A guide to the best coffee beans for Milano style coffee
Milan is known for its elegant architecture, high fashion and fast-paced culture. However, it also offers a unique coffee culture and is home to some of the best speciality roasters in the world. But what truly makes coffee from Milan stand out, and how can you choose the best coffee beans for an authentic Milano-style experience?
In this guide, we’ll explore the flavours, traditions, and what defines high-quality Milano-style coffee.
We explore the culture of coffee in Milan.
Find out what to look for in Milano style coffee beans.
Read what features signify a well-made cup of Milano style coffee.
Find out what to look for in an Italian coffee brand.
Read the benefits of Milano style coffee from Carluccio’s.
We answer common queries on Milano style coffee.
What is Milano style coffee?
Milano style coffee is known for its smooth, balanced taste, often with hints of dark chocolate, nuts, and subtle fruity notes. You can expect a sweeter flavour in Northern Italian coffee when compared to Southern regions. Coffee in Milan is refined, with a particular focus on delivering a rich, but never overwhelming, flavour profile. Find out more about Milano style coffee here.
Home to some of Italy’s most famous coffee houses, Milan is considered a coffee capital, with its coffee culture being as influential as that of Rome or Naples.
Choosing the best Milano style coffee beans
The best coffee beans for Milano style coffee should strike the right balance between body, acidity, and aroma. While different regions in Italy may prefer a bold or more acidic taste, Milano coffee tends to favour a smooth, yet rich, profile. The beans are typically roasted medium-dark, which enhances their natural sweetness while maintaining a rounded flavour with no bitter aftertaste.
When selecting beans, look for:
- Roasting technique: Coffee roasted in Italy is often preferred, with a focus on beans roasted slowly to achieve a deep, caramelised flavour.
- Flavours and notes: The art of Northern Italian Coffee is to produce a sweet blend while still delivering the rich, distinct flavour Italian coffee is known for. Research the flavour of the coffee beans and whether flavours can differ depending on the grinding technique. At Carluccio’s, our Milano coffee beans will result in sweeter flavours, such as chocolate and hazelnut when ground finely for an espresso. You can also grind our Milano coffee beans coarse for use in a cafetiere, providing honey, toffee and nutty flavours.
- Roasting date and packaging: Choosing freshly roasted coffee beans is recommended, ensuring you can enjoy high-quality, fresh flavours. The best coffee beans should also come in tight packaging to ensure they remain fresh and aromatic.
If you are looking perfect Milano espresso, finely ground beans are essential. Coarse grounds result in a weak, watery brew, while too fine a grind can make the coffee bitter and over-extracted.
What defines high-quality Milano style coffee?
High-quality Milano coffee is all about balance. Unlike Southern Italian coffee, which is known for its intense strength, Milano style offers a more nuanced experience. Here are the defining characteristics of a great cup:
- Aroma: A freshly brewed Milano coffee should have a strong yet inviting aroma, often with hints of caramel or dark chocolate.
- Crema: A sign of a well-made espresso, the crema should be golden-brown, smooth, and thick enough to hold a spoonful of sugar on the surface for a brief moment.
- Balance: The coffee should not be too acidic or too flat. A good Milano style coffee is smooth and full-bodied, with a harmonious mix of flavours.
Read how to achieve the perfect Italian espresso crema here.
What is the best Milano style coffee brand?
Finding the best brand for Milano style coffee can be a journey of discovery. Key factors to consider include:
- Roasting in Italy: Authenticity is crucial when it comes to Italian coffee. Authentic coffee brands roast their beans in Italy, ensuring that traditional techniques are followed.
- Regional flavours: Some brands offer blends that capture the essence of different regions in Italy, including Milan. The best Milano coffee beans will mirror the city’s love for smooth, refined espresso. At Carluccio’s, our Milano coffee perfectly captures the sweet yet rich flavours of Northern Italian coffee.
- Sustainability and ethical sourcing: Look for brands that are committed to responsible sourcing, ensuring that the coffee is not only delicious but also ethically produced.
Enjoy a sweeter, refined blend with Carluccio’s espresso di Milano
Enjoy Milanese-style ground coffee from pure Arabica beans. We use 100% Arabica beans from Central and South America, Africa and Indonesia. Our Milano espresso blend provides chocolatey, caramel and hazelnut flavours. To grind your own beans finely for use in an espresso machine, you can shop our Milano coffee beans here. You can also grind our Milano coffee beans coarse for use in a cafetiere, providing honey, toffee and nutty flavours.
Bring authentic Italian coffee to your home with the Carluccio’s coffee range
At Carluccio’s, our focus on the detail, from bean to brew, reflects our deep respect for both people and produce, promising a coffee that's not just consumed but truly savoured. At Carluccio's, we're committed to delivering a memorable experience that celebrates the freshness, quality, and taste that Italian coffee is renowned for.
Our coffee beans are roasted in Italy, bringing the authentic Italian bar experience to your table. Choose between our sweet and refined Milano blend, our rich and lively Napoli blend, or our intense, creamy and full-bodied Roma blend.
Shop our full coffee and hot drink range here. For the perfect pairing with your coffee – explore our authentic Italian cakes and biscuits.
Frequently asked questions
What are some traditional Milanese coffee beverages?
Milanese coffee culture is centred around espresso, but drinks like the Italian cappuccino, and macchiato are also popular. Each drink offers a slightly different take on the espresso base, with variations in milk and intensity.
How do locals take their coffee in Milan?
Locals usually enjoy their coffee standing at the bar, often with a simple espresso in the morning or after a meal. Cappuccino is typically reserved for breakfast and drinking it after midday is often seen as unusual.
How has Milan influenced the global coffee scene?
Milan has had a significant influence on the global coffee scene, particularly with its focus on espresso. The city's coffee culture has inspired cafes around the world to adopt similar espresso-based menus.
What makes Milan a destination for coffee enthusiasts?
Milan’s deep-rooted coffee traditions, combined with its modern coffee culture, make it a must-visit for coffee lovers. From historic coffee houses to trendy new cafes, the city offers a range of experiences for enthusiasts.
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