OK, I have refrained from commenting this morning until I had a chance to "perform" the experiment. (Lord knows, I don't want to be talking out of the wrong orifice (though, technically, aren't I typing?).
As many of you know, I spent a lifetime in the wine trade, so I attempted to conduct the experiment much like a wine tasting, albeit
not blind. (I am alone at home, at the moment, my wife having left for work; I may have to repeat the exercise when she returns, have
her remove the crema and taste the two samples with eyes closed/blindfolded and in a random order.)
Using Espresso Vivace Dolce, I prepared a double, split into two cups. As with James' video, I skimmed as much of the crema as I reasonably could in three "swipes" with a demitasse spoon from Cup A, and took a small sip, followed by the rest of the shot. Then, with Cup B, I did
not stir, but took a small sip, followed by the rest of the cup.
To my palate, Cup A tasted much more like a great sip or two from a press pot, and
not like an espresso. Yes, it does lose some body; yes it is lighter and a bit sweeter on the palate. But it also misses something on the mid-palate and has a more delicate, cleaner finish. Cup B, on the other hand, was a classic, rich, full-bodied espresso -- not overly bitter, yet there is a detectable,
balanced note of bitterness to compliment the inherent sweetness (no sugar added; both cups were consumed "straight"), the mouthfeel was fuller, more velvety than silky, and the finish much longer, richer, and more lingering.
Personally I can see how some people may prefer "skimming" the crema, but a) this strikes me as
waaaaaayyyyyyyy too much trouble --
especially in a café setting, and b) the results in the cup, after skimming, do not strike me as
espresso. To me, however, Cup A seems to be lacking its core.
Now, it needs to be said that this is based upon ONE tasting. Certainly this is NOT definitive in any way, shape, or form. Furthermore, it's based upon a sample using only one specific coffee bean/blend. In other words, I have only done this once, and I have only done it with one roast. This is a single snapshot, not a movie.
I've not yet tried stirring; that comparison will wait for another day.
Finally, I would like to thank James for his video, and indirectly, thank the Coffee Collective. It certainly is food for thought, and a fun "experiment."
Cheers,
Jason