Espresso Expressions

First, let's cut through the pop American marketing. Espresso is just a method of brewing gourmet coffee. I'll repeat that, espresso is just a method of brewing. Espresso actually means quickly or rapidly brewed coffee. However, espresso usually refers to a short concentrated and rapidly brewed coffee under intense pressure resulting in more extraction of coffee soluble, 25% versus 16-18% for standard infiltration or drip method, and thus a stronger, richer tasting coffee. In Italian homes it can also mean coffee brewed on the stove with a mocha pot. It is not a roast or variety of coffee plant. There are certain cultural standards for espresso and varying views for brewing espresso.

We offer 7 espresso blends, ranging from dark roast American style espresso to light roast European espressos. Yes, contrary to Starbucks Coffee commercials, European espresso blends and coffee blends tend to be light to medium roasts. Don't believe us? Go to your local European import store and buy four or five imported European espresso blends and coffees and check the roasts. There are some dark roasted blends in European but they tend to be from Mediterranean bordering cities. Although humorously, Starbucks' entrance into England with large American size flavored milk and espresso drinks is actually creating a dark roast culture spreading from northern Europe. We believe it stems from two factors: the introduction of chocolate mocha and extra-large milk based espresso drinks and American professional pop marketing. The darker roast espresso blends stand-up well in large milk based drinks and add a chocolaty finish to the larger milk based drinks, and truthfully, American product companies do a great job of build-out and supply of a consistent professional looking product.

Another common misconception about espresso is that it contains more caffeine than other coffees. Not true. Despite its strong flavor, espresso contains only 60 to 80 mg. Per shot, versus 80 to 100 mg. Per cup of regular coffee.

Truly, all that matters is that you find the espresso blend, dark or light, which you like most. If you want a Starbucks style flavor then our Latte and Pacific Espresso blends are for you. If you want the best-balanced espresso offering sweet flavor, medium acidity, and dark roast highlights then our Cappuccine Blend is the one for you.