September 12, 2006

ESE Review: Izzo Caffe and Vivi Cafe Espresso Pods

Two From Izzo – I wanted to post a quick little micro-review of a couple of Italian ESE Espresso Pods that I got in and enjoyed for a few days. The first is Izzo Caffe Espresso, the second Vivi Caffe from Izzo. Izzo Caffè was founded near Vesuvius in 1979 by Mr. Vincenzo Izzo as an artisan-based coffee roastery, which has been striving with passion to produce real Neapolitan espresso for over 25 years. Today this growing company is selling Espresso across Italy and around the world.

These ESE Espresso pods are made to be used in popular makers like the Breville Café Roma, the Krups XP4050and the Hamilton Beach 40729 espresso machines; all have the ability to use ESE Espresso pods.

Caffe Izzo has a smoky aroma, and a mild smooth flavor with medium acidity. The clean flavor does not strike you as too darkly roasted, and a bit on the sweet side. The crèma is good and sweet.

Vivi Caffe has a darker roasted flavor with medium acidity that is well balanced with a peppery flavor that comes across as clean and not too bitter an aftertaste. The cup is definitely on the strong side but not so strong that it seems out of balance and knocks you back on your heels.

Both are available at PodMerchant