There is a certain romance attached to Italian espresso culture, and bags like the Essse Caffe Selezione Speciale often trade on that image. But once you get past the packaging and the brand story, the real question is whether the beans inside deliver a cup worth brewing every morning. After several weeks of using this 2.2-pound bag as my primary espresso source, I have a fairly clear picture of what it does well and where it falls short.
The Selezione Speciale is a medium roast, which immediately sets expectations. It is not a dark, oily, smoky bomb that many people associate with Italian espresso. Instead, the beans are dry to the touch, with a uniform brown color and a faint aroma of toasted nuts and a hint of cocoa. Grinding them reveals a slightly sweeter scent, with a touch of dried fruit. In the cup, the espresso pulls with a rich, dark golden crema that lingers for a few seconds before settling. The flavor is balanced, with a noticeable but not overwhelming bitterness, a mild sweetness, and a clean finish. There is no harsh acidity, which makes it forgiving for those who are still dialing in their grinder or machine.
I used this coffee in a semi-automatic espresso machine with a burr grinder, and it behaved predictably. The beans are consistent in size and density, which helps with even extraction. I also tried it in a moka pot, and it performed well there too, producing a smooth, full-bodied brew that did not turn bitter even with a slightly longer brew time. If you are someone who likes to experiment with different brew methods, this is a versatile option. It is not going to blow your mind with exotic tasting notes, but it is dependable.
One of the main selling points is the value. A 2.2-pound bag is substantial, and the price per pound is reasonable compared to specialty single-origin coffees. If you are making two or three espressos a day, this bag will last a few weeks. That said, the size is also a potential drawback. Unless you are going through it quickly, whole beans will start to lose their freshness after the first couple of weeks. I noticed a gradual decline in crema production and a slight flattening of flavor by the end of the bag. If you are a solo drinker who only has one coffee a day, you might want to consider a smaller bag or invest in a vacuum canister.
Compared to other Italian espresso blends, like Lavazza or Illy, Essse Caffe sits somewhere in the middle. It is more interesting than the generic supermarket blends, but it does not have the complexity of a freshly roasted specialty coffee from a local roaster. If you are used to light-roast single-origin coffees with bright fruity notes, this will feel quite different. It is firmly in the traditional Italian espresso camp, prioritizing body and balance over nuance. For those who enjoy a classic, no-fuss espresso with milk, this is a solid choice. For those who chase distinct flavor profiles, it might be a bit dull.
Another point worth mentioning is the roast level. The bag says medium, and it truly is. Some Italian brands label their coffee as medium but deliver something closer to dark. Essse Caffe is honest here. That means the coffee is not overly bitter, but it also lacks the deep, caramelized sweetness that dark roast lovers often enjoy. If you prefer a bold, intense espresso, you might find this a little mild. On the other hand, if you are sensitive to bitterness, this is a safer bet.
The packaging is functional, with a one-way valve and resealable zipper. It is not the most elegant bag, but it does the job. The beans are well protected, and the zipper works fine for daily use. There is no issue with the bag tearing or leaking, which is more than I can say for some other brands.
In terms of who should buy this, I would recommend it to anyone who wants a reliable, everyday espresso without spending a fortune. It is also a good option for those who are new to making espresso at home, because it is forgiving and easy to work with. However, if you are a coffee enthusiast who enjoys rotating through different origins and roast profiles, this will probably not excite you. It is a workhorse, not a show pony.
To sum it up, the Essse Caffe Selezione Speciale is a competent, honest medium roast that delivers a pleasant, traditional espresso experience. It is not the best coffee I have tried, but it is far from the worst. For the price and quantity, it offers good value, provided you can use it before it goes stale. If you are looking for a no-nonsense daily driver, this is worth a shot. Just do not expect fireworks.