Collection: Espresso

Specialty and third-wave coffee have become synonymous terms, but specialty coffee refers to a coffee of a specific grade.

Coffee is graded several times before making it to your cup, at origin, by importers, and finally by the roaster who decides to purchase the coffee. A coffee grade ultimately indicates quality; a coffee above 80 out of a 100 point scale is considered a specialty coffee.

The difference between light, medium, or dark roasted coffees goes deeper than their appearance in color and touches on their depth of roast (development) and intended taste notes.

We define coffee not only by the color but how far along in the roasting development process we take a coffee. We also "cup" or sample our coffees to ensure they hit on certain flavor profiles to hit on that a perceived roast color flavor. All-in-all, color is an excellent initial determining factor for what a coffee might taste like and give consumer hints on what to expect in their brewed cup.

Pour-over or drip coffee is a brewing method where any coffee roast type (light, medium, or dark) can work well and depends mainly on consumers' taste preferences. In contrast, we recommend being more thoughtful about your coffee choices when brewing for espresso or milk-based drinks.

As a simple rule of thumb, look toward light-roasted coffees if you enjoy bright and sweet coffees. Those who prefer bolder coffees and may even add milk to their morning brew look toward medium to darker roasted coffees.

When searching for the perfect espresso blend or coffee for espresso, you must start with what type of drink you will be making. Those looking to drink straight espresso shots (single or double) have a wider selection than those who enjoy their espresso with milk. Lighter roasted coffees can make outstanding and sweet espresso, but their flavors may get lost when any addition of milk. For those who enjoy milk-based espresso drinks, look for coffees labeled as medium or dark roasts, as the bolder flavors will more easily cut through the milk.