#populacecoffee

22g dose : 37g yield : 27 second extraction

This coffee was a fighter. After tweaking and determining that a slightly higher dose was needed (grind was quite fine, yet still pulled quickly- sub 25 seconds- and resulted in a thin, hot espresso), this coffee provided a very pleasant experience. 12 days post-roast, this coffee has plenty of bite remaining to show well for another week.

The PNG ingredient (50%) is noticeable in a distinctive tangy quality, almost like the wild berry jam you find at that farmer's market most Saturday mornings. The Ethiopia portion (50%) adds a clear acidity that provides the high frequency many look for in espressos- particularly good for use in alternative milks with lower fat content, like coconut or almond (in my experience). While the acidity adds sharpness, it also seems to wipe away much of the aftertaste causing the espresso's flavor to fade pretty quickly. This effect causes me to finish mine in a blink,  which is not bad in itself- more sad than anything. Over all, another good showing, tasty espresso from Populace. 

Aroma: 7/10 sweet, but basic

Body: 8/10 grows more full as the cup cools

Flavor: 7/10 bright, tangy, floral

Acidity: 10/10 sharp, crisp, pointed

Sweetness: 8/10 berry, floral, honeyed

Finish: 7/10 fast, but pleasant

Total Score: 87/100

Populace Coffee​: Espresso Proper

Brewing Statistics: 20g dry dose : 37g yield : 26 second extraction

At first, Espresso Proper behaves ecstatically. It is the guy at the party that is dancing on tables, doing anything he can to get you to give him attention. Secretly, though, this guy is shy. He also has a deep deposit of heavy thoughts and emotions hidden just below the surface to share. It just takes him a while to open up to you and express himself. 

A couple of days after roast, this coffee was a laser beam of intensity- lemon, lime, grapefruit, hints of cherry. A week after roast, the lemon and lime dissipated dramatically and the grapefruit and cherry battled for flavor dominance.

Today, 11 days post-roast, the espresso is smooth- still intensely bright at first sip, but clearly maturing into a full-bodied and coating sweetness. Black cherry, plum, and grapefruit wrestle around on the palate while baker's cocoa watches from a few feet away. This will almost certainly be an enjoyable espresso next week as well.

Aroma: 9/10 sweet, intriguing, complex

Body: 7/10 full at first, thinning after

Flavor: 7/10 zesty, aggressive, brilliant

Acidity: 9/10 crisp, tangy, lively

Sweetness: 7/10 fruity, berry, citrus, ripe

Finish: 8/10 balanced, lasting, pleasant 

Total Score: 87/100