If you had to recommend just one espresso blend?

[Fr. John]

90% of the time I'm pulling shots for milk drinks so I'm not very picky about my espresso (I use caracolillo exclusively as it is decent and cheap) .

That said, I'm shopping for a pound of straight espresso for shots only. Give me your recommendations. Normal priced choices only please. I'd like something that would be good with or without sugar. Maybe something lighter?

[Matthew Brinski]

Ecco Reserve

[bobdc]

My favorite is

Espresso Toscano

but this one runs a close second,

Espresso La Forza

Both are from Counter Culture Coffee.

[cannonfodder]

Redline from Metropolis or Espresso Classico from Paradise Roasters, or Daves homeroast blend #37 iteration 7

[harris]

Redline from Metropolis or Espresso Classico from Paradise Roasters, or Daves homeroast blend #37 iteration 7

Not sure about the Dave's but I would agree with the others. Both can be purchased green which helps with the shipping.

h

[cafeIKE]

Supreme Bean Caffe del Norte

[cannonfodder]

Almost forgot Coffe Klatch's USBC blend and the WBC blend but I actually liked the US version better.

My error, Daves blend was number 38 not 37

[scook94]

Almost forgot Coffee Klatch's USBC blend and the WBC blend but I actually liked the US version better.

My error, Daves blend was number 38 not 37

? Didn't Jim win the WBC with single origin espresso? Or have I misread what you intended?

http://baristamagazine.com/Issues...nov07-deathof.html

[cannonfodder]

I thought his single origin was a blend of two or three farms from a single country, but I may be mistaken. The Coffee Klatch WBC and USBC blend, Heather Perry represented them and took first at the US and I believe third at the world comp. Their WBC blend was also voted best espresso in the world in the coffee judging.

[HB]

Their WBC blend was also voted best espresso in the world in the coffee judging.

Hmm-m, it's nitpicking, but I thought their blend was voted Best Espresso at the SCAA World Barista Competition. Although I agree it's a must-try blend, I'm not aware of a "best espresso in the world" designation from the SCAA competitions.

[cannonfodder]

[cpl593h]

As good as the limited lots are, it sounded like the OP is looking for something he can buy regularly... For that, I like Hairbender.

[Niko]

I second that!
Hairbender is a great blend, which happens to be my favorite outside of my kitchen.

[woodchuck]

Boy, a ton of good espresso blends out there today. My tastes have changed over time. I am close to Counter Culture Coffee so I try alot of their blends. I started out really into Toscano, but over time I was wanting something more than just heavy chocolate. I moved to Forte or what is now their La Forza blend. This blend had a bit more "brightness" to it which I liked. Lately I have really enjoyed their Aficionado blend. I have been tasting some wonderful nutty flavors that compliment the traditional chocolate notes of late.

I used to drink alot of Intelligentsia's Black Cat as well. Again I have moved more towards their Kid O's as my inkling for heavy chocolate has given way to brighter blends. The Kid O' also has some of the nuttiness that I am liking these days.

Everyones tastes are different but I hope this gives you some ideas. Bobdc also mentioned CCC's blends.

I saw the references to Stumptown's Hairbender. On the wrong side of the country for my normal shipments but I will have to try it. It sounds alot like the Aficionado blend from CCC.

Cheers

Ian

[CambodianBeast]

I would second Paradise's Espresso Classico... especially as a home roaster, I've found it both delicious and forgiving.

[Jacob]

Passalacqua Harem Espresso

[bobdc]

Passalacqua Harem Espresso

Available in North America?

Thanks,
Bob

[Mark08859]

Element 114

Barefoot Coffee Roasters

[Spresso_Bean]

I would suggest trying Kid O's blend from Intelligentsia - it's great stuff.

[jamhat]

I regularly use Batdorf and Bronson's Dancing Goats Blend and their Omar's Organic. Both make a nice espresso, and they aren't too dark or heavy. They are worth a shot!

http://www.dancinggoats.com/Espresso_c298.cfm

Please check back in and let us know what you try and how you like it.