There are a few debates in life that really divide people. Window or aisle. Sweet or savoury. Americano or Long Black.

If you’ve ever nodded confidently while secretly wondering what the difference actually is, you’renot alone! So today, let’s clear it up properly, cup in hand, with two Jet Bean favourites that absolutely excel in a Long Black: Jet Bean Hawk and Concorde.

So… what’s an Americano?

An Americano is simply an espresso topped with hot water.
Espresso goes in first, water after, giving you a milder, smoother, more diluted drink.

It’s the reliable A320 of the coffee world: safe, familiar, gets the job done.

And a Long Black?

A Long Black reverses the sequence. Hot water first. Espresso on top.

That small flip keeps the crema intact, the golden layer that holds the aroma, flavour, oils and character of the coffee. The result is richer, deeper and far more expressive of the roast itself.

Think of it like hearing the same song, but this time through premium noise cancelling headphones instead of tinny laptop speakers.

Why I always choose a Long Black

If you’re brewing speciality coffee, you want to taste the coffee, not water it down. A Long Black gives you:

• Full crema

• More aromatics

• A bolder, more defined flavour

• The truest expression of the roast

Personally? I prefer coffee that screams flavour! And for me a long black has the appeal of an espresso with that extra drinking time, it's not just another 'black coffee'

Why Hawk and Concorde are perfect for a Long Black

A Long Black exposes every detail of a roast, which is precisely why these two shine so beautifully.

Hawk – vibrant, fruity and incredibly clean

Hawk’s flavour profile is bright and expressive:
Blueberry jam • Passionfruit • Floral - with a tea-like body and a clean, lingering finish.

In a Long Black, those delicate high-notes stay intact thanks to the preserved crema. You get:

• Clear, juicy fruit sweetness

• A lifted, aromatic top-end

• A refreshing, almost elegant body

It’s the kind of cup that feels crisp, lively and beautifully modern, a real celebration of high-quality beans. If you love clarity and fruit-driven flavour, Hawk is a dream Long Black.

Concorde – smooth, rich and effortlessly luxurious

Concorde brings a deeper, more indulgent profile:
Peach yogurt • Dark chocolate • Apricot - with a sweet, rich, full-bodied finish.

In a Long Black, this profile becomes incredibly satisfying:

• Dark chocolate warmth

• Silky texture

• Balanced sweetness

• A long, comforting finish

It’s bold without being heavy, refined without being delicate, exactly what you want when drinking black coffee with no distractions. Concorde gives you a long black that feels like slipping into a fully flat business cabin at 39,000 feet.

So which one is for you?

If you like something milder and more diluted, choose an Americano.

But if you want crema, clarity, aroma and flavour, a Long Black wins every single time. And with roasts like Hawk and Concorde, you’ll taste every note exactly as it was crafted.

So that's my thoughts, as you can tell I love a long black, nothing against an Americano if that's your thing, but if you want the flavour profile of the coffee, trust me and give it a try! That's it from me, see you in the sky.

Tia Louch
Coffee Purist | Cabin Crew | Jet Bean Devotee