Black Betty: a rich, full-bodied blend for espresso and milk coffee
Black Betty is a specialty coffee blend of premium beans from Guatemala and Brazil, roasted in Melbourne by 1961 Coffee Roasters. It has tasting notes of hazelnut, dark chocolate and orange zest, a rich, full body and an exceptionally smooth finish.
It began as a trial roast and became so popular that it is now a permanent house blend. It is our best-selling coffee, and it works well for espresso, for milk-based drinks and for everyday brewing.
| Type | Specialty coffee blend, sold as whole beans or ground to order |
|---|---|
| Origin | Guatemala and Brazil |
| Tasting notes | Hazelnut, dark chocolate, orange zest |
| Body and finish | Rich, full body with an exceptionally smooth finish |
| Best for | Espresso, flat whites and other milk coffee, everyday brewing |
| Milk pairing | Pairs well with soy and almond milk |
| Grind options | Whole beans, espresso, filter, Aeropress, plunger, stovetop |
| Bag sizes | 250 g and 1 kg |
| Roasted in | Melbourne, Australia |
Who is Black Betty for?
Espresso lovers
A full body and deep chocolate and hazelnut notes give shots richness. Choose the Espresso grind or grind the whole beans fresh.
Milk coffee fans
Pairs well with soy and almond milk. One reviewer calls it their go-to soy milk coffee because it cuts through the milk.
Everyday drinkers
Smooth and satisfying, so it suits daily brewing in any method, from filter to plunger to stovetop.
Taste profile
- Hazelnut
- Dark chocolate
- Orange zest
Expect rich dark chocolate and roasted hazelnut up front, with a lift of orange zest. The body is full and the finish is smooth, so it stays balanced rather than harsh.
If you prefer something brighter and fruitier, try Perky Jo. For a smooth, sweeter profile with berry and rum raisin notes, try Coffee1961 Signature Blend.
Origin & story
Black Betty is made from premium specialty coffee beans sourced from Guatemala and Brazil and roasted by 1961 Coffee Roasters in Melbourne.
It was originally roasted as a trial by Ash Nathan. Its name pays homage to the black barmaid who worked at Tom King's Coffee House in Covent Garden, London, in 1720. It is not about the famous song, and we like that it pushes a few buttons.
How to brew Black Betty
Espresso
Fine grind. Use 18 to 20 g for a double shot and aim for 25 to 30 seconds.
Stovetop or moka pot
Medium-fine grind. Brew gently and stop when the stream turns golden.
Aeropress
Medium-fine grind. Steep for about one to two minutes, then press.
Plunger or French press
Coarse grind. Steep for about four minutes, then press.
Filter or pour over
Medium grind with water just off the boil, around 92 to 96°C.
Choose your grind when you order, or select Whole Beans to grind at home. See our espresso beans guide for dialling-in tips.
Which size should I choose?
250 g
Ideal for trying Black Betty, or for one coffee lover who wants beans at their freshest.
1 kg
Suits households, offices and anyone who drinks coffee daily and wants a bigger bag.
Orders over $60 ship free Australia-wide. You can also subscribe and save 10% on every order.
Black Betty: your questions answered
What does Black Betty coffee taste like?
Black Betty tastes of hazelnut, dark chocolate and orange zest, with a rich, full body and an exceptionally smooth finish.
Is Black Betty good for espresso?
Yes. Black Betty is one of our top espresso coffees, and its full body and chocolate and hazelnut notes work well in an espresso machine.
Choose the Espresso grind, use 18 to 20 g for a double shot and aim for 25 to 30 seconds. Read our guide to coffee beans for espresso.
Is Black Betty good with milk, including soy and almond milk?
Yes. Black Betty pairs well with soy and almond milk, and its full body makes it a popular choice for flat whites, lattes and cappuccinos. One customer review describes it as a go-to soy milk coffee because it cuts through the milk.
Where do Black Betty's beans come from?
Black Betty is a blend of premium specialty beans sourced from Guatemala and Brazil. 1961 Coffee Roasters roasts it in Melbourne, Australia.
Why is it called Black Betty?
The name pays homage to the black barmaid who worked at Tom King's Coffee House in Covent Garden, London, in 1720. It is not named after the famous song. Ash Nathan originally roasted the blend as a trial, and it became so popular that it is now a permanent house blend.
Is Black Betty a strong coffee?
In flavour, yes: it is rich and full-bodied with deep chocolate notes, but also smooth rather than harsh. Caffeine content depends on the beans and how you brew, so we describe Black Betty by its flavour and body rather than by caffeine strength.
Which grind should I choose?
Choose Whole Beans if you have a grinder. Otherwise pick the grind that matches your brewer: Espresso for espresso machines, Aeropress, Filter for filter or pour over, Plunger for French press, or Stovetop for moka pots.
Should I buy the 250 g or 1 kg bag?
Buy 250 g to try Black Betty or if you drink one or two cups a day. Choose 1 kg for households, offices or regular daily drinkers. Orders over $60 ship free Australia-wide.
Can I subscribe to Black Betty and save?
Yes. Choose Subscribe & save on the product page to save 10% and have Black Betty delivered on your chosen schedule. Learn more about our coffee subscription.
How is Black Betty different from Perky Jo and Signature Blend?
Black Betty is the richest and most chocolatey of our three hero coffees. Perky Jo is brighter and fruitier, with toffee, caramel, hazelnut and pineapple notes. Coffee1961 Signature Blend is smooth and balanced, with sweet berry, chocolate and rum raisin notes.
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