What is blonde espresso?

"Blonde Espresso" isn't a standard or universally recognized term in the coffee industry like "espresso" or "blonde roast". It's likely a marketing term used by a specific coffee roaster or cafe to describe a lighter roast of espresso beans.

Here's what we can infer based on the name:

• Lighter Roast: The "blonde" descriptor implies a lighter roast level than a typical espresso roast. Espresso is usually roasted darker to develop the necessary body and crema. A blonde roast will be lighter in color, have a brighter acidity, and less body than a darker espresso roast.

• Potential Flavor Profile: Expect brighter, more acidic notes. You might find fruity or floral flavors, as opposed to the more chocolatey or nutty flavors in darker roasts. The overall flavor will likely be less bitter and more nuanced.

• Extraction Challenges: Lighter roasts can be more challenging to extract properly as espresso. The finer grind required for espresso can lead to over-extraction if not carefully controlled. This may result in a sour or bitter espresso if not dialed in correctly.

• Crema: The crema (the reddish-brown foam on top of the espresso) may be lighter and less dense compared to darker roasts.

In short: If you encounter "blonde espresso," it's a lighter roast intended for espresso preparation, with a likely lighter, more acidic, and potentially fruitier flavor profile. Its quality will heavily depend on the specific roaster's skill and bean selection. You'll likely find it in cafes focusing on lighter roasts and specialty coffee.