Pulling an Espresso Shot

Green Coffee Beans for Black Espresso

Unroasted green coffee for espresso drunk without milk. Straight shots show everything – good and bad – so these lots are chosen for sweetness, clarity and character that hold up undiluted: fruit-led naturals and honeys, clean washed Colombians and Peruvians, and the occasional experimental lot for a guest espresso. Buy from 0.5kg with samples on most lots – and for a sweet, syrupy shot, start with our honey process green coffee beans. Looking for roasted coffee? These are raw beans you roast yourself – here's how to start.

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  • What makes a coffee work as black espresso

    Without milk to soften it, acidity and bitterness are front and centre, so balance matters more than intensity. Look for coffees with real sweetness and a clean finish: washed Colombians and Peruvians for structure, naturals and honeys for fruit and syrupy body, and brighter Kenyan or Rwandan lots when you want a more vibrant guest shot. Our black espresso buyer's guide covers selection in more depth.

  • Roasting for black espresso

    Black espresso tolerates – and often rewards – a lighter roast than milk espresso, because you're not fighting through dairy. Aim for enough development to remove grassy, sour notes without flattening the fruit, and follow your rate of rise into and through first crack. Fruit-forward or fermented lots colour quickly, so ease off early heat.

  • Black espresso vs milk-based espresso

    Coffees that shine black can disappear or turn sour under milk, while chocolatey milk coffees can taste flat on their own. If one coffee has to do both, browse our all-round espresso range; if it's milk-first, see green coffee for milk-based espresso.

  • Brewing Stovetop Moka Pot Coffee

    Green Coffee Beans for Moka Pot & Stovetop

    Green coffees with chocolate, fruit, and toasted notes – smooth, bold, and ideal for stovetop brews.

  • All-Round Espresso Brewing

    Green Coffee Beans for Espresso

    Green coffees for espresso that perform well black or with milk. Balanced, sweet, and versatile.

  • Green Coffee for Milk-Based Espresso Drinks

    Green Coffee Beans for Milk-Based Espresso

    Green coffees that shine in milk-based drinks – balanced, structured, and full of complementary flavour.

  • Mild Filter Brewing

    Green Coffee Beans for Mild Filter Coffee

    Green coffees for a milder cup – smooth, low-acid, and subtly sweet with classic filter flavour.

  • Aeropress Brewer

    Green Coffee Beans for Aeropress

    Green coffees that bring out the Aeropress’s best – fuller body, deep sweetness, and complexity.

  • French Press Coffee Brewing

    Green Coffee Beans for French Press

    Sweet, full-bodied green coffees with depth and balance, ideal for rich, immersive brews.

Your questions, answered

Which green coffees are best for black espresso?

Sweet, clean, characterful lots: washed Colombians and Peruvians, Kenyan and Rwandan coffees for brightness, and naturals or honeys for fruit and body.

Should I roast lighter for black espresso?

Often, yes. Without milk you can keep more acidity and fruit, but you still need enough development to avoid sour, underdeveloped shots.

Why does my espresso taste sour?

Usually underdevelopment in the roast or under-extraction in the shot. Extend development time slightly, rest the coffee longer, or grind finer before blaming the bean.

Can experimental coffees be used for espresso?

Yes – anaerobic, fermented and co-fermented lots make memorable guest espressos. Their intensity can be a lot as a daily shot. See our experimental process range.

Do you offer samples or trial batches before committing to larger orders?

Yes, we offer samples for most of our coffees. If you need a larger sample than what’s typically available, we recommend trying one of the smaller quantity options listed on our site. That way, you can test the coffee before committing to a larger order.

What sizes or quantities can I order?

We offer coffee starting from as little as 0.5kg (1 lb) all the way up to full sacks. If you’re looking for larger quantities than what’s listed on our site, just get in touch! We’d be happy to help you organise and place a custom order. We're here to make sure you get exactly what you need.