this bean isn’t super robust in flavor. Still, it’s one of the better decaffeinated espresso beans I tried. ### Key Specs - Bag size: 10.5 ounces - Coffee origin: Colombia and Brazil (varies throughout the year) - Roaster’s tasting notes: cranberry, chocolate-covered almonds, mulling spices - ![A coffee bag labeled Equator Coffees, a bowl of coffee beans, and an espresso shot in a glass cup](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/m72CgojNwS-9SHJ6tJfsV9TD8Ss=/fit-in/1500x2000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-equator-decaf-eye-of-the-tiger-espresso-irvin-lin-01-e350bf8661814ed29546caa412d22cf2.jpeg) Credit: Serious Eats - ![Bag of Decaf Eye of the Tiger Espresso by Equator Coffees, with tasting notes and certifications displayed](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/VmsviLhEub21DnBr86vpHp3y-oM=/fit-in/1500x1831/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-equator-decaf-eye-of-the-tiger-espresso-irvin-lin-03-71c8279d7ae44dd4b45420b672e16f5d.jpeg) Credit: Serious Eats - ![A bag of Equator Coffees decaf coffee labeled Eye of the Tiger Espresso next to a small bowl of coffee beans](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/iANYY2Viq4OKJX7A98QfocNUP4I=/fit-in/1500x2000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-equator-decaf-eye-of-the-tiger-espresso-irvin-lin-02-d1a9c0650c684276a304f8ddf4e039eb.jpeg) Credit: Serious Eats - ![A coffee bag labeled Equator Coffees, a bowl of coffee beans, and an espresso shot in a glass cup](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/hYWaoemQv6rL97NqdFZn62zSbPY=/fit-in/200x2000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-equator-decaf-eye-of-the-tiger-espresso-irvin-lin-01-e350bf8661814ed29546caa412d22cf2.jpeg) - ![Bag of Decaf Eye of the Tiger Espresso by Equator Coffees, with tasting notes and certifications displayed](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/xw6SvCCYpefBS6scGx9TrI-nQuU=/fit-in/200x1831/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-equator-decaf-eye-of-the-tiger-espresso-irvin-lin-03-71c8279d7ae44dd4b45420b672e16f5d.jpeg) - ![A bag of Equator Coffees decaf coffee labeled Eye of the Tiger Espresso next to a small bowl of coffee beans](https://www.seriouseats.com/thmb/RIjLVx4QLypE_nLmEHhDH8OYFFk=/fit-in/200x2000/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/sea-equator-decaf-eye-of-the-tiger-espresso-irvin-lin-02-d1a9c0650c684276a304f8ddf4e039eb.jpeg) ## The Competition ### Other Good Options - [Ritual Ace](https://ritualcoffee.com/shop/coffee/ace-esperanca-brasil/): In addition to Sweet Tooth, Ritual also offers the Ace espresso bean year-round. A dual-purpose bean, it’s roasted and intended for both pour-over and espresso. It produces a medium-bodied espresso that’s sweet, though not as sweet as Sweet Tooth. Tasting notes include baking spices like nutmeg and allspice as well as a milk chocolate and butter toffee finish. - [Intelligentsia Black Cat Espresso](https://www.amazon.com/Intelligentsia-Classic-Espresso-Coffee-12-Ounce/dp/B0055ZRUOO/?th=1&tag=seriouseats-onsite-prod-20&ascsubtag=7506734): This darker roasted bean had a medium body and round flavor with notes of milk chocolate and earthy blueberry. It’s not overly robust in flavor, but it still offered a balanced shot, a pleasant long black, and a classic latte coffee flavor. - [Kuma Coffee Classic](https://www.drinktrade.com/products/balanced?variant=45941994979647): This classic espresso had semisweet chocolate and nutty pecan notes. It was a nicely balanced bean with a round body, smooth finish, and mild acidity. - [Stumptown Hair Bender](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008J4WEBM/?th=1&tag=seriouseats-onsite-prod-20&ascsubtag=7506734): I enjoy Hair Bender as a pour-over coffee and was excited to try it as an espresso. It had a classic flavor, with bittersweet chocolate, plum, and pecan tasting notes. It didn’t have as robust a body when pulled as an espresso, though it made an excellent long black and created a classic latte flavor when poured into steamed milk. ### Not Recommended - [Blue Bottle Hayes Valley Espresso](https://bluebottlecoffee.com/us/eng/product/hayes-valley-espresso): This dark-roasted bean tasted bitter and left a lingering burnt taste in my mouth. Some of the beans were noticeably damaged and broken when the bag was opened, and it was twice as expensive as others.. - [Tandem Coffee Time and Temperature](https://www.mistobox.com/time-and-temperature-espresso-blend): A medium-light-roasted bean, Time and Temperature was surprisingly bitter and had less flavor than other beans. It was also not as rich or full-bodied. - [Intelligentsia Black Cat Decaf](https://www.intelligentsia.com/products/decaf-black-cat-espresso): Intelligentsia’s Black Cat Decaf bean started with a strong, bitter note and didn’t have as much flavor afterward. Espresso, long black, and lattes all lacked depth and tasted one-note. - [Lavazza Super Crema](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000SDKDM4/?tag=seriouseats-onsite-prod-20&ascsubtag=7506734): This reasonably priced large bag of espresso is a blend of Arabica beans, which are typically used for specialty coffee, and Robusta beans, which are usually grown for cheaper commodity coffee. It produced an adequate but unremarkable shot of espresso with strong, bitter notes. Lattes were one-dimensional and flat, though espresso and long black drinks were slightly better with notes of chocolate and toasted bread. ## FAQs ### What makes a good espresso blend? A good espresso blend has a balance of acidity, bitterness, and sweetness, and offers a medium- to full-bodied shot. Because coffee is a seasonal crop, an espresso blend is crafted to maintain consistency throughout the year, hitting the same flavor notes even when using different beans. ### Do espresso beans have more caffeine than coffee beans? Any bean can be used to make espresso, and as such, espresso beans have the same amount of caffeine as regular coffee beans. Some roasts, like those from [Onyx Coffee Lab](https://onyxcoffeelab.com/), will even list how much caffeine is in each bean they sell. That said, because espresso is a more concentrated form of coffee, there is often more caffeine in a shot of espresso than there is in a similar amount of a pour-over or French press coffee. ### What roast makes the best espresso? Traditionally, darker-roasted beans have been used for espresso, but all roasts can be used to make espresso. Different roasts will produce espresso with different flavors. But if you prefer a more classic espresso, opt for medium- to dark-roast beans. For a more complex flavored espresso, experiment with light- or medium-roast beans. ### Why We're the Experts - [Irvin Lin](https://www.seriouseats.com/irvin-lin-5248800) is a cookbook author, recipe developer, food writer, photographer, and ceramicist. He wrote the cookbook [Marbled, Swirled, and Layered](https://www.amazon.com/Marbled-Swirled-Layered-Recipes-Variations/dp/0544453735?ascsubtag=7506734&tag=seriouseats-onsite-prod-20), which was picked by The New York Times as one of the best baking cookbooks of 2016. He's also an IACP-award-winning photographer and is currently on the James Beard Book Awards Subcommittee. - Irvin runs a blog called [Eat the Love](https://www.eatthelove.com/), where he’s developed, photographed, and written recipes since 2010. - He’s tested and reviewed hundreds of kitchen items, including [stand mixers](https://www.seriouseats.com/best-stand-mixers-7377555) and [digital thermometers](https://www.seriouseats.com/best-instant-read-thermometers-5323231). - For this review, Irvin tried 15 different espresso beans, pulling over 50 shots and tasting multiple drinks with each shot, including long blacks and lattes. He’s still reeling from the caffeine buzz.
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