You know that sensation of sipping a latte that hits just right? It’s velvety smooth, has the perfect balance of richness, and you can’t help but close your eyes to savor every moment. That joyride comes from the precise selection of coffee beans. We’ll explore the best beans for latte can enhance your morning routine or any moment you choose to indulge in this comforting beverage. This article is your roadmap to the top seven beans that can take your latte to new levels. Here is a preview:
Coffee Name | Roast | Bean Origin | Flavor Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Lavazza Super Crema Espresso | Medium | Brazil, Colombia, India, Indonesia, Vietnam | Velvety, sweet fruit notes, hint of dried fruit, subtle bitterness |
Koffee Kult Dark Roast | Dark | Colombia, Guatemala, Sumatra | Bold, heavy body, bright fruity finish |
Blue Bottle Coffee – Bella Donovan Blend | Medium | Ethiopia, Sumatra | Raspberry, chocolate, toasted marshmallow |
Stumptown Coffee Roasters – Hair Bender Blend | Medium | Africa, Latin America, Indonesia | Sweet, robust, mild citrus finish |
Death Wish Coffee – Dark Roast | Dark | Blend of Arabica and Robusta | Bold, dark roast, subtle notes of cherry and chocolate |
Peet’s Coffee – Major Dickason’s Blend | Dark | Blend of global Arabica | Complex, full-bodied, lively acidic finish |
Verena Street – Sunday Drive Decaf | Medium | Rainforest Alliance Certified farms | Rich, smooth, decaffeinated |
Table of Contents
Coffee Beans and Lattes: A Match Made in Heaven
The story of coffee beans is as deep and intriguing as the brew they produce. Two key players in this saga are the Arabica and Robusta varieties. Arabica is often cherished for its sweet, delicate flavor and higher acidity, while Robusta takes a more robust approach with its strong, somewhat bitter punch and low acidity.
Moving to the world of lattes – it’s a game of balance. A good latte needs a coffee bean that can mingle well with the creaminess of milk without losing its identity. Typically, a darker roast with a bold flavor profile is used in lattes. Think of high-quality Arabica or a blend that can provide the same characteristics.
Arabica and Robusta are the primary types of coffee beans. For a latte, a darker roast or a balanced blend can provide the intense flavor needed to stand up against the creaminess of milk.
Don’t forget the importance of the roast type for lattes. Darker roasts are popular choices as they can offer a rich, bold flavor that pairs beautifully with milk.
What are the Best Coffee Beans for Lattes – Top Picks
1. Lavazza Super Crema Espresso
Founded in Italy in 1895, Lavazza has become synonymous with the rich Italian coffee tradition. The Super Crema Espresso is no exception. It’s a blend of Arabica varieties from Brazil, Colombia, and India, along with Robusta from Indonesia and Vietnam. This coffee is known for its medium roast, resulting in a velvety, rich flavor with sweet, fruity notes, a hint of dried fruit, and a subtle touch of bitterness – ideal for a smooth latte. It’s best suited for traditional latte lovers who appreciate medium roast’s nuanced balance.
Tasting notes: The moment it hits your palate, you’ll fall in love with the smooth velvety texture of Lavazza Super Crema Espresso. It carries the perfect balance of sweetness and a slight bitterness, reminiscent of dried fruit that leaves an intriguing aftertaste. Ideal for those who appreciate subtle nuances in their coffee.
Read our full Lavazza Super Crema Review here.
Buy on Amazon2. Koffee Kult Dark Roast
From the bright beaches of Florida, Koffee Kult has been handcrafting coffee since 2010. Their Dark Roast Coffee Beans are sourced from Colombia, Guatemala, and Sumatra. It’s all about intensity – the deep, dark roast gives a bold, heavy body with a bright, slightly fruity finish, perfect for slicing through the richness of latte milk. Bold flavor seekers will feel right at home with this blend.
Tasting Notes: If you enjoy a bold, dynamic taste, Koffee Kult Dark Roast is your go-to. Its heavy body is accompanied by a fruity finish, bringing an unexpected brightness to its dark demeanor. A must-try for anyone who loves coffee with personality.
Read our comprehensive review of Koffee Kult Dark Roast Coffee.
Buy on Amazon3. Blue Bottle Coffee – Bella Donovan Blend
As an ode to craftsmanship, Blue Bottle Coffee from California focuses on single-origin, high-quality beans. Their Bella Donovan blend mixes beans from Ethiopia and Sumatra, delivering a delectable mix of raspberry, chocolate, and toasted marshmallow notes. It’s like a berry truffle in a cup, an ideal pick for the adventurous palate desiring complexity in their latte.
Tasting Notes: This coffee is like a symphony of flavors in your mouth. From the initial hint of raspberry to the subtle notes of chocolate and a toasted marshmallow finish, it’s a complex coffee that you’ll never get bored of. An exquisite choice for lovers of intricate flavor profiles.
Buy on Amazon4. Stumptown Coffee Roasters – Hair Bender Blend
Straight from the heart of Portland, Oregon, Stumptown Coffee Roasters was founded in 1999. Their Hair Bender Blend, a mix of beans from Africa, Latin America, and Indonesia, offers a sweet, well-rounded, and robust flavor with a mild citrus finish. Its medium roast and versatile flavor make it a fantastic base for a unique latte experience, sure to satisfy the explorative coffee enthusiast.
Tasting Notes: Coffee connoisseurs will appreciate the robust sweetness of the Hair Bender Blend. It maintains an adventurous character with a twist of mild citrus finish that keeps your palate engaged. It’s perfect for those looking for a unique coffee experience.
Buy on Amazon5. Death Wish Coffee – Dark Roast
Death Wish Coffee, established in 2012 in New York, pushes the boundaries with its super-strong coffee. Made from a blend of Arabica and Robusta beans, it has a bold, dark roast flavor with subtle notes of cherry and chocolate. It’s strong enough to cut through the milk of a latte, perfect for those who desire an extra caffeine kick.
Tasting Notes: Buckle up for the ride because Death Wish Coffee is not for the faint-hearted. It’s bold with a dark roast that creates an almost intoxicating aroma. The subtle notes of cherry and chocolate offer an underlying sweetness that nicely balances its intensity. This is a must for those who crave a real caffeine kick.
Buy on AmazonBuy Direct6. Peet’s Coffee – Major Dickason’s Blend
Peet’s Coffee, the grandparent of artisan coffee in the U.S., has been delighting taste buds since 1966. Their Major Dickason’s Blend combines the best of Arabica coffee from all around the world. It’s a deep, dark roast that gives a complex, full-bodied flavor with a lively, acidic finish. This blend offers a rich, creamy latte and will resonate with lovers of classic, full-bodied coffee.
Tasting Notes: A truly classic cup of coffee, Peet’s Major Dickason’s Blend is rich and full-bodied, offering a satisfying depth of flavors. The lively acidic finish adds a refreshing touch to this time-tested blend. It’s a top choice for those who love reliable, rich coffee.
Buy Direct From Peet’s7. Verena Street – Sunday Drive Decaf
Based in Iowa, Verena Street is a family-owned company that prides itself on small-batch coffee. Their Sunday Drive Decaf is 100% Arabica coffee sourced from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms. It offers a medium roast with a rich, smooth flavor and no caffeine, making it an excellent choice for a delicious decaf latte.
Tasting Notes: Verena Street’s Sunday Drive offers a beautifully balanced medium roast that proves decaf coffee doesn’t have to be bland. Its rich, smooth flavor profile is comforting and satisfying, making it an excellent choice for anyone wanting a flavorful decaffeinated option.
Buy on AmazonWhat is the Best Coffee Latte Recipe?
Isn’t it amazing when you get to relish a café-quality latte, right in the comfort of your home? That’s what the best coffee latte recipe gives you. It all starts with quality espresso – made from the best coffee beans for latte. The scent is irresistible, the taste, invigorating.
As your espresso pours, frothy, heated milk joins the dance, a cloud merging with a golden sunset. The final touch? A light froth on top, as airy as a dream. Feeling fancy? A sprinkle of cocoa never hurts. Your latte’s not just a drink, it’s a work of art.
And the flavor? Unforgettable. The bold espresso marries the smooth milk in a symphony only a latte can create. Trust me, the best latte isn’t about fancy techniques, it’s about using the right beans, a little affection, and just a dash of frothy magic! Let’s get started.
Ingredients:
- 1 shot of espresso or 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee
- 1 cup of milk (any kind you prefer)
- Sugar to taste
- Cocoa powder for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Brew a shot of espresso or make half a cup of very strong coffee.
- While your coffee is brewing, take a saucepan and heat your milk over medium heat until hot but not boiling.
- Froth the milk until it’s foamy. You can do this using a frother or by whisking vigorously.
- Pour the brewed espresso or strong coffee into a large mug, add sugar to taste.
- Slowly add the frothed milk to the mug.
- Spoon any remaining foam on top.
- Sprinkle with a bit of cocoa powder for an extra touch if desired.
- Your homemade cafe latte is ready to serve!
Enjoy this creamy and rich coffee delight any time of the day!
Wrapping it Up
We’ve journeyed through a world of flavor, aroma, and quality to bring you the best coffee beans for latte. From the velvety smooth notes of Lavazza Super Crema Espresso to the robust character of Death Wish Coffee, and not forgetting the rich, decaf delights of Verena Street’s Sunday Drive, there’s a brew out there for every latte lover. The beauty of coffee lies in its diversity, and these top picks are just the beginning. Remember, the best coffee bean for you is one that suits your personal taste. So, why not make your daily coffee ritual even more enjoyable by experimenting with these beans? You might just stumble upon your perfect latte blend. Happy brewing!