Usually drink Black Cat, just tried Kid O's Organic Espresso, some thoughts and questions.

[Climb14er]

Ever since I came to this forum in the summer and ordered my Black Cat (many bags) from Intelligentsia, I've been grinding the beans on a Macap M4 and using my Cremina to make excellent espresso and super rich lattes everyday.

This past order, I ordered one bag of Kid O's Organic and one Black Cat and it took me three grindings (to dial in), a little less than three notches (coarser than the Black Cat) to make a superbly rich with crema fantastic double espresso.

I then pulled another straight double and another double with milk/latte for some more tasting.

My 'take' on the differences in taste is that the Kid O is a 'brighter' tasting espresso, with a lot more crema, super smooth and with a slightly fruity taste. It's really different than the Black Cat while retaining the same smoothness.

I found that the Kid O isn't as pronounced in the latte yet the coffee is there in a more subtle manner as the Black Cat. The Black Cat definitely is more apparent in the milk do to its 'richer' consistency.

Overall, I like the Kid O espresso A LOT. I believe the taste of this espresso has quite a bit going for it.

Any thoughts and comparisons between the two?

[Climb14er]

I would have figured that someone would have a good comment or two re: the two Intelligentsia espressos.

[dsm363]

I've tried the Kid O roast and really like it although I'm still new to this espresso thing and haven't tried too many other roasts.

Dave

[HB]

My 'take' on the differences in taste is that the Kid O is a 'brighter' tasting espresso, with a lot more crema, super smooth and with a slightly fruity taste. It's really different than the Black Cat while retaining the same smoothness.

I found that the Kid O isn't as pronounced in the latte yet the coffee is there in a more subtle manner as the Black Cat. The Black Cat definitely is more apparent in the milk do to its 'richer' consistency.

Excellent summary of the two blends. Black Cat is a sensory overload compared to Kid O's. I like both and choose based on my mood; Black Cat is a big "palate thwack" compared to Kid O's more subtle velvet glove.