I just have to say wow. Now that I do understand my machine a little and am able to pull nice shots, this is my first real CoE Espresso experience. And it's just ... wow. Not too easy to pull, 5 days old, had one shot, and it's a real good coffee. It's not quite easy on the tongue, nothing for people that love smooth balanced espresso, but has character. Plenty! Very nice body and a lovely mouthfeel.
It took me a while to figure out what this aftertaste was, and reading Steve's cupping notes yes, it's walnut lingering there and growing quite a while after finishing the shot. Glad that I still got most of the bag left, thank you Steve!
Now I need to find somebody to bestow me another 12 month gift pack for christmas