Nespresso Brings Back KAZAAR and DHARKAN as part of the Permanent Grand Crus!

Originally launched as a Limited Edition in 2010, Kazaar, the most intense Nespresso blend yet, is back and is here to stay! Responding to Club Members' requests, Nespresso is introducing Kazaar for the third time, this time permanently, making it the only Limited Edition Grand Cru to be released more than once.

 

Kazaar

Kazaar is authentic and powerful with a raw intensity of 12 – the strongest in the Nespresso Grand Cru collection. Its powerful bitterness and notes of pepper, nutmeg and cloves are balanced by a full and creamy texture. The intense coffee is a daring blend of two Robustas and a separately roasted Arabica from South America. Its unusual origins and blending method, together with its strength create a one-of-a-kind taste experience.

Dharkan

Dharkan is exceptionally intense, yet distinctively silky.  This Grand Cru is a complex blend with hints of bitter cocoa powder and toasted cereals, comprised of washed Arabicas from Latin America and Asia.  Dharkan was created using a technique of long roasting at low temperatures unveiling the powerful, seductive and velvety character of the blend.  Its silky and smooth texture creates a subtle balance of bitterness that lingers on the taste buds.  Dharkan also breaks the existing Nespresso scale with an intensity of 11.

With the new addition of Kazaar and Dharkan, the Nespresso Grand Cru permanent collection has expanded to include six new coffee offerings over the past year – Kazaar, Dharkan, Linizio Lungo, Vanilio, Ciocattino and Caramelito. The permanent range of Nespresso Grands Crus now includes 21 coffees.

Source: www.nespresso.com

Enjoy!

Nespresso Brings Back KAZAAR and DHARKAN as part of the Permanent Grand Crus!

Originally launched as a Limited Edition in 2010, Kazaar, the most intense Nespresso blend yet, is back and is here to stay! Responding to Club Members' requests, Nespresso is introducing Kazaar for the third time, this time permanently, making it the only Limited Edition Grand Cru to be released more than once.

 

Kazaar

Kazaar is authentic and powerful with a raw intensity of 12 – the strongest in the Nespresso Grand Cru collection. Its powerful bitterness and notes of pepper, nutmeg and cloves are balanced by a full and creamy texture. The intense coffee is a daring blend of two Robustas and a separately roasted Arabica from South America. Its unusual origins and blending method, together with its strength create a one-of-a-kind taste experience.

Dharkan

Dharkan is exceptionally intense, yet distinctively silky.  This Grand Cru is a complex blend with hints of bitter cocoa powder and toasted cereals, comprised of washed Arabicas from Latin America and Asia.  Dharkan was created using a technique of long roasting at low temperatures unveiling the powerful, seductive and velvety character of the blend.  Its silky and smooth texture creates a subtle balance of bitterness that lingers on the taste buds.  Dharkan also breaks the existing Nespresso scale with an intensity of 11.

With the new addition of Kazaar and Dharkan, the Nespresso Grand Cru permanent collection has expanded to include six new coffee offerings over the past year – Kazaar, Dharkan, Linizio Lungo, Vanilio, Ciocattino and Caramelito. The permanent range of Nespresso Grands Crus now includes 21 coffees.

Source: www.nespresso.com

Enjoy!

Nespresso Trieste and Napoli Limited Edition 2013

 

Another wonderful Nespresso Limited Edition release I got to taste today. The Limited Edition 2013 is an inspiration drawn from Italy's diverse coffee culture. The showcased is highlighted by the two coffee-centric and cultural cities of Trieste and Naples.

Trieste

With an intensity level 9, this delicate blend of Arabica beans from South America and East Africa offers a round texture, with fragrant chocolate and fresh hazelnut notes. A refreshingly fruity touch brings out an exceptional subtlety in this coffee which reveals its full intensity when  enjoyed in the Italian style - as a Ristretto (25ml shot).

Napoli

With an intensity rating of 11, Napoli is bold and assertive thanks to its syrupy body. Best savored as a Ristretto (25ml shot), this blend of Arabica from South America, Africa and Asia with hints of Robusta releases fine smoky notes. Its aromatic woodiness is lightly scented with nuance of dry black tea leaf.

The Art of Degustation

The Crem - Napoli has a darker crema than Trieste. This difference is due primarily to the fact that Napoli is roasted longer, but also due to the composition of the two coffees. Napoli Limited Edition is a blend of Robusta and very spicy Arabica beans, while Trieste Limited Edition is 100% Arabica.

The Aroma - The Napoli coffee releases the woody and smoky aromas typical of the beans subjected to a long roasting process. Trieste coffee, on the other hand, features an extremely rich aroma, with notes of chocolate and fresh hazelnut derived from Brazilian coffee beans and delicate beans from East Africa.

The Taste - In it after notes, Napoli is immediately recognized as a coffee with a strong personality. Trieste, on the other hand is more subtle and rounded. Napoli is slightly bitter but not acidic and offer a long finish. By contrast, the fruity hints added by the Colombian beans bring out an exceptional subtlety in Trieste.

The body - The Napoli coffee has a more syrupy body because of its long rioasting time and the origin of the bean. Trieste on the other hand, is a silkier coffee.

For more info visit Nespresso.com

Get your LE today and let me know what you think.


Enjoy.

Nespresso Trieste and Napoli Limited Edition 2013

 

Another wonderful Nespresso Limited Edition release I got to taste today. The Limited Edition 2013 is an inspiration drawn from Italy's diverse coffee culture. The showcased is highlighted by the two coffee-centric and cultural cities of Trieste and Naples.

Trieste

With an intensity level 9, this delicate blend of Arabica beans from South America and East Africa offers a round texture, with fragrant chocolate and fresh hazelnut notes. A refreshingly fruity touch brings out an exceptional subtlety in this coffee which reveals its full intensity when  enjoyed in the Italian style - as a Ristretto (25ml shot).

Napoli

With an intensity rating of 11, Napoli is bold and assertive thanks to its syrupy body. Best savored as a Ristretto (25ml shot), this blend of Arabica from South America, Africa and Asia with hints of Robusta releases fine smoky notes. Its aromatic woodiness is lightly scented with nuance of dry black tea leaf.

The Art of Degustation

The Crem - Napoli has a darker crema than Trieste. This difference is due primarily to the fact that Napoli is roasted longer, but also due to the composition of the two coffees. Napoli Limited Edition is a blend of Robusta and very spicy Arabica beans, while Trieste Limited Edition is 100% Arabica.

The Aroma - The Napoli coffee releases the woody and smoky aromas typical of the beans subjected to a long roasting process. Trieste coffee, on the other hand, features an extremely rich aroma, with notes of chocolate and fresh hazelnut derived from Brazilian coffee beans and delicate beans from East Africa.

The Taste - In it after notes, Napoli is immediately recognized as a coffee with a strong personality. Trieste, on the other hand is more subtle and rounded. Napoli is slightly bitter but not acidic and offer a long finish. By contrast, the fruity hints added by the Colombian beans bring out an exceptional subtlety in Trieste.

The body - The Napoli coffee has a more syrupy body because of its long rioasting time and the origin of the bean. Trieste on the other hand, is a silkier coffee.

For more info visit Nespresso.com

Get your LE today and let me know what you think.


Enjoy.

Nespresso Variations 2012 - "New Flavors Open Up to You!"

Nespresso has released three new flavors for this years variation; The Coconut, Hazelnut & the Macadamia Nut. 

THE BLEND:

These new variations are combined with the Livanto Grand Cru to reveal the delicious notes of the three different nuts. With Intensity level 6, the Livanto offers a subtle fruity and malty profile that comes for a medium roast of Central & South American Arabicas.

THE VARIATIONS:

Coconut

"A perfect harmoney between the coconut notes and the Livanto Grand Cru creates a gourmand expereince reminiscent of coconut macaroons." This variation is particularly best served as Lattes as milk really goes well this is blend.

Hazelnut

"The combination of the slughtly roasted hazelnut notes with the Livanto Grand Cru reveals a praline flavors, giving it a fine balance in the mouth" This variation would go very well when served as Mocha as Chocolate and Hazelnut really go hand in hand.

Macadamia Nut

"This rich savors of the Macadamia nut combined with the roundness of the Livanto Grand Cru, develop a surprising freshness, revealing citrus notes." This variation is recommended to be served as Cappuccino as the smooth milk froth highlights the rich notes of the macadamia nut.

Visit Nespresso website for more information on the VARIATIONS 2012 & make sure you get yours before they run out! I will be experimenting with them on new recipes  if you have one you would like to share please do email me.

Enjoy!

Nespresso Variations 2012 - "New Flavors Open Up to You!"

Nespresso has released three new flavors for this years variation; The Coconut, Hazelnut & the Macadamia Nut. 

THE BLEND:

These new variations are combined with the Livanto Grand Cru to reveal the delicious notes of the three different nuts. With Intensity level 6, the Livanto offers a subtle fruity and malty profile that comes for a medium roast of Central & South American Arabicas.

THE VARIATIONS:

Coconut

"A perfect harmoney between the coconut notes and the Livanto Grand Cru creates a gourmand expereince reminiscent of coconut macaroons." This variation is particularly best served as Lattes as milk really goes well this is blend.

Hazelnut

"The combination of the slughtly roasted hazelnut notes with the Livanto Grand Cru reveals a praline flavors, giving it a fine balance in the mouth" This variation would go very well when served as Mocha as Chocolate and Hazelnut really go hand in hand.

Macadamia Nut

"This rich savors of the Macadamia nut combined with the roundness of the Livanto Grand Cru, develop a surprising freshness, revealing citrus notes." This variation is recommended to be served as Cappuccino as the smooth milk froth highlights the rich notes of the macadamia nut.

Visit Nespresso website for more information on the VARIATIONS 2012 & make sure you get yours before they run out! I will be experimenting with them on new recipes  if you have one you would like to share please do email me.

Enjoy!

Nespresso Crealto Limited Edition 2012 - "Inspired By High Gastronomy"

Nespresso's Crealto the new 2012 Limited Edition showcases around the globe with its unique blend that was inspired by culinary and gastronomy techniques of low temperature slow roasting to bring a taste of a well rounded, no acidity, high intensity (8) great tasting espresso shot!

Crealto (pronounced Kre-Al-To) has already hit the market in the US and parts of Eurpoe. We hope it reaches us in the Middle East before October and not delay us similar to what happened with the Naora.

Below is Nespresso's official Crealto presentation:

THE COFFEE

Crealto is the first Nespresso Limited Edition inspired by a culinary technique. A unique blend of washed Arabicas from South & Central America and Indonesia, Crealto is roasted slowly at low teperature for intense roasted notes and roundness.

The Story - With Crealto, Nespresso once more demonstrates its never ending quest for new coffee experiences, in this instance inspired by the world of High Gastronomy and the encounter between two experts.

The Encounter - Crealto results from an encounter between one of Nespresso's expert, Alex Rodriguez and awarded Chef Mauro Colagreco who share a love for high-quality and a desire to create.

Click here to see The Encounter Video

The Long Roast - Crealto is inspired by a culinary technique. In Gastronomy, slow roasting is used to extract aromas and obtain mellow results:

1. The Selection of origin: Only a specific selection of the best arabicas made long roasting possible. Crealto's unique blend has been carefully designed with coffee beans that grow in areas with specific soil and weather conditions. This allows the coffee beans to modify their intrinsical composition and absorb more elements, avoiding them from developing over-roasted notes in the process. 

2. The Mastering of Roasting: The long roasting process that requires extreme rigor. By roasting three times longer than average Nespresso roasting time and at lower temperature, the heat is diffused right in the heart of each grain.

3. The Revelation of Flavors: Finally, Long roasting reveals a coffee with roasted noted that are surprisingly round, with no acidity and a nice bitterness, a lingering aftertaste and a full-bodied intensity.

Enjoy!

Nespresso Crealto Limited Edition 2012 - "Inspired By High Gastronomy"

Nespresso's Crealto the new 2012 Limited Edition showcases around the globe with its unique blend that was inspired by culinary and gastronomy techniques of low temperature slow roasting to bring a taste of a well rounded, no acidity, high intensity (8) great tasting espresso shot!

Crealto (pronounced Kre-Al-To) has already hit the market in the US and parts of Eurpoe. We hope it reaches us in the Middle East before October and not delay us similar to what happened with the Naora.

Below is Nespresso's official Crealto presentation:

THE COFFEE

Crealto is the first Nespresso Limited Edition inspired by a culinary technique. A unique blend of washed Arabicas from South & Central America and Indonesia, Crealto is roasted slowly at low teperature for intense roasted notes and roundness.

The Story - With Crealto, Nespresso once more demonstrates its never ending quest for new coffee experiences, in this instance inspired by the world of High Gastronomy and the encounter between two experts.

The Encounter - Crealto results from an encounter between one of Nespresso's expert, Alex Rodriguez and awarded Chef Mauro Colagreco who share a love for high-quality and a desire to create.

Click here to see The Encounter Video

The Long Roast - Crealto is inspired by a culinary technique. In Gastronomy, slow roasting is used to extract aromas and obtain mellow results:

1. The Selection of origin: Only a specific selection of the best arabicas made long roasting possible. Crealto's unique blend has been carefully designed with coffee beans that grow in areas with specific soil and weather conditions. This allows the coffee beans to modify their intrinsical composition and absorb more elements, avoiding them from developing over-roasted notes in the process. 

2. The Mastering of Roasting: The long roasting process that requires extreme rigor. By roasting three times longer than average Nespresso roasting time and at lower temperature, the heat is diffused right in the heart of each grain.

3. The Revelation of Flavors: Finally, Long roasting reveals a coffee with roasted noted that are surprisingly round, with no acidity and a nice bitterness, a lingering aftertaste and a full-bodied intensity.

Enjoy!

Summer Drink Recipes - Espresso Avocado Shake - Creamy nuttiness!

Yup, I dared myself to do it! This summer drink recipe can be enjoyed anytime with a sweet cigar and preferably a Maduro. The smooth creaminess and nutty taste with the kick of caffeine really make this drink special. If you do not like avocados then stay away from this drink!

OK... No rocket science just plain ingredients:

• Half a ripped Avocado (the de-seeded half please)
• 250ml skimmed milk (1Cup)
• 1 tablespoon of pure honey (you can use any type of sweetener/sugar you want)
• Handful of ice cubes
• 40ml of freshly brewed Nespresso Cosi 

As easy as it sounds... just put the Avocado, milk, honey and ice in your blender and blitz it up for a minute or so until you get to a milkshake consistency. The more ice you add the thicker it will get, so its all up to you. 

Once done pour the avocado shake in a serving glass and brew up the Nespresso Cosi then pour it over the avocados drink! With a cocktail stick or straw slowly swirl the mixture around so that you can mix in the espresso to make it look like the surface of planet Jupiter. If you do not know what Jupiter looks like... please google it.

I have used Nespresso Cosi for its light-bodied fruity notes. At intensity level 3 I thought it would balance out the dense flavor of the avocado and gives a little tangier taste. I would also recommend the Arpeggio or Ristretto for higher intensity and richer flavor.

Enjoy!

Summer Drink Recipes - Espresso Avocado Shake - Creamy nuttiness!

Yup, I dared myself to do it! This summer drink recipe can be enjoyed anytime with a sweet cigar and preferably a Maduro. The smooth creaminess and nutty taste with the kick of caffeine really make this drink special. If you do not like avocados then stay away from this drink!

OK... No rocket science just plain ingredients:

• Half a ripped Avocado (the de-seeded half please)
• 250ml skimmed milk (1Cup)
• 1 tablespoon of pure honey (you can use any type of sweetener/sugar you want)
• Handful of ice cubes
• 40ml of freshly brewed Nespresso Cosi 

As easy as it sounds... just put the Avocado, milk, honey and ice in your blender and blitz it up for a minute or so until you get to a milkshake consistency. The more ice you add the thicker it will get, so its all up to you. 

Once done pour the avocado shake in a serving glass and brew up the Nespresso Cosi then pour it over the avocados drink! With a cocktail stick or straw slowly swirl the mixture around so that you can mix in the espresso to make it look like the surface of planet Jupiter. If you do not know what Jupiter looks like... please google it.

I have used Nespresso Cosi for its light-bodied fruity notes. At intensity level 3 I thought it would balance out the dense flavor of the avocado and gives a little tangier taste. I would also recommend the Arpeggio or Ristretto for higher intensity and richer flavor.

Enjoy!

Summer Drink Recipes - Espresso Mojito - A Sure Compliment To Your Cigar!

Welcome the summer with a nice refreshing drink that will surely give a shock to your taste buds! Yes, if you are a coffee person who is daring enough to have your caffeine by the pool, then here is your chance.

If you are like me, you never miss a chance to have an espressos and Mojito being your cocktail of choice, well then it is about time to marry those two together! Yes, an Espresso Mojito! As weird as it may sound, you will be surprised with the outcome. I am in love with it right now and I cannot wait to order one in a bar just to see the look & reaction on a bartenders face!

Lets go through the Ingredients:

• 1 halved Lime
• 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar (or Muscavado)
• Few Mint leaves (keep one stem for decoration)
• 40ml freshly squeezed Lemon Juice
• 40ml Club Soda
• 40ml Nespresso Volluto or Arpeggio
• 30ml Havana Club 3 anos (optional)
• plenty of crushed Ice

In a tall glass, muddle together with a wooden spoon (I actually used a lemon juicer) the Brown Sugar, Limes and mint leaves.I don't like my Mojito too sweet, that is why I only use one tablespoon. Feel free to alter the recipe to suit your taste. Fill the glass half way with crushed Ice and add the Lemon Juice then shake or stir to chill the mixture.

Pour the mixture in a clean cocktail glass and fill the remainder with more crushed Ice leaving just a few space at the top and add the club soda. Brew the Volluto or Arpeggio in an espresso cup (This is the sexiest part of the cocktail) then slowly and gently start pouring the espresso on top of the crushed ice and watch them marry. Such a beautiful sight!

The reason I choose Nespresso's Volluto or Arpeggio is that they are both fruity in characters but thier intensity are different. If you want a stronger nuttier taste then go with Arpeggio, otherwise the Volluto will offer you a subtle light roast.

My two favorite drink while smoking are now in one! It is refreshing and can go well with most medium to full bodied cigars. Try it out and let me know what you think. I actually enjoyed mine with a COHIBA 1966. Perfect!

P.S. I did not come up with the idea of an espresso mojito, I actually read it a few years back on Nespresso's Website, but the recipe is no longer available so I came up with my own, and it works! I don't steal the credit but Nespresso was the inspiration.

Enjoy!