Best Espresso Coffees: Finding the Perfect Espresso Coffee for You
There’s nothing quite like a delicious, hot cup of espresso coffee to start your day off right. But with so many different brands and types of espresso coffee on the market, it can be hard to know which one is the best. This list will help you find the best espresso coffees for you, whether you’re looking for something classic and straightforward or something more adventurous.
This list of the best espresso coffees will feature the top options and will help you find the perfect espresso coffee for you and your tastes. Whether you like your espresso light or dark, sweet or bitter, this list will have the perfect choice for you.
After you finish with this list of the best espresso coffees, our lists of the best decaf coffee, best coffee gifts, and best coffee makers will also provide some more great coffee posts for you to read through.
Top 20 Espresso Coffees:
1. Lavazza Super Crema Whole Bean Coffee Blend
Price: $26.49
About Espresso Coffee: Lavazza Super Crema is a harmonious blend of Arabica and Robusta beans, offering a full-bodied experience with notes of roasted hazelnut and brown sugar. This medium roast delivers a velvety crema and a balanced flavor profile. Ideal for those seeking a classic Italian espresso taste.
2. Illy Intenso Whole Bean Espresso Dark Roast
Price: $14.99
About Espresso Coffee: Illy Intenso is a dark roast 100% Arabica coffee featuring captivating cocoa and dried fruit notes. It offers a rich, full-bodied flavor with a deep, lingering finish. Perfect for espresso lovers who appreciate a robust and intense cup.
3. Kicking Horse Coffee Organic Cliff Hanger Espresso
Price: $25.00
About Espresso Coffee: Cliff Hanger Espresso is a silky and complex medium roast with wild berry syrup and smooth cocoa finish. Sourced from Indonesia, Central, and South America, it’s certified organic and fair trade. This blend offers a bright aroma with blackcurrant and brown sugar notes.
4. Stumptown Coffee Roasters Hairbender
Price: $16.99
About Espresso Coffee: Hair Bender is Stumptown’s most complex blend, featuring coffees from Central and South America, East Africa, and Indonesia. It boasts flavor notes of jasmine, orange, cherry, caramel, and dark chocolate. This versatile blend is perfect for espresso and other brewing methods.
5. Counter Culture Big Trouble
Price: $32.85
About Espresso Coffee: Big Trouble offers a medium roast with tasting notes of caramel and nutty flavors, creating a round and approachable profile. It’s designed for those who enjoy a sweet and balanced cup. This blend is perfect for espresso and other brewing methods.
6. Intelligentsia Black Cat Classic Espresso
Price: $13.69
About Espresso Coffee: Black Cat Classic Espresso is a dark roast blend with flavor notes of dark chocolate, raw sugar, and marshmallow. It’s known for its comforting roast level and traditional espresso profile. This blend is a staple for those seeking a classic espresso experience.
7. Peet’s Coffee Espresso Forte
Price: $19.98
About Espresso Coffee: Espresso Forte is Peet’s first blend created specifically for espresso preparation, offering bold, rich flavors. It strikes a balance between the earthy depth of Indo-Pacific coffees and the bright spiciness of the Americas. This dark roast is ideal for a strong espresso shot.
8. Death Wish Coffee Co. Organic Espresso Roast
Price: $79.92
About Espresso Coffee: Death Wish Espresso Roast is known for its intense strength and high caffeine content. This organic and fair-trade coffee delivers a bold flavor with notes of caramelized sugar. It’s perfect for those seeking an extra kick in their espresso.
9. Fire Department Coffee Skull-Crushing Espresso
Price: $10.46
About Espresso Coffee: Skull-Crushing Espresso is crafted from a blend of premium coffee beans, delivering a full-bodied and mind-blowing flavor. It’s designed to keep you alert and energized. This espresso is ideal for those who prefer a strong and robust cup.
10. Lavazza Caffe Espresso Ground Coffee
Price: $28.99
About Espresso Coffee: Lavazza Caffe Espresso is a medium roast ground coffee made from 100% Arabica beans. It offers a rich and aromatic flavor profile, suitable for various brewing methods. This espresso is perfect for those who enjoy a traditional Italian coffee experience.
11. illy Ground Coffee Moka
Price: $143.41
About Espresso Coffee: Illy’s Moka Ground Coffee is a medium roast made from 100% Arabica beans, offering a rich aroma with a well-defined body. It’s specifically ground for moka pots, delivering a traditional Italian coffee experience. This blend is perfect for those who appreciate a smooth and balanced cup.
12. La Colombe Corsica Dark Roast Espresso
Price: $85.93
About Espresso Coffee: Corsica is a dark roast blend with chocolatey and comforting flavors, served in La Colombe cafes for over 25 years. It offers a bold and rich profile, suitable for espresso and other brewing methods. This blend is ideal for those who enjoy a deep and robust coffee.
13. Onyx Coffee Lab The Penny Espresso
Price: $24.50
About Espresso Coffee: The Penny Espresso by Onyx Coffee Lab features a medium-light roast with flavor notes of caramelized sugar, cocoa, and stone fruit. It balances sweetness and acidity, offering a smooth and flavorful espresso shot. This blend is perfect for those seeking a nuanced coffee experience.
14. Trager Coffee Best Espresso
Price: $9.95
About Espresso Coffee: This Trager Brothers Coffee’s Espresso blend offers a rich and robust flavor profile. It’s crafted to deliver a smooth and balanced cup, suitable for espresso and other brewing methods. This blend is ideal for those who appreciate a classic espresso taste.
15. Cafe Bustelo Espresso Ground Coffee
Price: $55.80
About Espresso Coffee: Cafe Bustelo’s Espresso Ground Coffee is a dark roast known for its bold and rich flavor. It’s a staple in Latin American households, perfect for making café con leche or a strong espresso shot. This coffee offers a traditional and authentic taste.
16. Equator Coffees Espresso Italia
Price: $18.99
About Espresso Coffee: Espresso Italia by Equator Coffees offers a well-balanced blend with notes of dark chocolate, caramel, and subtle hints of fruit. It’s crafted to deliver a smooth yet bold cup, suitable for espresso enthusiasts. This blend is perfect for those seeking a harmonious flavor profile.
17. Blue Bottle Coffee Espresso Blend
Price: $14.48
About Espresso Coffee: Blue Bottle’s Espresso Blend features a bright and sweet profile with fruity notes of cherry, chocolate, and citrus. It offers a smooth body and a pleasant finish, making it ideal for espresso shots. This blend is perfect for those who enjoy a vibrant coffee experience.
18. Stumptown Coffee Roasters Holler Mountain Espresso
Price: $14.93
About Espresso Coffee: Holler Mountain is a smooth espresso blend with a slight nuttiness and chocolate finish. It has a mellow body, making it ideal for those who enjoy a well-rounded espresso shot. This blend is versatile and suitable for various brewing methods.
19. Tiny Footprint Coffee Organic Espresso
Price: $45.30
About Espresso Coffee: Tiny Footprint’s Organic Espresso delivers a smooth, full-bodied coffee with subtle notes of chocolate and spice. It’s balanced by a clean finish, making it great for brewing espresso and espresso-based drinks. This coffee is also eco-friendly, supporting reforestation efforts.
20. Peet’s Coffee Major Dickason’s Blend Espresso
Price: $13.93
About Espresso Coffee: Major Dickason’s Blend features a rich, complex flavor profile with hints of spice, chocolate, and a smooth finish. It’s a popular choice among espresso aficionados seeking depth and character in their cup. This blend is versatile and suitable for various brewing methods.
Editor’s Choice: Best Overall Espresso Coffee
Lavazza Super Crema Whole Bean Coffee Blend stands out as our top pick for the best overall espresso coffee. With a rich blend of Arabica and Robusta beans, this medium roast offers a smooth crema and notes of hazelnut and brown sugar. Its balanced profile is perfect for espresso lovers seeking a traditional yet flavorful Italian experience. It’s great for everyday use, whether you enjoy your espresso straight or in milk-based drinks.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Espresso Coffees
What is the best espresso coffee for beginners?
If you’re new to espresso, Lavazza Caffe Espresso Ground Coffee is a great choice. It’s easy to brew and has a smooth, classic flavor that’s not too intense.
What is the strongest espresso coffee on the list?
Death Wish Coffee Co. Organic Espresso Roast is known for its extremely high caffeine content and bold, intense flavor. It’s best suited for experienced coffee drinkers who want an extra-strong cup.
Can I use these espresso coffees in a drip coffee maker?
Many of these blends are versatile enough for drip or pour-over methods, especially medium roasts like Stumptown Hair Bender or Peet’s Coffee Major Dickason’s Blend. However, grind size matters—espresso typically requires a finer grind than drip.
Are all espresso coffees dark roasts?
No, espresso coffee can range from light to dark roast. For example, Onyx Coffee Lab The Penny Espresso is a medium-light roast that offers a bright and sweet flavor.
What’s the difference between Arabica and Robusta beans?
Arabica beans generally have a smoother, sweeter taste with notes of fruit or sugar, while Robusta beans are stronger, more bitter, and contain more caffeine. Many espresso blends, like Lavazza Super Crema, combine both for balance and crema.
Tips for Choosing the Best Espresso Coffee
1. Know Your Flavor Preferences
If you prefer bold and intense, go with dark roasts like Illy Intenso or Death Wish Espresso. For a sweeter or fruitier cup, try medium or light blends such as Stumptown Hair Bender or Blue Bottle Espresso Blend.
2. Whole Bean vs. Ground
Whole beans offer maximum freshness and flavor, but you’ll need a grinder. Ground coffee, like Cafe Bustelo, is more convenient if you don’t have grinding equipment.
3. Consider Your Brew Method
Not all espresso blends are made just for espresso machines. Some, like Illy Ground Moka, are specifically ground for moka pots, while others are versatile enough for drip or French press.
4. Organic and Ethical Sourcing
If sustainability matters to you, brands like Kicking Horse Coffee and Tiny Footprint Coffee offer organic, fair-trade options and environmentally friendly practices.
5. Price and Quantity
Prices can vary widely—from budget-friendly options like Trager Coffee Best Espresso to premium offerings like La Colombe Corsica. Choose based on how much you consume and how refined your palate is.
Best Espresso Coffees Conclusion
After reading this list, you should now have a better idea of what to look for when choosing an espresso coffee. Whether you want a classic cup of coffee or something more exciting, there are plenty of great options out there.
So take your time, try out different brands and types, and find the perfect espresso coffee for you.
Have you tried any of these espresso coffees before? If so, please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
