Coffee taste test

Kilimanjaro
CaféDirect

£3.19 (227g)
This takes a few attempts to get right, partly because no matter how strong the brew, there is the same insipid taste. Most of the panel remained unconvinced about this African number. Even when the quantities were doubled up, this failed to pack any sort of punch, and tasted "watery" and "bland". For more than one panel member, this was almost an imitation of what real coffee should taste like.  On the upside, one panellist complimented the balance, but marked it down for a slight "chalkiness".
**

Machu Picchu
cafédirect

£3.19 (227g)
A really strong start. "This is definitely morning coffee," according to one panellist.  This organic, Fairtrade coffee provides a powerful, dark aroma, which complements a thick, nutty taste. Panel members spotted "hints of caramel," although one also described it as being "slightly muddy". 

This is also a coffee that gets better the stronger you brew it. Our panel loved the thick, oily texture, "a really satisfying, strong coffee hit," with
no acidity.
****

Galapagas organic
The bean shop

£9.00 (250g)
This certainly looks the part, offering a full and brassy crema. It also gave off an excellent aroma, with plenty of "burnt wood and honeyed, dark chocolate". On the palate, this coffee initially delivers a strong sour flavour, but this is quickly replaced by a more even, rounded and balanced hit. "A nice balance of power and subtle flavours," commented one panellist. There is also a long, pleasant after-taste that sits on the tongue for a while after the cup is drained. Almost no acidity, but a "reassuring" bitterness.
*****

 

Jamaica Blue Mountain
The bean shop

£20.00 (250g)
Another good looking coffee. The crema here sits on top of a beautifully rich, dark coloured liquid. On the nose, this is "velvety and warm and smells of freshly dug earth." Although decent enough, it doesn't deliver quite as big a punch as the Galapagos—it's quite a lacklustre finish. "A bit of a soft landing, but good subtle structure." A decent coffee for an afternoon drink.
***

Sumatra takengon
Roast and post

£18.99 (500g)
This distinctive coffee delivers an unusual "cut grass" aroma before brewing. Once in the cup, panellists detected a "great, herby smell".  Taste wise, the word "unusual" comes up more than once, but the balance is good. There are subtle, fruity notes hidden under a more dominant chocolate layer, but some found these a little hard to pin down. A bit of a slow burner, but certainly original.
****

Kona Hawaii
roast and post

£38.49 (500g)
On the nose, this delivers a yeasty, vanilla hit-likened by one panel member to sticking your nose into a pint of Guinness. It looks pretty appetizing, too. A deep oil black colour contrasts with an orangey crema. The Kona has a distinctive soft, fruity flavour with floral undertones. You can taste the vanilla—there's a smokey, almost oaky finish. It was "pleasant, rounded and satisfying."
****