Lucaffé Coffee Beans: Italian Espresso Blends

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Lucaffé coffee beans

Lucaffé coffee beans come from an Italian roaster in Brescia, northern Italy. We stock four Lucaffé blends, all as whole beans in 1 kg bags: Mr. Exclusive, Classic, Mamma Lucia and Espresso Bar. They are made for espresso, from the all-arabica Mr. Exclusive to fuller blends with robusta. Below you can see how they differ and which one suits your machine.

Lucaffé coffee beans compared

Every Lucaffé coffee in this category comes as whole beans in a 1 kg bag. That suits a bean-to-cup machine or an espresso machine with a separate grinder. The main difference between them is the blend: pure arabica, or arabica with robusta.

Lucaffé Mr. Exclusive: all arabica, with a gentle, lightly sweet profile and a floral note. Works as an espresso, but also as a lungo or in a filter.
Lucaffé Classic: arabica and robusta. Balanced, with a nutty note. A sound all-rounder for espresso and cappuccino.
Lucaffé Mamma Lucia: arabica and robusta. Full and strong, with a light bitterness. Made for espresso and for coffee with milk.

We also stock Lucaffé Espresso Bar, likewise as whole beans in a 1 kg bag.

Arabica or arabica with robusta?

Arabica gives a softer, more aromatic cup, often with a little sweetness and a touch of acidity. Robusta adds body, bitterness and a thicker layer of crema, and it contains more caffeine. That is why a blend with robusta holds its own under milk, while an all-arabica coffee shows its aroma best when you drink it black.

Which blend for which drink?

Espresso: Mamma Lucia for a heavier shot, Mr. Exclusive for a softer one, Classic in between.
Cappuccino and latte: Mamma Lucia or Classic. The robusta keeps the coffee noticeable through the milk.
Lungo and americano: Mr. Exclusive, thanks to its gentle profile.
Filter coffee: Mr. Exclusive, ground a lot coarser than for espresso.

New to Italian espresso blends? Classic is an easy place to start. If you already know you like a strong, full cup, go for Mamma Lucia.

Dialling in your grinder

Espresso needs a fine grind. If your shot runs through too quickly and tastes sour, grind a little finer; if it drips slowly and tastes bitter, go a little coarser. Change one thing at a time and taste after each shot. With a 1 kg bag you have enough beans to find the right setting, so keep the bag closed between refills and only put in the hopper what you will use in the next few days.

Other Italian coffee beans

Want to compare Lucaffé with other Italian roasters? Try Lavazza or illy, which also offer both all-arabica coffees and blends with robusta. Or browse all our espresso coffee to see the full choice of blends for your machine.

Frequently asked questions about Lucaffé coffee beans

What is the difference between Lucaffé Mr. Exclusive and Mamma Lucia?

Mr. Exclusive is a 100% Arabica blend with a smooth, aromatic flavour. Mamma Lucia also contains Robusta, giving it a stronger and slightly more bitter taste. If you love a powerful espresso, choose Mamma Lucia. If you prefer something milder, go for Mr. Exclusive.

Are Lucaffé coffee beans suitable for espresso machines?

Yes. All Lucaffé coffee beans are developed specifically for use in espresso machines. With the right pressure and temperature they deliver a beautiful crema and a full flavour.

How long do Lucaffé coffee beans stay fresh?

Unopened, the beans stay fresh until the date on the pack. Once opened, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Use them within four weeks for the best flavour.

What makes Lucaffé coffee beans special?

Lucaffé puts the emphasis on personal selection: founder Gian Luca Venturelli is closely involved in choosing the beans for its blends.

Lucaffé coffee beans for espresso