Whether you’re pulling shots at home or behind the bar, one thing’s for sure: great espresso starts with great coffee beans. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which espresso beans are worth your time and money?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what defines great espresso beans, what to avoid and how to get the most out of your espresso setup.
What Makes a Coffee Bean Good for Espresso?
While espresso can technically be made from any coffee, not all beans are well-suited for it. A good espresso coffee should deliver balance, depth and clarity. Here’s what to look for:
1. Roast Profile
Espresso usually shines with a slightly darker roast than filter, but that doesn’t mean burnt or bitter. We favour a medium-light to medium profile for espresso, allowing the natural characteristics of the beans – like fruit, chocolate, or nutty notes – to remain at the forefront.
Our Workhorse Blend, for example, is bright and juicy, but well-balanced – ideal for milk-based drinks.
Our Nova Blend is a touch darker, with lower acidity and designed to help you extract espresso with chocolate notes and rich sweetness.
2. Single Origin vs. Blend
Single origin coffees can make for exciting espresso, showcasing unique flavours from one farm or region. However, blends are often designed for consistency, balance and complexity. Whichever you choose, traceability and cup score are very important.
Look for coffees with clear sourcing info. A quality roaster should be transparent about origin, processing methods, and producer relationships. Our own Relationship Coffees are sourced through direct partnerships with farmers and co-ops in countries like Rwanda, Brazil and Costa Rica, ensuring both ethical practices and outstanding flavour.
Taste Profiles: What’s Right for You?
Espresso can have an incredibly diverse range of taste profiles. Depending on the origin and roast, your shot can be chocolatey, fruity or syrupy sweet with the potential for all three at the same time!
Our El Zumo Blend, for example, packs big fruit flavours and mixed berry notes. Whereas our Workhorse Blend, Nova Blend or Brazil Single Origin coffees showcase the more chocolate / nutty notes.
Your taste preference and brew method matter. If you’re drinking espresso straight, you might enjoy a more complex and lighter roast. For milk-based drinks, you may want a coffee with more body and chocolatey depth.
What to Avoid When Choosing Espresso Coffee Beans
Overly Oily Beans: Dark, oily beans as these are typically over roasted and will taste burnt or bitter. Decaf can be an exception to this. Certain decaffeination methods result in coffees that look shiny and oily but are not actually roasted dark.
Generic Blends With No Origin Info: If you can’t trace where your coffee comes from, chances are it wasn’t sourced with quality or ethics in mind.
Unclear Roast Dates: Freshness is key. Espresso beans are best used within 2–6 weeks of roasting.
Should You Buy Whole Beans or Pre-Ground for Espresso?
Whole beans are always best. Grinding fresh just before brewing gives you more control over flavour and consistency. But we know not everyone has a grinder at home. If that’s you, make sure to:
- Choose a grind size specific to espresso, not “fine” or “general-purpose.”
- Store pre-ground coffee in an airtight container away from light and heat.
- Use coffee within 1–2 weeks of opening for best results.
At Horsham Coffee Roaster, we offer a grind size tailored specifically for espresso machines. Just select the “Espresso” option when you order online. We can't promise that pre-ground espresso coffee will extract perfectly in your setup so we highly recommend buying a dedicated grinder.
It’s All About Quality and Transparency
The best espresso beans don’t just taste good – they’re ethically sourced, freshly roasted and matched to your taste and brewing style. Whether you’re a fan of fruity single origins or a smooth, consistent blend, buying from a roaster that prioritises transparency, traceability and quality control makes all the difference.
Discover Specialty Espresso Coffee Beans
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Nuts | Chocolate | Sweet Caramel
Workhorse Blend Washed & Pulped Natural
Regular price From £7.50Regular priceUnit price per -
Dark Chocolate | Nuts | Sweet Caramel
Nova Espresso Blend Washed & Pulped Natural
Regular price From £7.50Regular priceUnit price per -
Hazelnut | Milk Chocolate | Dried Fruits
Brazil Single Origin Brazil | Natural
Regular price From £8.25Regular priceUnit price per
