Here is how espresso beans and coffee beans are the same; both beans are from the same plant. Yes, surprisingly they are from the exact same plant! The differences between them come in the steps that follow; from the way they are roasted, and secondly the way they are brewed. Now, let’s get into how they are different.
- Espresso beans are roasted to medium or dark for a stronger flavor, while coffee beans have a larger range of roasting levels giving them a unique taste and aroma.
- Espresso has a more intense flavor with a velvet like feel and a notable crema, while coffee’s flavor varies with roast, origin and brew.
- Espresso uses high pressure for a quick, dense shot, while coffee has multiple slower paced brewing styles like drip, pour-over, and French press each with its flavor nuances.
- Espresso beans suit espresso-based drinks like lattes, coffee beans are used in a wide variety of drinks from hot to cold and sweet to slightly savory. Both can even blend with other ingredients to achieve different types of beverage experiences.
The roasting process significantly impacts the flavor profile of the original coffee bean. Here’s a breakdown of the distinctive taste experiences offered by an espresso roast compared to a medium roast coffee.
Espresso roasts are known for their bold, intense flavors. They typically feature:
- Bitterness – A dominant characteristic often described as dark chocolate or burnt caramel.
- Body – A full, rich mouthfeel, contributing to a satisfying experience.
- Complexity – A layering of flavors, including notes of nuts, spices, and even a hint of smokiness.
Whereas medium roast coffee offers a more balanced and nuanced flavor profile. Usually characterized by:
- Acidity – A bright, refreshing acidity, often described as citrusy or fruity.
- Sweetness – A subtle sweetness, derived from the roasting process and the bean’s natural sugars.
- Floral & Fruity Notes – Depending on the bean’s origin and varietal, medium roasts can showcase delicate floral or fruity notes, such as jasmine, berries, or chocolate.
Given your average espresso roast and medium coffee roast contrast very differently. Next, let’s look at Northwoods Roasteries’ go to espresso roast, Red Rooster Espresso. This espresso is a medium roast, not a dark roast. Yet, it is both an espresso roast and a medium roast coffee which are the two flavor profiles mentioned above, making a unique result. Here are more details on why and how this plays out.
Red Rooster Espresso
- Origins – Brazil, Colombia and Ethiopia. It is a blend of these three types of beans.
- Bitterness – Slight bitterness due to the slow roasting process, it has a cooked/roasted type flavor.
- Body – It has a brighter mouth feel but still smooth and pleasant to drink.
- Complexity – It’s an experience from start to finish, acidity at first, then it transitions into a smooth sweetness, with hints of berries and finishes off with a roasted aroma.
- Acidity: Nice acidity in the beginning, mainly due to the high pressure when pulling the espresso shot.
- Sweetness: Very sweet, notes of milk chocolate and peanut butter.
- Floral & Fruity Notes: Strong tart berries, particularly blueberries.
These flavor notes combine and really pop nicely when drinking a latte. This flavor profile pairs exceptionally well with milk making it the perfect foundation in flavored lattes as well. In addition to being used in espresso-based drinks, Red Rooster Espresso does very well as an espresso blend (a combination of multiple coffee beans that are roasted and then mixed together).
Often the word ‘espresso’ on the packaging of this type of bean is essentially the roaster telling you the best way to use them. However, in this case it is also a medium roast, and the flavors express differently, making Red Rooster Espresso an easy option to be brewed and enjoyed as regular black coffee at home. Many people purchase it to be used as both and really love it. In summary, Red Rooster Espresso is a versatile medium roast espresso, if you have not tried it at home yet, grab a bag today. https://www.northwoodsroasterie.com/product/red-rooster-espresso-beans-12-oz/