Reshad Honey vs Reshad Espresso: Which Ethiopian Coffee Bean Should You Choose?

Ethiopian coffees are beloved for their complex flavors, and the Reshad estate produces two standout options: Reshad Honey and Reshad Espresso. Both are single origin coffees from the same region, but their processing and roast profiles create distinct tasting experiences. Whether you're a pour-over enthusiast or an espresso aficionado, choosing between them depends on how you brew and what flavors you crave.

In this comparison, we'll break down the key differences—from processing method to flavor notes—so you can confidently pick the right bag for your morning ritual. We'll also touch on how beans like these pair with equipment such as the Kalita Wave Style Glass Brewer or aeropress-go-158564">AeroPress Go for filter brewing.

Processing and Roast Profile

Reshad Honey is a natural-honey processed coffee, meaning the mucilage (fruit pulp) is left on the bean during drying, imparting a sweet, fruity character. It's typically roasted lighter to preserve those delicate floral and berry notes. The result is a bright, tea-like body with hints of stone fruit and honey sweetness.

Reshad Espresso, on the other hand, is developed specifically for espresso extraction. It often undergoes a washed process, which yields a cleaner cup, and is roasted slightly darker to balance acidity and create a syrupy body. This roast profile emphasizes chocolate, nut, and dried fruit flavors, making it more forgiving under high pressure.

• Honey processing retains more fruit sugars, leading to a sweeter, more complex cup.
• Washed processing (for espresso) produces a cleaner flavor with higher clarity.

Flavor Profile and Best Brewing Methods

If you brew with a Kalita Wave Style Glass Brewer or AeroPress Go, Reshad Honey shines. Its bright acidity and floral notes translate beautifully into a filter coffee, offering layers of jasmine, blueberry, and a silky mouthfeel. For cold brew, this bean also delivers a refreshing, fruity punch.

Reshad Espresso is optimized for espresso machines and moka pots. It produces a thick crema, low acidity, and rich notes of dark chocolate, caramel, and ripe plum. When pulled as a shot, it balances sweetness and bitterness, making it ideal for milk-based drinks like lattes or cappuccinos. Even black, it's smooth and full-bodied.

• Use Reshad Honey for pour-over, AeroPress, or cold brew to capture its fruit-forward character.
• Reshad Espresso works best in espresso machines or moka pots; avoid light-roast filter methods that may under-extract.

Which One Should You Choose?

Your choice ultimately depends on your brewing setup and flavor preferences. If you love bright, fruity, and complex coffees and primarily brew filter coffee, go with Reshad Honey. It's a fantastic single origin coffee for those who enjoy exploring nuanced Ethiopian profiles.

If you're an espresso drinker who values a balanced, chocolatey shot with good crema, Reshad Espresso is the better pick. It's also a reliable choice for milk-based drinks. For those who enjoy both styles, consider buying both bags—Reshad Honey for weekend pour-overs and Reshad Espresso for daily espresso shots.

• Reshad Honey: best for filter brewing, fruity and sweet.
• Reshad Espresso: best for espresso, chocolatey and balanced.

Both Reshad Honey and Reshad Espresso showcase the quality of Ethiopian single origin coffee, but they cater to different brewing styles. Reshad Honey delights with its sweet, floral complexity, while Reshad Espresso delivers a robust, chocolatey foundation. Consider your go-to brew method and flavor preference—and don't be afraid to try both for a complete experience.