Espresso Analysis by Alisha Rajan
With open arms and much anticipation, Edith and Ivan’s spectacular offerings once again grace our menu here at the Crown. The washed iteration of this coffee shines like a bright star in the Finca Tasta (or as we call it, Finca Tasty) Trinity. On espresso, I was pleased to discover a smoky savoriness that evolved into a balanced nutty, orange creamsicle delight. Rounded out by aromatic bergamot and herbal notes, this coffee provides a complex and thoroughly satisfying espresso tasting experience.
The winning shot came in at a dose of 18.3g, a yield of 34.7g, extracted in 31 seconds. The smoky saltiness in the forefront yielded to a medley of orange peel, black tea, apricot sweetness, and lemon-lime brightness. I reduced the extraction time from the previous shots and upped the dose. Since this coffee tends toward a lighter body, this ensured that I was getting the creaminess I was after while maintaining the range of fruit flavors coming through.
The next best shot came in at a dose of 18.5g, a 37.2g yield, extracted in 31 seconds. This shot was very similar to the one above but brought out more potent black tea/earl grey notes, as well as more herbal character at the end. Predictably fuller bodied and luscious, this one was delectable.
As an espresso, I would recommend dosing this coffee moderately, around 18.0-18.5 grams to maintain a full bodied extraction that showcases the most balanced sweet/savory/tart flavors. I found this coffee to be delicious at a wide range of extraction times, which is a testament to its quality and versatility. Happy tasting!!
