The Quest for the Perfect Shot: My Espresso Journey with De'Longhi and the Best Beans to Match
My hunt for the perfect at-home espresso machine was fueled by a simple desire: I wanted my morning coffee to be as good as the overpriced cortado I’d grab at the local café, but without the small talk or the 15-minute detour. I thought, how hard could it be? I figured any espresso machine would work, and after cycling through a couple of duds (Including the infamously priced Terra Kaffe), I landed on the De'Longhi Magnifica Evo, my current kitchen MVP. This machine finally nailed that rich, velvety espresso shot I’d been chasing for months.
But then, I faced my next hurdle—finding the right beans. It turns out, not all beans are created equal, especially when you’re looking to impress your taste buds at home. After a lot of trial and error, and a few less-than-spectacular mornings (think bitter espresso disasters), I found three standout beans that hit all the right notes.
Here’s my personal breakdown of the best espresso beans for your De'Longhi machine—whether you’re an espresso purist or someone who loves a milky latte.
1. Intelligentsia Black Cat Classic Espresso
The moment I pulled my first shot with these beans, I knew I was onto something. Rich, dark chocolate and caramel notes flooded my cup, making me feel like I had finally cracked the code to that café-quality espresso at home. The best part? It's versatile enough to drink as a straight shot or with a little milk. I’m not saying I’ve stopped going out for espresso completely, but let’s just say, my De'Longhi and I are spending a lot more
Use code QUICK15 at the checkout to get 15% off your first order at Intelligentsia!
2. Counter Culture Big Trouble
This one was a pleasant surprise. I first picked it up on a whim, but after brewing it at home, it quickly became a staple. It's got that perfect balance of nutty and sweet, with just enough brightness to keep things interesting. The Big Trouble blend is my go-to when I’m craving a cappuccino or something with milk—the chocolate and citrus flavors just shine in creamy drinks. Plus, knowing that Counter Culture prioritizes sustainability and
3. Stumptown Hair Bender
If you like your espresso with a side of adventure, Stumptown Hair Bender is where it’s at. Every time I pull a shot with these beans, I get something a little different—one day it's bright citrus, the next it’s all caramel and chocolate. I especially love it when I’m making a milk-based drink; somehow, it always stands up to the milk without losing its bold flavor. Stumptown is known for their quirky blends, and Hair Bender is a crowd favorite for a reason—it’s complex, dynamic, and keeps me coming back for more.
Finding the right espresso beans is as much about personal taste as it is about the equipment you’re using, but these three have made my mornings something to look forward to. Whether you’re pulling straight shots or crafting the perfect latte, they’ve got you covered. Trust me, your De'Longhi will thank you.
Our posts may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click through and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. We only recommend places, products, and services that we frequent, use, and trust. Your support helps keep "Love the Brunch" running and allows us to continue providing great content. Thank you for your support!