RapidCoffee wrote:Of course nobody is saying this. We are doing our best to evaluate the selected espresso blends in an honest and straightforward fashion. But you're right, preconceptions alter your experience. There are plenty of examples in wine tasting, and coffee tasting is very similar.

My preconceptions suggested that Dolce would be a finicky blend, and an examination of the beans reinforced this. Instead, I found a classic Northern Italian blend that was easy to enjoy. Not everyone agreed. There's been reasonable consensus in this review of espresso blends, but some striking differences as well. Dolce is perhaps the best example of the latter.

In addition to preconceptions, "de gustibus" is highly influential in evaluating coffee. Certain chemical constituents in the complex concoction of espresso may trigger a strong negative reaction with your particular taste buds. This is more likely to occur with poorly prepped blends than meticulously prepped SO COE beans, but could happen with any coffee. Remember, some people simply cannot stand the taste of coffee in general. I doubt this is merely a case of uneducated palates.

Jeebs wrote:Hairbender

I love it at Stumptown, but I've never pulled a great shot at home. Now I consider it a treat when I'm visiting Portland, and stick with less finicky coffees at home.