Blonde 4-6 Medium 7-9 Intensity + Dark 10-12 The Story of Starbucks Blonde® Espresso Roast Nearly five decades of sourcing, blending and roasting brought us here: a second espresso that's boldly mellow. This special blend of beans from Latin America was carefully roasted to coax out sweet, vibrant notes. Soft and balanced, it pairs well with milk, making classic espresso drinks extra smooth without a roasty edge.