Coffee Myth #1: “Espresso Beans Are Different From Other Coffee Beans.”

Espresso is a method of preparing coffee that forces hot water through fine grounds at relatively high pressure (often around 9 times atmospheric pressure). You can make espresso from any type of coffee bean.

Some roasts and origins work better for espresso than others. Because espresso preparation produces a highly concentrated beverage, beans and roasts that are naturally more sour (such as very light or very short roasts) may produce an especially sour shot that some people don’t prefer. While there are ways of reducing the sourness (such as extra-long infusion times), many roasters advertise espresso roasts, espresso blends, espresso beans, etc., to indicate that they believe the coffee will taste especially good with conventional espresso preparation methods. That doesn’t mean you can’t make great-tasting regular coffee from the same beans, and you don’t have to have a designated espresso blend to make great espresso.

Coffee beans used for espresso are traditionally roasted to a medium-dark to provide a good compromise of sweetness, body, and flavor in espresso. If you’re new to drinking an espresso shot by itself, this might be a good place to start your adventure (something like our Sumatra beans, though we think you’ll come to enjoy lighter roasts as well). If you prefer milky espresso beverages (lattes, cappuccinos, cortados, etc.), the acidity of a lighter roast (like our Guatemala, Colombia, or even Ethiopia beans) may help the espresso flavor cut through the milk better.

Ask us about our different roasts the next time you visit, or see what’s currently available in our shop below. Remember in-town bean delivery is free, and we ship nationwide for $4. Freshly roasted beans are just a few clicks away!