Nescafe Reviews

This review is from Sporked. Since their scoring aligns closely with ours, and they are a trusted review site, we've added these to help people pick their coffee. See the link below for their full write-up.

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.

Nescafe Taster's Choice is a well-known name in instant coffee, often chosen for its convenience and quick preparation. It uses a freeze-drying process, a key part of why it stands out in the instant coffee market. Unlike other methods, freeze-drying involves removing moisture from brewed coffee at low temperatures, preserving much of the coffee's natural flavors and aromas. One of the major benefits of Nescafe Taster's Choice is how easily it dissolves in water. There's no graininess or textural issues, making it a hassle-free option whether at home, at work, or on the go. You add hot water, stir, and your coffee is ready. When freshly made with hot water, many find it almost unbearably bitter. This initial bitterness can be a turnoff for those who prefer a smoother, milder cup of coffee. Additionally, there is a slight chemical or rubbery mouthfeel, though it's not as pronounced as in some other instant coffees. Interestingly, if you let the coffee cool down a bit, you'll notice a significant change. The bitterness fades, and the coffee develops a sweet, fruity flavor reminiscent of plums or prunes, with a nice touch of acidity. This makes it much more enjoyable as it cools, and it definitely beneits from ice or with a splash of milk to balance out the flavors. I think there's a bit of a saltiness/savory character. That said, while Nescafe Taster's Choice is convenient and has its unique taste profile, it might not satisfy everyone, especially those used to specialty coffee. Specialty coffee is all about high-quality beans, careful roasting, and precise brewing methods that produce complex and rich flavors. These are aspects that instant coffee, despite its advances, often can't fully replicate. I could see Nescafe Taster's Choice offers a quick, easy coffee solution with interesting flavor dynamics. It's fine for those who need a fast caffeine fix and don't really care about amazing flavor, or are just going to cover it up with milk and sugar. However, if you're a specialty coffee enthusiast looking for depth and complexity in every cup, there's no way this old classic will meet your expectations. Nescafe Taster's Choice has its place, but coffee, including convenience formats has come a long way.

Theo Chan, Managing Editor

Victoria S-C

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