Review: Nespresso Goroka Espresso Capsules

Nespresso always puts out some interesting blends and special limited editions throughout the year to shake things up and make life a little interesting. I am usually game for trying them and enjoying them as they change up the normal routine around the Single Serve Espresso kitchen... if there is really a routine as we are constantly roving and trying espresso makers, coffee, pods and capsules. But you get the point.

Goroka is the 2008 Grand Cru Limited Edition capsules that are a celebration of Papua New Guinea and their highland coffees. The coffee is an all arabica blend that comes through with classic arabica behaviors and flavors. From Nespresso: "Once picked the red cherries are immediately pulped to remove the bean as quickly as possible to prevent uncontrolled fermentation. The beans are fermented for three days with daily rinsing followed by a day of total immersion on fresh water to bring out their unique taste. After surface drying in the sun, they are mechanically dried to ensure an even finish. They are carefully hulled 21 days later. The result is a superior coffee and a livelihood for hundreds of coffee growers in the Papua New Guinea Highlands."

I brewed up my Goroka in my Nespresso Essenza C100 and enjoyed them as a regular shot, then as a shot with a bit of sugar to see how the flavors developed. The Goroka, being an arabica, has a cleaner finish, with less body than the Livanto but keeps with a lingering earthy flavor. The nose is smoky with a bit of pepper and smoky complexity. Overall the body is a medium level, with good balance for an arabica only blend. The strength level is a "6" overall as assessed by Nespresso, and I would tend to agree, as the darker roasted color comes through with a decent amount of acidity to liven up your senses. Overall a good little capsule. I like it enough that I have already burned through my first box!

Available at Nespresso

There are of course some nice accessories, including some limited edition espresso cups that have a nice plum color pattern available for a limited time; perfect for enjoying the Goroka. These are also available at Nespresso.

March 30, 2008

Review: Nespresso Goroka Espresso Capsules