Lavazza’s medium roast espresso whole bean is aimed at coffee drinkers who want a balanced espresso flavor without an overly dark roast. Key points:
- Whole bean format (you grind it yourself) — good for freshness and control.
- Medium roast espresso profile — aims for balance: not too bitter, some sweetness, moderate body.
- Large bag (2.2 lb / ~1 kg) — good value if you drink espresso frequently.
What It Does Well
- Balanced Flavor – The medium roast gives a smoother, more approachable espresso flavor compared to very dark roasts. You’ll often find notes like chocolate, malt, mild sweetness, with relatively low bitterness.
- Versatility – Because it’s not over-roasted, it works reasonably well in milk-drinks (lattes, cappuccinos) as well as straight espresso or Americano. The more subtle roast means the milk doesn’t get completely overwhelmed.
- Good Value for the Size – A large bag size means cost per gram/pound is lower, which is nice if you go through espresso often.
- Freshness Potential – Since it’s whole bean, if you grind just before brewing, you preserve more aroma & flavor.
Where It Could Be Better / Trade-Offs
- Freshness & Roast Date – For many Lavazza products, roast date can vary, and some users report receiving beans that are several months old. Fresher beans tend to give better crema, aroma, flavor.
- Intensity / Depth – Because it’s a medium roast, the espresso may lack the deeper, smoky, or caramelized tones some dark roast fans enjoy. If you like very bold, very present espresso (almost a “roasty” profile), this might feel a bit tame.
- Consistency – There can be variation depending on grind size, machine, and freshness. Some user feedback suggests flavour shifts depending on these variables.
- Oily Texture / Roast Edge – In some cases, medium to medium-dark beans (especially Italian espresso blends) can show slight oil on the surfaces or have roast edges that might lead to slight burnt/ashe-like tastes if extraction isn’t perfect.
User Experiences & Impressions
Here’s what people report after having used it:
- On Reddit, one user said Lavazza “very smooth, not jolty. Flavor: chocolaty with a fruity note, great for cappuccinos and lattes. Not too acidic either.” That suggests the medium roast works well in milk-based drinks and for those who prefer smoother profiles. Reddit
- In rankings of Lavazza’s whole bean offerings, this blend is often praised for its body and flavour, though some users wish it’d be a bit more complex. TastingTable, in their review of Lavazza whole bean coffees, points out that flavor notes are present but that complexity and depth may not be as strong with the more “everyday” blends. Tasting Table
- Some reviewers mention a slightly “bitter aftertaste” when using espresso machines and pulling shots aggressively — especially if extraction is pushed. With more gentle settings / good grind size, the balance is much better.
Overall Impression & Who It’s Good For
Who this coffee is well suited for:
- People who want a reliable, balanced espresso without going super dark.
- Those who enjoy milk-based drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, or flat whites, where subtle flavour and smoothness matter.
- Anyone wanting whole beans so they can adjust grind and freshness.
- Those sensitive to high bitterness or harsh roasts — this is gentler.
Who might want something else:
- If you like extremely bold, dark, smoky espresso (very dark roast), this might feel too mild.
- If you want maximum flavour complexity (fruit notes, etc.), you may get more from specialty/third-wave single origin beans.
- If freshness is a big concern and you don’t consume much coffee, a smaller bag or buying more frequently roasted batches might be better.
Verdict
Lavazza’s Medium Roast Espresso whole bean offers a solid, dependable espresso experience. It strikes a nice balance — smooth, chocolatey, modestly sweet, decent body — without overwhelming bitterness. It’s especially good for mixed drinkers (straight shots + milk drinks). For its price and quantity, it provides strong value, assuming you treat the beans well (grind fresh, use good extraction settings).
Lavazza Super Crema Whole Bean Coffee, Medium Espresso Roast, Arabica and Robusta Blend, 2.2 lb Bag
If I were buying for myself, I’d use this blend regularly for milk-drinks and casual espresso, and keep a darker roast on hand for when I’m in the mood for something more intense.