Corner of Nicholson and Mollison Streets, Abbotsford.
7 March 2010 @ 0930am. Coffee Brand 5 Senses
We thought by getting here at this time we would beat the breakfast rush. We were lucky to get a seat. The place was a heaving sea of bodies and our expectations of quality lowered somewhat. However, Three Bags Full pulled it off, providing coffees (and meals) of a high standard. The service was slow, but that is to be expected, and they are to be commended for keeping up with the play.
Coffee – Espresso. Zambia ZambicaScore 17/20
By SimonL
Grown at 1300m asl, this coffee was light and fresh yet quite strong in flavour. Bright lemon/lime fruits and high acidity dominated, with a smooth middle and a mule like espresso kick at the end, finishing with little to no bitterness. I liked the way it transformed through the palate as well as the power and drive for its lightness of body.
Coffee - Short Macchiato. Zambia Zambica Score 17/20 By SamWAs I was informed in an understated manner, this roast was selected for me by the barista. It did indeed suit a shorter and bolder style of coffee. Every now and again it’s nice to be directed (but not forced) towards new roasts based upon coffee style.
The acidity was as high as it was strong, like a stoned weight-lifter. Brawny flavours of juicy, jungle fruits made me feel like I was drinking the liquid equivalent of sucking a mango pip.
Coffee – Cafe Latte. Autumn EspressoScore 18/20 By SimonL
This coffee had strength without overpowering, and an evenness of flavour throughout the mouth. The milk texture was dense and creamy looking. With a rich and smooth backbone this coffee wasn’t overtly sweet and it was topped by malty, nutmeg, powdery cocoa and caramel characters. The espresso swept over the milk which provided a strong supporting role without taking away from the lead. My wife, joining us for a Sunday breakfast, had two Cafe Lattes and commented on their high yum factor and consistency across both.
A lovely coffee with desired strength and good balance.
Coffee - Doppio Ristretto. Autumn EspressoScore 16/20 By SamW
This pocket-rocket bombed flavour all over my mouth. Sharing the characteristics of a volcano, the eruption of acidic tones was like a white wash of ash. The chocolate finish was the cleansing rain after Krakatoa blows its top. Despite the poorly drawn analogies this blend was quite balanced, and due to its short stature, it really packed the junk in the trunk!
Unfortunately the crema was thin on top, but redemption came in the form of a heated cup.
Service 3/5Ambiance 4/5 Busy 5/5
I tried their latte, flat white and clover coffee last weekend. What a marvelous experience that was. Like you said, the latte have the right strength, not overpowering. The flat white is excellent as well, eventhough it had less milk, and coffee taste is stronger, it’s still very much drinkable & enjoyable. The clover coffee that time used Wahana estate bean from Indonesia. It smells and taste somehow sweet. There’s only a touch of sourness. Unfortunately my palate was nowhere as good as yours to identify the other different flavour
The only let down is that the place is so busy, you have to queue to get a seat, then wait around 1/2 hour to get your coffee and food, and the food was very ordinary, both presentation and taste wise, and I guess because they are very busy, your order get confused with orders from the next seat/table. My breakfast arrived first before my latte.
Having said that, I will not hesitate coming back here for their coffee!
Great to hear you enjoyed the clover. My first experience with one was at Liar, Liar and it changed my mind about filter coffee, so much so that I now enjoy syphon coffee at home and SamW has a clever drip.
Disappointing about Three Bags Full. One of my complaints about some cafe/restaurants is that they can tend to over-extend themselves as not to upset customers by not letting them in. I worked in a particular restaurant (in another life) that used to pack people in regardless of how busy it already was. That just puts unnecessary pressure on chefs and floor staff alike and the customer ends up with a less than satisfactory experience perhaps to never come back. So maybe some better customer management is needed here. All the same we are glad that you tried Three Bags Full and would hope that you return, perhaps at a less busy time.