Tatte
No. 4 Espresso Blend

Roaster Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts

• 

  Theo Chan, Managing Editor

  1854 roasts rated, avg score of 4.31

  4.50 - Average

  4.00 - Aroma

  4.00 - Value

  4.50 - Finish

  4.50 - Flavor

  4.50 - Acidity

  4.00 - Balance

  Show moreless

  I am trying to do some longer form reviews of the espresso at larger chains by popular request.
  
  Tatte's No. 4 espresso blend is one of those rare cases where a chain café really gets it right. Usually when I order espresso from a bigger operation, even the ones with beautiful spaces and expensive machines, I end up disappointed. The coffee often tastes flat or harsh, built more for speed and consistency than actual flavor. But Tatte has always felt different. They pay attention to the details, from their pastries to their design, and that care clearly carries over to their coffee.
  
  This blend uses four single origin coffees from Central and South America. It got the name because it was the fourth sample in their final tasting, and it is easy to see why it stood out. Right away there is milk chocolate and a bit of caramel. As it opens up, a deeper chocolate note comes through along with blackberry. Then there is a pop of citrus brightness that tastes like lime, followed by a little tamarind on the finish. The result is layered and complex without being overwhelming. I was actually a bit surprised when I researched it to find there wasn't Ethiopian coffee in here because I feel like there is definitely a touch of bergamot.
  
  The mouthfeel is on the lighter side and the crema fades a little quickly, but the overall balance is good. Some people might find the acidity a bit much, but I think it works. It gives the espresso a sense of movement and lift that is often missing in blends made for high volume cafés.
  
  No. 4 is designed for espresso but would probably do well as a pour over or in a drip machine too. It is not trying to be flashy or overly complex. It is just a well crafted coffee that tastes good. For a café group with multiple locations, that is no small achievement.
  
  Tatte proves that you can care about quality even at scale, and No. 4 is the kind of espresso that makes you believe that effort is worth it.

  Cupping Method:The basis for this review was two double espresso at the Summer St Boston Tatte location.

  Traits: bergamot milk chocolate dark chocolate blackberry lime tamarind

  

  9 months ago · See more from Theo