Do you have espresso beans? What I tell people at markets

Hi, Adriana here

At every farmers market, there is one question that always comes up:

“Do you have espresso beans?”

And honestly, it is one of the trickiest questions to answer quickly. Here is why: there is no such thing as an espresso bean.

Espresso is not a bean or even a roast level. It is a brewing method that forces hot water through finely ground coffee under pressure. That is it.

So why the confusion? Over time, roasters started labelling darker roasts as “espresso” because those bold, chocolatey flavours worked beautifully in espresso machines, and that is what most people used. But as the specialty coffee industry has evolved with micro lots, new processing methods, and a growing curiosity about flavour, people began experimenting with all roast levels for espresso.

Here is what you can expect from each:

Medium-dark roasts – classic balance of sweetness, body, and richness
Medium roasts – highlight nuanced notes like citrus or florals
Light roasts – bright, vibrant, and more acidic, perfect if you like complexity

Even cultural preferences vary:
Italy loves smooth and chocolatey medium-dark blends for their shots.
France leans darker with intense, almost smoky espresso profiles
Scandinavia has popularized light and fruity espresso with vibrant acidity

At Crickle Creek, we roast each coffee to bring out its best natural flavour, so whether you pull shots, brew drip, or love a French press, we will help you find your perfect match.

I personally love medium-dark for espresso, especially because I enjoy making macchiatos or lattes. My go-to is our Sunnyside Blend. We blend it after roasting, so it combines 30 percent dark roasted beans with medium roast for the best of both worlds.

We are roasting on Tuesday and Thursdays, so get your order in, and we will deliver it straight to your home to make your mornings a whole lot better.