Best Quality Espresso Beans

Lavazza Super Crema Whole Bean Coffee – Produces a rich, thick, and long-lasting crema.

The Lavazza Super Crema is a dependable whole bean coffee that lives up to its name, especially for espresso enthusiasts. The blend of Arabica and Robusta beans results in a thick, persistent crema that is visually appealing and adds to the texture of the shot. As a medium roast, it strikes a good balance, offering a full-bodied flavor without being overly bitter or acidic.

The taste is smooth with a creamy finish, making it a solid foundation for lattes and cappuccinos as the coffee flavor isn’t lost in the milk. Being whole beans, a grinder is essential to get the best results, but the freshness is a worthwhile trade-off. It’s a versatile and consistent coffee that performs well for daily use.

While it may not have the complex notes of a single-origin specialty coffee, it provides a classic, satisfying Italian espresso experience at a reasonable price point.

Gaviña Old Havana Espresso Whole Bean Coffee – Medium-Dark Roast – Whole beans ensure maximum freshness and aroma.

I purchased these whole beans looking for a reliable option for my home espresso machine. The coffee is described as having a Cuban heritage inspiration, with nutty, sweet, and citrus notes. Grinding the beans fresh before brewing does seem to bring out a pleasant aroma.

The resulting espresso shot is smooth and has a balanced body, making it a decent base for lattes or for drinking straight. I found it performed consistently in both my espresso machine and a Moka pot, which speaks to its versatility. A notable aspect is the company’s commitment to sustainability, including their zero-waste facility, which is a nice bonus for environmentally-conscious consumers.

Overall, this is a well-rounded coffee that delivers a consistent and pleasant experience, particularly for those who enjoy a profile with a hint of brightness. It’s a solid choice for a daily brewing bean without being overly complex or intense.

Lavazza Espresso Whole Bean Coffee – Versatile for multiple brewing methods (espresso, drip, moka pot).

The Lavazza Espresso Italiano is a reliable and versatile whole bean coffee. As a 100% Arabica blend with a medium roast, it offers a smooth and balanced flavor profile, avoiding the intense bitterness that can come with darker roasts. The 5/10 intensity rating is accurate, making it a great option for a daily morning cup.

I found it worked well in both a drip coffee maker and an espresso machine, producing a consistent and aromatic result each time. The advertised floral and fruit notes are subtle but provide a pleasant, sweet finish without being overpowering. The large 2.2 lb bag is a definite plus for regular coffee drinkers, offering good value.

It’s a solid, approachable coffee that delivers a classic Italian espresso experience without being too aggressive, making it suitable for a wide range of palates.

Death Wish Coffee, Whole Bean Espresso Roast – Organic – Very strong caffeine content from the robusta and arabica blend.

Death Wish Coffee’s Espresso Roast is a solid choice for those who enjoy a potent, dark-roasted coffee. The blend of arabica and robusta beans provides a significant caffeine kick without being overly harsh. Grinding the whole beans releases a rich aroma, and the brewed coffee has a deep, bold flavor with distinct notes of dark cocoa and a subtle sweetness like caramelized sugar.

It’s surprisingly smooth for such a dark roast, avoiding the excessive bitterness that can sometimes be an issue. I found it worked well for both espresso shots and a standard drip brew, offering a consistent and intense cup. The Fair Trade certification is a nice bonus, adding an element of ethical sourcing.

While the flavor is very strong, it remains balanced and makes for a powerful start to the day. It’s a dependable brew for anyone seeking maximum intensity from their coffee.

Lavazza Espresso Whole Bean Coffee – Versatile for various brewing methods (espresso, drip, French press).

This Lavazza Espresso whole bean coffee is a solid choice for a daily brew. As a medium roast with a 5/10 intensity, it strikes a nice balance, offering a flavorful cup without being overpowering. The 100% Arabica blend from South America and Africa delivers on its promise of floral and fruity aromatic notes, which come through subtly in the final cup.

I found it performs well across different brewing methods, including my drip machine and French press, making it quite versatile. The large 2.2 lb bag is convenient, ensuring you have a good supply on hand. It’s a dependable, smooth coffee that isn’t too acidic or bitter, making it an approachable option for many coffee drinkers.

The beans grind consistently and produce a pleasant aroma that enhances the morning coffee ritual. It’s a quality, straightforward coffee that lives up to its description as a sweet and aromatic blend.

Lifeboost Organic Espresso Beans Whole – USDA Organic – USDA Certified Organic and 3rd-party tested for purity.

This is a solid choice for those who specifically seek a very dark, bold espresso. The single-origin beans from Nicaragua deliver a potent and rich flavor profile, true to the description. A notable feature is its low-acidity, which can make it smoother and easier on the stomach compared to other intensely dark roasts.

The resulting espresso shot produces a decent, smooth crema. A major selling point is the brand’s commitment to purity; the beans are USDA Certified Organic and have undergone extensive third-party testing for contaminants like mold, mycotoxins, and pesticides, which provides significant peace of mind. The whole beans are aromatic and grind well for various espresso machines.

While the flavor is quite specific, it consistently provides the deep, robust character it promises, making it a reliable option for a daily, powerful cup.

Lavazza Espresso Barista Gran Crema Whole Bean Coffee Blend – Produces a rich and long-lasting crema, ideal for espresso.

The Lavazza Espresso Barista Gran Crema is a solid, everyday whole bean coffee, particularly for those using an espresso machine. The blend of Arabica and Robusta beans is quite traditional for Italian espresso, and it consistently produces a thick, stable crema, living up to its name. The dark roast provides a full-bodied experience without being overly bitter, and the 7/10 intensity level feels accurate—it’s robust enough for a morning latte but not overpowering.

The advertised aromatic notes of honey and roasted coffee come through as a smooth, rounded flavor profile. While it may not have the complex, bright notes of a single-origin light roast, it offers reliability and a classic taste. The large 2.2lb bag size is also a practical choice for regular coffee drinkers, offering good value and convenience.

It performs exactly as expected for a blend designed specifically for espresso preparation.

Starbucks Whole Bean Coffee – Whole beans allow for a fresh grind and customized coarseness.

This 18-ounce bag of Starbucks Espresso Roast offers a familiar, bold coffee experience for home brewing. As a whole bean product, it provides the flexibility to grind the 100% arabica beans to your preferred coarseness, making it suitable for various methods like drip machines, French presses, or moka pots. The flavor profile is a classic dark roast, characterized by deep notes of molasses and rich caramel, which holds up well in milk-based espresso drinks.

While it aims to replicate the in-cafe taste, the very dark roast might not appeal to everyone, especially those who prefer lighter or more nuanced coffees. The brand’s commitment to 100% ethical sourcing is a noteworthy aspect. Overall, it’s a reliable and versatile option for those who specifically seek out a strong, traditional dark-roasted coffee and enjoy the ritual of grinding their own beans for maximum freshness.

Blue Bottle Whole Bean Organic Coffee – Certified organic and sustainably sourced beans.

This Blue Bottle Espresso Blend is a 12 oz. bag of whole bean, organic coffee specifically designed for espresso. Sourced from Latin America and Central Africa, the beans are given a darker roast to create a potent, full-bodied shot.

The flavor profile is described as bold and sweet, with prominent chocolatey notes that are intended to pair well with milk for drinks like lattes and cappuccinos. Being certified organic and roasted in small batches, it’s positioned as a high-quality choice for coffee connoisseurs. Keep in mind that as a whole bean product, you will need a grinder for preparation.

The focus on a dark roast makes it ideal for those seeking a rich and intense espresso experience, which may not appeal to those who prefer lighter, more acidic coffees. Overall, it appears to be a well-crafted blend for its intended purpose.

Lavazza Espresso Whole Bean for Automobili Lamborghini – Generous 2.2 lb bag offers good value for frequent drinkers.

The Lavazza Espresso for Automobili Lamborghini is a dependable whole bean coffee that delivers on its promise of an intense, dark roast experience. The 2.2 lb bag is a substantial quantity, ideal for daily espresso drinkers. The blend of Arabica and Robusta beans creates a full-bodied cup with a bold finish, consistent with a classic Italian-style espresso.

Grinding the beans fresh before brewing produces a rich aroma and a satisfying crema. While the Lamborghini co-branding is a unique touch, the coffee itself is a straightforward, no-frills dark roast. It performs well in an espresso machine, pulling consistent shots as per the brewing guide.

It’s a solid choice for those seeking a strong, traditional coffee to start their day or as a base for milk-based drinks like cappuccinos and lattes. The flavor profile is robust and what you would expect from a dark roast of this nature.