olypdd Senior Member Joined: 3 Jan 2003 Posts: 54 Location: Puyallup, Wa. Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Quick Mill Vetrano, Elektra... Grinder: Mazzer Mini, Innova... Drip: Only when I'm desperate and... Roaster: Espresso Vivace from Seattle
Posted Mon Oct 30, 2006, 9:19pm Subject: Re: Black Pearl espresso from ChrisCoffee
As one who loves to try other coffees for espresso production, I find myself remaining ever faithful to Espresso Vivace's Vita blend. While other coffees I have tried are often good in some manner or another, they haven't impressed me across the board like Vivace has. That is, until recently. Without "geeking out" about it, I will say that I was deeply impressed with Chris Coffee's sampling of "Black Pearl". It exhibited different characteristics from Vivace's coffees, most certainly, but at the same time was equally enjoyable. Chocolate, caramel flavors were in evidence, and the crema was very smooth and thicker than expected. This was the first "other" coffee I tried that impressed me in this way. I was struck by this. This was the "other" experience I had been hoping to enjoy. It's fun to try other blends, and even more fun if they are a hit.
One of the things that I noticed right away was that there was no robusta blended into the Black Pearl. I have always enjoyed robusta's contribution, if done well, to the end product in my cup. So I wondered what I would think, and quite frankly, I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did. All I can say to Chris and the gang is...great job. Whenever I find myself wanting for a change of pace, I know that Black Pearl is a winner.
I appreciate how Jim and the rest have evaluated this coffee, and I will now take their findings into consideration.
I have purchased a three espresso machines from Chris Coffee and have found their customer service the standard to be measured by. What a pleasure to now buy coffee from them as well.
Mike_from_Nola Senior Member Joined: 3 Nov 2006 Posts: 2 Location: Albany Expertise: Just starting
Posted Fri Nov 3, 2006, 9:19am Subject: Re: Black Pearl espresso from ChrisCoffee
I recently purchased a pound of the Black Pearl. I was previously using Vita Dolce, which I really really like. I am a newbie in the espresso department and have very beginner equipment, but I cannot pull a good shot with the BP. I have a Solis Maestro Plus grinder and Saeco Classico Espresso machine. The Saeco pressurized portafilter has been modified (ie the pressurized part ripped out) so I am unpressurized which gives me more control.
With the Vita Dolce I would have the grinder set on the espresso line, and it would pull a pretty good double shot. Pulled in about 21 seconds, which is a bit fast but it tasted good. With the BP, if I have it set on the espresso line, with light tamp, it totally chokes my machine. Two to the left of espresson line (coarser), with light tamp still chokes. If go 2 more with light tamp I have a 10 second shot (water). I've tried about 20 shots and can't get a good one. A few of the shots that were drinkable with milk (but just barely), tasted thin so I am guessing that they were pretty watered down. Any advice?
IMAWriter Senior Member Joined: 4 Jul 2002 Posts: 5,464 Location: Brentwood, TN Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Nothing at the moment Grinder: Vario-W,Preciso-Esatto/KyM... Vac Pot: Adcraft SS, Yama 8 cup Drip: Brazen.Chemex, Hario, Clever... Roaster: Behmor 1600, CO/UFO combo
Posted Fri Nov 3, 2006, 11:00am Subject: Re: Black Pearl espresso from ChrisCoffee
Mike_from_Nola Said:
I recently purchased a pound of the Black Pearl. I was previously using Vita Dolce, which I really really like. I am a newbie in the espresso department and have very beginner equipment, but I cannot pull a good shot with the BP. I have a Solis Maestro Plus grinder and Saeco Classico Espresso machine. The Saeco pressurized portafilter has been modified (ie the pressurized part ripped out) so I am unpressurized which gives me more control.
With the Vita Dolce I would have the grinder set on the espresso line, and it would pull a pretty good double shot. Pulled in about 21 seconds, which is a bit fast but it tasted good. With the BP, if I have it set on the espresso line, with light tamp, it totally chokes my machine. Two to the left of espresson line (coarser), with light tamp still chokes. If go 2 more with light tamp I have a 10 second shot (water). I've tried about 20 shots and can't get a good one. A few of the shots that were drinkable with milk (but just barely), tasted thin so I am guessing that they were pretty watered down. Any advice?
Hi...I also noticed i had to "coarsen up" my grind a bit...BP seems to require a less fine grind than Metropolis Redline, Ambrosia, etc.... Truth is, no matter what espresso machine you have, a Maestro is not up to the task of consistent espresso grinding....The CG Mantra is "Grinder first, machine next"...check out the $300 and under category, such as Rocky, Tranquillo, QuickMill doserless and others.... Trust me, even your Saeco will produce fine consistent shots (depending on your technique, of course) using a dedicated espresso grinder....also...do you have a good stainless steel tamper? There is a non pressurized PF and basket you can purchase directly from saeco...Might work better than your mod Good luck...welcome to CG!
Mike_from_Nola Senior Member Joined: 3 Nov 2006 Posts: 2 Location: Albany Expertise: Just starting
Posted Fri Nov 3, 2006, 11:23am Subject: Re: Black Pearl espresso from ChrisCoffee
Yes I have a stainless tamper. I am definitely upgrading by Christmas. I've had the good fortune of being in the area where Chris' Coffee is located so I can play with all the machines before I buy. Am leaning towards the Quick Mill Anita and the MACAP grinder. I know the Solis is not the answer but it will have to do for now at least.
I will try again a bit coarser to see if I can get some improvement.
Posted Sun Aug 5, 2007, 6:39pm Subject: Re: Black Pearl espresso from ChrisCoffee
I had the pleasure of trying this blend this week. I'll admit as this post comes much later then the ones above the flavor sounds like what I experienced. A nice dark bean.
To me it was sharp (in a good way). I also really liked the dark fruit and bitter semi-sweet chocolate notes. If you want those dark flavors you'd like this blend. It made darn fine milk drinks and I'll admit straight it was powerful yet enjoyable.
HandK Senior Member Joined: 6 Apr 2008 Posts: 4 Location: Grayson Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Quick Mill Anita Grinder: Quick Mill
Posted Tue Jan 20, 2009, 8:12am Subject: Re: Black Pearl espresso from ChrisCoffee
Although I am no connoisseur of the finer espresso blends when I purchased my Anita and grinder a year and a half or so ago I started my search for what I liked.... Of course, this was after I learned to pull what I thought were pretty good shots. I ordered a pound of approx 9 or 10 different popular espresso blends (over time) and although I enjoyed many blends I still was looking for something that suited my personal taste. When received a pound of BP I found it. While I was getting ready to order another 5 pound bag, I noticed this link and thought I would add my 2 cents.
I have a hard time discriminating the various nuances of coffee taste but the flavor and consistency of Black Pearl hit it right on the head for me. IMO, this is a great blend that has stayed that way from order to order over the last year. Good color, crema and great espresso taste. Twice a day at 0600 I have had nothing but a great experience.
CMCM Senior Member Joined: 27 Jul 2005 Posts: 226 Location: California Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Rancilio Silvia Grinder: Baratza Vario (retired the...
Posted Thu Nov 5, 2009, 11:00am Subject: Re: Black Pearl espresso from ChrisCoffee
I won't pretend to describe the BP like some of you have, but I just ordered a pound as a change of pace to taste it but also to use it in setting the right grind on my new Vario. I've been drinking Vivace's Dolce and Vita (can't decide which one I like best!!) for several years, and I found the BP to be pleasantly similar, yet different. Very nice flavors...I can see the cocoa references, not so much the fruit or wine. But I don't do well describing wine, either! The BP is wonderful from the first sip to the last, and it has a wonderful finish. I really really like it and plan to get more (unfortunately, I wasted over half of it trying to get the right grind for my Silvia. Vivace now has a competetor for my business. Only thing that bugged me.....no reference at all on the package as to roast date.
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