Making espresso at home isn’t just about caffeine for me anymore. It’s turned into something I actually enjoy doing — kind of like a small ritual before the day gets started. Grinding the beans, tamping the shot, watching it brew... it feels good. The only tricky part? Finding the right beans. That took a while.
I’ve tried a bunch this year. Some were okay, some were too sour, and a couple just didn’t work well with my machine at all. But a few really stood out. I’m not a coffee expert or anything, just a regular guy trying different beans because I like good coffee. If you're like me, this list might help you avoid the bad bags and go straight to the good stuff.
1. Stumptown Hair Bender
This one never really lets me down. It’s got this nice balance and doesn’t get lost in milk, which I appreciate. Sometimes I taste a little fruit, sometimes more chocolate, but it’s always smooth. Easy to dial in too.
2. Lavazza Super Crema
I keep this one on hand because it’s affordable and super consistent. It’s not the fanciest bean out there, but it makes a solid cup every time. Has a bit of nuttiness and a creamy feel. Doesn’t get bitter if you mess up the shot timing a bit.
3. Intelligentsia Black Cat Espresso
Wasn’t sure what to expect from this one, but I ended up really liking it. It’s rich and kind of syrupy. It has this soft sweetness I noticed right away. Hard to explain but it reminded me a little of dessert.. It’s the kind of espresso that feels almost sweet without adding anything to it.
4. Blue Bottle Hayes Valley
This one leans darker. Not burnt or anything, just bold. Makes a nice thick crema and tastes super smooth when you get the grind right. It’s a little heavy for morning espresso, so I usually make this later in the day.
5. Verve Streetlevel
A bit brighter than I expected. Not in a bad way though. There’s a kind of citrus thing going on, maybe even berries? Took a few tries to get used to it, but now I like switching to this when I want something different from the usual dark espresso taste.
6. Kicking Horse Cliff Hanger
Tried this one on a whim and it’s actually pretty decent. Medium roast with chocolate and fruity flavors. Doesn’t feel too sharp or too flat. I’ve used it in both espresso and pour over and it held up fine.
7. Onyx Monarch
A little pricey, not gonna lie, but worth a try if you’re feeling fancy. The flavor kind of shifts depending on your water and grind. One time I got molasses, another time I thought it tasted floral. Fun bean to mess around with if you’re into experimenting.
8. Counter Culture Big Trouble
Don’t let the name fool you. This one’s super easy to drink. Smooth, mellow, and not acidic. I like it when I’m not in the mood for anything wild. Makes a cozy cup with milk too.
9. Equator Jaguar Espresso
Bold stuff. Has a kind of earthy and spicy taste. I didn’t really get it on the first try, but it started to grow on me after a couple of tries. Now I save this for days when I want something strong. Not for beginners maybe, but once you get the hang of it, it’s satisfying.
10. Trade Coffee (Subscription Beans)
Okay, this one’s more of a service than a single bean. They send you coffee based on what you like. I’ve found some awesome roasters this way. A few misses too, but overall it’s been a fun way to keep trying new stuff without hunting it all down myself.
So that’s my list. Nothing scientific, just what worked best for me this year. If you’re just starting out with espresso at home, don’t overthink it. Start with something that’s easy to work with, and build from there.
A couple things I learned along the way:
Fresh beans always taste better. Like, always.
Filtered water made more of a difference than I expected.
Don’t freak out if your shot doesn’t look perfect. Some of my best-tasting ones looked kind of messy.
Also, keep notes. Just a little scribble on the bag or in your phone. Helps a lot when you try to remember which ones were good and which ones weren’t worth finishing.
If you’ve got any favorites I didn’t list, I’m all ears. Always down to try something new. Just nothing too sour, please.
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