49th Parallel Coffee Roasters Old School Espresso whole-bean 340 g — medium-dark, full-bodied caramel & dark chocolate

Old School Espresso by 49th Parallel is a medium-dark whole-bean espresso blend that delivers full-bodied cups with low acidity, tasting of caramel, nuts and dark chocolate.

Roasted in small batches at 49th Parallel Coffee Roasters’ Burnaby, British Columbia facility, this 340 g bag of Old School Espresso combines beans sourced via direct trade from Ethiopia and Honduras. The roast profile targets a rich, balanced extraction for classic espresso and versatile brewed preparations, making it suitable for home machines and manual brewing alike.

What flavor profile should I expect from Old School Espresso?

Expect a full-bodied cup with restrained acidity and layered sweet and roasted notes. The tasting highlights focus on sweet caramel and toasted nuts with an undercurrent of rich dark chocolate that shows in both crema and brewed shots.

• Primary notes: caramel sweetness and toasted nut character
• Background: deep dark chocolate aroma and rounded roast finish
• Mouthfeel: substantial body with low acidity for a smooth sip
• Best in: espresso shots, milk drinks, and full-immersion brews

How does the roast and bean origin affect brewing and taste?

The medium-dark roast brings out bittersweet and caramelized sugars while keeping acidity moderated, helping create consistent crema and a heavier body. Beans from Ethiopia contribute nuanced fruit and floral undertones, while Honduran lots add sweetness and chocolatey depth.

• Roast level: medium-dark for balanced sweetness and roast character
• Origins: Ethiopian complexity plus Honduran chocolate-sweet structure
• Result: dependable extraction with bold flavor and smooth finish

What brewing methods suit this coffee best?

Old School Espresso performs strongly as espresso in both domestic machines and lever-style portafilters, but also translates well to stovetop moka pots and French press for richer, fuller cups. It’s forgiving for home baristas, producing robust milk-based drinks and concentrated brewed coffee.

• Ideal: espresso machines and moka pots for concentrated flavor
• Great for: cappuccinos, lattes, and cortados due to full body
• Also works: French press or AeroPress for a more textured brew

How is this coffee sourced and roasted?

49th Parallel sources these beans through direct trade relationships, investing in partner farms in Ethiopia and Honduras to support quality and sustainability. Small-batch roasting in Burnaby ensures close roast control so each 340 g bag reflects the intended flavor profile.

• Sourcing: direct trade with partner farms for traceability and quality
• Roasting: small-batch in Burnaby, British Columbia
• Packaging: whole bean to preserve freshness until grinding at home

Who is this for: Old School Espresso suits home baristas and coffee lovers who want a traditional, full-bodied espresso experience with low acidity and sweet chocolatey notes. It’s especially good for those who prefer milk-based beverages or robust, concentrated cups and value ethically sourced beans roasted in small batches.