Espresso Series 1: What’s in the Box and How to Use It
By Trade Coffee | Published: 2026-10-28
Category: Product Reviews
Discover what’s inside the Espresso Series 1 tasting set, how to brew each coffee for the best flavor, and which espresso style fits your taste.
Quick Answer
The Espresso Series 1 is a curated tasting set from Trade Coffee designed to help you explore different espresso styles at home. It includes a selection of coffees chosen for their ability to shine as espresso, and you can brew them using any espresso machine or a manual method like a pour-over for a different perspective.
Why a Tasting Set?
A tasting set lets you compare several coffees side-by-side without committing to a full bag of each. This is especially useful for espresso, where small differences in roast and origin can dramatically change flavor. By tasting them in sequence, you’ll learn what you prefer—whether that’s bright and fruity or dark and chocolatey—and refine your home brewing skills.
Brewing Methods: Espresso vs. Pour-Over
While the set is designed for espresso, you can also brew these coffees with a pour-over to appreciate their nuances in a different way. Pour-over tends to highlight acidity and clarity, while espresso concentrates sweetness and body. If you don’t have an espresso machine, a pour-over is a great alternative to still enjoy the coffees.
Trade Coffee’s Pour-over perfection is a great example of a coffee that works well with this method, offering bright, clean flavors that are easy to appreciate.
Espresso Series 1 FAQ
- What exactly is in the Espresso Series 1 box?
- The box contains a curated selection of coffees from Trade Coffee’s Sellable Taste Collection, chosen for their espresso-friendly characteristics. The exact contents may vary by season, but you can expect a mix of roasts and origins that showcase different espresso styles. Check the label or Trade Coffee’s website for the current lineup.
- How do I brew these coffees as espresso?
- Use a standard espresso machine: grind fine, dose 18-20 grams, and pull a 1:2 ratio (36-40 grams of liquid) in 25-30 seconds. Adjust grind size to hit the target time. If you don’t have a machine, use a portable espresso maker or a pour-over with a coarser grind. Dial in by taste—if it’s too sour, grind finer; if too bitter, grind coarser.
- Can I use these coffees for pour-over instead?
- Yes. Grind coarser than espresso, use a 1:16 coffee-to-water ratio, and pour in stages. Expect a lighter-bodied cup with more pronounced acidity compared to espresso. Try the same coffee both ways to see which you prefer.
- Is the Espresso Series 1 a good gift?
- Absolutely. It’s a thoughtful gift for coffee lovers who want to explore espresso at home, especially those new to specialty coffee or looking to refine their palate. Pair it with a grinder or scale for a complete gift.
Featured Product
- Pour-over perfection: Pour-over perfection delivers the ritual and reward of a carefully crafted cup, with a bright, elegant, and clean flavor profile and a beautiful bloom. If you’re exploring espresso but also enjoy pour-over, this coffee shows how the same beans can express different qualities depending on brew method.
Pour-over perfection
