Toscano Redux - Page 2

[timo888]

To sum up...

I received the email notification from CCC on 2/13 around 10am that the Toscano had shipped, so I assume it was roasted and shipped the evening of 2/12? I didn't know the roast date and was confused by what seemed a dramatic change in the roast depth (owing to the mislabeling on the first bag from CCC back in December), so I didn't let it rest, trying it as soon as I received it. On 2/15 the flavors in the front and middle of the palate and the aromatics were very good, but there was an acrid smoke in the finish. The smoke has gradually dissipated. The Toscano has taken about a full week to become truly mellow and by 2/20 is yielding terrifically sweet espresso with a smooth finish. I am pulling the shots on the Cremina rather than the open-kettle machines, so I can't give a precise temp, so YMMV. However, there hasn't been a sour shot yet, even though I've pulled some fairly cool shots. And I have let the machine idle and become quite hot--hot enough to thin the crema-- but the shots have stayed sweet.

My thanks to the folks who have helped me sort this out

Regards
Timo

[jesawdy]

Timo-

Counter Culture puts their roast date on the bottom of the bag near the bottom seal.... double check the bag if you still have it. I missed it the first bag or two myself. I expected it at the top seal or the label.... the business end of the bag.

[woodchuck]

I have had a somewhat different tasting experience with Toscano than Timo has had but with ultimately the same outcome - let it rest. I go through a bag of Toscano each week and have found that during the last few months the beans have required some additional resting to soften the front end, the finish hasn't bothered me that much. Either way, man what chocolate if you can let it sit for a couple more days! Wouldn't you know I had to miss last weeks Friday get together. Looking forward to tasting the new blend!

Cheers

Ian

[timo888]

Counter Culture puts their roast date on the bottom of the bag near the bottom seal.... double check the bag if you still have it. I missed it the first bag or two myself. I expected it at the top seal or the label.... the business end of the bag.

The roast date is clearly visible on the bottom of the comp'd bag of Aficionado that CCC has kindly sent me, but the date wasn't on the Toscano. Mark has confirmed that from the pic I emailed him.

The Aficionado roast is cocoa-colored (in the umber, burnt umber range) so the mystery golden-oak bean remains still at large and on my Most Wanted list. Next time you tarheels convene at CCC headquarters, please keep your eyes open for that honey of a bean.

Regards
Timo