Superior Blend - Campo's
Welcome to the Espresso Idiot's review of the Superior Blend that is the inhouse offering of Campo's Specialist Coffee Professionals. The reputation of Campos as an espresso producer of high standing is well known and well documented on the internet. As such I was expecting to be impressed when I ventured into the small store in Newtown. It had a very coffee den feel to it when I arrived, and was very well frequented that afternoon. While boasting an impressive array of coffee beans for sale on the wall that had been freshly roasted that day, I was informed that the Superior Blend was the only blend that I was able to sample that could be prepared by the barista in house. Disappointing from a service perspective, but I did press on with the sample anyway. The espresso shot cost a very reasonable $2.50 making it comparable with the going rate in Sydney.
"This blend certainly justifies the good reputation that Campo's about town. Perfectly prepared, well roasted, blended, and selected beans. A joy to have as an espresso shot, while retaining the versatility to go well as a flat white or even latte. A sound standard roast."
Espresso Idiot, 22 October 2006.
Summary Information
Overall Score: For a gourmet espresso blend this was too thin, and lacked any substance. It is below average at best. 7 out of 10.
Presentation: Standard cups, a little espresso had spilled down the side of the cup that I was given which ought not be so. Hint of chemical smell to the vessel which initially obscured the aroma. 6 out of 10.
Bean Type: 100% arabica. Blended imported AA beans from Papua New Guinea. Creates a good impression, and manages to deliver. An interesting number, well worth a try. 7 out of 10.
Crema: Thick, very dark caramel coloured, and an oily sheen to it. Very rich, and very nice! 8 out of 10.
Aroma: An intial hint of chemical smell tarnished the aroma, however once that dissipated, the pungent full aroma of the espresso filled the nostrils and indicated good things to come. 5 out of 10.
Taste: An initial sharpness, followed by bitterness, and no body. Thin. 8 out of 10.
E-Mail: WILL@CAMPOSCOFFEE.COM
Contact Details: Ph: +61-2-9516-3361
Review
Campo's Specialty Coffee Professionals is a legend on the Sydney Espresso scene, and with this in house blend it is not difficult to see why. Campo's Superior Blend is a superb staple espresso to serve in house, and would be enough to keep many people coming back, aficionado or otherwise.
The presentation of the esrpesso was fairly standard. The only obvious fault was that some epsresso had spilled over the side of the cup, either in the making of the shot, or from the delivery to my seat at the bar by the window. There was also a hint of chemical cleaning agent eminating from the cup. This was not enjoyable and did detract from the overall impression of the espresso. The odour did dissipate fairly quickly and the espresso was able to be nejoyued after that, however it was not a good start.
The Superior Blend has a dark caramel coloured crema on the shot. It is very thick, and covers the entire shot. The crema has great integirty, lasts well on the shot, and blends well with any textured milk added. A very rich taste, and an almost oily sheen to it. Delicious.
The armoa of this espresso blend was pungent and full - after the chemical cleaner smell had dissipated. There were rich earthy tones to the aroma, and this indicated that a medium bodied espresso was to follow. There certainly was a sense of anticipation created by the aroma and this was to be rewarded when tasting the fine brew.
This espresso has a sweet and rich taste, almost a caramel flavour at times. It is smooth, being what I would describe as a medium bodied espresso. There is an acidic taste, that is particualrly strong at the back of the mouth. When held in the mouth the flavour tends to come on in waves across the palate before subsiding. This is a finely selected, roasted and prepared espresso blend that is a delight to take on either as a shot, or mixed with textured milk. The espresso has sufficient depth to continue to delight the palate when mixed with milk.
The Espresso Idiot's overall view of Campo's Superior Blend is that it is an espresso that any gourmet would do well to road test. It is a superior blend, superior to some of the other offerings I have had on the Sydney espresso scene. It has a well rounded, even taste to it and is a strong performer. This espresso went a long way to calming some of my intial concerns about Campo's due to the dubious quality of some take home espresso I had previously purchased. I wont hold that against them after tasting this delightful in house offering. Reccomended.