The aroma, the pungency, the satisfying flavor, and the tingle it leaves on your palate all have something special about a great shot of espresso. Much more than just a cup of coffee is involved. When it’s done right, it can be the best coffee you’ve ever had.
The best espresso beans should be chosen, and the best extraction technique should be used depending on your preferences.
You can make espresso that you enjoy every day by using the nine best espresso bean reviews we’ve included in this article.
12 Best Espresso Beans: Top Picks
- 1. Lifeboost Dark Roast
- 2. Lavazza “Dek” (Whole Bean Espresso Blend)
- 3. Koffee Kult Coffee Beans
- 4. Death Wish Whole Bean Coffee
- 5. Volcanica Espresso
- 6. illy Ground Espresso
- 7. JO ESPRESSO
- 8. Stone Street Tanzania Peaberry Coffee
- 9. Café Don Pablo Gourmet Coffee
- 10. Coffee Bean Direct Italian Roast Espresso
- 11. Driftaway Coffee
- 12. Temple Dharma Espresso Blend
The 12 Best Espresso Bean Brands
1. Lifeboost Dark Roast: Best Overall
Our top recommendation for exceptional coffee is Lifeboost’s Dark Roast, which has a velvety touch and a rich profile. This extremely dark roast has hints of chocolate and brown sugar. In beverages made with milk, its strong flavor endures particularly well. These beans are packaged in a 12-ounce bag and have both Organic and Fair Trade certifications.
Be mindful that these are oily and may clog the grinder because they need to be ground finely for an espresso machine. Although this coffee is oily, it still produces a lot of crema.
These are some of the top espresso beans this year, according to our selection. Even better, you can save 50% on Good dark roast coffee from Lifeboost!
Pros
- Smooth flavor
- Organic/Fair Trade certified
- Velvet touch
- Good crema
Cons
- Somewhat pricey
- Oily
2. Lavazza “Dek” (Whole Bean Espresso Blend)
With a mild flavor and a strong crema, Lavazza “Dek” is our best decaf, Whole Bean Espresso Blend makes the list. This selection features soft, dark roast notes of caramel. The flavor comes through as a unique decaf coffee because the decaffeination process is natural. In addition to being reasonably priced, it grinds well and produces good crema. This is also one of the best decaf coffee beans.
This espresso blend might be too light for some people because of its mild and creamy profile. This won’t satisfy you if you’re an adamant espresso connoisseur. Additionally, it doesn’t come in a resealable container, so an airtight storage container is essential to maintain the freshness of these beans for as long as possible.
Pros
- Affordable
- Sweet flavor
- Aromatic
- Good crema
- Low acid
Cons
- Too light as a dark roast
- Can’t reseal the package
3. Koffee Kult Coffee Beans
The strong coffee from Koffee Kult is well-known. The medium-dark roast Koffee Kult Dark Roast Coffee Beans have notes of chocolate and cinnamon. It delivers a nicely consistent crema and offers a smooth flavor and rich aroma.
This one might deliver a little too lightly for the dark roast espresso expert. A bitter finish might be noticeable to those who are new to the dark side.
Since Koffee Kult is a family-run company, it’s obvious that providing excellent customer service is a top priority. Although this option is more expensive, a money-back guarantee is provided.
Pros
- Smooth flavor
- Rich aroma
- Good crema
- Money-back guarantee
Cons
- Slightly pricey
- Bitter follow-up
4. Death Wish Whole Bean Coffee
Our next recommendation is Death Wish Organic USDA Certified Whole Bean Coffee for those who care about the environment. This bean, which has a reputation for a caffeine kick, tastes smooth with hints of cherry and chocolate. Dark roasting gives the flavor a bite without being acidic. It is also mentioned that even though the beans are a little oily, they don’t cause clogging.
As one of the priciest options on the list, a money-back guarantee is provided if you don’t like this dark roast. This might be a little too strong for your palate if you’re not used to a true dark roast, and some people noticed a smoky aftertaste.
Pros
- Pleasant flavor
- High caffeine
- Not acidic
- Full-bodied
- Money-back guarantee
Cons
- Expensive
5. Volcanica Espresso – Best Ground Espresso Beans
Another great option is Volcanica’s Espresso; it’s especially great if you don’t have a coffee grinder. These richly flavored, dark beans are also available whole bean and in three different grind sizes, including espresso. This espresso offers a good crema and a flavorful blend with hints of dark chocolate.
It tastes more like a medium roast than a dark roast, despite the fact that this coffee is a dark roast. Though it’s not bitter, don’t worry; it’s still potent. It is suggested that you use it with an espresso maker because it grinds well.
Volcanica roasts your coffee as you order it, guaranteeing that you’ll never get old beans. Although somewhat expensive, it shouldn’t put you out of pocket. One of the top-ground espresso beans currently available, in our opinion!
Pros
- Available in espresso grind and whole bean
- The well-rounded, chocolatey flavor
- Good crema
- Grinds well
Cons
- A little pricey
- More medium than the dark roast
6. illy Ground Espresso
Illy, named in 2019 by Ethisphere as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies, moves us up to position five on the list with its illy Ground Espresso Dark Roast. This is one of your best choices if you decide to purchase espresso that has already been ground. The powerful, wafting aroma is sure to put a smile on your face with notes of dark chocolate and a consistent, bold flavor. Considering how finely ground it is, it arrives with the ideal grind for your espresso maker.
A pressurized tin with this blend’s packaging is included. Unfortunately, many people have reported that when the lid is removed, it explodes off, so proceed with caution when diving in. Even though most people find that finely ground espresso is ideal, depending on the machine you use, it may clog up because it’s just too fine. Being that this selection is the most expensive on the list, it is best to thoroughly understand your machine to avoid learning the hard way.
Pros
- Aroma
- Bold flavor
- Rich profile
- Toasty notes
Cons
- Expensive
- Packaging issues
- Potential clogging issues
7. JO Espresso
Sweetness and a strong dark chocolate hum are introduced by the Jo Espresso Medium Dark Roast. It finishes velvety and has a consistent depth. It’s known for grinding well with little oil and whipping up a rich, smooth crema to finish it off. Fair trade and USDA have both certified Jo Espresso.
Despite being a medium-dark roast, some people find this option to be too sweet and prefer something with a stronger flavor. Furthermore, the cost is a little high.
Pros
- Rich aromatic
- Lacks bitterness
- Excellent crema
Cons
- Expensive
- Sweet for the roast
- Sour afterbite
8. Stone Street Tanzania Peaberry Coffee
The last on the list is this gourmet African coffee, Stone Street Coffee Tanzania Peaberry Fresh Roast Coffee. It has a light roast with a rich flavor and a smooth, full-bodied depth. It has a distinct aroma and a fruity undertone.
The fruity undertone is a turnoff for many people, but it doesn’t deliver bitterness. This option won’t work well for you if you prefer a more earthy, chocolate undertone.
Developed on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, the Tanzania Peaberry is a premium coffee bean. If you’re looking for something a little different and brand-new to you, Kilimanjaro might be a good option.
Pros
- Distinguished aroma
- The clean, crisp flavor
- Fresh and non-oily
Cons
- Slightly pricey
- Weak flavor
- Mediocre body
9. Café Don Pablo Gourmet Coffee: Classic Italian Espresso
The least expensive option on the list and one of the few with certifications for both organic production and food safety are Café Don Pablo’s Classic Italian Espresso. This bean has a smooth consistency and a lighter roast than a dark roast, with a chocolate undertone.
This doesn’t satisfy dark roast enthusiasts because it comes across as weak and muted. To get close to being satisfied, you might need to put in more effort playing with the grind. However, if you’ve never tried dark roast and would like to, this might be a good introduction.
Pros
- Economical
- Low acidity
Cons
- Muted flavor
- Lacks aroma
- Bitter finish
10. Coffee Bean Direct Italian Roast Espresso
The Italian Roast Espresso from Coffee Bean Direct has a robust bite and a toasty honey aroma. It has a mild body with hints of molasses and chocolate. The beans, which are available in a 2.5-pound resealable bag, can be used with most brewing techniques.
The roast’s consistency varies, leaving a bitter aftertaste in its wake.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Rich crema
Cons
- Weak
- Lacks aroma
- Flat taste
- Bitter aftertaste
- Variations in roasting
11. Driftaway Coffee
A customized coffee subscription is an ideal choice if you consider discovering new flavors and origins to be half the fun of enjoying espresso! The top of our list goes to Driftaway Coffee for its premium single-origin beans, ethical sourcing methods, and entertaining membership benefits.
Driftaway will send you a kit for a blind coffee tasting as soon as you sign up for a subscription. Unsure of how that operates. You also have access to some one-on-one time with a coffee expert who can help you out, so don’t be concerned.
Pros
- Educational and fun during the making process
- Delicious
- Varies taste
Cons
- Weak
- Lacks aroma
12. Temple Dharma Espresso Blend
One of Trade Coffee’s best sellers is Temple Coffee Roasters’ Dharma Espresso Blend. It offers the traditional flavors of chocolate, nuts, and caramel along with a tinge of sweet berries to add some variety.
This blend is created by Temple using three distinct origins—Costa Rica, Brazil, and Ethiopia—each of which employs a different processing technique. The honey-processed beans from Costa Rica have almond and hazelnut flavors and are naturally sweet. Brazilian beans that have been washed add a richer, more bittersweet flavor and a substantial body. Additionally, the natural Ethiopian beans add the fruity flavor that sets this espresso blend apart from the competition.
Pros
- Coffee to enjoy all day long
- Delicious
- Smooth flavor
Cons
- Pricey
How Do Espresso Coffee Beans Differ?
Although the actual coffee beans don’t really differ, espresso coffee beans are typically roasted longer than drip coffee beans.
Because of this, espresso-quality coffee beans have deeper flavor profiles than light- or medium-roasted coffee beans.
If you’re interested in learning about all of the differences between espresso beans and regular beans, you can read this comparison article between the two types of beans.
Given the variety of coffee extraction techniques currently available, selecting coffee beans that are compatible with the extraction technique is crucial.
Dark roast coffee beans are more appealing for an espresso machine because the machine will extract a complex flavor from a single shot of espresso.
Read More: Espresso Beans Vs Coffee Beans
Buying Guide On Best Espresso Beans
Here are a few things to take into account when selecting a high-quality coffee bean.
Aroma
The aroma of coffee beans will let your nose know whether it is flavorful and fresh first. You will want to brew it because of it. You won’t likely enjoy that cup of coffee if there is little to no aroma.
Freshness
There are differences between the dates for roasting and expiration. The roast date is what you ideally want to know. As soon as beans are roasted, oxidation starts, which kickstarts the staleness process. Most often, you’ll only see an expiration or “best by” date on the package. To maintain their freshness the longest, coffee beans must be stored in an airtight, opaque container. In essence, there is a lot of guesswork involved, and the only surefire sign that the coffee isn’t fresh is when it ceases to taste good.
Color
The true sign of a roast’s robustness is in the bean’s color. Blond hues denote a light roast. A light to medium roast will be light to medium brown. An extremely dark roast is indicated by a dark brown color. A dark roast will be blackish brown in color. When you open a bag and see different colors, you can expect different flavors.
Oiliness
Oil is present in coffee beans by nature. Depending on the type of roast, dry coffee beans can be a sign that a batch has become stale. Beans that are dark and oily will be bitter, strong, and audacious. Depending on who you ask, having a shine on the beans without being overly oily isn’t necessarily a bad thing. You can find out exactly the type of bean that is best for you by doing some testing and research.
Value
Even the best espresso beans shouldn’t cost an outrageous sum of money, according to anyone. Everybody wants to get the most out of their money. Make inquiries and comparisons. The good news is that it’s likely that subscribe and save is an option once you find a great coffee you’ll buy repeatedly.
Packaging
Regardless of how the espresso coffee beans are packaged, once they are delivered to your door, they must be transferred to an airtight container and kept in a cool, dark location. Use a dark-colored container rather than a clear one because light promotes oxidation.
Tips For Enjoying Espresso Beans
Here are a few things to be aware of to get the best results from your choice of espresso beans. You should already own a high-quality espresso machine, but that should be obvious. Duh.
Make sure you use a fine grind; good espresso machines require a very fine grind. This is another way to compensate for the lower brewing temperature – finer grinds offer a faster extraction, which helps balance the flavor.
Check The Crema For A Hint About Your Grind.
Watch the crema, the golden layer that sits on top of the espresso cup, to determine whether the espresso is ground sufficiently finely. (Speaking of cups, here’s a review of the top ones available right now. Try a finer grind if your crema is thin or contains too many large bubbles. On automatic espresso machines with built-in grinders, you ought to be able to adjust the settings.
Of course, you can order pre-ground espresso; while not the best option, it is preferable to a grind that is too coarse. Another thing is that instant espresso powder is made from pre-ground espresso beans.
Get Proper Tamping Instructions.
You must ensure that the filter basket is properly tamped in addition to getting the grinds as fine as possible. When you pull a shot, tamping affects how quickly the water passes through the puck. To ensure that the grinds are tightly packed enough to extract properly, you need 30 pounds of pressure; with less pressure, the water passes through too quickly.
Make Sure Your Espresso Is Pre-infused.
A pre-infusion cycle should be included with a high-quality super-automatic espresso machine. Pre-infusion serves the same purpose as a pour-over’s bloom by moistening the coffee grinds and releasing the CO2 that has been trapped there during roasting. Pre-infusion, however, also aids in controlling the flow rate through the grinds in espresso; since the grinds swell when wet, the water flow is slowed, resulting in a more thorough extraction.
Conclusion
You should have found a few beans you want to try after reading our best reviews. The Lifeboost Dark Roast is a great, bold coffee and is our top pick. It is somewhat expensive, but it is also low-acid and sustainably grown. A well-rounded, tasty bean that is available in an easy-to-use espresso grind is our second choice, Volcanica’s Espresso. As our best decaf pick and third on the list, Lavazza “Dek” is a better-than-average decaf blend with a sweet flavor at an affordable price.