Dolce and Vita vs. Starbucks Bold

Dolce and Vita, both did well in testing against *$, primariliy because they have such exoitc and different flavor.

Starbucks still reigned supereme even thought the test shot was a dark 1.0oz ristretto. its difficult to pull shots with Docle this fresh, shots come out 100% crema and way to fast.



I'm re-running a three way challenge with BC, Dolce, and *$ on Tuesday to confirm. Full results will be posted.

Vita made a splendid cappuccino, it will not be reviewed because its intended for milk drinks.

Roasted beans shipped from Seattle Vivace.

Round one in the books - SB trumps Black Cat with ease

Here are the results. The big surprise? After tasting the perfect crema and spice of the cat, aint no way my two friends change their minds, the cat was the bomb.. until we tried the right temp *$ (95C steady state on the brewt). Then it was, wow. i can't believe it. i never though starbukcs was that good. Surprises all around (except me).

Pic of beans, *$ is the darker roast on right.


Name: -Drinkability- -Flavor- -Mouthfeel-One word description - (total)

Starbucks Bold Espresso
Tony V 10 10 8 Taste (28)
Corey S 8 9 8 Good (25)
Jeff C 10 10 9 Deep (29)
-AVG: 27.33

Black Cat by Intelligentsia
Tony V 9 9 8 Smooth (26)
Corey S 8 7 8 Smooth (23)
Jeff C 8 7 8 Pungent (23)
-AVG: 24

Updates to Starbucks vs. The Best Espresso

Here is the list.

Coffee Emergency - pay pal only - avoided.
Ecco Cafe - phone order only - will wait.
Vivace - ordered 1/2 lb of Dolce and 1/2 lb of Vita.
Paradise
Stumptown
Gimme
Cuvee Coffee
Caffe Fresco
West Coast Roasting
Rocket Coffee Roasters

Starts today!

SB vs. Black Cat

Tomorrow 5/18/06, SB vs. Dolce and Vita.

PIC of the heat treat station

Kiln, Salt pot, OMEGA PID, Omega SSR..

Coffee monkey got me started again!

All right.. he's on a quest for the best espresso shot.. Made me realize i need to explore lower temps! thanks CM.

Tried the lower temp (94C) yesterday on the cat. The first shot - very good, different taste, more sour fruit. Second shot, even better.. more notes of chocolate.

Still, i would love to get the flavor the LM gave me in their shop - tasted like chocolate espresso. Maybe i'll go 1 degree cooler today.

FYI, i'm about to post my PID / kinfe / gun heat treating pics!