Hi Everybody, I'm hoping for some advice on a gift for a family member. He loves espresso and I got him some black cat last year which he really enjoyed. I didn't realize how much he enjoyed it until this year when his wife mentioned to my wife that he was hoping I was gonna get him beans again.

I know that there is a long list of great roasters on this site and I order from several of them. Some of my go to choices are Caffe Fresco's Ambrosia and Zoka's Paladino. That said - I am working with a decent setup and am serious about it. My brother-in-law on the other hand has a super auto that does the whole process for him and obviously does not deliver the same deliciousness to the cup. He drinks mostly americanos and likes to have both regular and decaf on hand. Last year I got him a pound of each from the black cat line.

I realize that with his machine he is obviously going to be limited but was wondering if anybody had suggestions for an espresso that will perform well given what he is working with. I know the best thing would be to tell him to get a new machine and grinder... but he isn't up for the work, learning, and time investment. I was just hoping to give him some beans that might be more forgiving or better for what he's working with.

Thoughts?

*** EDIT - It's a super auto, added to subject

I would recommend Klatch house espresso or FTO espresso. Also Counter Culture Rustico or La Forza.

Reason for recommendation is that these are stronger tasting blends that should at least give some taste in a cup on super-auto.