Tough Beans

I have a hand grinder so I am aware of the effort needed to grind various beans. There is quite a bit of variation. Starbucks Espresso Roast (medium dark) and Italian Roast (more dark) are the easiest. Allegro Espresso Sierra (medium dark) is slightly more effort. The Stumptown Hair Bender, Intelligentsia Black Cat Espresso, Illy Classico, and Bongo Mystic Dark (all medium roasts, i.e., lighter color and no oil sheen) all require noticeably more effort to grind. They also all have a vegetal note in lattes and drip coffee.