After it’s brewed, a cup of espresso can have around 12% dissolved coffee solids from your grounds. When compared to the mere 2% of traditional coffee, it’s no wonder there’s such a noticeable difference in intensity.
Because so much of the essence of the coffee grounds makes it into the final brew, it’s vital that the beans you use pair well with the brewing process. Not every bean is equal when it comes to espresso.
At A Glance: Best Espresso Beans
That’s why we’re here to point you in the direction of some of the best espresso beans to use depending on your personal tastes. Read on for the full low-down on espresso and the beans used to make it.
Quick Summary: The Best Espresso Beans
 | Our Top Choice Lifeboost Organic Espresso Coffee Beans |
| Check On Lifeboost→ |
 | SIGHTGLASS ORGANIC CROWN POINT |
| Check Price → |
 | Coffee Bros Espresso Roast |
| Check Price → |
 | BLUEPRINT COFFEE PENROSE BLEND |
| Check Price → |
 | Cuvee Coffee Karmadillo Dark Blend |
| Check Price → |
 | Red Bay Coffee Brazilian Cake Lady |
| Check Price → |
 | Death Wish Coffee |
| Check On Amazon → |
 | Kicking Horse 454 Coffee |
| Check On Amazon → |
 | Koffee Kult Thunder Bolt |
| Check On Amazon → |
 | Coffee Bean Direct Italian Roast Espresso |
| Check On Amazon → |
 | Intelligentsia Black Cat Analog Espresso |
| Check On Amazon → |
What makes an “espresso bean”?
It’s not actually the beans that draw the line between espresso and coffee. It is the method of preparation that those beans undergo. The origin and notes actually have nothing to do with it. But the grind size, pressure, and temperature? They have everything to do with it.
To make a good shot of espresso, your beans need to be very finely ground so the coffee can survive the high pressure and hot water during the brewing process. First, these grounds get tamped into a puck. Then, water is heated to about 200 degrees Fahrenheit and an espresso machine uses at least 9 bars (but often as many as 15 bars) of pressure to push the steam through the grounds.
This extraction process should take between 25 and 30 seconds. The high heat, high pressure, and increased surface area allow you to get a very intense coffee concentrate fondly known as espresso.
On the other hand, the average cup of Joe can be made with more coarsely ground beans because coffee brewing methods, like a French press or drip machine, do not have nearly the pressure or intensity of an espresso machine.
When it comes to roasting the beans, espresso beans are typically roasted longer and to a darker color than regular coffee beans, making their flavors stronger and the natural oils more prominent, and therefore, producing a fuller tasting brew.
So, is there actually a difference between espresso and coffee beans, you ask? Not really. The beans themselves are the same, but it’s the method of preparation that sets the two apart. So, if you find yourself in a bind or want to experiment with your everyday cup of java, you can absolutely use coffee beans for espresso as long as they are finely ground, and if they are more coarse, your espresso beans are capable of producing a good cup of coffee.
Best High Intensity Beans
Lifeboost Premium Espresso
Lifeboost Organic Espresso Coffee Beans
Your coffee beans are lovingly cultivated by local farmers, after being grown slowly to full maturity in mountain shade. Your beans are hand-picked — one at a time to provide the highest in Gourmet blends — and then fermented for 26 hours so the skin can be carefully removed without damaging the seed.
If you’re in the market for a bag of organic fair trade coffee that will give you a solid caffeine kick, look no further than Lifeboost Premium Espresso. These tiny beans pack a mighty punch, and its notes of chocolate and caramel coupled with its slightly fruity flavor will guarantee this dark roast becomes the fuel that keeps your coffee addiction going.
These beans are grown in the mountains of Nicaragua, and after being handpicked one at a time, rinsed in spring water, and dried in the hot Central American sun, these espresso coffee beans are roasted to perfection, so you can rest assured that the quality of your coffee is of the utmost importance from the start of the process to finish.
Lifeboost’s 100% Arabica beans are grown without the use of any harsh chemicals or pesticides, so as you drink your freshly brewed shot of this lower acidity espresso, you can be confident that you’re getting a high quality coffee experience with every sip.
Click here to try it for yourself.
Sightglass Organic Crown Point
Sightglass Organic Crown Point
No fair-weather fans here. Although this espresso rotates seasonally, it’s consistently a crowd-pleaser—especially when paired with milk.
If you’re a coffee aficionado with a strong sweet tooth and a passion for drinking organic brews, the Organic Crown Point blend from Sightglass has your name written all over it.
This espresso was created to pair well with milk, and its full-bodied flavor does just that. What makes this particular blend of beans unique is that it’s made of three different coffees: two types of Central and South American coffee that rotate seasonally and Ethiopian beans. Plus, it’s medium-roasted, which is great for those who prefer lighter roasts over dark ones.
As you sip on coffee brewed from this blend of quality beans, you’ll notice notes of raspberry, chocolate, and butterscotch.
Coffee Bros Espresso Roast
Coffee Bros Espresso Roast
We spent special care in roasting this Espresso Roast to highlight the natural sugars and sweetness from this Arabica, whole bean coffee. Our Espresso Roast Coffee beans are not the charred, over-roasted espresso roast.
This espresso roast from Coffee Bros is one that highlights sweeter flavors rather than more roasty flavors. It’s a delicious blend that’s vibrant, smooth, made from 100% Arabica beans, and freshly roasted for a maximum experience of flavors.
The Coffee Bros Espresso Roast is a natural/washed processed blend from Shara, Yirgacheffe Ethiopia, and Huila or Nariño, Colombia that’s grown at a mixed altitude of 1,860-2,300 meters. The tasting notes include strawberry, sugar cane, and vanilla.
Coffee Bros went the extra mile to ensure that this roast highlights the natural sugar and sweetness. They make sure that it’s perfectly roasted so that the flavor profile is significantly brought out. It has a vibrant and round body that’s sure to wake the mind!
Blueprint Coffee Penrose Blend
Blueprint Coffee Penrose Blend
With its nutty sweetness and gentle body, this iteration of Blueprint’s ever-changing espresso blend would be perfect in any espresso drink.
Are you looking for an espresso blend that tastes great no matter the time of year? If you answered yes (and why wouldn’t you?), a bag of Blueprint Coffee’s Penrose beans just might be exactly what you need.
This coffee is seasonal, which means its beans constantly change depending on which components are currently in season. That’s great news for coffee enthusiasts, as the beans guarantee a delicious cup all year long. You’ll find the smooth Penrose boasts a sweetness strong enough to stand on its own, but it tastes just as good with a splash of milk or creamer, too.
Cuvee Coffee Karmadillo Dark Blend
Cuvee Coffee Karmadillo Dark Blend
For those among us who live la vida mocha: here’s your go-to. With incredible depth and chocolaty sweetness, this one packs a wallop you won’t soon forget.
It’s probably safe to assume Cuvee Coffee’s Karmadillo dark blend espresso is strong because according to the company’s website, this bag of dark roast beans “packs enough of a punch to feel as if you were brought back to life.” This is great news for those of us who are quite literally dead to the world until the first sip of strong coffee in the morning touches our souls.
Central and South American beans partner with Indonesian and Ethiopian coffee to create this batch of espresso that’s marked with flavors of milk chocolate and caramelized sugar.
A single shot of espresso brewed from this particular roast can appeal to all kinds of coffee connoisseurs, as the rich, complex flavors are strong enough to stand on their own, but mix quite nicely with hot, steamed milk.
Red Bay Coffee Brazilian Cake Lady
Red Bay Coffee Brazilian Cake Lady
Chocolate and peanut butter is, we think, one of the world’s great flavor combinations. This Brazilian coffee delivers a smooth, sweet expression of that wonderful combo.
Just in case its name didn’t already give it away, Red Bay’s Brazilian Cake Lady roast is a single-origin coffee that hails from Bahia, Brazil. Why does this matter, you ask? Because an espresso shot made from these ground beans will display the unique range of flavors only available in coffee from that region, guaranteeing a purer brew.
To answer the question that’s no doubt on your mind — what do these single-origin beans taste like? — you’ll notice hints of golden raisin, nougat, and citrus zest in this smooth and full-bodied medium roast. Pay close attention, and you’ll likely taste flavors of chocolate, too.
This Brazilian coffee’s sweet, cake-like aroma will have your mouth watering before your espresso maker’s even finished brewing.
Death Wish Coffee
First, if you’re looking for something that’ll give you a serious kick in the bum, these are the beans for you. With double the caffeine of most beans, this dark roast will give you the boost you need for rough mornings and all-nighters alike.
Death Wish Coffee is organic and fair trade, which is part of the reason you’ll see it on a few of our bean rankings. But, the flavor is also a part of it success.
Despite being quite intense, the resulting brew surprisingly lacks too much bitterness. The cherry and chocolate notes from its origin in Peru still shine through.
On the flip side, this brew might be too much for casual drinkers and may even taste burnt to those inexperienced with dark roasts. These beans are also some of the pricier ones on this list.
Kicking Horse 454
If you still want a strongly caffeinated drink but don’t need to full-blast intensity of Death Wish, Kicking Horse’s 454 beans are a great tasting alternative. Plus they come at a more affordable price point.
Like Death Wish, Kicking Horse’s beans are organic and fair trade; it’s also Kosher. Sourced from Indonesia, Central American and South America, the brew you get from these is sure to please with an earthy flavor profile featuring notes of chocolate and nutmeg.
Also, 454 is notably well-balanced for a dark-roast and has a velvety mouthfeel and low acidity. It’s not quite as powerful as Death Wish but it will certainly ensure you’re bright eyed and bushy tailed when you finish your cup.
If you want a robust dark roast but are leaning towards a different flavor profile, we recommend Kicking Horse’s (Kick Ass Dark) blend. It has a sweeter taste with a bit of smokiness.
Koffee Kult Thunder Bolt
Some people face the unique predicament of wanting a more subtle coffee taste while maintaining a substantial caffeine potency. If that’s the case for you, Koffee Kult’s Thunder Bolt might just do it for you.
While their packaging lacks any official documentation, Koffee Kult’s product descriptions boast sustainability. The beans themselves are sourced from Columbia and Brazil.
The resulting brew is not as high-impact as the other two on the list since it’s a French roast (more on the medium than the dark side). However, Koffee Kult advertises it as one of the most strongly caffeinated blends available.
Additionally, these beans are best for those who have finicky super-automatic machines that get clogged by extra oily dark roasts like Death Wish. You’ll still get some strong caffeination with a heavy body and slightly sweet flavor.
TheirKoffee Kult Dark Roast Coffee Beans – Highest Quality Gourmet – Whole Bean Coffee – Fresh Roasted Coffee Beans, 32oz also comes highly recommended and has a slightly bolder flavor, if that’s your preference.
In-Between Beans
CoffeeBean Direct Italian Roast Espresso
If you’re looking to buy in a more bulk to save on your coffee without sacrificing quality, check out CoffeeBean Direct. This Italian Roast Espresso is a rich, strong brew that stands out at this price point.
Sold in 5lb bags, these whole beans are sourced from South America and India. The company prides themselves on their unique roasting process.
The beans are slow-roasted immediately before packaging, allowing the consumer to enjoy their freshness and flavor. With this full-bodied brew, you’ll get notes of cocoa powder and smoky molasses.
The profile and intensity of these beans isn’t quite as distinct and impressive as some higher-end competitors we’ve listed, they’re a good option for the price range.
Intelligentsia Black Cat Analog Espresso
If you get bored easily but aren’t looking to get the jitters from drinking one of the high intensity beans, Intelligentsia’s Black Cat Analog beans might be for you.
With a mission to revolutionize the way people think about espresso, this blend does not disappoint with its unique brightness. Plus, the flavor profile shifts slightly from season to season as it is a blend.
It has a syrupy mouthfeel and more sweetness than most espresso blends. There are also some chocolate notes that ground the beans with a homey, classic feel.
Stumptown Hair Bender
Another unique option, Stumptown’s Hair Bender beans are a fan favorite and boast one of the most complex flavor profiles on this list.
Sourced from Indonesia, Latin America, and Africa, this is a sweet, well-balanced blend. The sparks of cherry complement the prominent toffee and fudge flavors.
Thanks to the unique profile, it works well both as a morning pick me up and an evening dessert. Plus, it is not too oily (rare for a dark roast), making it a good choice for those with machines featuring built-in grinders.
Medium Roast Beans
Lavazza Super Crema
One of the most popular espresso beans on the market, Lavazza’s Super Crema demonstrates that they opted to NOT sacrifice quality despite being a larger corporation.
These beans are blended and roasted in Italy, sourcing beans from Brazil, India, Columbia, and Indonesia. With espresso being a matter of pride in Italy, it’s unsurprising that these beans make a pretty excellent brew.
This medium roast is mild and creamy with notes of almonds and honey as well as a slight fruitiness. It has a higher acidity (due to the presence of Robusta beans) and lower caffeine content than some of the other beans we’ve reviewed and is made with 80% Arabica and 20% Robusta beans.
Lavazza beans are also nitrogen packed, which gives them a longer pre-opening shelf life. The Robusta beans also provide the brew with an excellent crema.
Blue Horse 100% Kona Coffee
For those willing to invest a bit of money to treat themselves to a truly unique espresso experience, this Kona coffee is worth a try.
These single-origin, hand-picked Kona beans are directly sourced from a family farm in the Kona region of Hawaii. They are grown herbicide and pesticide free (though they are not certified organic).
While these beans are priced pretty steeply, they aren’t quite as expensive as other Kona options, which can run around $90. However, you’ll still get that homey sweetness with hints of almond and vanilla plus some spicy afternotes, a signature of Kona coffee.
The medium roast helps the beans maintain their flavors, but you can also get it as a
Dark Roast. The medium roast will give you an overall less impactful brew both in boldness and caffeine, which suits some and irks others. So take your personal tastes into account before investing.
Klatch Coffee World’s Best Espresso
Ordained with the impressive WBE title at the 2007 World Barista Championships, this blend is sure to please your taste buds.
The three bean blend includes Brazil Yellow Bourbon, Sumatra Lake Tawar, and Ethiopian Natural. This powerhouse combination creates a bright mix of chocolate and orange notes. The flavor develops as you sip, leaving you with a syrupy sweet taste accented by berry and spice.
Klatch also has the
Belle Espresso which features a slightly different flavor profile: brandy, chocolate, and caramel.
Origin
The flavor of your beans heavily depends on factors surrounding its place of origin. Things like rainfall, shade, soil chemistry, and altitude can seriously impact the taste of that espresso in your cup.
First, a little background on the coffee bean industry: most of the coffee available around the world comes from coffee trees that grow along the “Bean Belt.” This is a region that hugs the equator, spanning about 25° north and 30° south of it.
Within that region, there are 50+ countries that produce coffee. However, like with any market, some options are more popular than others for a number of reasons. In this case, it’s the flavor profile. Read below for a little bit on some of the more well-known regional tropes.
- Colombian beans are mild and well-balanced with prominent caramel flavors and occasional nuttiness. Most of the industry is supported by small family farms.
- Brazilian beans vary much more in flavor profiles than Colombian varieties due to the shifts in altitude. However, the classic “Brazilian” flavor is generally identified as being slightly nutty or spiced with a heavy body.
- Ethiopian beans also have a lot of variety, so you can expect to find anything from heady, wine-like palates as well as lighter, floral brews.
- Kenyan beans are grown with more sunlight exposure than most of the other regional coffees. The result is quite savory with a bit of tart sweetness.
- Indonesian beans are more often recognized as their specific variety names, such as Java and Sumatran. You’ll find those in addition to some aged coffees, which feature a deeper body.
- Hawaiian beans, or Kona beans to be more specific, are prized for their unique flavor. Heavy rainfall and plentiful sunlight create rich coffee with a slightly sweet and floral notes with the occasional biting aftertaste.
When it comes to espresso blends, most of them include Brazilian or Indonesian beans (sometimes both). A good few also include Colombian beans.
Arabica or Robusta Bean…What’s that mean?
As you check out the bags of whole bean coffee we’ve linked above, you’ll more than likely find words like “Arabica” and “Robusta” in the product descriptions or printed on the front of the bag. But what do these words mean, and how do they impact your coffee experience?
Though there are dozens of varieties of coffee beans, the two most popular are Arabica and Robusta. Arabica beans, which tend to grow in higher elevations and predominantly in Latin America, usually have a soft and sweet taste, while Robusta blends are stronger with a lower acidity and can be found exclusively in the Eastern Hemisphere.
A lot of the coffee you’d find in your grocery store is Robusta because it’s easier to grow, but many popular coffee brands and shops, including Starbucks Coffee, pride themselves on using 100% Arabica beans. But just because Arabica is a common shop favorite does not automatically mean they are the best coffee beans for everyone. Which bean you think is best among the two depends mostly on your personal taste, however, many prefer Arabica beans because they contain less caffeine and a less bitter flavor.
Whole vs pre-ground
You may have noticed that all of the beans we have listed here are sold as whole beans. However, many of these products also have pre-ground options, so what’s the difference?
The biggest difference is freshness. While you may do everything you can by checking the roast date on your beans, if they are pre-ground, they won’t retain the same freshness.
With any coffee, espresso, and otherwise, we recommend buying whole beans and investing in a quality grinder to grind the beans shortly before you use them. Most super-automatic machines and even a few fully/semi-automatic espresso machines have a built-in grinder, so you won’t have to worry about making an extra investment.
Furthermore, grinding your own beans allows you to get the most out of their flavor. Especially if your machine isn’t top-of-the-line, fresh grounds can help compensate to make sure you still get a great cup of espresso.
If you do your own grinding but don’t want to do so every single time you make espresso, you can grind in small batches. In this case, you should make sure that you keep the grounds in an airtight container to maintain their freshness as much as possible.
Roast
The roast time can play just as big of a role in your brew as the origin and grind. So, it’s important to know what you’re looking at when you’re browsing for beans. Each coffee bean has similar characteristics at the beginning of its lifespan — green and moist with a natural, earthy scent — but once roasted, the beans’ appearance, aroma, and tastes shift.
Dark or medium-dark roasts are generally the favorite for espresso brewing because they have a full body and low acidity. You can recognize them by their near-black color and oily surfaces. Additionally, they have the most natural oils, which contribute to the formation of crema.
On the other hand, medium roasts will give you a little bit more of the bean’s flavor notes and have a more mid-range acidity. If your machine gets clogged easily by the oils of dark roasts, these beans present a reasonable alternative, and if you’re just now venturing into the world of espresso, these balanced tasting beans make a good choice for a beginner.
Light roasts are the driest beans and are known for their earthy flavor profiles. They are heated for the least amount of time, thus are the lightest shade of brown in the coffee bean family. If you’re looking to make the best espresso, steer clear of these beans, as they will most likely produce a brew that lacks the rich, bold flavors espresso enthusiasts rave over.
Wrapping Up
So there you have it. Whether you prefer intense, caffeine-packed brews or lighter, more-complex medium roasts, or something in between, you should be able to find a bean that suits your palate on this list.
Remember that you should buy whole beans an grind them yourself to get the most out of your bean of choice. Also, take into consideration your machinery, the roast, and the origin of the product to make sure you find the best bean for you.
Happy Caffeinating!
