Woolloomooloo - Toby's Estate
Welcome to the Espresso Idiot's review of Toby's Estates blend, Woolloomooloo. The name of this coffee originates in the area of Sydney where one of Toby's outlets can be found, Woolloomooloo. Apparently Wulla Mulla is the original aboriginal place name of the indigenous people of Australia for the area and means "place of plenty of fish". Woolloomooloo is a port area of Sydney, and is near where the navy docks, and is where the old ships used to leave port from. It is now a fairly happening part of town. The main store is nearer the centre of town in City Road, Chippendale, near to the University. The Idiot visted the Chippendale Store and purchased this espresso blend from that store. As far as can be determined, Toby's Estate Coffee is only available from the stores and online. A 250 gm bag cost the Idiot AU$12.00, however you should be aware before visiting Toby's that if you are intending to buy coffee, you can sample before you buy for free. A shot is worth $2.00 so it is a great way to save some money and make sure that you are getting the kind of coffee that you want. A great innovation, and the expense of this coffee places it in the middle of the range.
"Toby is a sharp operator and his knowledge of the art of espresso (and that of his staff) shows in the various products that they put out. This Woolloomooloo blend is an example of the professionalism adopted by Toby's Estate. I will not hesitate to use this espresso blend on a regular basis and will definitely return to it again at home. Particularly impressive was the ability to sample the espresso beans before buying, that way I can be sure I am getting what I want in my espresso" .
Espresso Idiot, 10 October 2006.
Summary Information
Overall Score: A gourmet espresso blend, without the gourmet price tag. Good, and well worth a test if you are in this part of the world. 8 out of 10.
Packaging: Plastic air and light tight bags complete with valve allowing bean gas to escape, but keeping air out. No need to see product in bag, you can see it in store, and taste it. Excellent Information on product, if somewhat generic but for the sticker that relates to the bean type that you choose. 8 out of 10.
Bean Type: 100% arabica (aged beans used in this variety). You can get a good look and feel for the beans when choosing your type. 9 out of 10.
Crema: Thick, even on the shot, rich caramel clouring. 8 out of 10.
Aroma: A magnificent full bodied, pungent, strong armoa from the bean, and from the shot. The smell from the valve of the bag is to die for. 9 out of 10.
Taste: Excellent full bodied coffee, full taste on the palate, sharp, bitter taste in second batch sampled. 8 out of 10.
Web Site: Toby's estate
Contact Details: Ph: +61-2-9211-1459
Review
Toby's Estate is fast becoming a legend in the Sydney Espresso scene. Now three stores are operated by Toby's Estate, and it is not difficult to see why with this offering. The Woolloomooloo blend uses aged arabica coffee beans, which we are told produces "a rich boldness in flavour". Well, they have got that right here, this espresso is bold, a bit cheeky on the palate even! The aroma drags you in, and then when the espresso is in the mouth, it makes you sit up and take notice. Wonderful stuff. The price is reasonable, very reasonable when you consider the high quality of the product that you are purchasing.
The packaging of the product is done well. The black and white motif of the bags obviously reflects the coffee and milk theme of espresso itself. The stylised bean that is the main image associated with Toby's Estate looks great on the package, and makes the product stand out well. Once you have ordered your beans, it is pacakaged in the standard gourmet packaging that keeps out the light and air, while allowing the beans to emit gases through a valve. A sticker is applied to each bag that details the information about the particular beans that you have purchased. The level of information varies, however as there are staff on hand to assist that are expert in the field, you can pretty much find out whatever you care to know about the coffee (within reason!). The onyl problem that the Idiot had with the packaging was the size, as soon as I got into this stuff at home I wished that I had purchased a larger bag - say the 1kg version. Obviously that is a reflection on me, not on the espresso or the establishment. A mistake that I will not repeat!
This espresso blend of arabica beans produces a wonderfully thick crema on the espresso shot. The crema is thick, almost viscous, caramel in colour and lasts well on top of the shot. The crema maintains its integrity to ensure that it mixes well with any milk that might be added to the shot to produce any of the range of espresso and milk mixes. The crema is wonderful and enhances the overall effect of the shot, particularly the viscous nature of the shot once it enters the palate, there is an almost coating sensation created on the tongue, which then explodes with taste, followed by aftertaste. Bold to say the least! It makes your tastebuds stand up and pay attention.
The armoa of this espresso blend is perfectly balanced. A magic, powerful armoa is released from the valve if you squeeze the bag, and the armoa from the shot is especially tantalising. If you are looking for a blend to test your appreciation of armoa of espresso, this is a good one to include in the espressos that you will need to sample. The aroma is a good indication of things to come, as is the crema.
The espresso blend produces a viscous, thick, and sticky shot that engulfs the palate. The consistency of the shot causes it to stick to the tongue and bathe it in taste sensations. Powerful at first, and certainly bold throughout, the shot on the palate makes you sit up and take notice. There is no mistaking the fact that you have an espresso to reckoned with in your mouth! The aftertaste is smooth, and strong without any unpleasant bitterness so common amongst the espresso community where less than exact roasting methods and brewing techniques are employed. Rest assured that this blend has been prepared and roasted to perfection. While bold, the sensation of this blend is also smooth in that it doesn't shock the espresso drinker with a huge hit to being with, but rather lingers on the palate, exhibting body and a full taste that satisfies. There is a sharpness to the espresso shot in its short form, at least initially, however this sharp acid taste quickly mellows and dissipates leaving more subtle and less distinct flavours to be enjoyed on the palate. The addition of milk to the shot in any form tends to reduce the boldness of the espresso, however the mellow coating effect produced by this blend remains to some degree and a full taste experience is maintained.
The Espresso Idiot's overall view of Toby's Estate Wolloomooloo blended espresso is that it is superb, and you are getting value for money, the espresso not being at the upper end of the spectrum in terms of price. You would do well to give this a try, either in the store to see if it is to your liking, or as a take home option ordered on line or from the store should you visit. You should be aware that Toby's Estate is a complete experience in that you can purchase a number of incidental coffee items at the store such as machines, grinders, tampers and the like. Check this one out, you will not regret it.