Espresso Analysis by Alisha Rajan
As the seasons turn and the briskness of autumn begins to color our day to day here in the Bay, I find myself longing ever so much for the comfort of fall fruits, simmering spices, and mulled wine. Fortunately for us at the Crown, our latest Crown Jewel offerings have been more than sufficient in satisfying these cravings. A ravishing ruby in an array of Crown Jewels, this washed organic Gedeo coffee from respected veteran producer Zelelu Ararso encompasses the simultaneous luminosity and coziness of autumn. A medley of honeycrisp apple, zesty lemon, and bright cranberry dance atop the smoothest and most buttery of bases. An undeniable florality permeates the tasting arch, an unforgettable experience.
Before working on the espresso analysis, I was informed of the team’s universal appreciation of this standout coffee. For some, it was one of the best washed Ethiopias they had ever tasted. With brimming optimism and curiosity, I set to work dialing this in. I began with a standard recipe of an 18.0g dose and 36.2g yield extracted in 30 seconds. The body was light, with bright orange and cranberry presenting as the most prominent flavors. I progressed with a series of shots dosed at 18.5g extracted in roughly 30 seconds. Although the zestiness came through strongly, I was desiring some more delicate florals and a cleaner finish. The action plan at this juncture was to increase the dose and coarsen the grind for a quicker extraction.
The aforementioned strategy worked in my favor. The best shots came in at 19.0g (38.8g yield in 24 seconds) and 19.5g (41.8g yield in 24 seconds), respectively. Cranberry and grapefruit peak through the dominant zesty yuzu notes, all resting gently upon the creamiest buttery base. Intervowen through these flavors are delicate florals like orange blossom and rose. I recommend a high dose and coarser grind for a quicker extraction time for a brightness that is prominent but not punctuating, and a clean finish. Complex yet neverendingly smooth, this organic Mekonisa Zelelu Ararso washed coffee glimmers like gold and will be a most welcome addition to our menu this fall.
