What are people's thoughts on the best new espresso blends to come out in the last year or two? I feel as though there was an explosion of new, cutting-edge blends three to five years ago. I haven't seen anything that has really pushed the envelope since then.

Well, of course there is that Home-Barista MVP blend from Paradise Roasters. Seems they found some rookie "roast master" to come up with an incredible blend.

http://www.paradiseroasters.com/mvp-espresso-2009

Best (new) espressos of the last year for me:
- Ecco Caffe Ethiopia Beloya
- Ecco Caffe Experimental #1
- Intelligentsia Black Cat Panama Finca Santa Teresa
- Square Mile Winter Espresso


-- note... this doesn't mean these were the best espressos for me of the year - just that they were the best NEW ones. --

Does it have to be a blend?

malachi wrote:Best (new) espressos of the last year for me:
- Ecco Caffe Ethiopia Beloya
- Ecco Caffe Experimental #1
- Intelligentsia Black Cat Panama Finca Santa Teresa
- Square Mile Winter Espresso


-- note... this doesn't mean these were the best espressos for me of the year - just that they were the best NEW ones. --

I heartily agree with the EC Experimental #1 - a knockout. Also, I loved the experimental club. As a nonprofessional and amateur (literally for the love of it), one of the great benefits of being so is the opportunity to try many types of coffees and this was a great one. The down side of not being a professional is the learning curve has been long pulling a few shots a day rather than hundreds. Hmm.... I think I will take that downside if I can have the variety rather than hundreds of the same type!

I have purchased a lot of Ecco Caffe coffees and believe they are good folks doing good things with coffee.

Everyone here - I thank you and deep gratitude for all the help over nearly four years from someone who had never pulled or considered pulling a shot until I bought my equipment. I could not have done it without you........... and my earnest study and diligence.

Let's hear it for great taste, personal as it is!

malachi wrote:Best (new) espressos of the last year for me:
- Ecco Caffe Ethiopia Beloya
- Ecco Caffe Experimental #1
- Intelligentsia Black Cat Panama Finca Santa Teresa
- Square Mile Winter Espresso


-- note... this doesn't mean these were the best espressos for me of the year - just that they were the best NEW ones. --

Glad to see credit given to the Intelligentsia Black Cat Panama Finca Santa Teresa, this bean was a favorite for me and my wife as well!! I wish it was avaialble to purchase again.

i would nominate the black cat Anjilanaka, Organic Bolivia as my clear first choice for the year