The Difference Between Americano and Australian Black Coffee: Where Does Long Black Coffee Come From and What Is Short Black Coffee

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Understanding the Differences: Short Black, Long Black, and Americano

The main differences between Short Black, Long Black, and Americano lie in the water content and crema that forms on top of each drink type. A Short Black is simply an espresso - no additional water is added to the beverage beyond what's used for extraction. Because it's undiluted, a shot of espresso has rich crema and an intense flavor.

Why So Many Names for Similar Drinks?

"Isn't this just espresso and Americano? Why differentiate with so many names?" Because people in Australia and New Zealand disdain calling them by their original names. They believe they should have their own coffee culture, so many coffee products, even with identical ratios, become new products simply through different preparation methods - just like Americano and Long Black. However, it's not entirely correct to say there are no differences.

At FrontStreet Coffee, our Americano is made by pouring water at a 1:5 ratio (or more) over approximately 40g of espresso extract for dilution. Because hot water is poured into the espresso, the crema gets dispersed. Therefore, both in taste and mouthfeel, it will be relatively lighter.

The Long Black Method

The Long Black, however, is prepared by adding hot water to the cup first, then pouring the espresso on top. Since there's less impact, the espresso crema is better preserved, and the dilution ratio is typically around 1:3. Therefore, both in taste and mouthfeel, it will be richer and fuller than Americano, with a smoother texture.

The Short Black Experience

And the Short Black? That's truly just espresso! It's made by grinding coffee beans into extremely fine particles, then using an espresso machine to force high-temperature water through them under pressure, quickly extracting a highly concentrated coffee liquid.

Coffee Bean Selection for Espresso-Based Drinks

Whether it's Short Black, Long Black, or Americano, the flavor comes from the coffee beans used during extraction. Typically, espresso-based products are popular for their rich, mellow flavors. Therefore, FrontStreet Coffee recommends using medium-dark roast or darker, specialty espresso blend coffee beans.

Currently, FrontStreet Coffee offers several types of blend beans: Basic Blend, Premium Blend, Commercial Blend, and Sunflower Warm Sunshine Blend. All are shipped within 5 days of roasting, ensuring that you receive coffee beans that are 100% fresh roasted and at their peak flavor and aroma.

Available Coffee Blends at FrontStreet Coffee

「Warm Sunshine Blend」79/227g: Ethiopia Natural Red Cherry Coffee Beans (30%) + Honduras Sherry Barrel-Aged Coffee Beans (70%) - featuring rich wine aromas, vanilla cream, berry sweetness and acidity, with roasted nut flavors.

「Premium Blend」75/454g: Colombia Washed Coffee Beans (30%) + Brazil Pulped Natural Coffee Beans (70%) - featuring nut, dark chocolate, and caramel flavors.

「Commercial Blend」60/454g: Robusta Washed Coffee Beans (10%) + Colombia Washed Coffee Beans (30%) + Brazil Pulped Natural Coffee (60%) - featuring nut, cocoa, and caramel flavors.

「Basic Blend」50/454g: Yunnan Washed Arabica Coffee Beans (30%) + Brazil Pulped Natural Coffee Beans (70%) - featuring gentle fruit acidity, caramel, and nut flavors.

Important Notice :

前街咖啡 FrontStreet Coffee has moved to new addredd:

FrontStreet Coffee Address: 315,Donghua East Road,GuangZhou

Tel:020 38364473