Coffee tastes like cigarettes?

I have a friend that says every coffee he has ever had tasted like a burnt cigarette. He said maybe it’s because coffee beans are roasted. I just got an espresso machine and I am on a mission to make him a drink that does not taste like burnt cigarettes. Any recommendations on some goods beans I could try? A light roast? What flavor profiles? I’m new to making espresso, so I’m not sure what type of roast to use. Any tips or recipes I would appreciate!