Nicholas Jordan embarked on an intense tasting journey, sampling 11 different instant coffees within an hour. While he found himself overwhelmed by a whirlwind of emotions and heartbeats, his expert companions from Sydney’s coffee scene were equally perplexed by the diverse flavors encountered.
Expecting the typical bitterness and earthiness associated with supermarket instant coffee made from robusta beans, the panel encountered a surprising range of flavors. Some coffees leaned towards the expected harsh bitterness, while others deviated significantly, offering confusing profiles that barely resembled traditional coffee.
Notably, Nature’s Cuppa Organic Coffee stood out with its unique blend of savory, sweet, and stale aromas, prompting varied reactions among the judges. Despite its unconventional scent, the coffee garnered praise for its mild sweetness and subtle acidity, making it a pleasant and easy-to-drink option.
Alcafé Gold Classic Medium Roast presented a distinctive experience, resembling slightly burnt cornflakes with a toasty note that mellowed with the addition of milk. Despite its affordable price, the coffee managed to deliver a palatable and enjoyable drinking experience, challenging preconceptions about value in the coffee market.
Among the notable contenders was Bushells Classic Gourmet Instant Coffee, which intrigued the judges with its cereal-like aroma and surprisingly pleasant taste, reminiscent of a sweet tea when combined with milk. This departure from traditional coffee flavors highlighted the evolving landscape of instant coffee production.
While some coffees like Moccona Classic Medium Roast failed to impress with their lackluster flavor profiles, others like Nescafé Blend 43 intrigued with their unique wheat-like aromas. Despite mixed reviews, these instant coffees demonstrated the wide range of preferences and perceptions within the tasting panel.
Starbucks Medium Roast Premium Instant Coffee, despite its strong and bitter notes, failed to win over the judges, emphasizing that brand reputation alone cannot compensate for subpar flavor profiles. Lavazza Prontissimo Intenso, on the other hand, left a lasting impression with its aggressively bitter taste, evoking vivid descriptions of alarmingly intense flavors.
Through this rigorous taste test, the panel delved into the complex and evolving world of instant coffee, revealing a spectrum of flavors that challenge conventional expectations. While some brands excelled in delivering unique and enjoyable experiences, others fell short, showcasing the diverse landscape of instant coffee offerings in the Australian market.
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