Monjava Coffee

I tried Monjavo Premium capsules as espresso and noted their earthy, bitter, and acidic taste. In hopes of controlling those strong flavors, I decided to see how they fare when combined with milk.

To my surprise, while the milk didn't completely suppress the earthiness, it did make the cup more enjoyable, primarily because the taste of the milk came through, which rarely happens! The natural sweetness of the milk wasn't diminished, which was a pleasant aspect of the drink. Additionally, the bitterness of the coffee was tamed somewhat by the milk, making it more palatable without the need for added sweeteners.

4/5! It seems that adding milk brings out the best qualities of this coffee pod, making it a more enjoyable experience overall.

As Espresso:

When brewed, the initial earthy smell was quite prominent and not particularly pleasant, and the taste was characterized by bitterness and acidity, with a thin texture.

Thankfully, the earthiness falls away after a bit, revealing some more friendly scents. A roasty flavor helped to mask some of the earthiness, and I also detected some pleasant nutty notes. The aftertaste remained predominantly bitter - 2.5/5.

The manufacturer describes this pod as a medium roast with sweet, buttery overtones. With an intensity level of 7, the manufacturer says this blend of beans is suitable for both espresso and milk-based drinks.

Cupping Method:Rating reflects better experience with milk. This Nespresso capsule review was added to Coffee Roast with the permission of coffeepodthoughts. See profile for more information.

Following on from my previous experience with Monjava's Premium offering, I was intrigued to sample the brand's Espresso blend, which promises a higher intensity and a smooth dark roast.

Upon brewing, the coffee's earthy aroma was immediately present, reminiscent of my experience with the Monjava Premium. This particular scent was rather pungent and funkier than what I found in its lighter roast counterpart. The taste mirrored this earthiness, with notes that I can best describe as chalky and vegetal. An unexpected acidity dominated the flavor profile, suppressing any potential sweetness and leaving a lingering bitterness in its wake.

I was able to discern some toasty and chocolatey notes hidden beneath the strong earthy aroma. However, these were unfortunately overshadowed by a distinct, somewhat off-putting cardboard-like flavor. Surprisingly, towards the end of the cup, there were hints of spice, adding a modicum of complexity to the otherwise one-note profile.

As I continued to sample the brew, I noticed that the coffee remained thin and acidic throughout. There were some fleeting moments of fruity undertones towards the end of each sip, quickly replaced by a strong, lingering bitter aftertaste.

When compared to the manufacturer's notes, which promise an 'Intensity 9' with 'subtle notes of sweet caramel', it seems that this coffee does not quite live up to its promise. The promise of smoothness and sweetness was largely overshadowed by the dominant earthiness and pungent funkiness.

All things considered, the Monjava Espresso earns an overall rating of 2/5 from me when brewed as espresso.

Cupping Method:This Nespresso capsule review was added to Coffee Roast with the permission of coffeepodthoughts. See profile for more information.