espresso in an white espresso cup with spoon

A Guide to Choosing the Best Coffee for Espresso

Index



Roast Level

Medium to Dark Roasts are the go-to choices for espresso due to their balanced flavor profiles and lower acidity.

Here’s a closer look:

  • Medium Roast: These beans retain more of the bean’s original flavors while beginning to develop a balance of acidity and body. Expect a mix of acidity and caramel-like sweetness.
  • Dark Roast: Ideal for those who love rich, bold flavors with low acidity. Dark roasts typically have notes of chocolate, caramel, and toasted nuts, making them perfect for a classic espresso profile.


Bean Origin

The origin of the coffee bean significantly influences its flavor profile. Here are some popular regions for espresso beans:

  • Ethiopian: Known for their complex, fruity, and floral notes. These beans are often bright and aromatic, adding a unique depth to your espresso.
  • Brazilian: These beans offer nutty, chocolatey flavors and low acidity, contributing to a smooth and sweet espresso.
  • Colombian: Balanced with a mix of fruity and nutty flavors, medium acidity, and a smooth finish, Colombian beans provide a well-rounded espresso experience.
  • Sumatran: Characterized by earthy, spicy, and herbal notes. These beans are full-bodied with low acidity, ideal for those who prefer a robust espresso.


Blend

Deciding between single-origin beans and blends can affect your espresso’s complexity and balance:

  • Single-Origin: Beans from a specific region provide distinct and unique flavor profiles. They tend to be more acidic and complex, offering a unique espresso experience.
  • Blends: Combining beans from different regions creates a balanced flavor profile, consistency, and complexity. Blends are ideal for achieving a harmonious espresso with a rich crema.


Freshness

Freshly roasted coffee is crucial for a great espresso:

  • Freshly Roasted: For optimal flavor, consume coffee within 2-4 weeks of roasting. Always check for roast dates rather than expiration dates.
  • Proper Storage: To maintain freshness, store your beans in a cool, dark place in an airtight container.


Our Top Recommendations

To help you get started, here are a few highly regarded coffees for espresso from Octave Coffee:

  • Medium Roast: Octave "Classical" Roast – Offers balanced flavors with notes of apple, sweetness, and milk chocolate.
  • Dark Roast: Octave "Grunge" Blend – Known for its rich caramel and milk chocolate notes.
  • Ethiopian Single-Origin: Octave "Hip Hop" Roast – Bright and fruity with floral notes, providing a unique espresso experience.
  • Blend: Octave "Folk" Blend – A smooth and balanced blend with caramel, citrus, and berry notes.

By understanding these key characteristics, you can better select coffee beans that match your taste preferences and craft the perfect espresso shot. Whether you’re a seasoned barista or a home enthusiast, the right beans will elevate your espresso experience.

Happy brewing from all of us at Octave Coffee!

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Octave Coffee Co.
32 Google Reviews
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Nahil Hays
March, 2025
I recently discovered this local coffee company, Octave, and sent a message to their Instagram page. The owner immediately wrote back answering all my questions about what roast blend I should try according to my likes/dislikes. I ordered the two roasts he recommended that my husband and I should try and they DID NOT DISAPPOINT!! they were delivered freshly roasted and ground, and had wonderful flavor. We will definitely be trying their other blends in the future. I love having someone local and super friendly that I felt comfortable to ask questions and get exactly what I wanted. I highly recommend giving Octave a try!
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Brad Balch
October, 2024
This coffee stands out for the norm. It is excellent. Also, I received direct personalized service via home delivery. Excellent customer service. The owner very much cares about the customer experience. I highly recommend Octave Coffee Co.
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James Fuoco
August, 2024
I tried the LO-FI Roast Sumatra. I ground the beans for a stovetop, Bialetti espresso pot. The coffee flavor was very smooth and I enjoyed sipping it slowly, while reading a book. I also tried it as an espresso shot, and the dark chocolate note came through even more pronounced. I highly recommend this blend. Thanks Octave Coffee!
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Russell Dole
July, 2024
Coffee is well worth the buy! We enjoyed the different blends. We will definitely buy again! Thank you Octave!!
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Joel Fuoco
July, 2024
I got the Lo-Fi; the lattes and americanos it made were delicious! Once I got it dialed in, it gave me consistent shots every time.
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Jennifer Kyes
June, 2024
First time I tried Octave coffee it was a refreshing surprise. Theres so much bad coffee out there and every blend I tried (because I got the sampler) was amazing smooth and flavor full. I highly recommend it ❤️ I love how playful they are with the music genres 😁
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Saviel Lopez
June, 2024
Man oh man, I was able to get my hands on the hip hop blend and must say using a v60 made it a great experience. Tea like notes really came through! Subtle. Could taste that blueberry, not as much citrus as expected but lovely finish. I also had a chance to brew some up with a splash of cream and noticed that the cream gave a nice balance didn’t throw off the profile much. Would highly recommend the hip hop, excited to venture in some other blends and single origins.
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Chris Hill
May, 2024
Great coffee and great customer service! I would highly recommend Octave Coffee Co.!
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Mike S
April, 2024
Some of the best and freshest coffee I've ever had. Easy ordering and fast delivery. This coffee (Funk, Folk, Hip-Hop, Classical, and Grunge Rock so far) tastes so smooth and complex. Kinda like it was roasted this week instead of last year, because it was! (unlike the coffee beans I've been buying at the grocery store) Steve and company are so knowledgeable and friendly. The music themes on their coffee, their website and Instagram are cool, amusing, and actually informative. If you enjoy great, fresh roasted coffee, you owe it to yourself to try any of Octave Coffee's selections.
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Jason O'Connell
April, 2024
Ordered three whole bean bags, shipped very fast with great packaging. First blend bag done; on to the second one. Both bags have a strong yet smooth taste with no bitterness. Bean quality is excellent and good resealable (not twisted!) bags are a plus! Highly recommend!! :)
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