Review 9: Nespresso 'Leggero Lungo'

Source: Nespresso
Date: 2 May 2014
Country: East Africa/Central America/South America
Beans: Arabica
Preparation: Nespresso machine - Lungo

Nose of grounds: N/A
Colour of brew: Red-brown
Nose of brew: Light, floral, spices.
Early flavours: Cinnamon
Finish: Medium, balanced finish with spices.

Tasting notes:

Review 6.1: Nespresso 'Livanto' - update

Source: Nespresso
Date: 11 April 2014
Country: Central/South America
Beans: Arabica
Preparation: Nespresso machine (espresso)

Nose of grounds: N/A
Colour of brew: Caramel brown
Nose of brew: Caramel and vegetable aroma (maybe asparagus?)
Early flavours: Sharp and a bit sweet
Finish: Strong finish with a balance to it - still a bit sharp.

Tasting notes:
Having had the Livanto in a Lungo shot, i thought I'd do what was recommended and try it in an espresso shot. The main reason was I felt that the original was a bit weak and watery. The result was a much more interesting coffee. The flavours were more intense, with some of the original notes coming out a bit stronger. However, it was still not the strongest - it feels like it's just a more delicately flavoured drink.

Review 6: Nespresso 'Livanto'

Source: Nespresso
Date: 8 April 2014
Country: Central/South America
Beans: Arabica
Preparation: Nespresso machine (lungo)

Nose of grounds: N/A
Nose of brew: Bitter and sharp (though not unpleasant)
Color of brew: dull brown
Early flavours: Rounded, broad based coffee flavours
Finish: Not much there.

Tasting notes:
This is another of the Nespresso offerings that I found while based in a client office. Having been slightly disappointed with the Vivalto Lungo, I wondered whether the Livanto would be any more interesting.

There was a decent broad base to this coffee to start off with but I found that it was a little watery towards the finish. There were some interesting flavours in there, though none of them dominated and indeed it was a little difficult to detect exactly what they were. This may be because according to the Nespresso website, the capsule is designed to be had as a short drink (i.e. espresso/ristretto). It may be that this is the reason why the coffee felt a touch weak to me. Then again, I would argue that to have a type of drink that is so restricted isn't that great either.

On the whole, quite an interesting coffee, but could use a little more depth when served long.

Coffee maker's notes:
"A pure Arabica from South and Central America, Livanto is a well-balanced espresso characterised by roasted caramalised notes."

Review 5: Nespresso 'Vivalto Lungo'

Source: Nespresso
Date: 24 March 2014
Country: South America/East Africa
Beans: Arabica
Preparation: Nespresso machine (Lungo)

Nose of grounds: N/A (capsule)
Nose of brew: Bitter, spicy aroma, with a definite edge
Early flavours: Flowery, almost like rosewater
Finish: Not too strong but with a bit of tang

Tasting notes:

I've always been impressed by the simplicity of the Nespresso machines and the fact that you can get good coffee quickly and (I imagine) without too much mess. I decided to give a test to the different flavours of the Nespresso machine.

The flavours that hit you are sharpness and delicate flavours combined. It's an interesting combination and the coffee feels like it does not have the broad base of strong coffee flavour, instead emphasising the 'higher', interesting flavours. I like these flavours which are all interesting and in a well-balanced combination, though ultimately I find the coffee a little unsatisfying. It's worth noting that I went for the 'Lungo' brew - the larger cup where the machine creates a full cup (as opposed to an espresso with added hot water). If I had made it myself, I'd have probably put a little less hot water to retain strength, but then I doubt it would have that broad coffee base but simply be a little sharper and a little spicier.

On the whole, though, I was impressed!

Coffee maker's notes:

"Vivalto Lungo is a balanced coffee made from a complex blend of separately roasted South American and East African Arabicas, combining roasted and subtle floral notes."