House Notes: What Cookies Can Teach Us About Espresso

Hi friends,

Last week, I shared the espresso myth that I love, oh so much, shattering for people that visit my coffee bars. To recap quickly in case you missed it:

Espresso is a not a type of coffee; it’s a way in which coffee is made. Any coffee bean can be used to make espresso.

With that being said, while you can technically use any roast or origin for espresso, certain beans tend to perform better than others depending on their density, solubility, and roast level.

To better explain this, I’d like to use one of my favorite foods as an example: cookies.

Think about how a classic chocolate chip cookie and a glass of cold milk just works together. The sweetness, the richness, the creamy texture - they complement each other perfectly. Now try dipping a sour lemon cookie into milk… not the same magic, right?

That’s the same reason most cafés use darker roasted beans for espresso. It’s not because dark roasts are “espresso beans”, it’s because they pair better with milk. Medium to dark roasts, like the Hideout and the Chalet, tend to bring out deeper, richer notes like chocolate, caramel, and toasted nuts, which cut through milk beautifully. Lighter roasts, like the Villa, while complex and fruity, often clash when combined with milk, making them better suited for black coffee or pour overs, which are best enjoyed without any flavor additions.

Why this matters to your morning cup:

Whether you’re making espresso at home or just choosing your next bag of beans, understanding this gives you more control over the experience.

So let’s keep this simple:

Want bold, smooth lattes? Go for a darker roast like the Hideout. Want bright, citrusy notes? Try a lighter roast and skip the milk. In the end, this is all suggestion though. If you’re feeling adventurous with your espresso, there is no right or wrong way to make a cup of coffee as long as you enjoy it!

Stay curious,

Ian & the Guesthouse Team

P.S. Keep an eye out for our new subscription service coming soon. Exactly the right amount of coffee at exactly the right time. More coming soon!