I was given an espresso machine for X-mas this year, and I have been looking for a good bean to use in it. I am using the Starbucks Winter/Xmas blend (whatever its called), and like it.. but I feel like I could get something with a little more kick. Any suggestions?

Gourmet Italian Roast from Reading Coffee Roasters.  They are a local Company. I really like there coffee.
http://www.readingcoffee.com/

Any quality coffee brands Espresso Roast or French Roast will have more kick.

 

I often use either Eight O'Clock French roast, and I've also really liked the Mayorga Cuban Roast Beans that I've ordered from JR's along with some cigars.

That Mayorga is some of the best coffee that I have ever had.

This coffee is meticulously sourced (think Ethiopian varietals) and then artisan roasted by a father and son team.  Incredible stuff and definitely worth a try if you're looking to treat yourself. I don't have an espresso rig but I use their beans to make pourover coffee in a Chemex and it is awesome.

I've had starbucks espresso blend on hand lately.  otherwise any espresso bean works.  

PS.  have my espresso maker at work!  lov it

If what you are seeking is the European Espresso experience than I recommend illy brand espresso. It is the best I have seen out there (live in the North East) and I LOVE espresso. Especially with a nice Maduro.

Most america espresso beans are crap(in my opinion), it just tastes like strong coffee(It is kind of like buying a machine rolled cigar to coffee geeks).  

QuoteWaffles - 1/25/2012  9:03 AM

Most america espresso beans are crap(in my opinion), it just tastes like strong coffee(It is kind of like buying a machine rolled cigar to coffee geeks).  

Here is one of the few quality brands i have been able to find local(http://www.lavazza.com/corporate/en/).

I am going to hold back ranting about what is called espresso in the US as it would make me look like a HUGE shob.  

Don't worry bout looking like a snob, you already do.  

Quote87North - 1/25/2012  9:15 AM

QuoteWaffles - 1/25/2012  9:03 AMMost america espresso beans are crap(in my opinion), it just tastes like strong coffee(It is kind of like buying a machine rolled cigar to coffee geeks).  

Here is one of the few quality brands i have been able to find local(http://www.lavazza.com/corporate/en/).

I am going to hold back ranting about what is called espresso in the US as it would make me look like a HUGE shob.  

Don't worry bout looking like a snob, you already do.  

QuoteWaffles - 1/25/2012  10:03 AM

Most america espresso beans are crap(in my opinion), it just tastes like strong coffee(It is kind of like buying a machine rolled cigar to coffee geeks).  

Here is one of the few quality brands i have been able to find local(http://www.lavazza.com/corporate/en/).

I am going to hold back ranting about what is called espresso in the US as it would make me look like a HUGE shob.  

You mean you don't like Starbucks?

 

Quotenwb - 1/25/2012  9:39 AM

QuoteWaffles - 1/25/2012  10:03 AMMost america espresso beans are crap(in my opinion), it just tastes like strong coffee(It is kind of like buying a machine rolled cigar to coffee geeks).  

Here is one of the few quality brands i have been able to find local(http://www.lavazza.com/corporate/en/).

I am going to hold back ranting about what is called espresso in the US as it would make me look like a HUGE shob.  

You mean you don't like Starbucks?

QuoteWaffles - 1/25/2012  9:03 AM

Most america espresso beans are crap(in my opinion), it just tastes like strong coffee(It is kind of like buying a machine rolled cigar to coffee geeks).  

Here is one of the few quality brands i have been able to find local(http://www.lavazza.com/corporate/en/).

I am going to hold back ranting about what is called espresso in the US as it would make me look like a HUGE shob.  

+1 at the risk of sounding like an espresso elitist! Try illy too I think it is on par with Lavazza

QuoteWaffles - 1/25/2012  10:47 AM

Quotenwb - 1/25/2012  9:39 AM

QuoteWaffles - 1/25/2012  10:03 AMMost america espresso beans are crap(in my opinion), it just tastes like strong coffee(It is kind of like buying a machine rolled cigar to coffee geeks).  

Here is one of the few quality brands i have been able to find local(http://www.lavazza.com/corporate/en/).

I am going to hold back ranting about what is called espresso in the US as it would make me look like a HUGE shob.  

You mean you don't like Starbucks?

What makes you thing that??  

Oddly they make a mean Chai Tea Latte and the new blonde roast is a damn fine drip coffee.  

So I suppose Maxwell House doesn't cut for you either, huh.



 

Quoteewu - 1/18/2012  12:58 AM

This coffee is meticulously sourced (think Ethiopian varietals) and then artisan roasted by a father and son team.  Incredible stuff and definitely worth a try if you're looking to treat yourself. I don't have an espresso rig but I use their beans to make pourover coffee in a Chemex and it is awesome.

http://www.novocoffee.com/coffee/espresso

Thanks for the link....interesting.