(Updated 15 June 2012: 'Ristretto' and a new photo added.)
(Updated 8 February 2013 - brief paragraph at end of posting re the Nescafe Dolce Gusto system.)
These little coffee disks are designed to be used in a Nespresso coffee machine, and are a little like the TARDIS – there is a great deal packed inside. The powder is tightly compressed, and there is a generous serve per cup of ground coffee.
Perhaps the approach was a little unorthodox, as the disks are designed to be used in commercial machine, but as access was not easily available, an old-fashioned technique was used. The aroma of each coffee was sampled on opening the disk and then brewed in a single-serve coffee plunger and tasted first black without any additives.
(To spice up your life a bit, you can also "mix and match" disks and create your own funky coffee blends if using a plunger! This idea proudly brought to you by "The Mad Scientist": http://themadscientistcooks.blogspot.com.au/)
LUNGO
Lungo Leggero (Intensity: 2)
This has a smooth, warm and rich aroma which is immediately comforting. Once brewed the flavour is nutty and soft but full-bodied and develops in the mouth without leaving a strong aftertaste. A pleasant subtle cup of coffee.
Lungo Forte (Intensity: 4)
The aroma is soft and sweet with a slight fruity tang. It takes a moment for the flavour to develop on the palate, but it is rich and dark and a little tangy without being overpowering with a mellow aftertaste which leaves a slight tingle on the tongue. The subtleties of the taste are less obvious when milk is added, but there was still a zingy aftertaste.
ESPRESSO
Espresso Leggero (Intensity: 6)
This has a more forthright roasted aroma that once again has a slight sweetness to it, almost like the tempting smell of roasted vegetables in the oven. It makes me think of roast pumpkin! The liquid form packs a punch – robust, full and flavoursome. The lingering aftertaste is smooth and a little smoky. With milk added it makes a strong but well-rounded cup of coffee.
Espresso Forte (Intensity: 7)
There is a strong and soothing aroma of “just right” roasted beans. It is pungent but darkly inviting. Once brewed the flavour is strong and complex with a hint of bitterness and a slowly subsiding forthright aftertaste which leaves a slight tingle on the tongue. When milk is added, it has a silky strong and somewhat smoky taste. I did enjoy this one (as I like strong coffee) but it this is probably the demarcation point in the Nespresso range between those who like their coffee “black and strong” and those who enjoy a milder brew.
Espresso Decaffeinato (Intensity: 7)
Firstly, I have to say that it has a gorgeous aroma – rich and darkly roasted. This is no wimpy coffee. Drunk black it has a dense and dark slightly bitter flavor worthy of its Espresso nomenclature with a rising aftertaste which hangs around and makes its presence felt, with a bit if a tingle in the tail. With milk added it still ‘packs a punch’ and you truly would not know that you are drinking a decaf. If you want the sensual experience of drinking coffee without the accompanying palpitations and insomnia, then this is a very good choice. Recommended!
RISTRETTO
Ristretto (Intensity: 9)
The initial aroma is fresh and spicy yet dark and complex, making you think of enjoying an exotic beverage seated in a comfy leather chair around an open fire surrounded by a deep old forest. Like its sibling, this coffee is strong and not for the faint-hearted, but has a beautiful smoky and smooth depth of flavour with perhaps an echo of peppermint. It has a lovely cleansing sensation when rolled in the mouth, and a confident aftertaste which seems to intensify slightly over time, leaving a ‘tingle’ on the tongue. It is quite delicious drunk black, but its zesty and smoky nature remains when milk is added. An excellent cup of coffee!
Ristretto Origin India (Intensity: 10)
This coffee has a powerful aroma which is smooth, luscious and rich with a hint of dark chocolate. On drinking it has a ‘WOW’ factor! It is strong and quite smoky with a good depth of flavour, and on savouring the taste in the mouth a bitter underlay emerges. There is a forthright aftertaste with a definite ‘tingle’. It is surprisingly milder with milk added, but the underlying strong bitter character shines through. I enjoyed it, but due to its intensity perhaps one for the aficionados or the caffeine deprived!
These are all good coffees, and a good range of flavours depending on your taste or current need for re-caffeination! I would recommend them all – enjoy!
A couple of months ago I had the opportunity to try a cup of coffee from the Nescafe Dolce Gusto machine and system during an in-store demonstration at Harvey Norman. This system offers 16 different types of hot beverages and also provides the milk in a separate capsule. The cappuccino tasted nice (if a bit bland for my taste) and was served hot. This is probably a reasonable choice if you like to be able to serve a variety of different types of coffee (hot chocolate, teas) and not have to worry about frothing your own milk.
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