A St. Louis Gem in My Home Espresso Setup
There are few things more satisfying than dialing in a new espresso blend, especially when it delivers on every front. Blueprint Coffee’s Penrose Espresso Blend is one of the best beans I’ve had for home espresso. Whether pulled as a straight shot or incorporated into my daily latte, Penrose consistently hits the mark with its rich, balanced flavors and smooth texture.
Check out the Penrose Seasonal Espresso Blend here.
First Impressions: Unboxing & Aroma
From the moment I opened the bag, the aroma of Penrose filled the room—a comforting mix of chocolate, dried fruit, and toffee. The roast date sticker on the bag reassured me that the coffee was freshly roasted, a crucial factor in getting the best flavors out of an espresso blend.
Blueprint Coffee’s commitment to quality and seasonality is evident in the way they approach their blends. Penrose is their “ever-updated offering in the quest for the perfect espresso,” which means the components change throughout the year while maintaining consistency in flavor and performance.
Dialing in the Shot: A Smooth & Balanced Experience
Pulling a shot of Penrose on my espresso machine was a breeze. The blend is designed to be easy to dial in, and it lived up to that promise. With a 1:2 ratio at around 28 seconds, I was greeted with a deep chocolate base, a touch of dried fruit sweetness, and a smooth, creamy finish.
Tasting Notes: A Perfect Espresso and Latte Blend
Penrose has a versatile profile, making it enjoyable both as a straight espresso and in milk-based drinks. The rich chocolate and toffee notes create a bold foundation, while hints of berry and dried fruit add a subtle complexity.
When I made my daily latte with Penrose, the blend truly shined. The chocolate and graham cracker sweetness carried through the milk beautifully, creating a smooth and comforting cup. Some espresso blends can get lost in milk, but not Penrose—it holds its own, enhancing the drink rather than disappearing into it.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Try for Espresso Lovers
Blueprint Coffee has crafted something special with Penrose. It’s a reliable, well-balanced, and flavorful espresso blend that performs exceptionally both on its own and in milk. If you’re into home espresso, this is a must-try.
And if I ever find myself in St. Louis, visiting one of Blueprint Coffee’s locations will be at the top of my list. With spots like the Delmar Coffee Bar, Watson Coffee Bar, and High Low Coffee Bar, there’s no doubt that the team behind this blend knows their craft.
If I lived in St. Louis, this would absolutely be my regular coffee spot. I also really hope that Penrose becomes a year-round option rather than just a seasonal offering—it’s that good!
If you’re looking for an espresso blend that’s easy to dial in, rich in flavor, and perfect for both straight shots and lattes, Penrose is absolutely worth adding to your rotation.