Re : Vivace Dolce - Thanks to Malachi. I only attempt milk drinks a couple times a year, usually end up with a cup full of milky coffee. After pulling a too fast/ long shot with Dolce, I tried a macchiato, based on his description. Well, sort of, I didn't want to try steaming with

I had recently tried 49th Epic in both standard and organic varieties. The old Epic, back from February/March this year was one of my favorite espressos. Nice balanced acidity with sweetness. Worked great in straight shots and in milk. This last one I did not enjoy so much. Probably because these new acidity blends (Black Cat, Epic etc.) are

My apologies for being so late to the party! Between vacation and recovering from vacation upon returning to work, I'm well behind on my other responsibilties. Excuses aside... for years, Caffe Fresco has been a frequently recommended "go to" espresso for those learning the barista craft, so it's only natural their flagship blend, Ambrosia, is recognized in this thread.

Caffe Fresco is no stranger to me. Tony is just a couple hours up the north east extension from home. That makes for a very fast and convenient shipping. Ambrosia has changed over time, but every coffee does. After all it is an agricultural product and prone to shifts in flavor every year. My coffee arrived one day after

Caffe Fresco Ambrosia Espresso Blend (roasted July 27, tested Aug 4) coffee dose: 15.0g brew ratio: 65-70% (shot volume ~45ml, espresso weight 22-23g) shot time: ~30 sec after appearance of espresso on bottom of basket temperature range: 88C-95C (190F-203F) in increments of 1C Protocol Grinder: Robur with doser and (full) mini-hopper. Espresso machine: La Spaziale S1 V1, no preinfusion

Introduction: Cafe Fresco's Ambrosia is something new under the sun. It is an espresso blend that is not served in any cafe nor sold in any store; instead, it is only sold via the net to home espresso enthusiasts. Within our little world, Ambrosia has gathered a sterling reputation, and since it isn't unlikely to get reviewed in the New

49th Parallel is a new roaster for me. I have not ventured outside of the continental US for coffee other than an unfortunate run-in with Illy. So I did not know what to expect. As mentioned, Epic has undergone a major shift in flavor in very recent history. If you ordered a pound 3 weeks ago, you got a different

49th Parallel Epic Espresso My first experience with 49th Parallel was a few years ago when a friend of mine and I ordered a few bags of Epic and Sammy Piccolo's WBC Espresso from them. At the time, I recall Epic was a classic comfort-food espresso loaded with chocolate and thick of body, pretty easy to get a nice

49th Parallel Epic Espresso Blend (roasted Aug 5, tested Aug 10) coffee dose: 15.0g brew ratio: 63-68% (shot volume ~40ml, espresso weight 22-24g) shot time: ~30 sec after appearance of espresso on bottom of basket temperature range: 89C-94C (192F-201F) in increments of 1C Protocol Grinder: Robur with doser and (full) mini-hopper. Espresso machine: La Spaziale S1 V1, no preinfusion

Epic Espresso (First - full disclosure time. After starting the review process I was hired to do some consulting work for 49th Parallel. I want to make sure that this potential conflict of interest is clear to all before writing about this coffee. As those who know me well can attest, if anything I'm harder on my clients than