Hello All,

I have come to the conclusion that the "3rd wave" espressos that are fruity, acidic and "bright" just aren't for me. To me, they taste sweet, sour and not like a rich espresso that I prefer.

I have read a lot of the forums here and there is just so much mixed and outdated info, so I wanted to put the question out there. What is an espresso blend that I can buy that is going to provide more of an Italian style espresso? Alternatively, are there any Italian blends that you recommend. I am looking for an espresso that offers nutty, caramel and chocolate flavours - once again, none of the citrusy, sour "3rd wave" flavours.

I am in Canada so if you had Canadian roasters that would be even better. As of right now some blends I'm interested in hearing your opinions on are:

1) Red Bird Espresso (US)
2) Mr. Espresso (US) - Neopolitan Blend (Although I have read many mixed reviews that even though this is advertised as a italian blend it still has too much fruit and "brightness" coming through
3) Counter Culture Number 46 (US)
4) Social Coffee People's Daily (CAN) - How does this compare to People's Liberation?
5) 49th Parallel Old School Espresso (CAN)
6) Italian mass producers Lavazza, Illy, Segafredo

Thanks in advance for your thoughts/recommendations

Mr Espresso makes a phenomenal blend that is more in line with what you're seeking. Ordering things when you're north of the border can certainly add on the costs. I'm not sure of their shipping methods offered.

There was a resurgence of passion for Kimbo recently. It was talked about in length here. I quite like it, even if it's just an occasional change of pace from the "3rd wave" stuff you described. You might be able to find that in Canada for a whole lot cheaper than what Amazon.ca is offering it (shipped from the US)

Consider Linea Caffe Espresso too. Very few do it as well as Andrew Barnett and his team. I'm messaging Andrew now to see if they ever ship to Canada and I'll report back here.They do offer free US shipping, so if you know someone who happens to live in the states, it's definitely worth a try.I hate to make recommendations that are only state-side. There are more knowledgeable Canadians on the forum like Bob_McBob who likely have better input.

* Andrew got back to me, unfortunately, not at this time.

Hi Stefan, I'm with you on this one. I've been enjoying Chris' Coffee "black Pearl". A great "comfort" espresso. Lots of chocolate notes in the finish. And, when pulling singles, I've had some that taste like almond paste cookies. I think you would enjoy. I've been buying 5# bags and freezing to keep the cost down (I'm the only espresso drinker in the house, so this works best for me). It stores well ... never had an issue.

Stefan, Hi fellow Canuck. You're in luck, I've got some suggestions for you in no particular order.

Here are some you can try, all available in Canada or the Toronto area:

1) 49th Parallel Roasters, B.C...try their Blue Sky Espresso blend
http://www.49thparallelroasters.com/col ... y-espresso

2) Jimmy's Coffee cafes... their espresso blend(roasted by Classic Gourmet which roasts Rufino coffee)... Available at Jimmy's Coffee locations in Toronto
http://www.jimmyscoffee.ca/about.html

3) Various Daterra Farms Brazilian espresso blends from idrinkcoffee in Milton.. they carry Sweet Blue, the same as Redbird in Montana
http://www.idrinkcoffee.com/Espresso_Co ... s_s/30.htm

4) Reunion Island Coffee Roasters, Oakville.. try their Bullet or Cannonball Espresso blends
http://shop.reunionislandcoffee.com/col ... dium-roast
http://shop.reunionislandcoffee.com/col ... dium-roast

5) Cafe Artigianno, Toronto.. try their espresso blend
http://www.caffeartigiano.com/collections/all

6) Detour Coffee Roasters, Burlington.. try their Punch buggy Espresso blend
http://detourcoffee.com/products/10-pun ... y-espresso

7) Carvalho Coffee Roasters, Oakville.. try the espresso blend
http://www.carvalhocoffee.ca

8. Pilot Coffee Roasters, Toronto... try their Big Bro Espresso blend
http://www.pilotcoffeeroasters.com/products/big-bro

9.Sam James Coffee Bar, Toronto.. try their Cut Coffee Espresso blend.. Only available at their cafes, not available by mail order
http://samjamescoffeebar.com

Also, check out this thread I started a while back. All about Canadian roasters. Although, it deals with all kinds of coffees and roasters, not just Italian styles. Canadian Roasters: Canucks...What are you drinking?

Good list. Big Bro is my current favourite of the one's I've tried on this list.

People's Liberation is more 3rd wave than People's Daily. Social also tends to be towards the low end of price compared to others listed.

Glad to know I'm not the only one! I'm with you--I vastly prefer something sweeter, nuttier, and more chocolatey than fruity and bright. I've been getting some nice organic SO beans locally (Mayan highlands dark roast) that I'm pulling really good shots with, and a few blends as well.

Based on all the recommendations here, I ordered some Red Bird espresso, but I have to say that it was not what I was looking for. While many people has described it as a "liquid snickers bar," I found it to be way to fruity and bright for my tastes. I'm relatively new to making my own espresso and I'm definitely using bargain equipment, but still with other beans I've been able to pull shots that rivaled or bettered anything I've had in local cafes. 16 grams of beans, nice vintage hand grinder dialed in, 30 second pulls for 20-25 grams of espresso with very nice crema. I found the Red bird espresso too fruity/sour/bright.

Wanting to be sure that it's not just my espresso equipment or technique, I ground coarser and made a few cups with my Aeropress and got the same fruity/bright taste--not the liquid snickers bar. I suppose it's possible I got a bad batch/roast.

That was my impression of RB espresso too. I would try Mr Espresso which is very nice and not citrus at all. Also, try Vivace (Vita and Dolce) which is terrific and dark chocolately with no citrus. Their Dolce has a slight amount of fruit in it but just a hint. Also would second Black Pearl from Chris Coffee. I haven't had it for a while, but remember it as a good comfort coffee.

I was visiting with Keith at Venia Coffee last week and he gave me a preview sample of a new northern Italian blend they have been working on. Sounds like it will be available in the next few weeks. I drink espresso blends and SO's all across the board, and have to say that it was one of the better Italian style blends I have had for some time. I would relate it to Blue Bottle's Hayes Valley, but not quite as dark. Looking at the beans I am guessing it is a melange roast. Very chocolaty, subtle nuts and caramel sugars. No citrus at all. I haven't pulled shots with such thick crema in some time. Keep and eye out, as it is quite good.

Nonprophet wrote:. I found the Red bird espresso too fruity/sour/bright.

Wanting to be sure that it's not just my espresso equipment or technique, I ground coarser and made a few cups with my Aeropress and got the same fruity/bright taste--not the liquid snickers bar. I suppose it's possible I got a bad batch/roast.

Wow. I might have to try it again. It's been years, but I did not have any fruity shots from Red Bird.

For the red bird, try pulling it hotter and with a finer grind.