Favorite Espressos 2016
- HB
- Admin
- Posts: 21971
- Joined: 19 years ago
This year's review will continue in the style of last year's reviews, i.e., evaluations will be blind and reviewers will not know what espresso is being evaluated until they post their commentary. Over the course of a week, we'll review a coffee. During this period, the thread will be locked so peer reviewers can post their comments together, then the thread will be opened for public comments.
For members who wish to play along, the (non-blind) reviewer who arranged the delivery will post an introduction with "spoilers" which can be clicked to show the name(s) of the coffee currently being reviewed.
The first review begins this weekend.
DISCLAIMER: Unless otherwise noted, evaluation coffees were provided for review purposes by the roaster. Other than said samples, the reviewers receive no financial or material compensation of any kind from the roasters or Home-Barista.com for evaluating these coffees.
For members who wish to play along, the (non-blind) reviewer who arranged the delivery will post an introduction with "spoilers" which can be clicked to show the name(s) of the coffee currently being reviewed.
The first review begins this weekend.
DISCLAIMER: Unless otherwise noted, evaluation coffees were provided for review purposes by the roaster. Other than said samples, the reviewers receive no financial or material compensation of any kind from the roasters or Home-Barista.com for evaluating these coffees.
Dan Kehn
- TomC
- Team HB
- Posts: 10532
- Joined: 13 years ago
This is our first official review for 2016. I have been pleased with some of my previous purchases from the roaster who then provided these review samples for us. The review notes below will be kept under "spoiler" tags until all the reviews are published. I'll leave an explanation for each spoiler for folks to decide on their own if they want that information at this moment.
For blind reviewers wishing to know a bit more about the roaster, the coffee components and general philosophy without me revealing the name of the company or name of the blend, click the first reveal immediately below.
The following spoiler will reveal the coffee, with a link to the roastery.
This reveal will show what the roaster is finding in their tasting notes if you'd like to compare after you've gotten some experience with the coffee.
My tasting notes. Overall, I was quite pleased with the coffee, noting foremostly it's incredible balance and development, which I believe is very hard to achieve. It didn't squash all its sparkle, nor did it taste baked and roasty. It works well on its own, even though it was specifically developed for a milk based beverage. This would be a first choice espresso for me to have on hand to share with guests and company that might otherwise be put off by brighter, more acidic roasts. More detailed flavor notes below.
For blind reviewers wishing to know a bit more about the roaster, the coffee components and general philosophy without me revealing the name of the company or name of the blend, click the first reveal immediately below.
Spoiler: show
The following spoiler will reveal the coffee, with a link to the roastery.
Spoiler: show
This reveal will show what the roaster is finding in their tasting notes if you'd like to compare after you've gotten some experience with the coffee.
Spoiler: show
My tasting notes. Overall, I was quite pleased with the coffee, noting foremostly it's incredible balance and development, which I believe is very hard to achieve. It didn't squash all its sparkle, nor did it taste baked and roasty. It works well on its own, even though it was specifically developed for a milk based beverage. This would be a first choice espresso for me to have on hand to share with guests and company that might otherwise be put off by brighter, more acidic roasts. More detailed flavor notes below.
Spoiler: show
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- drgary
- Team HB
- Posts: 14336
- Joined: 14 years ago
I really like this coffee. An H-B member was visiting my home last weekend. I pulled a shot without careful measurement for him and his wife. They had liked my home roasts a lot, but this was their favorite. I'm not surprised because my home roasts don't (yet?) approach this sophisticated blend. I found it very easy to dial in. Here's my review, set behind spoiler tags for those who want to taste it on their own before comparing to others.
My formal review was on my commercial lever, very carefully controlled. I will add notes about what it's like to pull this coffee more casually on at least one vintage home lever.
Spoiler: show
My formal review was on my commercial lever, very carefully controlled. I will add notes about what it's like to pull this coffee more casually on at least one vintage home lever.
Gary
LMWDP#308
What I WOULD do for a good cup of coffee!
LMWDP#308
What I WOULD do for a good cup of coffee!
- dominico
- Team HB
- Posts: 2006
- Joined: 9 years ago
Spoiler: show
https://bit.ly/3N1bhPR
Il caffè è un piacere, se non è buono che piacere è?
Il caffè è un piacere, se non è buono che piacere è?
- HB (original poster)
- Admin
- Posts: 21971
- Joined: 19 years ago
Thanks Tom for arranging this review! And thanks to the reviewers for their insights. The thread is unlocked and comments are welcome.
Dan Kehn