Nespresso: Masala Chai

The 2013 Holiday Variation which was voted by Nespresso Club members was released yesterday. Masala Chai is a mix of cinnamon, star anise and clove. While I'm not a big fan of chai tea coffee, Nespresso's interpretation has a subtle hint of spice which is not overpowering compared to traditional Indian Masala Chai. The intensity of this coffee is a 6 and tastes best with a little milk.

For a limited time, you can pick up the Variation Assortment pack which comes with 20 Masala Chai capsules along with the three permanent Grand Cru variations, Ciocattino, Carmelito and Vanillo. The packaging is festive yet chic and would be a great stocking stuffer for the holiday season.

The packaging is sleek with the branding and spiral design wrapped in silver foil.

Let's open the box...

Turn on the machine

Drop the capsule

And with one touch, brew...on right with half and half

Much more crema with milk

The verdict: Masala Chai is another blend that's subtle in flavor but it's not something I would stock up on like coconut or cherry (which I should have hoarded more of). Chai tea lovers may enjoy this brew more than me but the packaging alone may entice you to keep a few. 

I am curious to try Liminto which was released in Mexico City, Mexico. It was the one I voted for. These Nespresso posts seem to be popular on my blog so if you're looking to swap flavors, send me an email.

Nespresso: Dharkan vs. Kazaar

Last weekend, I picked up the latest Grand Crus which is now a part of the permanent line, Dharkan and Kazaar. Dharkan's capsule is a dark green while Kazaar is a navy blue. I compared the Kazaar capsules from the Limited Edition and it's the same color.

This is what sets Nespresso apart from other capsule machines...crema.

 

I don't understand why more fine dining establishments don't use Nespresso machines. The coffee is pretty darn good. Plus, the crema is perfection.

 

with half & half

 

Dharkan - 11 intensity

Long roasted with hints of bitter cocoa powder and toasted cereals

 

with half & half

 

Kazaar - 12 intensity

Powerful bitterness and notes of pepper, nutmeg and cloves

 

While I have a fondness for Kazaar (right), the bitterness is a bit much for me. I would prefer to drink Dharkan (left) on a daily basis. Kazaar should be reserved for a day when you have to make that power presentation or need a pick me up for a long distance cycling ride.

Nespresso: Kazaar and Dharkan

 

I received something special in the mail today. Nespresso has included two more Grand Cru coffees into their permanent range, Kazaar and Dharkan. Kazaar has an intensity of 12 while Dharkan is a 11. I never had the Dharkan but if it's anything like Kazaar, it must be intense. A level 12 intensity is like having 3 shots of espresso in a single shot. It was originally released in 2010 and re-launched in January 2012. At that time, I probably purchased 10 sleeves.

This Friday, Nespresso Club members can re-experience these Grand Cru at their local Nespresso boutique. I still have 4 sleeves left so I may just pick up Dharkan. It's described as being long roasted with hints of bitter cocoa powder and toasted cereals.

Additional details:

Special Invitation preview on Friday, August 23rd at 11:00am through Sunday, August 25th.

 

Ask for a special edition intense Grand Cru recipe booklet during the preview tasting.

One booklet per customer, while supplies last.

Nespresso: Unlimited Variations

If there was one thing I can take away from our trip from Spain, it would be this: Nespresso

I'm not a coffee person but when I had my first sip of the finest espresso, I was instantly hooked. Where has Nespresso been all my life? Apparently I had to stay at a Ritz Carlton in Barcelona to find out. Our room came equipment with a Nespresso machine. Initially, I wondered why the coffee cups in our room were small. Lke super small. It took a few days to figure out that Europeans drink espresso not Caffè Americano (watered down espresso).

Anyways, a few weeks after our trip, I found a Nespresso boutique inside our local Bloomingdale's. I thought the machines were only sold in Europe but apparently the company (the parent is Nestle), is trying to break into the U.S. market. Fast forward to today, I own two machines. A Pixie which I use at the office and a Latissima Plus at home.

Nespresso has 16 Grand Crus but three of their limited edition flavors will be part of their permanent collection. Believe it or not, once limited edition capsules are sold out, it's gone for good. Meaning, they're really expensive to buy on ebay. The strategy is to buy as many sleeves (a box of 10 capsules) of your favorite flavor before it sells out. I'm currently hoarding Cherry,Chocolate,Coconut, Hazelnut, Macadamia nut and the elusive Kazaar, the most intense limited edition Grand Crus yet.

The 3 new permanent flavors are:

- Vanilio: Rich, velvety aromas of vanilla meeting the mellowness of the Livanto Grand Cru.

- Ciocattino: Dark and bitter chocolate notes meeting the caramelized, roasted flavors of Livanto. Reminiscent of a sqaure of dark chocolate.

- Caramelito: The sweet flavor of caramel softens the roasted notes of Livanto. A gourmet marriage evoking the creaminess of soft toffee.

This weekend I received a mailing informing me that I can taste the new flavors on Friday, June 7th through Sunday, June 9th. It looks like I'll be taking a trip to Bloomingdale's during my lunch break this Friday.