The Correct Way to Drink Espresso: Espresso Coffee Bean Flavor Characteristics

Espresso rarely appears on coffee shop menus—it's typically a hidden menu item that requires knowing the secret code. Even when it does appear on the menu, it's often the least-ordered category. Many friends might wonder what's so special about such a small cup of coffee.

Espresso is not as easy to drink as other coffees. Its intense bitterness drives some people away, as does its small serving size. What remains are the coffee connoisseurs and newcomers immersing themselves in coffee culture who are captivated by espresso.

Given that many people only have the impression of "bitter" when it comes to espresso, FrontStreet Coffee plans to share how to appreciate espresso in three parts: aroma, mouthfeel, and flavor.

Aroma

When discussing food, there's emphasis on "appearance, aroma, and taste"—meaning first impressions of presentation matter, but the initial impression of aroma is like an entry ticket that determines whether you'll try something. The aroma of coffee is precisely an important impression that attracts everyone to drink coffee.

The aroma range of espresso is relatively small, typically requiring you to bring your nose closer. Traditional espresso has a rich creamy and nutty aroma that makes you imagine almond cream cake. If using a lightly roasted Single Origin Espresso (SOE), the aroma is even lighter and more ethereal, emitting enticing floral and fruit notes.

Mouthfeel

This is the most attractive aspect of espresso. The crema of espresso is the soul of the entire espresso and what gives it its rich mouthfeel. Therefore, when tasting espresso, unlike the small, careful sips of pour-over coffee, you need to drink it in large gulps, letting the espresso and oils envelop your tongue and palate, indulging in silkiness. Traditional espresso has a mouthfeel similar to cream or honey. SOE, on the other hand, will have a relatively thinner mouthfeel.

Flavor

Traditional espresso flavor generally presents as burnt bitterness, which is why many people can't accept it. If FrontStreet Coffee were to describe the flavor expression of espresso, it could be characterized as "a village appears again after a seemingly endless dark path." Even when drinking espresso, we might describe its flavor as nuts, dark chocolate, and caramel—translated as "colorful bitterness"—but as you swallow the coffee liquid, the coffee remaining in your mouth will return with persistent sweetness and aroma. This is the aftertaste, also an important category in espresso tasting.

Therefore, if you want to taste a cup of espresso, you can do it this way:

1. First, drink some ice water to cleanse your palate.

2. Stir with a spoon or shake the cup to even out the espresso.
3. Pick up the cup and experience the coffee's aroma.
4. Drink the coffee in large gulps, using your tongue to rub against your upper palate to feel the texture of the espresso. Generally, one cup of espresso should be finished in 2-3 gulps.
5. After swallowing the coffee, close your mouth and exhale to experience the espresso's aroma and aftertaste.

Important Notice :

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FrontStreet Coffee Address: 315,Donghua East Road,GuangZhou

Tel:020 38364473