Coffee Beans for Espresso - 1961 Coffee Roasters

Coffee Beans for Espresso

Great espresso starts with great beans. Discover our favourite espresso coffees, roasted in Melbourne for rich flavour, balanced sweetness and a crema that lasts.

Freshly RoastedIn Melbourne
Perfect for EspressoRich crema & full flavour
Fast ShippingAustralia-wide
Loved by 1000+Coffee lovers

What makes a great espresso bean?

Espresso is simple, so the right beans make all the difference. Look for balance, sweetness and body, with flavours that shine through milk or on their own.

Right Roast

Medium to dark roasts bring out sweetness, depth and a rich crema.

Balanced Flavour

A balance of sweetness, acidity and body creates a smooth, satisfying shot.

Freshness

Freshly roasted beans retain their flavour and aroma for better espresso.

Proper Extraction

The right grind, dose and time unlock the full potential of your beans.

Our top picks for espresso

Three fresh roasted blends from our Melbourne roastery that perform beautifully in espresso machines, whether you drink them black or with milk.

View all coffee beans →
BEST SELLER

Black Betty Coffee Beans

Rich • Dark chocolate • Hazelnut

A rich, full-bodied blend of Guatemalan and Brazilian beans with tasting notes of hazelnut, dark chocolate and orange zest.

  • Rich, full body with a smooth finish
  • Pairs well with soy and almond milk
  • Guatemala & Brazil origin beans

From $ 15.50 AUD

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POPULAR

Perky Jo Coffee Beans

Bright • Caramel • Toffee

A bright, awakening micro roast blend of Brazilian Cerrado and New Guinea Highlands beans, with notes of toffee, caramel, hazelnut and pineapple.

  • Lively, fruity and sweet
  • Roasted in small batches
  • Bronze Medal, Australian International Coffee Awards 2014

From $ 15.50 AUD

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Coffee1961 Signature Blend

Balanced • Sweet berry • Chocolate

Our signature blend: beautifully balanced and aromatic, with tasting notes of sweet berry, chocolate and rum raisin and a smooth finish.

  • Ideal for espresso and milk-based coffee
  • Roasted in Melbourne
  • Best New Roaster, Australian International Coffee Awards 2012

From $ 15.50 AUD

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Which Coffee Should You Choose?

Not sure which blend is right for you? Here’s a quick guide.

Prefer bold & intense flavour?

Go for Black Betty. Rich, full-bodied and perfect for milk-based coffees.

Shop Black Betty →

Prefer smooth & well-balanced?

Try Perky Jo. Smooth, sweet and easy to enjoy every day.

Shop Perky Jo →

Want an all-round house blend?

Choose Signature Blend. Balanced, versatile and always reliable.

Shop Signature Blend →

How to Brew the Perfect Espresso

A few small adjustments can make a big difference to your espresso shot. Start with fresh coffee beans for espresso and fine-tune your grind, dose and extraction.

1

Grind

Use a fine grind, similar to table salt, for a balanced espresso extraction.

2

Dose

Use around 18–20g of coffee for a double shot, adjusting to suit your espresso machine.

3

Tamp

Tamp firmly and evenly to create a level coffee puck for consistent extraction.

4

Extract

Aim for around 25–30 seconds for a balanced shot with rich flavour and golden crema.

View our complete brewing guide →
Fresh coffee beans brewed as espresso in an espresso machine

Best for Milk-Based Coffees

These espresso beans have the body and sweetness that work beautifully in flat whites, cappuccinos and lattes.

  • ✓ Black Betty – bold and chocolatey, with enough body to stand up to milk.
  • ✓ Perky Jo – smooth and sweet, making it a great choice for creamy drinks.
  • ✓ Signature Blend – balanced and versatile for everyday espresso and milk coffee.
Explore all coffee beans → Milk-based coffee made with freshly roasted espresso beans

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best coffee bean for espresso?
The best coffee beans for espresso depend on the flavour and body you prefer. Black Betty is a bold, full-bodied option, while Perky Jo offers a smoother, sweeter profile. Coffee1961 Signature Blend is a balanced all-round choice.
Should I use dark or medium roast for espresso?
Both can work well for espresso. Darker roasts generally offer a fuller, more intense flavour, while medium roasts can provide a smoother and more balanced cup with greater flavour clarity.
What grind size should I use for espresso?
Espresso generally requires a fine grind. If your shot runs too quickly, try a finer grind. If it runs too slowly, adjust slightly coarser.
How should I store coffee beans?
Keep your coffee beans in an airtight container away from heat, light and moisture. Store them somewhere cool and dry to help maintain freshness and aroma.
View all FAQs →

Never Run Out of Your Favourite Coffee.

Save 10% with every subscription order. Choose your favourite coffee, set your delivery schedule and enjoy freshly roasted beans without the hassle.

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Black Betty coffee beans from 1961 Coffee