What is espresso? The difference between espresso and brewed coffee

Waking up in the mornings can be difficult, but knowing a fresh cup of coffee is soon to hit your palette can encourage anyone to get up. There are many modern ways to brew your coffee, and deciding the best way entails considering time, tools, and how it effects bean flavors. 

Today we are analyzing espresso and comparing it to traditional brewed coffee. Espresso may seem like a complex and overwhelming way to brew, but even beginner's can enjoy this method if it suits their tastebuds.

Which has more caffeine: Brewed coffee or espresso?

Espresso has more caffeine per ounce, with 1 ounce (or 1 shot) having roughly 64 mg of caffeine while brewed coffee has roughly 11-14 mg of caffeine. If you're making a drink with 2 shots of espresso you're looking at about 128 mg, in contract if you're making a 12 oz brewed cup of coffee you're at 132 - 168 mg of caffeine. 

As you can see, although espresso has a higher density of caffeine per oz - a brewed cup of coffee generally has has more caffeine. This will highly depend on how many shots of espresso you enjoy in your drink. 

What is the difference in flavor of espresso vs brewed coffee?

Brewing the same beans with either brew method can alter the taste, this can determine which option is most suitable for you. This can also alter what kinds of coffee drinks you're able to make with consistent quality. 

Espresso is highly concentrated and known for its bold, rich flavor that is often described as nutty, chocolaty, or even caramel-like. This is due in part to the fact that espresso is brewed under pressure, which helps to extract more of the coffee's oils and flavors. This is why espresso is easier to use when making lattes, by adding milk or substitutes you're not over diluting the flavor of the coffee. 

Brewed coffee, on the other hand, is often described as having a more subtle flavor profile. A traditional brewed coffee is best served with a little cream or flavoring added as to not dilute the flavor. 

Both brew methods will find different levels of acidity, bitterness, and sweetness depending on the beans you're using. 

What beans can I brew with an espresso machine vs drip brewer?

You may find beans specifically named "espresso beans", we even have them! This does not mean the beans can only be brewed by espresso machine, it simply means that bean profile serves well when brewed as espresso. What really matters with your beans when brewing in either drip or espresso is the grind size. Espresso will use finely ground beans, where as drip will use a medium/drip grind. 

Which method will you use?

Despite these differences, both espresso and brewed coffee have their own unique characteristics that make them enjoyable for coffee lovers around the world. Whether you prefer the bold, concentrated flavor of espresso or the subtle nuances of brewed coffee, there is a coffee out there for everyone. Which method is your go to?