Thanks to Phil for the Malabar Gold, roasted Sunday in his HotTop. I resisted the temptation of drinking it early (it was difficult). I let it rest until this morning (Thursday 11th).
I have heard about Malabar Gold for a while and the expectation was similar to the time I first drank Blue Mountain. Like Blue mountain I think my expectations were a little to high. It took me a few cups to appreciate how good Blue Mountain is and I think the same is happening now. My first impressions were how quick it comes through. My Grinder is finely set up to give me a perfect 25 second ristreto, this was a full double espresso by 20 seconds. So begrudgingly I changed the setting to sort this out.
Looking at the cup fantastic crema' which I expected to be honest. Every one says how good this is. First sip I was expecting a little more subtlety. Phil kindly did this to a light to medium roast (he knows me so well in such a short time ). The first taste was a little woody, bordering on harsh. It quickly calmed down into a smoother more pleasing chocolate taste.
Second Cup:
Again good crema' and looks lively. Doesn’t smell very espresso'y but I've drank nothing but my own blend for 2 ys or more now so I’ve got preconceptions. The second cup was much much better. The harsh woody taste was there but not as violent. Smooth chocolaty taste there again but this time a syrupy/ honey taste that was very pleasing.
Thanks phil and ill give further impressions a few cupps later
yours starting to buzz on too much coffee
Steve