Starbucks for the Verismo espresso system
Verismo Espresso Guatemala Antigua Pod
Location: Seattle, Washington
Origin: Antigua growing region, central Guatemala.
Roast: Medium-Dark
Est. Price: $11.95/12 pods
Review Date: July 2013
Agtron: 0/42
Aroma: 7
Body: 7
Flavor: 8
Aftertaste: 7
With Milk: 7
Blind Assessment:
Evaluated as espresso produced in a 30ml/1-ounce shot by a Verismo capsule espresso brewer with whole milk heated separately using a conventional steam wand, not with milk from the Verismo milk capsule. Pungent, roundly bright. Fir, butter, dark chocolate in aroma and small cup. Smooth but slightly lean mouthfeel; crisp, sweet, slightly drying finish. In three parts whole milk displays a muted but sweet fir-toned chocolate.
Notes:
The Antigua Valley produces some of Central America’s most traditional and classic coffees. This single-origin espresso was produced by Starbucks for its Verismo capsule espresso system. It is the lightest roasted and brightest of the two espresso capsule selections offered for the Verismo system in July 2013. Visit
Who Should Drink It: A decent straight-shot or short-milk espresso in the gently bright style currently fashionable in some circles. The main fault was a woody suggestion that we charitably read as aromatic fir but that could just as well be read as a sign of staling.
This review originally appeared in the July, 2013 tasting report: Three New Capsule Espresso Systems
