Espresso Coffee

Our curated espresso selection is all about intensity, balance, and bold character -whether you’re looking for a delicious double espresso or pouring the perfect flat white.

Expect rich aroma, chocolatey notes, and a smooth creamy mouthfeel.

We recommend the following coffees for espresso. Want more variety? Browse our full range.

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Espresso Brew Guide

Brew the perfect espresso coffee with our espresso brew guide

Selection Bundles

Struggling to decide? Get a curated selection of Union classics and best sellers.

Why choose Union for your espresso?

We believe that every shot should taste exceptional, we roast to order in small batches for peak freshness, so your espresso bursts with bold flavour and rich aroma.

Sourced ethically through Union Direct Trade, we foster long-term relationships supporting responsible farming and stronger communities at origin.

Common espresso coffee questions

1. What is espresso coffee?

Espresso is a concentrated shot of coffee, brewed by pushing hot water through finely ground beans at high pressure. It’s rich, intense, and packed with flavour.

2. How does espresso differ from other coffee brewing methods?

Espresso is all about pressure and precision. Unlike slower methods like filter or drip, it’s brewed in under 30 seconds and delivers a thick, bold cup with a signature layer of crema.

3. What type of coffee beans are best for making espresso?

Espresso blends are crafted to hit the sweet spot between acidity, sweetness, and body. At Union, our espresso blends are roasted to bring out those balanced, full flavours we love.

4. Can I use single-origin beans for espresso?

Absolutely. Single origins can make expressive and unique espresso, though they often highlight more distinct or nuanced flavours - great if you're looking to explore.

5. What is the ideal grind size for espresso?

You’ll want a fine grind, about the texture of table salt. If your espresso is brewing too fast or too slow, tweaking the grind is a good place to start.

6. How should I store espresso coffee beans?

We recommend enjoying your coffee within 4 weeks of the roast date for the best flavour.

To keep it fresh at home, store your coffee in an airtight container, away from light, heat and moisture. We don’t recommend storing it in the fridge, as condensation can build up over time - causing the coffee to stale more quickly.

If you’re not planning to use your coffee for a while, or you tend to brew slowly, freezing it is an option. Just be sure to freeze the coffee once, in an airtight container, and avoid taking it in and out of the freezer.

Repeated exposure to air and changing temperatures will cause condensation, which can damage the beans. Once you're ready to enjoy it again, remove the coffee from the freezer and store it in a sealed container at room temperature - don’t re-freeze.

7. Does Union Hand-Roasted Coffee offer equipment suitable for brewing espresso at home?

Yes - we’ve got a curated range of home espresso machines and grinders, along with advice to help you get the right setup for your kitchen and coffee routine.

8. What is the recommended brewing temperature for espresso?

The ideal water temperature for brewing espresso is between 90°C and 96°C. This range ensures optimal extraction without burning the coffee.

9. How long should an espresso shot take to brew?

Roughly 20 to 30 seconds is the sweet spot for most espresso recipes. Time, dose, and grind all work together to shape the flavour

10. What is the significance of crema in espresso?

Crema is the golden, creamy layer on top of your shot. It’s a sign of fresh coffee and good extraction, and it adds texture and aroma to every sip.