I bit the bullet and purchased a Gaggia Classic espresso maker earlier this year, so I had to find some good espresso beans. You would think there would be a lot of options in Memphis given the size of the city, but you will be surprised. You can go to grocery stores, but their beans are not fresh. I did my research and decided to try J Brooks mostly because it is the closest option to my home in Bartlett. I traveled to their production facility, and they recommended Old Country espresso beans. I only pull single shots from 9 grams of ground beans, and thus far I have been more than satisfied with the three 12 oz bags that I have purchased. (I wish I could get these same beans at Sprouts, but J Brooks does not stock their espresso beans in Sprouts.) But that's OK because it's not that far of a drive from Aldi's where I do most of my grocery shopping. I believe their price is fair and reasonable also at around $17 for 12 ounces. I would recommend that you try their Old Country if you're looking for some good fresh espresso beans for your espresso maker.
