As a noob, my espresso valuations probably aren't worth much but that said I'm going to give them anyway

So the only espresso I've had is Redbird caf and decaf. I definitely found the chocolate in there and overall in comparing flavors to local coffee houses, mine definitely needed some work but I didn't think I was way off (in other words, I think my shots were on the board but left of center).

That said, I could never get to the 'snickers bar' that others were getting. I didn't play with pressure at all (I'm a noob!) but did try 198, 199, and 200 for temp. Some difference ... it seemed to "blur" the flavor a bit the lower the temp so I just went back to 200 and tried to perfect my shot consistency. No sense trying to pretend I'm on the big-boy field.

Anyway, my 5 lbs pf 'bird ran out and I decided to branch out so I tried Paradise Roaster's Beach Buzz:
http://www.paradiseroasters.com/products/Beach-Buzz-Espresso.html
http://www.coffeereview.com/review.cfm?ID=2462

I did this with a few shots of 'bird left so I was able to directly compare. Wow! Big difference!

Here's the interesting thing: at first I didn't like the 'buzz nearly as much; it seemed "lighter" or ... fluffier ... and more spicy.

The 'bird has this "thick" chocolatey rich experience and the 'buzz seemed way lighter, but with more spices.

Then the 'buzz really grew on me, especially on a warm day it seemed perfect. All of a sudden the name made sense to me! Yeah, "beach buzz"! This is the perfect summer espresso!

It's funny because normally I really crave my espresso in the morn, but with Beach Buzz now I gotta have one after work too. Normally that's decaf time, but with the 'buzz I'm rushing home to get my 'buzz before it gets too late.

here's what Coffee Review says:

Blind Assessment: Evaluated as espresso. Soft, balanced aroma highlighting hints of caramel, aromatic wood and anise. More intensity in the cup with a distinct orange note complimenting the sweet anise-and-aromatic-wood tendencies. Two parts milk rounds and sweetens the intensity of the straight shot without muting its authority.

I don't know about all that, I just know it's a pretty great summer espresso.

In the mornings I'll have it "cortado-style": for me, that's a double shot in an espresso cup with a little foamed milk added to top it off. At night, straight-up double.

In my Starbucks days I favored an Americano, but as I've begun really trying to pull my shots, watering them down seems like a travesty

Anyway, if you're looking for a great summer espresso option - one that's beach-worthy - you can't beat the 'buzz!

highly recommended!

Sounds very interesting, and wasn't on my radar for my next purchase. Hope others will chime in with their thoughts on this blend. Thanks from another noob for the review!

Anyone tried any of Jeff's other offerings like maybe the Amaro Gayo or the Sweet Blue Brazil? Love the 'bird, but just looking for something a little different this time.