Taylors Rich Italian
Hey everybody, what are you drinking? I'm Roger In Coffee and welcome to Coffee Cup. This week I’d like to spill the beans on an off-the shelf brand ground coffee from Taylors.
The Rich Italian is a good offer from Taylors, and is readily available from supermarkets and local stores. It’s a blend of dark Brazilian and south American beans with an African content to balance it out and fill the flavour.
This is another one of their 100% Arabica coffees, and certified by the Rainforest Alliance. The rainforest alliance is an international non-profit who are working to maintain biodiversity, reduce environmental impact and work toward fairer economics.
The coffee came pre-ground in a package that will last several days, depending on how much you drink, and was fresh enough that it should last that time without going overly stale. You could probably extend its lifespan by a couple of days by taking care with a well sealed container too. You’ll notice the flavour start to drop off after a week if there is any left, so it’ll be up to you if you want to continue drinking or grab something fresh.
The opening Aroma is quite sweet, loads of mid tones and a lighter presence. It doesn't wholly fill the spectrum but it isn't overly earthy and is not stale. The grind is fairly even, and small grain size doesn't vary too much.
The first cup is Espresso, prepared as a two-shot in an Aeropress. Espresso suits this coffee really well. Its dark notes aren't overpowering and the smooth cacao of its Brazilian heritage gives way to a buttery mouth feel. The finish doesn't stay beyond its welcome but lingers for a moment, staying quite dark before fading away.
The first cup is Espresso, prepared as a two-shot in an Aeropress. Espresso suits this coffee really well. Its dark notes aren't overpowering and the smooth cacao of its Brazilian heritage gives way to a buttery mouth feel. The finish doesn't stay beyond its welcome but lingers for a moment, staying quite dark before fading away.
At two-shot American the drink is a little light, so I’d recommend you keep this fairly strong and you’ll get a great hit from it. Again the dark chocolate notes are present but not as dominant here.
The opening kiss as it hits the tongue is still smooth but its buttery mouth-feel is replaced by a fresher and lighter sensation that carries through until the after-taste. Although the African nectar flavours are subtle, they are present and the extra water helps bring them to life.
I did manage to waste a cup with water that was too hot, and I found it easy to over extract which quickly produced a very pale crema and was more tart on the tongue which counteracted the buttery feel and I’d say this is a blend you want to be gentle with to get its rewards.
With its smooth buttery feel, this doesn't ask for much sweetening, and goes well with hazelnut. Don’t be afraid to break out the biscuits, but avoid anything that will overpower the palate and compete with the coffee. Think lotus, or vanilla wafers, or fresh cookies for a mid morning treat.
I found the Rich Italian wasn't quite as rich as something like a Viennese and being 100% arabica wasn't as Italian as a lot of coffees that are cut with robusta so I’d say this qualifies as an Italian inspired rather than Italian style coffee. Nonetheless the strong espresso worked and I could well imagine sipping it in the plaza.
Taylors Italian blend comes out recommended, and should have broad appeal.
If you've enjoyed Taylors or have a bean or blend recommendation, please leave a comment and tell me about it. Don’t forget to like, favourite, share and subscribe to be kept up to date with future news and reviews.
In the 21st century we are drinking well over two billion cups of coffee a day. I'm doing my part, are you?
The Rainforest Alliance
Taylors Group Yorkshire Rainforest project
Taylors Coffee
taylorscoffee.co.uk/blends/rich-italian/
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