Mexican Organic - Toby's Estate
This is the first specifically labelled 'organic' espresso that has been reviewed by the Espresso Idiot. The coffee beans are Australian Certified Organic, which presumably means...well...that the beans have been grown according to organic criteria! The description of this espresso is that it is "farmed environmentally without the use of chemical herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers with NASAA certification" which really explains what is meant by 'organic'. In terms of the espresso itself, it is said to be "an earthy aroma, rounded smooth and full-bodied". Sounds promising to have a full bodied espresso amongst the medium bodied espresso that makes up the majority of espresso served in the antipodes. Toby's Estate Coffee is available from Toby's stores, online, and the organic range at least is available in a large number of organic stores around Sydney and elsewhere.
"Another fine weapon in Toby's Estate arsenal of great espresso. This is a full bodied espresso, a welcome variation to the medium to light espressos that dominate the gourmet market in the antipodes. Add to that the organic status of the coffee, the brid and forest friendly aspect of the coffee, and finally the social justice pricing and trade of the beans that make up this fine coffee, and you will find yourself feeling satisfied on many levels with this espresso. But here, coffee is king and this one delivers"
Espresso Idiot, 26 October 2006.
Summary Information
Overall Score: A great versatile full bodied gourmet espresso blend. Very smooth on the palate, with a heady aroma that intoxicates. 8 out of 10.
Packaging: Standard sealed plastic with gas release valve. Completely air tight, and also light resistant as the balck plastic cannot be penetrated by direct light. Snappy looking, great design. 8 out of 10.
Bean Type: 100% arabica and organic - pesticide, fertiliser, and herbicide free. It's got to be good! Blended imported beans, and an accurate, if somewhat short, description of the espresso. 8 out of 10.
Crema: Thick, light brown, and even on the shot. Not the strongest aspect of this espresso. 5 out of 10.
Aroma: An earthy aroma, delightful on the nose and very compelling. 7 out of 10.
Taste: A true smooth full-bodied coffee that is blended well to ensure that the strong falvours do not overpower the palate. Very nice. 8 out of 10.
Web Site: Toby's estate
Contact Details: Ph: +61-2-9211-1459
Review
Toby's Estate is a must try on the Sydney Espresso scene. This Organic Mexican blend is yet another well blended espresso to try from Toby's impressive array of fine espresso beans. Toby's description of this espresso is right on the money, and this seems to be reliable for all of the products we have tested from Toby's so far. Toby's range of products are also reasonably priced by comparison.
The packaging of the product is done well. The black and white motif of the bags obviously reflects the coffee and milk colouring associated with espresso. On a more practical level, you can rely on these bags to care for the beans that you have purchased. The release valve allows for the gas to be emitted from the packagin, and no air will get in to ruin your beans. Also the black plastic is impenetrable to light, avoiding damage that this can also cause.
This Organic Mexican has a light brown coloured crema that covers the shot, but only just. The crema is thick enough, but it is not the strongest aspect of this espresso blend by any means. When blended with textured milk, the crema is liable to dissipate and fail to add colour to the milk that is added, often leaving an unpleasant colour on the top of your drink. This is the weakest aspect of this espresso.
On bringing the shot close to your mouth, you are immediately taken by the earthy aroma that emanates from this espresso. It may be somewhat understated, however it is intriguing and it is an aroma that one does not come across too often when traversing the espresso scene in the antipodes. Personally I prefer a more powerful aroma from my espresso, however there was enough in this one to keep me interested, and even when milk is added the aroma is not completely obscured.
The Organic Mexican shot is very smooth, even though it has very strong flavours and is very definitely a full-bodied espresso. The flavours hit the palate from the sides and back of the tongue, coming on to the palate with fair to medium force, never becoming overpowering at any time. The aftertaste comes on fairly strong, but again it is not overpowering, bringin hints of caramel into the overall taste sensation from this brew. The taste is the strongest aspect of this espresso and the addition of milk to the shot does not overwhelm the espresso taste, it having enough body to hold together with the addition of textured milk. This is good stuff.
The Espresso Idiot's overall view of Toby's Estate Organic Mexican is that this is an espresso well worth trying. Being a full bodied espresso, which is a relatively rare find on the espresso scene in the antipodes, this is a good one to test your palate out on. Possibly for a morning coffee you may want more aroma than this delivers, however it has enough kick in the taste to give you what you want in the morning. Not reccomended as an evening coffee unless you have to stay up late and keep your wits about you. Another well done to Toby's Estate for this blend.