Robusta Poll

[phil]

Mmmm. the only thing is Sunny, since I'm firmly in the "post-blend" camp I'd either have to invent a pre-blend just for the purpose of trying the Robusta, or alternatively roast a whole 250g and drink espresso instead of water!

[Sunnyfield]

The Robusta I mentioned (Indian Washed) roasts quite quickly. If you roast it slightly too dark, it does not gain or lose in taste much. And besides it will only be 10% of your blend. You have to become a part-time pre-blender, I am afraid!

[quink]

Ok, I originally voted, tried a couple of times but no thanks. However since then I've had the opertunity to try some of the hasbean espresso roast with robusta, and have to say that I have been convinced otherwise. The only other bean I could get hold of to test it against was Illy because the wife liked the can, and it got blown away. So now I feel my self erring toward everything in moderation, apart from the coffee which may not be aroound that long

[phil]

Yes well I should darn well hope that Hasbean's espresso would blow illy away. Anything from a good microroaster should do that, and we all know that Hasbean is good!

[quink]

Can't really say I was surprised by the result. Had to nip home on my lunch break (just got back, i'm busy ) and found my self running of 4 shots, just couldnt stop myself. Drove like a bat out of hell on the way back as ten yards down the road I got a desperate urge for the loo. Oh well should be awake for the afternoon now.

[Steve]

lol pleased it had the desired effect (the 4 cups not the peeing)

[mattmills]

It is worth noting that there has been a great deal of effort put into the processing of Robusta now, to the extent that there are robustas that are not only the same price as a standard arabica coffee but can be more expensive. As well as tasting a darn sight better than poorly processed arabicas.

Sunnyfield is spot on, a decent Washed robusta can be a brilliant filler coffee for an espresso, giving added body and a bit of extra bite. With some of the washed robustas, they also posess either a balenced chocolaty taste or a smooth vanilla taste which can also give a blend and added balence.