Monkey Bite

Dive into the heart of Bird Rock Coffee Roasters with our signature Monkey Bite Espresso, which is at the center of every espresso beverage at Bird Rock Coffee Cafes. This blend of African and South American coffees is sweet, complex, and a perfect example of modern third-wave espresso.

Named for the harrowing monkey attack that our founder Chuck suffered through in Kenya, this blend is a top seller at the cafes and online. Our seasonal blend is carefully crafted and tested to be pulled as delicious straight espresso, drip coffee, or in a traditional milk-based drink (like a Cortado). This is the same fantastic blend we use in all our retail cafes.

For espresso machines, we recommend a dose of 22 grams, resulting in about 24 grams (call it a fluid ounce) and a total extraction of 27-34 seconds, with the first drops visible at 10-12 seconds.

Bird Rock Coffee Roasters' Monkey Bite delivers a coffee marked by sweetness and complexity, offering layers that reward close attention. The roaster's profile draws out these complementary qualities—the sweetness provides approachable appeal while the complexity invites exploration of subtle flavor dimensions. For tasters new to specialty coffee, this balance makes it an engaging entry point; for experienced palates, the interplay between these characteristics offers the kind of nuanced experience that defines thoughtful roasting. Understanding how these elements manifest can be enhanced by exploring the flavor wheel, a useful reference for identifying specific notes within a coffee's overall sweetness and complexity. Learn more about Bird Rock Coffee Roasters and their approach to sourcing and roasting.