Nespresso Kazaar Limited Edition Espresso Capsule Tasting Notes and Review

The Nespresso Limited Edition Kazaar Capsules were announced a couple of weeks ago, and after a few sleeves of capsules brewed in my machine, I will say that I like them a lot. The Kazaar capsules are pitched as a 12 on a 10 scale for flavor intensity, and they definitely are a different level than the other capsules, with a lot of flavor fullness swirling around. Let's take a look at the background.

The Kazaar coffees reportedly have a majority of their coffee from the Robusta variety, which is usually a filler coffee in regular ground coffee that is looked down upon for its off flavors and its general lower quality. Rubber tire flavors and general astringency plague the lower quality Robustas that find their way to the regular coffee markets.

"Classic" and "Southern Italian" espresso blends often use Robusta coffee to broaden the flavor profile with the effect of lengthening the base coffee note as it lingers. When well done, the espresso can be a very nice cup, balanced while offering a nice finish free of off flavors or harsh transition.

Nespresso sought to change the negatives and accentuate the positives here with Kazaar, starting at the growing stage, and carrying the improvements through the processing, roasting and grinding steps. If you have ever tasted a bad Robausta, it is hard to believe that Nespresso can get such a non-rubbery tasting coffee out of a mainly Robusta blend. Clearly they worked hard at this one.

Nespresso Kazaar Tasting Notes

The Nespresso Kazaar espresso does in fact have an intense flavor that lingers, warranting it's 12 on a 10 scale rating when you compare it to the cleaner Ristretto variety; previously the strongest of the line. the flavors are peppery with some dark fruitiness and a streak of dark roasted bitterness in the finish that lingers with the base coffee flavor.

As a short ristretto and when brewed as an espresso, the flavors are compact and intense. Hot; I like it. Cold; not so much. The bitterness is accentuated in the finish and doesn't offer a sweeter tasting more mild flavor that I've come to like in a cold coffee. The Kazaar certainly stands up to milk and does fine as a latte. While this dilutes the impact of the Kazaar blend, the strong notes are still there.

Review Summary - Nespresso Kazaar

The Nespresso Kazaar is strong, full flavored, and most likely a polarizing capsule. On the one hand a solid offering that delivers a lot of flavor, and remarkably clean finish given the amount of Robusta in the blend. I like it for its dark flavors and the layers of current, and peppery flavors that awaken the mouth. With that said, I like higher quality "Classic" espresso blends for their longer coffee finish. If you do too, you should try the Kazaar.

If you are one who likes only a cleaner Arabica only finish, without a lot of dark roasted swirling flavors and base notes rolling around, the Kazaar might not be for you. For those who like dark roasted espressos, I say wade into it and try it, even if you like only the clean Arabica blends. If you like lighter roasted clean Arabica style espressos, I would recommend moving on.

Nespresso has also announced the Nespresso Ritual Collection in conjunction with the Kazaar launch. They range from the ristretto to the "mug", and include bowls and saucers.

The Nespresso capsules can be brewed in the new super slim Nespresso Citiz, the Nespresso Essenza C-100 or the Nespresso Le Cube brewers.

At the Nespresso Club Store - Kazaar Limited Edition

October 1, 2010

Nespresso Kazaar Limited Edition Espresso Capsule Tasting Notes and Review