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Best Coffee Beans For Espresso in 2023

Best Coffee Beans For Espresso in 2023

As time spent at home increases due to COVID-19, sales of various types of coffee equipment such as coffee makers, Moka pots, and espresso machines are rapidly increasing. At the same time, there is a growing interest in high-quality coffee beans that suit each individual’s taste. 

The coffee selection process itself can seem complicated because the taste and aroma of whole bean coffee vary greatly depending on the climate of the country of origin, blending method, and roasting degree. 

For some reason, espresso is the number one top beverage for many coffee lovers. That’s because there is nothing that can wake you up in the morning besides a cup of espresso with creamer, intense flavor, and full of caffeine. 

Coffee beans, of course, are the first thing that you need to consider rather than any other coffee tools or equipment. If you do not get the right coffee beans, then even the barista will find it hard to make a good cup of an espresso shot. So here, we have prepared the top 10 best espresso coffee beans for you to choose from.

List of Best Coffee Beans For Espresso in 2023

10. OLDE BROOKLYN ITALIAN Roast Espresso Whole Bean

10. OLDE BROOKLYN ITALIAN Roast Espresso Whole Bean

  • Brand: OLDE BROOKLYN
  • Caffeine Content: Caffeinated
  • Roast Level: Dark Roast
  • Flavor: Breakfast Blend
  • Net WT: 5LB
  View Price on Amazon

Would you like to try this world’s strongest coffee offered by OLDE Brooklyn? Its coffee beans are roasted in small batches in order to preserve the freshness and aroma of the whole beans. 

To deliver the same quality to consumers, the package is designed very tightly so that it can save its unique flavor as the same as right after the roasting. Despite its strong coffee taste, it is not acidic at all, so it is good to recommend it to coffee drinkers who used to have stomach problems.

Brooklyn is the great choice for making espresso, but you can still enjoy other types of coffee with these dark roasted beans, such as cold brew, drip coffee, French press, and so on. Although the beans are directly sourced from the farmers, they are not USDA-certified organic or fair trade products. Therefore, if you’re looking for a high-quality model, then you can consider other espresso beans. 

What we like

  • Freshly roasted espresso beans
  • Distant and rich coffee without any bitterness
  • Have chocolate notes and slightly sweet flavor aftertaste
  • Cost-effective product
  • Work well with any kind of brewing method

What we don’t like

  • There is no nutrient information on the package
  • It would be too oily and strong coffee for some drinkers
9. Lavazza Espresso Italiano Whole Bean Coffee Blend

9. Lavazza Espresso Italiano Whole Bean Coffee Blend

  • Brand: Lavazza
  • Caffeine Content: Caffeinated
  • Roast Level: Medium Roast
  • Flavor: Espresso Italiano
  • Net WT: 2.2 LB
  View Price on Amazon

Lavazza Italiano espresso beans are 100% high-quality Arabica beans that are grown in the Central and South America area. They are famous for their mesmerizing aroma and rich flavor. 

What makes this product outstanding is naturally grown beans without any chemical adding at all. It is so delicious so you do not even need to add sugar to your espresso shot. In one word, you can taste the Italian espresso-style coffee with this espresso blend. 

In terms of aroma, it has distinguishable and unique fragrances that other espresso blends do not have. When you take a sip of espresso coffee, first you will have the pleasant flavor that is followed by dark chocolate tasting notes. 

The smell will fill up your office or kitchen space fully, making you feel like you fall into coffee heaven. Last but not least, Lavazza espresso roasts offer versatility, allowing you to use not only espresso machines but also for drip coffee, French press, cold brew, and so on. 

What we like

  • Contain a high level of caffeine
  • The whole beans are natural and healthy
  • The espresso blends are versatile
  • Have amazing fruity and chocolaty
  • The beans are sourced from different regions and blended in Italy 

What we don’t like

  • Do not recommend to robusta beans coffee lovers
8. Stumptown Coffee Roasters Hair Bender Whole Bean Coffee

8. Stumptown Coffee Roasters Hair Bender Whole Bean Coffee

  • Brand: Stumptown Coffee Roasters
  • Caffeine Content: Caffeinated
  • Roast Level: Dark Roast
  • Flavor: Hair Blend
  • Net WT: 340g
  View Price on Amazon

StumpTown, which was born in Portland, which is called the ‘Hipster’s Holy Land’, places great importance on partnerships with coffee bean producers, and puts great effort into forming a symbiotic relationship between local producers and roasters. ‘

Hair Bender’, roasted with a combination of beans from Indonesia, Latin America, and Africa, is not only the representative coffee bean of Stump Town but also the most loved coffee bean in the small local coffee shop. 

Stumptown’s first blended beans and most popular beans boast a balanced sweetness. It has a quenching taste in the mouth. Specifically, Hair Blend provides you 6 different tasty flavors, such as milk chocolate, jam, creamy, dark chocolate, vanilla, and so on. 

You can have a very flavorful cup of coffee. What is more, to keep the freshness of the espresso beans, they are freshly roasted and should be consumed within 90 days. 

What we like

  • The medium roast espresso blend is a bit lighter tone taste
  • The flavor is strong without andy burned flavor
  • Great to drink daily due to its excellent taste
  • Different origins but made of 100% Arabica beans

What we don’t like

  • Do not recommend dark and bitter coffee lovers
  • Have to finish one package after open 2 weeks
7. Koffee Kult Espresso Beans

7. Koffee Kult Espresso Beans

  • Brand: Koffee Kult
  • Caffeine Content: Caffeinated
  • Roast Level: Dark Roast
  • Flavor: Caramel Chocolate
  • Net WT: 907.18g
  View Price on Amazon

Hollywood-based Koffee Kult keeps their coffee recipes strictly secret, and all coffees are hand-prepared by artisans using three different types of machines. The coffee produced in this way boasts the highest quality with minimal loss of taste and aroma. 

The espresso beans grown in hot and humid areas are selected and roasted in a minimal amount to achieve a particularly good coffee finish. It is good to drink as a morning espresso, and it is also suitable to drink with milk such as cappuccino or latte. 

Besides, this whole bean coffee is a premium quality that is proven by coffee connoisseurs. Dark roast coffee has many complex flavors, making it very rich and intense, but it is not tasting overpowering at all. In one word, it is just perfect. Without a doubt, these dark roasts can make an amazing cup of an espresso shot. 

What we like

  • Made of 100% organic fair-trade Arabica beans
  • Have a lower level of acidity and bitterness
  • The overall flavor is very smooth but bold at the same time
  • The well-designed package can keep whole bean coffee’s fresh fragrance for a long time

What we don’t like

  • A coffee aficionado reviewed that this coffee is not sturgeon enough as dark roasts
6. SF Bay Coffee, Espresso Blend Whole Bean

6. SF Bay Coffee, Espresso Blend Whole Bean

  • Brand: San Francisco Bay
  • Caffeine Content: Caffeinated
  • Roast Level: Dark Roast
  • Flavor: Pete's Espresso Blend WB
  • Net WT: 908g
  View Price on Amazon

The most attractive point from San Francisco Bay espresso roast is its perfect combination of sweetness and other undertone notes. For instance, the fruity and chocolate notes add extra flavor to a cup of bean coffee. 

Many dark roast beans have a bit of bitterness compared to other regular coffee beans, however, this product is different from them. Although the flavor is so deep and rich, you can still drink it without brown sugar, thanks to its balanced sweetness. 

This dark roast coffee is very perfect and suitable to enjoy for any occasion. Moreover, if you are craving a high amount of caffeine while you do not wish to add any extra sugar for the sweetness, then we highly recommend San Francisco Bay espresso roast to you. 

The brand itself is environmentally friendly, aiming to be the best coffee company in the world. On top of that, the company produces its own coffee bean and roast by themselves with its own equipment and skills. Lastly, it is a very famous leading espresso roast coffee in the US.

What we like

  • When you taste it, there is no thick texture in coffee, while it is strong enough
  • It is made of 100% arabica beans and they are very creamy
  • The overall flavor is not overpowering and just perfect
  • When you open the package bag, you will smell a heaven

What we don’t like

  • The espresso beans are a bit acidic
5. Starbucks Dark Roast Whole Bean Coffee

5. Starbucks Dark Roast Whole Bean Coffee

  • Brand: Starbucks
  • Caffeine Content: Caffeinated
  • Roast Level: Dark Roast
  • Flavor: Espresso
  • Net WT: 510g
  View Price on Amazon

Coffee enthusiasts prefer beans with strong acidity, while Starbucks coffee is good to drink for everyone. Moreover, in the case of lighter roasts, the water temperature or the taste varies greatly depending on the number of coffee beans, but the dark roasting taste is almost identical. 

The beans should not come into much contact with the air. Fortunately, Starbucks products can be secured with the bag closed by attaching a fastener on the top, so you don’t have to worry too much. If you brew espresso base with these arabica beans, you can make various kinds of beverages to serve. 

These beans have a very rich and strong flavor of caramelized sugar and molasses. Thus, it is a great choice to drink in the morning to wake you up coupled with its sweetness. What is more, Starbucks coffee beans are very oily, so you can get a creamy cup of whole bean coffee that can satisfy you. 

What we like

  • Blend very nicely for many other beverage options
  • Can get the delicious and pretty crema on the cup of espresso coffee
  • There is no burnt flavor
  • It is great to make a latte by adding milk to it

What we don’t like

  • These dark roast beans might be too intense for some people 
4. Eight O'Clock Coffee Dark Italian Espresso

4. Eight O'Clock Coffee Dark Italian Espresso

  • Brand: Eight O’Clock
  • Caffeine Content: Caffeinated
  • Roast Level: Dark Roast
  • Flavor: Dark Italian Espresso
  • Net WT: 907g
  View Price on Amazon

If you have some troubles with your face and body, then Eight O’Clock direct Italian roast espresso is a good product to try. That’s because it has many essential nutrients in the Arabica beans such as Vitamin B, E, potassium, and so on. 

With a boasting history of more than 150 years, it uses 100% Arabica beans carefully selected by experts. And this model has a great balance of sweet and fresh fruity notes. The beans of this Italian roast espresso are roasted in its own factory in Maryland to provide the best espresso beans to coffee lovers. 

What grabs your attention is its packaging with shiny red and blue colors as well as the zip sealing design to keep the espresso bean fresh. Unlike many other medium-dark roast espresso beans, this product tastes very smooth and mild coupled with great balance with milk chocolate flavor. There is no such a bitter or overpowering taste at all. Anyone can enjoy it deliciously. 

What we like

  • The beans stay fresh for a very long time
  • The overall flavor is bright and there is no burnt flavor as well
  • The aroma is so fresh and elegant
  • Kosher certified direct Italian roast espresso

What we don’t like

  • Only perfect for espresso brewed 
3. Peet's CoffeeEspresso Forte Whole Bean Coffee

3. Peet's CoffeeEspresso Forte Whole Bean Coffee

  • Brand: Peet’s Coffee
  • Caffeine Content: Caffeinated
  • Roast Level: Dark Roast
  • Flavor: Espresso Forte
  • Net WT: 907g
  View Price on Amazon

Peet’s Coffee strictly selects every single espresso bean based on the long experience of nine top-level coffee experts. This is all to provide the premium quality to consumers that has sweetness but without any bitterness at all in a cup of coffee. 

This dark roast espresso forte is a kosher-certified espresso blend product that is made of 100% top-quality Arabica beans. Its rich aroma and heavy body fill the space, making it suitable for coffee aficionados rather than beginners. If you drink it in the morning, you would feel very energetic to start your new day.  

You can taste the hazelnut notes that add more flavor to them. Though the product itself is dark roasted, still you can taste the mild and smooth flavor of coffee with this product. Lastly, both drip coffee makers and espresso machines are great to brew ground coffee excellently.

What we like

  • The beans are roasted by hands and fresh
  • There is a roasting date on the package
  • The crema of the beans are very smooth
  • Have hazelnut aftertaste

What we don’t like

  • A bit pricy
2. Lavazza Super Crema Whole Bean Coffee Blend

2. Lavazza Super Crema Whole Bean Coffee Blend

  • Brand: Lavazza
  • Caffeine Content: Caffeinated
  • Roast Level: Medium Roast
  • Flavor: Super Crema
  • Net WT: 1000g
  View Price on Amazon

If you are a fan of fresh and delicious cups of espresso, then Lavazza Super Crema is the right choice for you to try. The coffee made of these espresso beans is full of strong and rich flavor, while it is very balanced and not so acidic at the same time. 

You can also taste some delicious undertone flavors such as honey, dried fruits, almonds, and etc. Lavazza is a great choice when it comes to versatility. Because regardless of what brewing methods you use, it will absolutely satisfy you by offering the best taste of espresso. 

Another thing that you should know is that this product is a blend of 40% of Robusta beans and 60% of Arabica beans. Therefore, you can taste a very unique and balanced cup of coffee. Lastly, Lavazza super crema is a blend of Brazilian coffee that provides a deep and rich flavor. 

What we like

  • Wonderful percentage combination of Arabica and Robusta beans
  • Have a great aroma with a full-bodied texture
  • Have slightly sweet flavors that coming from brown sugar
  • Very well balanced espresso beans

What we don’t like

  • Some customers complain that there are rocks in the coffee beans
1. Lavazza Espresso Barista Gran Crema Whole Bean Coffee Blend

1. Lavazza Espresso Barista Gran Crema Whole Bean Coffee Blend

  • Brand: Lavazza
  • Caffeine Content: Caffeinated
  • Roast Level: Medium Roast
  • Flavor: Barista Gran Crema
  • Net WT: 2.2 LB
  View Price on Amazon

It is almost impossible not to include the Lavazza brand when it comes to espresso beans. For those who are a crazy fan of latte and cappuccino, then here comes the excellent recommendation for you, which is Lavazza Barista Gran Crema flavor beans. Coupled with rounded and balanced flavor, it would more feel like a personalized taste and aroma for you.

Apart from this, no matter what grinding size you choose, either fine or coarse, these beans perfectly offer the best taste. However, the overall flavor is slightly bitter compared to other models, but it won’t be a problem for dark coffee enthusiasts. 

You can add steamed milk into a cup of espresso if you love Italian-style coffee. In short, what you are looking for is a smooth and fresh cup of espresso to start your morning, then Lavazza Barista Gran Crema is definitely good to try. 

What we like

  • Very strong espresso
  • Can transform into many other coffee beverages
  • The beans are naturally grown and blended carefully
  • The aroma is like fresh fruit and it is tasty

What we don’t like

  • The package bag design is not available for sealing
  • Not the best option for Robusta beans lovers

Buying Guides To Choose The Best Coffee Beans For Espresso in 2023

Espresso is a coffee drink that gives you strong energy when you need it by providing a high level of caffeine. It would be nice to purchase your own espresso beans and brew for yourself by controlling the whole brewing process. 

However, it might be a bit tough for you to choose the right espresso beans since there are plenty of choices in the market. For this reason, we have buying guides prepared for you, and they will help you get the ideal product that matches your requirements. 

Types of Beans

You can find various kinds of coffee beans across the world, and each of them plays a significant role in terms of espresso flavor, quality, aroma, and others. The most notable and well-known models are Arabica and Robusta whole beans. 

Arabica coffee beans originate from Yemen and Ethiopian coffee whole beans, boasting the top quality products with quite a lower level of caffeine compared to Robusta. On the other hand, Robusta contains a high amount of caffeine and also has a lower price level than Arabica. 

Types of Roast

The roasting level affects the taste of espresso greatly. As you know, there are three types of roasting, such as light roasts, medium and dark roasts. It depends on the preferences to choose the roasting level. You should find your preferences and purchase the products accordingly. 

The Beans’ Origin

There are two different origins when it comes to whole beans, one is single origin, and the other is blend type. In simple words, single origins are coming from a specific geographical area, making the products more expensive. 

Whereas the blended model is sourced from several regions to make the price lower than the single originated ones. For people who want to try unique and funny flavors, a blend is a good choice. However, for complex flavor lovers, single-origin is a great recommendation to purchase. 

Flavor

All the coffee drinkers would know that there are multiple types of different flavors in the coffee world, including sweet, bright, and spice . Also, there are tasting notes that add more flavors and values to a cup of beverage to upgrade to the next coffee level, such as bitterness, mouthfeel, acidity, and so on. 

FAQs – Best Coffee Beans For Espresso in 2023

Why Does The Grinding Size Matter For Brewing Espresso?

Grind size affects brew contact time and extraction rate. If the coffee brewing time is too long and the grind is too fine, you could over-brew the coffee and make the coffee bitter. 

On the other hand, if the grind is too coarse and the extraction time is short, the coffee will be weak. Thereby, some grinders already have settings like fine grind size, coarse grind, etc. 

If you are using a typical home grinder, the optimum time you need to grind for espresso coffee beans is 15 to 19 seconds.

How Much Caffeine Is There For A Espresso Shot?

Generally, for one espresso shot, there is 40mg of caffeine included for a single espresso shot, and 80mg for a double shot. This number seems quite a lot for you, but actually, if you compare it with other coffee beverages such as drip coffee (120mg per cup) is a relatively lower level. 

Some people misunderstand that darker roasting coffee contains more caffeine than medium or lighter ones, but this is not true. The caffeine level is all similar to each other, no difference. 

Conclusion

Now you know everything about how to choose the best espresso beans for yourself. Espresso is a specialty coffee drink that originated in Italy, just like pizza. Italy has many leading trends not only in fashion and music but also in coffee culture as well. 

Full-bodied espresso now has become the regular drink for almost every American and citizen of the world. So what are you waiting for? Brew a unique cup of espresso with your beans to start your refreshing morning! With our guides, you can be the growing big barista!

References

Check out: Lavazza Super Crema Espresso Review: Using Breville Barista Express By Aju’s Cafe