Tall Black Coffee vs. Americano vs. Long Black: What’s the Difference?

If you’re a black coffee drinker like me, you’ve probably come across tall black coffee, Americano, and long black on café menus. At first glance, they might seem like variations of the same drink—just coffee and water, right? But the way they’re made impacts their flavour, texture, and overall drinking experience.

So, what sets them apart? Which one is better?

Let’s break it down.

1. What is a Tall Black Coffee?

A tall black coffee typically refers to a brewed coffee, meaning it’s made using methods like:

• Drip coffee machines

• Pour-over (V60, Chemex, Kalita Wave, etc.)

• French press (cafetiere)

• Batch brewers

Taste Profile of a Tall Black Coffee

Since it’s brewed over a longer period, the coffee extracts gradually, producing:

✔ Smoother, more balanced flavours

✔ Less bitterness than espresso-based drinks

✔ Fuller body (especially with a French press)

✔ Naturally sweeter and more aromatic

Tall black coffee is great for those who enjoy sipping slowly, as the flavours evolve as it cools.

2. What is an Americano?

An Americano is made by adding hot water to a shot (or two) of espresso. This was popularized by American soldiers in Italy during WWII who found espresso too strong and diluted it to resemble their familiar drip coffee.

Taste Profile of an Americano

✔ Stronger, bolder espresso flavours

✔ More bitterness than a tall black coffee

✔ Thinner body, with crema on top initially

✔ Slightly more acidic and intense

Since an Americano starts with an espresso base, it has a richer and more concentrated taste compared to brewed coffee.

3. What is a Long Black?

A long black is similar to an Americano but with one key difference: instead of adding water to espresso, you pour the espresso over hot water.

This is the standard way black coffee is served in Australia and New Zealand.

Taste Profile of a Long Black

✔ Stronger and more pronounced espresso flavours than an Americano

✔ Less dilution, so it tastes richer

✔ A thicker crema than an Americano

✔ More intense and aromatic

The long black retains more of the espresso’s crema, which adds texture and mouthfeel. It’s less diluted than an Americano, so it has a bolder taste.

Key Differences:

	Tall Black Coffee	Americano	Long Black
Brewing Method	Brewed Coffee	Espresso + Hot Water	Hot Water + Espresso
Flavour	Smooth, balanced, slightly sweet	Bold, Slightly Bitter	Strong, Rich, Intense
Bitterness	Low	Medium	Higher
Body	Fuller, rounder	Lighter	Medium
Crema	No Crema	Some crema, dissolves	Thick Crema retained
Best For	Slow sipping, complex flavours	A milder espresso experience	Those that enjoy espresso with more volume.

Which One is Better?

It depends on your taste preferences and drinking style:

☕ Go for a Tall Black Coffee if you love smooth, subtle, and well-rounded flavours with less acidity and bitterness.

☕ Choose an Americano if you enjoy espresso but want a milder, more diluted version.

☕ Pick a Long Black if you want an intense, espresso-forward drink with a stronger aroma and thicker crema.

Each coffee has its place depending on how you like your black coffee—so why not try them all and see which one suits you best?

If you’re serious about great coffee, using freshly roasted beans (like those from 918 Coffee Co.) makes all the difference!