Sometimes we need a strong hit of coffee to get us through that day-time slump. Espresso is the answer. I took on the mission to find the best espresso beans, so you know where to get superior tasting coffee.
Espresso beans have to be perfect. They are not masked with sugar, milk or anything else. They're not even watered down. It's pure, straight coffee - so flavor and aroma.
Let's take a look at 5 of the most popular brands on Amazon and see what's good, and not so good, about them all.
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How We Tested These Espresso Beans
Finding the best espresso beans is not something you figure out by reading a bag label. You have to pull shots — repeatedly, carefully, and honestly.
Here is exactly how I did it.
I tested all five picks using the same setup every single time — a mid-range home espresso machine, filtered water, and a quality burr grinder. I brewed at 200 degrees Fahrenheit throughout testing — the optimal temperature range for espresso extraction. Every bean was ground fresh immediately before pulling each shot. I followed each brand's recommended grind size first, then adjusted finer and coarser to understand how forgiving each bean was during extraction.
I evaluated every espresso on five criteria:
- Crema quality — thickness, color, persistence, and texture
- Flavor complexity — how many distinct notes came through clearly
- Ease of dialing in — how forgiving the bean was across different grind settings
- Consistency — whether results held up shot after shot
- Milk performance — how each bean held up in lattes and cappuccinos
I also pulled each bean as a straight double shot — because if a bean cannot stand on its own without milk, it has no business being on this list.
No sponsored products. No brand relationships. Just five bags, one grinder, and a straightforward opinion on what actually deserves a spot in your portafilter.
What to Look for in the Best Espresso Beans for Home Espresso Machine
Choosing the right espresso beans feels overwhelming. It does not have to be. After testing all five picks on this list, I have narrowed it down to exactly what matters.
Roast level
Medium and dark roasts are your best options for espresso. Dark roast delivers bold, chocolatey depth with low acidity — consistent and forgiving every time. Medium roast like Lavazza or illy preserves more origin complexity and sweetness. Avoid light roast entirely — it extracts poorly under high pressure and tastes sour.
Bean composition
100% Arabica beans produce natural sweetness, smooth body, and elegant complexity. That is illy and Peet's. Arabica-Robusta blends — like Lavazza and Death Wish — add crema thickness and extra caffeine punch. Neither is wrong. It depends entirely on what you want in your cup.
Crema quality
Good espresso beans produce thick, golden, persistent crema. Robusta content helps — it is why Lavazza and Death Wish produce exceptional crema. If crema matters to you, look for blends with some Robusta content.
Ease of dialing in
Forgiving beans save you frustration. Lavazza Super Crema performed consistently across three different grind settings. Beginners should prioritize forgiving beans over complex specialty options.
Freshness
Always buy beans with a one-way degassing valve. Buy whole bean where possible. Grind fresh immediately before every shot. Stale beans produce flat, lifeless espresso — no matter how good your machine is.
Organic certification
Espresso uses high coffee-to-water ratios. Whatever is in the bean ends up concentrated in your cup. USDA Organic options like Death Wish give health-conscious buyers genuine peace of mind.
Summary of my findings:
Lavazza Super Crema — Best Overall | |
|---|---|
Roast Type | Medium Roast |
Whole Bean / Pre-ground | Both available |
Flavor & Taste | Bold, smooth, low-acid — roasted hazelnut, brown sugar sweetness, creamy body, zero bitterness |
Availability & Price | Budget-friendly — widely available online and in stores |
For more details |
Illy Classico Whole Bean — Best Premium Italian Espresso | |
|---|---|
Roast Type | Medium Roast |
Whole Bean / Pre-ground | Whole Bean |
Flavor & Taste | Refined, elegant, low-acid — caramel sweetness, orange blossom, jasmine hints, velvety body |
Availability & Price | Price in a high range — widely available online and in stores |
For more details |
Peet's Coffee Espresso Forte — Best for the American Dark Roast Lover | |
|---|---|
Roast Type | Dark Roast |
Whole Bean / Pre-ground | Both available |
Flavor & Taste | Rich, complex, low-acid — hazelnut, dark chocolate, caramel, lively citrus zest, stout body |
Availability & Price | Mid-range — widely available online and in stores |
For more details |
Cafe La Llave — Best for Bold Cuban-Style Espresso | |
|---|---|
Roast Type | Dark |
Whole Bean / Pre-ground | Both available |
Flavor & Taste | Bold, intense, smooth — deep chocolate, earthy depth, subtle caramel sweetness, heavy body |
Availability & Price | Budget-friendly — widely available online and in stores |
For more details |
Death Wish Coffee — Best for Maximum Caffeine Espresso | |
|---|---|
Roast Type | Dark Roast |
Whole Bean / Pre-ground | Both available |
Flavor & Taste | Bold, powerful, low-acid — baker's chocolate, black cherry, caramelized sugar, zero bitterness |
Availability & Price | Mid-range — widely available online and in stores |
For more details |
Some questions may arise inside you !!
Q. What is the best roast for espresso beans?
Medium and dark roast are your best options. Dark roast delivers bold, chocolatey depth with low acidity — consistent and forgiving every shot. Medium roast like Lavazza Super Crema or illy Classico preserves more sweetness and origin complexity. Avoid light roast entirely — it extracts poorly under espresso pressure and tastes sour.
Q. What is the difference between espresso beans and regular coffee beans?
Technically none — any coffee bean can be used for espresso. The difference is in roast level and grind size. Espresso beans are typically roasted medium to dark and ground finer for high-pressure extraction. The best coffee beans for espresso are specifically selected and roasted to produce rich flavor and thick crema under pressure.
Q. What are the best whole bean espresso options?
I would point you straight to Lavazza Super Crema, illy Classico, and Peet's Espresso Forte. All three are outstanding whole bean espresso picks — each delivering exceptional crema, distinct flavor profiles, and consistent shot-to-shot results. For bold Cuban-style intensity, Cafe La Llave whole bean is a genuinely unique option worth exploring.
Q. Should I buy whole bean or ground coffee for espresso?
Whole bean every time. Grinding fresh immediately before pulling your shot makes a noticeable difference in flavor clarity and crema quality. Pre-ground coffee oxidizes quickly — espresso's high-pressure extraction amplifies staleness more than any other brewing method. Always prioritize whole bean for the best results — convenience should never compromise your shot quality.
Q. What makes a good crema in espresso?
Three things — freshly ground beans, correct extraction pressure, and the right bean composition. Arabica-Robusta blends like Lavazza Super Crema and Death Wish Coffee produce the thickest, most persistent crema. The Robusta content contributes natural oils that form that golden layer. Fresh beans always outperform stale ones on crema quality — every single time.
Q. How much caffeine is in espresso beans?
It varies significantly by blend. A standard double shot from illy Classico delivers approximately 120mg. Peet's Espresso Forte and Cafe La Llave deliver 120–140mg. Lavazza Super Crema runs 95–150mg. Death Wish Coffee is in a different category entirely — one 8 oz cup delivers approximately 472mg. Start slow with that one.
Q. Which espresso beans are best for beginners?
I recommend starting with Lavazza Super Crema or Peet's Espresso Forte. Both are exceptionally forgiving to dial in — delivering clean, balanced shots even before your grinder settings are perfectly dialed. Lavazza's medium roast is particularly gentle for beginners. These are genuinely the best beans for espresso if you are just starting your home barista journey.
Q. Can I use espresso beans for regular drip coffee?
Absolutely — espresso beans work perfectly in a drip coffee maker. The result will be bolder and more intense than standard drip coffee. Use a medium-coarse grind rather than the fine grind needed for espresso. Death Wish Coffee and Peet's Espresso Forte both work brilliantly as drip coffee — strong, smooth, and deeply satisfying.
Read full reviews:
Product 1: Lavazza Super Crema — Best Overall
Let me ask you something. When was the last time you pulled a shot that looked exactly right — golden crema sitting thick and velvety on top, holding its shape for a full minute or more without dissipating? That is what I experienced the very first morning I loaded Lavazza Super Crema into my grinder. And it is exactly why this bag sits at the top of my list.
This is hands down the best espresso beans for home espresso machine use I have tested. Here is why.
What Do You Need to Know About These Beans?
Lavazza has been roasting coffee in Turin, Italy since 1895. That is over 130 years of espresso craft. But here is what matters more than the history — they got Super Crema right.
Super Crema is a full-bodied medium roast sourced from 15 coffee-growing countries around the world. That global sourcing is not just a marketing angle. It means Lavazza's blenders can compensate for seasonal variation in any single origin — giving you remarkable consistency cup after cup, season after season.
The blend composition is 60% Arabica and 40% Robusta — and that ratio is deliberate. This expertly curated blend mixes natural Arabica, washed Arabica, and natural Robusta beans to perfectly balance the naturally occurring sweet and bitter tasting notes of each bean type. The Arabica brings sweetness, complexity, and low acidity. The Robusta brings body, crema thickness, and that extra caffeine kick. Together they produce something neither bean achieves alone.
What really impressed me during testing? How forgiving this bean is. I dialed in my grinder across three different settings — fine, medium-fine, and slightly coarser — and Super Crema delivered a clean, balanced shot at every setting. That kind of consistency is genuinely rare. It makes this the best whole bean espresso for anyone who does not yet have their grinder dialed to perfection.
Available in 2.2 LB and 4.4 LB bags — whole bean and pre-ground. For home espresso, always go whole bean. Grind fresh immediately before pulling each shot and you will taste the difference immediately.
Roast Level & Flavors
Medium roast is the right call for Super Crema — and here is why it matters.
Dark roasting develops boldness but burns off some of the bean's natural sweetness and origin character. Medium roasting stops at exactly the right moment — enough development to produce the oils and soluble compounds that espresso extraction needs, without sacrificing the subtlety that makes a shot genuinely enjoyable to drink straight.
I pulled double shots every morning for a week with these beans. Here is what I tasted consistently:
- Roasted hazelnut — warm, nutty, immediately present on the nose and palate
- Brown sugar sweetness — natural, gentle, rounds every sip beautifully
- Subtle dried fruit hints — barely there but adds complexity from the Arabica component
- Creamy, smooth body — sits heavy and luxurious on the palate without harshness
- Low acidity — gentle from first sip, no stomach irritation whatsoever
- Zero bitterness — this is the part that genuinely surprised me
That last point deserves attention. Most espresso blends at this roast level have at least a hint of bitterness — it is almost expected. Super Crema simply does not. The crema held beautifully for a full minute or more after pulling the shot. That is a strong extraction indicator.
In milk-based drinks this bean absolutely shines. I made cappuccinos and lattes throughout the testing week. The hazelnut and brown sugar notes cut right through steamed milk without disappearing — a quality that makes Super Crema particularly well-suited for home baristas who drink more milk-based drinks than straight shots.
One honest note — the aroma is noticeably less intense than freshly roasted small-batch specialty beans. Serious coffee enthusiasts who prioritize complex fragrance may find it falls slightly short in that department.
Nutrition & Health Profile
A double espresso shot brewed with Lavazza Super Crema contains approximately 95–150mg of caffeine. That is a solid, meaningful morning lift — stronger than a standard drip coffee cup which averages around 95mg, but not overwhelming.
The 40% Robusta content is the key here. Robusta beans naturally contain roughly twice the caffeine of Arabica beans — so even though this is a medium roast, the caffeine delivery is noticeably stronger than a 100% Arabica blend at the same roast level. If you are sensitive to caffeine, one double shot is your limit.
A single espresso shot from these beans contains approximately 2 calories — essentially zero. No carbohydrates, no fat, no sugar.
Additional dietary notes:
- Kosher certified — certified by the European Kosher Organization
- Only ingredient is coffee — no additives, fillers, or artificial anything
- Gluten-free
- Non-GMO
- Naturally caffeinated
One note worth knowing — Super Crema is not USDA Organic certified. Lavazza sources sustainably across 15 countries and operates a dedicated sustainability foundation — but the organic certification itself is absent from this product. If organic is a non-negotiable for you, consider Death Wish Coffee instead.
What About Packaging & Ordering?
The bag arrives in Lavazza's signature packaging with a one-way degassing valve — allowing CO2 from freshly roasted beans to escape without letting oxygen in. Oxygen is what stales coffee. This valve makes a real difference in freshness over the 2–3 weeks it typically takes to work through a 2.2 LB bag.
Available in multiple sizes:
- 2.2 LB whole bean — the standard pick for home espresso use
- 4.4 LB twin pack — better value per ounce for regular drinkers
- Pre-ground 32 oz — convenient but avoid for espresso — freshness degrades quickly once ground
My brewing tip: use 18 grams of freshly ground coffee for a double shot. Grind to a fine-medium consistency — finer than drip, but not so fine that extraction slows past 30 seconds. Super Crema is forgiving enough that you will find your sweet spot within the first 2–3 shots.
What we liked | What could be better |
|---|---|
Exceptional crema — thick, golden, holds for a full minute or more after pulling — one of the best crema producers on this entire list | Not USDA Organic certified — readers who prioritize organic sourcing above everything else will need to look at Death Wish instead |
Remarkably forgiving to dial in — delivered clean, balanced shots across three different grind settings without adjustment struggles | Pre-ground version loses freshness quickly — always buy whole bean for home espresso and grind immediately before each shot |
Hazelnut and brown sugar flavor notes hold up powerfully in milk-based drinks — outstanding for lattes and cappuccinos | Aroma is noticeably less intense than freshly roasted small-batch specialty beans — serious coffee enthusiasts who prioritize complex fragrance may find it falls short |
Product 2: Illy Classico Whole Bean Coffee — Best Premium Italian Espresso
There are coffee brands that sell well. Then there are coffee brands that baristas actually trust. illy falls firmly in the second category — and has for over 90 years.
I will be honest. Before I pulled my first shot from a can of illy Classico, I was skeptical. Premium Italian branding does not always mean premium flavor. But the moment that pressurized lid popped open — that satisfying nitrogen release, that immediate floral aroma hitting the kitchen — I knew this one was different.
The shot confirmed it. Clean, smooth, layered. Zero bitterness. This is genuinely one of the best espresso coffee beans you will find at home. Here is why.
What Do You Need to Know About These Beans?
Illy has been perfecting its singular espresso blend since 1933 in Trieste, Italy — spending over eight decades refining one specific blend celebrated worldwide as the pinnacle of whole bean espresso. That is not marketing copy. That is a verifiable commitment to one blend done perfectly rather than dozens done adequately.
What makes illy Classico genuinely different from virtually every other espresso on this list is the sourcing standard. illy selects only the top 1% of the finest Arabica beans, with zero defects allowed — because even a single imperfect bean can compromise the aroma of the entire blend. That level of quality control is extraordinary for a mass-market product.
The Classico blend combines nine different Arabica bean types sourced from the finest coffee harvests in South and Central America, India, and Africa. Nine origins in one can. Each contributes something distinct — the South American beans bring sweetness and clean body, the Indian beans add spice and depth, and the African beans contribute bright floral complexity. The result is a cup no single-origin bean could replicate.
In 2021, illy became the first Italian coffee company to obtain B Corp certification — one of the most rigorous independent sustainability credentials in the food and beverage industry. illy works directly with nearly 900 growers across 4 continents to source sustainably grown coffee. That is genuine supply chain accountability — not a label claim.
The packaging is where illy truly separates itself from every other bean on this list. illy's patented pressurized packaging — invented in 1934 — replaces the air in the tin with inert nitrogen at a pressure greater than the atmosphere, not only maintaining freshness but actively enhancing the coffee's aromas. This technique ensures the whole bean coffee maintains its characteristic taste and aroma for up to two years. No other brand on this list offers that shelf life guarantee.
Available in 8.8 oz and 17.6 oz whole bean cans. For home espresso use, buy the 8.8 oz first — use it fresh within 2 weeks of opening for peak flavor. Once you are hooked, the 17.6 oz offers better value.
Roast Level & Flavors
Illy roasts Classico to a precise medium roast profile — and the precision is the point.
Illy has perfected their roast curve to highlight and enhance the Arabica beans' natural taste and aroma — a roast calibrated to bring out balance rather than intensity. This is not a coffee that tries to overwhelm your palate. It is a coffee that rewards attention.
I dialed in my grinder to an 18g dose for a double shot with a 25–30 second extraction target. The first shot was clean. The second was better. By the third shot I had dialed it in completely — and illy made that process noticeably easier than most medium roasts.
From the very first bean to the last in the can, illy Classico produces a consistent, rich crema on the espresso machine — something that genuinely surprised even experienced testers. I found the same thing. The crema was golden, fine-textured, and held beautifully shot after shot — not just occasionally.
The flavor profile is genuinely layered:
- Caramel sweetness — warm, present, naturally sweet without sugar
- Orange blossom — a delicate floral note that lifts the mid-palate
- Jasmine hints — subtle, elegant, fades into a clean finish
- Smooth, velvety body — medium weight, never heavy or syrupy
- Zero bitterness — remarkably clean from first sip to last
- Sweet lingering finish — stays with you pleasantly after the cup
One thing worth being upfront about — some of the more delicate flavor notes like orange blossom and jasmine can be quite subtle and difficult to detect at first. I found them most clearly when drinking the shot straight with no milk. Add milk and those floral notes soften into a broader sweetness that works beautifully in cappuccinos and lattes.
Straight double shot? Elegant, clean, refined. With steamed oat milk? One of the most satisfying cappuccinos I have made at home.
Nutrition & Health Profile
Being 100% Arabica has real health implications beyond just flavor. Arabica beans are naturally lower in caffeine than Robusta varieties — and illy's own official guidance confirms this clearly.
An average 1 oz illy espresso shot contains approximately 60mg of caffeine — a moderate, balanced lift that does not overwhelm. A double shot delivers approximately 120mg. That is meaningful energy without the jitteriness that higher-caffeine Robusta blends can cause.
The full dietary profile:
- 100% Arabica
- B Corp certified
- Kosher certified — certified by the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregation of America
- No preservatives — stated prominently on the listing
- No common allergens
- Not USDA Organic certified — worth noting for health-focused buyers
- Sustainably sourced — 900+ growers across 4 continents
Illy recommends using the beans within two weeks of opening for optimal freshness — so buy the 8.8 oz can if you are a solo brewer rather than the larger size.
What About Packaging & Ordering?
The pressurized can is unlike anything else in this article. Pop the lid and you hear the nitrogen release — a small sensory moment that tells you this coffee has been sealed properly since leaving the roastery in Trieste. Illy's patented pressurization system extends freshness and enhances aroma, guaranteeing that the whole bean coffee maintains its characteristic taste for up to two years unopened.
Available in:
- I.8 oz whole bean can — ideal for home espresso use, most popular size
- 17.6 oz whole bean can — better value for regular drinkers
- 6-pack of 8.8 oz cans — best per-ounce value
My brewing tip: use a burr grinder set to fine for espresso, medium-fine for moka pot. Grind fresh immediately before brewing to unlock the delicate notes unique to this medium roast. Use 18 grams for a double shot. Target a 25–30 second extraction. Illy Classico is consistent and forgiving — it rewards good technique but does not punish minor adjustments.
What we liked | What could be better |
|---|---|
Patented pressurized can actively enhances aroma and preserves freshness for up to 2 years unopened — the best packaging technology of any bean on this list | Premium price point sits at the higher end of the range — a noticeable investment for everyday brewing compared to Lavazza Super Crema |
Remarkable shot-to-shot consistency — crema quality, flavor, and extraction time held steady from the very first bean to the very last in the can | Some buyers have received cans with dented packaging or near-expiry roast dates — always check the best-before date on arrival |
B Corp certified and sustainably sourced from 900+ growers across 4 continents — genuine accountability backed by independent third-party verification | Delicate floral notes of orange blossom and jasmine are quite subtle — readers expecting bold, punchy flavors may find the profile too refined and understated |
Product 3: Blue Horse: 100% Kona Coffee
Blue Horse is a small coffee company based in Pennsylvania. It derives each and every coffee bean from Kona, Hawaii.
The brand is a single estate coffee company. This means that the beans only come from their estate. They know exactly where and how their coffee beans are harvested. Other Kona coffee often comes from all over the Kona belt.
This product, however, comes from a family-run farm. Some of the trees on their farm are as old as 120 years!
As a result, the beans grow at a range of different altitudes. You can usually notice the taste when beans are grown at a consistent altitude, like these ones. This promises a consistent flavor every time.
Let's take an imaginary trip to Hawaii and see why Kona beans are some of the best coffee beans for espresso.
What do you need to know about these beans?
This is pure, 100% Kona coffee. There are no blends in this bag, so if you want to truly know what Kona beans taste like, this is it!
It is completely free of herbicides and pesticides. Blue Horse can verify this because they oversee the growing of their coffee beans. The product is tested and certified by the state of Hawaii.In fact, Hawaii is the only part of the United States that grows coffee.
But what makes it so popular?
- It has an excellent climate with the perfect mix of sun and rain
- Soil is volcanic and fertile, and altitude is high
- Kona coffee is harvested from traditional Arabica 'Kona typical' trees
- It is grown sustainably from Kona coffee family farmers
Coffee from Kona is limited, which often means paying a premium price. Coffee farmers in Hawaii receive a higher pay than those in traditional coffee-growing countries. That said - it's worth the money! You receive a high-quality coffee without risking buying from a farm with unfair conditions.
Roast level, processes & flavor
Usually, Kona coffee gets roasted at a medium roast. So, I was surprised to find that this product is at a dark roast. The medium roast preserves as much of the natural flavor as possible. This dark roast gives the coffee a richer flavor. If you like dark chocolate and caramel notes, this is for you.
You can buy Kona coffee from Blue Horse at a medium roast, too, if you prefer. However, in my opinion, the dark and rich taste is perfect for espresso. It gives that powerful hit you often want.
It's important to bear in mind that this is still a lighter roast than the "dark roasts" from other countries.
The company grows this coffee in the shade. This makes them sweeter and less acidic than sun-grown coffee. Farmers hand-pick only the ripe, red coffee cherries at just the right time.
Afterward, they use a wet-processing method. They sun-dry the beans. While this means that production takes longer, it also increases the aroma. So you'll experience an espresso that's full of scent and flavor.
Nutrition & health profile
- These coffee beans are not certified organic, but they are free of pesticides and herbicides.
- The coffee is not tested for gluten, though most coffees are considered gluten-free.
- A typical serving of espresso contains 212mg of caffeine. It's a much higher concentrate than a regular cup of coffee.
What we liked | What could be better |
|---|---|
The rich, bold flavor has so much more 'oomph' than many other varieties. The roast is dark, but not too dark. It manages to retain the natural flavors that the climate causes. I loved the aroma and the taste. I can't get enough! | This is less of a criticism but more of a comment. The price is higher than you may be used to. But you should treat yourself every once in a while! This is top grade, premium coffee from one of the most sought-after growing regions. |
The flavor is so great that if you drink espresso or black coffee, you don't need to mask it. Forget sugar, cream or anything else. Drink this straight up and you will be satisfied. | The packaging is similar for dark and medium roasts. Just be sure you double-check so you order the right one! |
The packaging has a cool design and is well-designed for freshness. |
Order Blue Horse 100% Kona Coffee
Order a bag of 100% Kona coffee straight from Hawaii. You might find it's a higher price than coffee from other areas. But, quality and fair trade are rarely ever cheap!
When these beans arrived at my door, I was thrilled. They came in a re-sealable zip lock bag that had a one-way degassing valve. This kept the aroma totally fresh. Once I unlocked the bag, it filled my kitchen. You can imagine how divine this smelled once I pulled an espresso.
Before the coffee goes into the bags, it is flushed with nitrogen. This is completely safe and keeps it fresher. This is helped by the multi-layer bag laminated bag, which stops any oxygen reaching the beans.
These beans are not developed for espressos only. You can use them in all types of coffee, using your favorite brewing method. It's fresh enough to bloom for pour-over methods. As they come in whole beans, you can grind to your preferred grind size.
In my opinion, the rich taste is ideal for espressos, so give it a go!
Product 4: Verena Street: Shot Tower Espresso
VerenaStreet Coffee was developed by 2 cousins. They named their product after the street they grew up in, in Dubuque, Iowa. It's bursting with nostalgia and reflects the small-town beginnings of this brand.
Verena Street now craft roasts its coffee beans in small batches in Iowa. "What is craft roasted?", you may wondering.
It is roasting beans in small batches to a specific level, to enhance the overall flavor of the coffee.The experts at Verena Street select the roast level that emphasizes the flavor of the bean. This maintains natural characteristics and aromas, too. You may even notice the difference!
This brand is part of the movement of specialty coffee. Specialty coffee was developed in protest against mass-produced, cost-effective coffees. It must be graded to ensure it meets a certain set of criteria. Criteria include bean size, consistency,and uniformity.
The specialty coffee market is on the rise as consumers in America improve a taste for better quality versions.
What do you need to know about these beans?
Though Verena Street has a huge range of coffee for sale, I want to talk about the Shot Tower Espresso.
These beans are sustainably sourced from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms. These farms protect farmers, wildlife,and the environment.
After sourcing, they are freshly roasted and packaged in Iowa. The company is still a family-run business. Though they never ventured far from Iowa, they've gained international status! People around the world enjoy this dark roast espresso.
The coffee is a carefully-selected blend. By creating blends, Verena Street are able to develop unique flavors you don't get with single-origin coffee. They mix beans of different roasts and origins. You get to enjoy that new flavor quality you may never have tried before.
Roast level, processes & flavors
This coffee comes from sustainably-grown sources. The company is responsible, and careful to use only methods that support farmers' well-being. The sourcing methods also care for wildlife, soil,and waterways.
Verena Street Coffee guarantees freshness by only holding a limited amount of product in their warehouse. There are no coffee beans sitting for a long time and going stale here!
These beans are 100% Arabica, which can be higher in acidity than other types. However, the dark roast gets rid of some of this acidity.
They roast these beans to a delicately dark roast. The taste and aroma are full-bodied and it has a sweet, creamy complexity. The coffee beans are sharp yet very smooth in character. They make the perfect espresso because of the velvety crema you're left with.
The aftertaste is rich and quite more-ish. It's well-balanced with low levels of bitterness. The only question is - will one bag be enough!?
Nutrition & health profile
- This product is Kosher. It is certified by the Orthodox Union, the most trusted and recognized kosher certification in the world. It is prepared in accordance with Jewish law.
- The package holds the Rainforest Alliance Certified sticker. You can enjoy them in the knowledge that farmers and the environment are protected.
What we liked | What could be better |
|---|---|
This has the full, complex flavor I expect from a dark roast. The crema is rich and velvety, making for a satisfying espresso. | This is sold at a higher price than some other coffee beans of a similar quality. However, I think this is justified because of the responsible farming by this company. |
It offers a truly unique flavor that isn't generic or similar to anything else I've tried. This is down to the carefully thought-out blends. The roasters are clearly experts and understand how to roast each type of coffee bean. | The flavor isn't for everyone. It's a strong taste with some bitterness. It's a love or hate type of coffee! |
Order Verena Street: Shot Tower Espresso
Purchase this coffee as a whole bean and grind it yourself. It's a long process, but it's worth it. You get to play around with grind size and discover what works best for you. Pre-ground beans can be okay, but often even the best ground espresso beans aren't as good as whole beans.
I recommend making this as a fine grind espresso. Fine grinds work best in an espresso machine. This is because espresso machines use pressure to brew the coffee. An extra fine grind won't get through, and a coarse grind will gush through too much.
Try these beans as a drip coffee, too. I enjoyed it this way - let me know what you thought!
If you love these and you want to try a variety from this company, give the other flavors a go. The "Cow Tipper" has vanilla and caramel flavoring. You can also try their "Julia's Breakfast" blend which comes at a medium roast.
Product 5: Jo Coffee: Coffee Perfected
Jo Coffee is a certified organic coffee brand that originally started on Amazon. It began to satisfy the growing demand for lovers of high-quality coffee. From there, its popularity surged through the United States.
It is now one of the highest rated coffee brands on Amazon.
Jo Coffee is a member of the Specialty Coffee Association of America. It's also a part of the Rainforest Alliance and Fair Trade USA.
They produce coffee in their small artisan roastery. All orders are roasted and shipped on demand, to maintain the freshness we all love!
The founder of Jo Coffee is Kevin Kapaun. He discovered his passion for coffee through Jamaica in the early 1980's. Once he had tasted Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee, he had a vision to import exclusive coffee beans from around the world.
What do you need to know about these coffee beans?
This is a medium-dark roast bag of whole beans. Jo Coffee roasts all their products using the world's top 2% of Arabica beans.They achieve this through direct sourcing and a dedicated team of cupping experts.
The aim is perfection in every bag. By achieving this, Jo Coffee may just reach the status of best espresso coffee brand.
These beans are pretty oily and are great for an espresso. Like all beans labeled as "espresso", they are not confined to this one drink. Enjoy them as a long black, cappuccino, or however you like your coffee!
There's no way of knowing the country of origin of these beans, unfortunately. They are a blend of 4 coffees to create a distinct, unique product.We know the beans come from parts of Central America, South America,and Africa. Make an espresso with this coffee to taste the full range of flavor.
Roast level, processes & flavors
Before Jo Coffee purchases beans, they must pass an expert analysis and cupping test. This is carried out by their team of expert coffee tasters. Through experimenting with new blends and flavor profiles, they can add new types of coffee to their selection.
This product has notes of heavy dark chocolate. This is a natural flavor, and Jo Coffee makes it clear that they don't add artificial flavorings.
I enjoyed a smooth, balanced and aromatic coffee. As well as the dark chocolate taste, there were hints of caramel that give it a tasty sweetness.
Jo Espresso has a medium acidity. This is well-balanced with the body and tasting notes of the drink.This level of acidity leaves a lively, tangy sensation on the tongue. It isn't overpowering but adds to the complexity of the coffee profile.
Nutrition & health profile
- Jo Coffee are conscious about their reputation. These beans are certified Fair Trade. They are making a difference by promoting fair farming and trade conditions.By selling coffee at a fair price and ensuring farmers get the cut they deserve, they're helping to combat poverty.
- The beans are USDA certified organic. Approved methods are used to produce the coffee. Organic processes protect natural resources and conserve biodiversity.
What we liked | What could be better |
|---|---|
This is an overall satisfying coffee. It has a great, velvety crema and low bitterness. These features make it a great all-rounder. Even fussy coffee drinkers will probably enjoy it. | The exact origin of the bean remains to be disclosed. I like to know where my coffee is coming from, so I can understand its profile more. We have the general area of origin, but some more information would be good. |
This espresso came out high-quality even when using cheap espresso machines. It has a bold, smooth flavor that is hard to get wrong. I couldn't complain about the price, either. | The roast level is a little light for espressos, in my opinion. Like all coffee and wine, this is a personal preference. |
Order Jo Coffee Espresso
You can purchase this coffee as whole beans only.Jo Coffee chooses not to sell pre-ground beans on Amazon at the moment. This is because they know that everyone likes a different grind, and different brew methods require specific grind levels.
That's how you can get the best results to suit your taste.
The company supplies Amazon with fresh beans every 1-2 weeks. They send the whole beans to Amazon on the day of roasting, too.This is so that we, as consumers, get to experience coffee that's as fresh as possible.
The beans are suitable for all brewing methods. You could use a French Press, drip method or of course, an espresso machine. Let me know which is your favorite method!
The Bottom Line
All of these beans are designed to be drunk as an espresso. But, have you ever eaten coffee beans? This is an increasingly popular way to consume coffee in the states! Perhaps soon, I'll do a deep-dive into the best chocolate covered espresso beans to snack on.
For now, let me decide on my favorite espresso in this list. My personal number 1 choice is the Blue Horse Kona Coffee. Yes - I may have expensive taste, but this coffee was perfect! Kona coffee has a world-wide great reputation for a reason.
This coffee was bursting with flavor and was completely fresh. I struggled to find a criticism! Try them all out and let me know which you prefer. Does price really represent quality, or did you like some of the lower-priced espresso beans?
