A Beginner's Guide to Espresso Blend Recommendations

FrontStreet Coffee · Recommendations for Espresso Blend Composition

Generally, using Brazil as the base bean, with combinations like Brazil + Mandheling at a 1:1 ratio, or Brazil + Colombia (or Guatemala) at a 1:1 ratio, are relatively safe blends. To enhance aroma, you can add a small amount of Yirgacheffe. FrontStreet Coffee recommends blending after roasting and adjusting ratios through cupping. First, test each single origin as espresso separately, then add complementary elements to the base bean based on what you feel is missing.

Single origin beans can also be used for espresso (SOE = Single Origin Espresso), and certain blend beans can perform exceptionally well when treated with single origin brewing methods. However, achieving excellent results requires high-quality beans, proper roasting techniques, and precise extraction operations.

As for specific recipes and ratios, you can reference formulas from artisanal specialty coffee roasters, or look to well-known combinations like Manba (Mandheling-Brazil) that have gained general recognition.

However, even with so-called recipes, their significance is limited. Setting aside blends entirely and focusing on just a single bean—different growing regions, cooperatives, processing methods, batches, and grades from the same country, combined with different roasting equipment, roast curves, and techniques—can all yield slightly different flavor profiles. Ratios and recipes cannot be rigidly copied and applied.

Generally, blending follows the principle of achieving sweet and sour balance. You can also use beans with prominent flavors as the foundation. This is a fascinating endeavor, and everyone can experiment according to their personal taste preferences, choosing their favorite coffee beans to create their own unique blends!

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