Hello!
I recently got a new espresso machine (a Breville Barista Express if that helps at all), and I have no idea how to get started picking espresso beans. I think I’d like a milder, darker roast for either lattes / cappuccinos but also good for drinking straight.
Where do I even go about finding a good bag of beans? Are there any recommended sites? Do you just go to your grocery store?
Any other advice for a brand-new first timer?
Any help is greatly appreciated!
This may sound dumb but the best way is to snag a bag of beans that is sourced from one region, try it, and go to the next region. One could argue fresh roasted is best. I would also try different roasts as sometimes I’m in the mood for dark and sometimes light roast. Look for local roasters in your state. Otherwise I’ve used coffeefool.com but stopped because either they’ve given up on their VIP subscription service or they are too busy to respond to calls and emails. Currently I used a roaster out of Austin, TX.
This is a stupid question, but how do you go about looking for a local roaster? Is it as easy as just googling?
Yes - open google maps to your location, search for coffee roastery nearby. See what comes up!
Edit: and if you haven’t already, look for a simple guide on how to “dial in” your grinder. You don’t have to get super pedantic about it on every shot, but learn how to get it close.
Okay, I found a place nearby that seems to be very well reviewed! They’re about $15-$16 / 12 oz bag which seems reasonable? Either way, they’ve got a lot of single blend options to try out, so I think I’ll be stopping by on Monday when they open.
Awesome, thank you for the advice! And good tip on dialing in… wasn’t sure how to start.