Organization: Intelligentsia Coffee, Chicago, Illinois
Coffee: Black Cat Espresso
Reviewed: August 2007
Overall Rating: 88 points
Roast (Agtron): Medium-Dark (41/47)
Estimated Price:
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Origin: Central America; South America.

Notes: Intelligentsia is a leading Chicago-area roaster with a contemporary attitude, excellent coffee, and a commitment to quality epitomized by the practice of printing roast dates on coffee packaging. Black Cat is its signature espresso blend. Visit www.intelligentsiacoffee.com or call 888-945-9786 for more information.

Blind Assessment: Rich, roundly pungent aroma: caramel, orange, hints of flowers and chocolate. Medium bodied, a touch rough in mouthfeel. The richly pungent, cedary character carries into the cup with continued orange, raisin and semi-sweet chocolate notes. The finish is rather astringent but rich, with good flavor persistence. The pungent character softens in milk with the orangy chocolate sweetening nicely.

Who should drink it: A versatile espresso for American taste; probably shows best in a short cappuccino.

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