Grinder's Brazil Espresso
Welcome to the Espresso Idiot's review of Grinder's Brazil Espresso. "Grinders" is an Australian brand of espresso coffee that employs the tag line, "used by the cafe elite". Anyone on the coffee scene in Sydney could not have missed the many cafes and coffee houses serving up Grinders as their signage is literally everywhere. This may be explained by the fact that Grinders is a "division of Coca-Cola Amatil (Aust) Pty Ltd". Apparently they have learned a thing or two from the marketing team at the parent company. The take home coffee is as widely available as the ready to drink varieties. The espresso reviewed by the Espresso Idiot was purchased at David Jones (Bondi Junction store) for AU$8.95 for a 250g bag. This places it in the middle of range in terms of cost.
"I doubt that any 'elite' of the espresso scene would exclusively use this particular blend. It could serve as a functional coffee to have on the side, but I wouldn't start my day with this one" .
Espresso Idiot, 22 September 2006.
Summary Information
Overall Score: A mid-range coffee. Not good, nor bad. 5 out of 10.
Packaging: Standard plastic coated foil packaging. Uninspired design, bland. Very little information about product on packaging. 5 out of 10.
Bean Type: 90% arabica, 10% robusta blend of beans. 5 out of 10.
Crema: Thick, but uneven on the shot. 3 out of 10.
Aroma: The strongest aspect of this coffee. Strong, aromatic, and full bodied aroma. A good morning coffee smell that hits the senses well. 5 out of 10.
Taste: A medium bodied espresso. Unremarkable on the palate, suitable for any time of day not being too strong. 5 out of 10.
Web Site: Grinders Coffee
Contact Details: Ph: 1300-GRNDRS or 1300-476-377
Review
Grinders Brazil Espresso is a mid range coffee. There is nothing gourmet about it, and it seem unabashedly so. When contacted by the Espresso Idiot, the staff on the phone lines were unpretentious and gladly provided information about the product. The company imports coffee that it then blends and packages into the different products available on the market. Most are blended in a ratio of 90% arabica bean to 10% robusta bean. This blending ratio does not account for the differences in the products that Grinders sells. The Espresso Idiot was advised that 10 different bean types are imported from 10 different countries and are then roasted and blended for sale to the public. It is claimed that there is no discernable difference in quality between the different products sold by Grinders, just a difference that will be tasted by each palate. All of their coffees come from the same high quality bean, so they say.
This is a great indicator of the level at which this espresso blend is pitched. This is not gourmet stuff. This is not for the afficionado, and it doesn't pretend to be (with the exception of the salubrious by line). This is not a coffee that the true elite would consume, but this does not mean that it does not have a place in the repetoire of the espresso afficionado.
The blend of beans produces a thick crema on the espresso shot, even when brewed at home. However, the crema does not last, and dissipates quickly. It is best described as patchy, thicker in some parts than others on the surface of the shot. A good enough crema, but nothing to write home about.
The aroma of this espresso blend is something to take note of. The blends made during the course of sampling the entire packet of Grinders Brazil Espresso all had a fantastic aroma that filled the kitchen when the shots were being made. This is particularly ideal in a morning coffee, one of the greatest ways to start a day is surely to have a good whiff of strong espresso. This espresso does fit that bill.
The espresso blend produces a clean crisp tasting shot, with a hint of aftertaste that rolls comfortably down the palate. There is nothing remarkable about the taste, but nothing objectionable either. The taste is satisfactory, and as such, this is a middle of the range coffee. It could be a safe standby that you might keep on hand for guests that you didn't want to use your best gourmet coffee on, or if you were looking to cut a few corners on the budget for a few weeks but still weren't prepared to go without your morning coffee (perish the thought).
The Espresso Idiot's view of this coffee is that it is the coca-cola of espresso. It is passable, and it is consumed widely, being popular amongst the ready to drink cafe set. It is particularly easy to consume when blended with milk in the vast array of espresso mixes available. It is also well promoted, and easily obtainable. Not quite carried in any supermarkets (not any that the Espresso Idiot has been to at least), but it is not far off that level being available in David Jones. Possibly a good blend to start out testing your palate with, but once experienced you are unlikely to come back unless you have fallen on hard times. The coffee itself is passable, and this is to espresso what coke is to the beverage world. Well known, passable, loved by many, but you wouldn't find a gourmet coke bar anywhere!