Are you looking to find the best places to taste espresso? You can usually find good espresso in nearly any location you happen to find yourself in. However, there are some locales where the selection is well beyond the average. Here are the top 5 travel destinations to put on your bucket list if you want the very best espresso.
1. Italy
Italy is certainly one of the places where you would expect to find world class espresso. The reason for this is as clear as it is simple: You should always go straight to the source to find the best example. Italy has been making espresso for over a century now. The nation has been consistently listed at the top for quality.
The world has Luigi Bezzera of the great Italian city of Milan to thank for this wondrous brew. It was he who invented a brand new method of making coffee with the use of steam pressure – thus birthing the first espresso machine right in Italy! The result was an instant hit with the public. Ever since that day, millions of people all over the world have been enjoying his wonderful concoction.
2. Colombia
The South American nation of Colombia has long been rated as one of the top places in the world for coffee. The image of Juan Valdez has been well known to coffee lovers for decades now. But you should be aware that traditional coffee is not the only product that this nation is hailed for. It’s also a top rated source of espresso.
Colombian espresso is known for the having the same high quality reputation that its coffee has garnered. In fact, many people rate the espresso that comes from this nation as the world’s finest. While that may be up for debate, one thing isn’t: This is one of the best spots in the world for growing, brewing, and appreciating espresso.
3. Ethiopia
Ethiopia is an ancient land that is known for many things. Did you know that many people consider this African nation to be the true birthplace of coffee? The country has a reputation for providing the world with top rated examples of this beverage. This is a legacy for high quality that extends as far back as the 9th century.
As a result, you can expect Ethiopia to be high on the list when it comes to espresso. The nation has a tradition that involves enjoying a frothy brew of espresso at least 3 times per day. It’s a beverage they enjoy at morning, noon, and night. Ethiopia is one place where you can easily find some of the world’s best coffee and espresso.
4. Guatemala
Guatemala is yet another nation in South America that is well known for its wide selection of coffee and espresso. This tasty beverage is made using beans that are grown in areas all over the country. In fact, some of the finest espresso machines have been invented in this region for the sole purpose of harvesting these beans.
Both coffee and espresso that come from the land of Guatemala are known for their mild flavors. However, the acidity of some of their espresso can catch a traveler by surprise. If you have a somewhat weak stomach in this regard, be sure to ask for a much less acidic variety. The server will be more than happy to provide it to you.
5. Jamaica
Jamaica has long been known as the jewel of the Caribbean islands. It has a long and rich history. This is all the more true when it comes to coffee and espresso. The Blue Mountain region of this island nation is the birthplace of some of the highest regarded espresso in the world. People flock here to taste it right at the source.
The key to the mystery of top quality Jamaican espresso is the elusive peaberry bean. This is a very special bean that is created when an entire bean forms in a coffee pod rather than the usual pair of half-beans. The result is a rich, full flavored bean that makes for some of the most sought-after espresso that money can buy.
6. Portugal
Last, but far from least, on our list is the Western European nation of Portugal. This is one of the first places where the production of espresso really took hold. People here have been making this delicious beverage for nearly a century. The expertise shown by the baristas has produced some of the world’s most sought after varieties.
One of the most endearing qualities of coffee and espresso in Portugal is their love of tradition. This means that Portugal is one of the few places in the world where you can still find espresso being made using the oldest, most authentic recipes. If you are an espresso lover with an historical bent, this is the place to satisfy it.
It’s Time to Taste the Best Espresso
There are many places in the world where you can go to find a top shelf espresso. But if you really want to sample the world’s finest, these are the places to be. Each of them has a unique charm of its own that places it on this list. It will be up to you to find the one that best pleases your palate but you can’t go wrong with any of them.
