Okay, this is gonna be controversial. As some of you know, I worked as part time barista for a few years, for a Café that uses a 60%Robusta-Blend as the main ingredient for the espresso-based beverages, while at the same time was for a few years the source of nearly every german barista champion (yes, if you cared for it, the training was really good).
My opinion on this blend, called Espresso Originale, was always a bit torn. One time there were some issues with the quality that made it undrinkable, but that's sorted and the blend is actually pretty good. Last week, I bought a bag out of curiosity how I'd react to that old well-known blend again. And well, I must say I'm mighty impressed. That coffee is good(tm). It's a killer, yes, and more than two doubles a day are considered a health risk by me at the moment, but the blend is seriously good.
I'm currently pulling 17.5g, 38seconds incl. 10 seconds preinfusion, resulting in 40g liquid shots. I'd describe the taste as full-bodied (guess what), dark, spiced, deeply satisfying (both my need for caffeine as well as for enjoying the espresso). No sign of burnt rubber or any of the real off-taste that happen to be in so many robustas. The Aroma is very marzipany, a slightly nutty taste, the aftertaste is long and liquoricy (no beany, this blend is not for you I'm afraid ).
Ok, this is not subtle, but heck it's 60% robusta and not supposed to be subtle. But it's good, and I suspect they recently changed the roast (it looks lighter than what I'm used to, but still oils showing) and somehow I believe the beans are of better quality than when I worked there (last time I talked to Mr. Schwarz he told me of a quality-robusta project he's doing with his roaster and a farm, so that could be true).
Well, all I wanted to say was probably that I'm surprised to see my tastebuds challenged by this very coffee I worked with for so long. If you're keen to try a good robusta-laden blend, try this one (but make sure to get a fresh bag. The best-before date is one year in the future and they still don't do roasted-on dates on the bags).