Just pulled my first shot of 49th Parallel Epic blend. I can't believe I hit it dead on the first shot. Incredible crema and velvety mouthful, and maybe one of the best tasting shots I've pulled. I ordered a set of their cups, and added a pound of beans just to try out and make better use of the (rather high) shipping charges.
I really like the taste of this blend, and may be up late tonite sampling it some more.

I also have a bag of epic at home.
The latte that I make tastes like a mocha! With some whole milke, it tastes creamy and incredible.

Taste is very subjective and personal and even fluctuating but the last batch of Epic I had was best pulled ground very fine with normal (14 g) dose. Tons of flavors and fresh acidity!

I love it and it is sold locally in Montreal 2 days after roast! I am counting my blessings.

I too love the epic bean, but make sure you also try the 49th organic espresso...I think that it is EVEN BETTER!! I pull both types as a ristretto.

Jumpin in late here, but I just ordered three bags of epsresso from 49th - (2) Epic, (1) organic. I dove into the Epic yesterday at 3 days post roast and pulled a phenomenal double at about 201 degrees. Pulled another this morning at a little lower temp, which wasn't as good - missing a bit of the very heavy body and incredible mouthfeel. Next one was pulled back up near 201, and BING...dead on again.

I haven't hit the organic yet, but if it's anything like the Epic, I'll be truly impressed.

On the cups...the brown limited edition's are really nice and have to be the heaviest cups I've seen. the blue ones are nice, too, but pale in comparison.

If anyone has dosing and temp recommendations, I'm all ears.

Cheers!

Epic is a blend that sometimes is nice for me, but sometimes has a little more brightness than I like. The Cafe Artiginio Private Reserve that 49th Parallel does is one of my favourites. Very chocolately and sweet. One of my favourite blends. Harder to find outside of Vancouver