zest specialty coffee roasters x la marzocco home

coffee subscription: february 2026

Born in Melbourne and now roasting in the United States, Zest Specialty Coffee Roasters is honored to serve as January’s featured roaster for La Marzocco Home. In Australia, Zest was fascinated by coffee flavor since its founding in 2009. The team is deeply committed to exploring the complexity of coffee and, in the case of their espresso blends, perfecting consistently delicious profiles week after week.

This dedication led to Zest being named Australia’s Favourite Coffee Roaster for 2025 at MICE. Their flavor-first approach also helped their Education and Events Lead, Simon Gautherin, win the 2026 Australian Brewers Cup. He will represent Australia on the world stage in Brussels this June, a testament to how far the company’s pursuit of flavor can go.

Now, Zest is sharing that passion with new friends across the United States. They have begun roasting fresh in Minneapolis, with the goal of transporting drinkers to the energy of Melbourne’s laneways with every sip. To mark the occasion, they are showcasing two of their flagship Espressist Blends—Mailman and Blackbird—each refined over many years.

Together with the La Marzocco home community, Zest looks forward to brewing something exceptional.

blackbird

Origin: 50% Brazil Natural / 30% Colombia Washed / 20% Ethiopia Natural
Process: Natural / Washed
With Milk Tasting Notes: Orange Zest, Hazelnut and Dark Chocolate
Without Milk Tasting Notes: Black Forest Cake, Vanilla Custard, Toffee

Description: Designed, sourced and roasted for intense dark chocolate and caramel flavors with fruity undertones, creating delicious and sweet white coffee that tastes like Black Forest Cake.

With Milk Brewing Recipe
Dose: 22 Grams
Time: 25-27 Seconds
Yield: 36-38 Grams
Temperature: 199 F
Pressure: 9 Bar

Without Milk Brewing Recipe
Dose: 22 Grams
Time: 30-33 Seconds
Yield: 36-38 Grams
Temperature: 200.3 F
Pressure: 9 Bar

Espresso ratio 1:1.6 – 1:1.7 or ristretto ratio 1:1. Let Blackbird age for 2-5 weeks from roast date!

mailman

Origin: 50% Ethiopia Natural, 50% Ethiopia Washed
Process: Natural and Washed
With Milk Tasting Notes: Blackberry, Blueberry, Cherry
Without Milk Tasting Notes: Blueberry Muffin, Dried Fruits, Milk Chocolate

Description: A fruit bomb! Our highest quality espresso blend with structured acidity and smooth body. Ideal for espresso or long black, but prepare for a berry milkshake if drinking with milk.

With Milk Brewing Recipe
Dose: 21 Grams
Time: 25-28 Seconds
Yield: 40-42 Grams
Temperature: 200.3 F
Pressure: 9 Bar

Without Milk Brewing Recipe
Dose: 22 Grams
Time: 30-34 Seconds
Yield: 40-42 Grams
Temperature: 200.3 F
Pressure: 9 Bar

Espresso ratio 1:1.8 – 1:1.9. or ristretto ratio 1:1. Let Mailman age for 2-5 weeks from roast date.