Nescafe

Did the surprise pick win this challenge? Let's find out.
Packeging: Iconic. Red. Chill.
After making: Amazing aroma. Really makes you happy just with the scent. Good amount of foam.
Taste test: Perfectly balanced. You can taste the premium coffee. And right amount of cream. Every sip was amazing.
Final rating: 10/10

Cupping Method:Follow @casual_coffee_reviews on Instagram for more convenience format coffee reviews!

Long awaited long time hyped super coffee. Without further ado, let's jump right into the details:
Packeging: Hypes you up. Massive hefty sachet. Beautiful beige shade. Elegant af
After making: Incredibly aromatic, incredibly thick. Super frothy. Light in tone. Filled up a large mug.
Taste test: Boy was it strong. Rich and strong bitter coffee, quite smooth, foamy. Needed some sugar. Comfort drink.
Final rating: 9.5/10 (round up to 5 on the Coffee Roast system)

Cupping Method:Follow @casual_coffee_reviews on Instagram for more convenience format coffee reviews!

I was actually surprised by how good this was. I had it a cafe in the Retiro and had low expectations. Intense, bold, with some complexity. Chocolate, carmel, and some graham cracker character, and a very nice crema - that was a surprise for a capsule coffee.

Packaging: The name and packaging are incredibly simple and pretty tame. I like the colour categorization of the original, mild and rich. Gives it character.
After making: I was absolutely shocked with this one. The scent was so mind-blowing, the perfect aroma of rich flavourful coffee and cremer. It filled up an average large cup and it was so velvety smooth and creamy.
Taste test: Just as how divine it looks, it tastes incredible too. Delightfully creamy, balanced and perfect amount of coffee. Light smell of vanilla too. I enjoyed it thoroughly.
Final rating: 8.6/10

Cupping Method:Follow @casual_coffee_reviews on Instagram for more convenience format coffee reviews!

Was so excited to try this one. And it was amazing. Let's dig right into the details:
Packeging: A floppy sachet. Design is pretty cool. With the caramel cubes and everything. I think it's standard enough.
After making: Beautiful. Simply beautiful. It's thick, smooth and creamy. Quite foamy. And incredibly fragrant. Sets the mood for a good cuppa Joe.
Taste test: As amazing as I had imagined. Rich, perfectly bitter coffee with caramel notes. The caramel is very much present in the flavour. Tiny bit of sweetness. You would want to eat the scent alone.
Final rating: 8.7/10

Cupping Method:Follow @casual_coffee_reviews on Instagram for more convenience format coffee reviews!

A rock n roll coffee!

One of the best Nescaf lattes I've ever had. It had a profound chocolatey goodness mixed with the coffee. Good mocha for sure.

Nescafe Espresso starts with a pleasant mix of chocolate and a hint of smokiness.

When it comes to taste, Nescafe Espresso is pretty solid and balanced. The first sip reveals a well-structured flavor profile with some distinct layers.

Dark chocolate forms the base, enhanced by a slight smokiness and a delicate hint of blackberry. This combination creates a surprisingly complex and enjoyable cup, especially for a value category coffee.

One area where Nescafe Espresso falls short is its crema. The crema, the creamy foam that typically tops an espresso, is neutral and somewhat weak here. For many espresso lovers, a good crema is essential, adding to the richness and texture of the drink. Unfortunately, Nescafe Espresso doesn't quite deliver on this front. It's not an issue with the brewing equipment either; using a bean-to-cup machine at the Marriott Delta Montreal's Club lounge, I had a decaf espresso that produced an excellent crema, indicating that the weak crema in Nescafe Espresso is likely a characteristic of the product itself.

Despite the crema issue, Nescafe Espresso impresses with its flavor depth and structure for an inexpensive big brand coffee. The blend of chocolate, smoke, and blackberry notes makes for a satisfying drink. While it might not match the quality of a freshly brewed espresso from a high-end machine and true 3rd wave roaster, it's a solid option for those looking for a flavorful espresso experience.

Nescafe Espresso is a good choice for everyday coffee drinkers who appreciate a complex flavor profile but can overlook the lack of a robust crema.

Cupping Method:I took a picture of the bag that they filled the bean to cup machine with.

Not great, but convenient.

Intense, bitter, smoky dark roast that hits the requisite notes like a blunt instrument. Good crema and mouthfeel. Will hit the mark for those who like characteristic Italian roast.