Duchess of Spotswood. Overall Score 15.83

87 Hudsons Rd, Spotswood, VIC 3015
(03) 9391 6016
Google map link
Coffee Brand: Small Batch (By Auction Rooms, North Melbourne)

The Duchess of Spotswood is a cracker of a little cafe across the Westgate Bridge. On the outside Spotswood would seem an unusual place for a quality cafe. The local residents would vigorously disagree this we would imagine, but walking down Hudson St is like High Noon and tumbleweeds. With nary a soul in sight, bar the frequent trucks, entering The Duchess is like finding a little Oasis in the middle of nowhere. There are a few cafes in the strip too so obviously business is good. The place has a friendly vibe, offers beautiful food and finding that they use Small Batch coffee is a pleasant surprise.

We noticed a different barista on our third visit, and there was only a small drop in the review scores. The Candyman blend is doing wonders in this cafe, seeming to suit the broad clientele. A single origin would be handled well by the baristas here.

On all of our visits the service has been attentive and our coffees have arrived without too long of a wait. The cafe has appeared busier and busier on each of our visits, which is great to see.

Score Summary.

Cafe Latte: 14.5, 15.5, 15

Macchiato: 16.5, 16, 14

Espresso: 17, 16.5, 17, 17*

Ristretto: 17, 14

* Denotes we both reviewed an espresso each on 3rd visit.

Overall Mean Score: 15.83 Recommended.

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Duchess of Spotswood. 3rd Review.

87 Hudsons Rd, Spotswood, VIC 3015
(03) 9391 6016
Google map link
Date: Friday 20 August 2010
Time: 11:15am
Coffee Brand: Small Batch (By Auction Rooms, North Melbourne)

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Coffee: Cafe Latte Candyman Blend
Reviewed by: SimonL
Score: 15/20

One thing that stands out with this coffee over the three visits is the consistency. There is beautiful texturing of milk and integration with the espresso, and the coffee treads the fine delicate line of strength. The Candyman is a wonderful blend, one Melbourne’s best, and while this coffee came across as unassuming and introverted it was pleasant all the same. Those needing a bigger hit may need to ask for a strong one.

Coffee: Short Macchiato Candyman Blend
Reviewed by: SamW
Score: 14/20

I had to go back and have a look at my short macchiato reviews to see if I had ever reported a weak one. I had not. Unfortunately, this was the first weak macchiato I have reviewed.

It was still gentle and all the wonderful characteristics were present when compared to previous visits. Sadly, it was just weak and a tad too small.

Coffee: Espresso Candyman Blend
Reviewed by: SimonL
Score: 17/20

Another double review (same coffee reviewed by the both of us). The Candyman blend showed it quality here being well suited to this style. Sweet and smooth with an underlying darkness, there is balanced acidity, rich mid palate, nutty undertones and lingering finish. A little short in presentation but certainly the best parts shone despite this. High yum factor.

Coffee: Espresso Candyman Blend
Reviewed by: SamW
Score: 17/20

There were no doubts or misgivings with this espresso. It was deeply and darkly toned in both its flavour and presentation. A short and sweet punch of acidity burst through like a starburst.

Once more the Candyman blend shone like car with high-beams and I was stuck in the headlights.

Service 3/5

Ambiance 4/5

Busy 4/5

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Sensory Lab – CBD. 1st Review

David Jones (street front), 297 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000
(03) 9643 2222
Google map link
Date: Sunday 8 August 2010
Time: 1100
Coffee Brand: St Ali

There are two or three venues now in Melbourne offering a new type of coffee experience. Melbourne rightly deserves it reputation as one of the worlds best coffee destinations and that reputation can only get stronger with the way coffee is being presented here.

Part of the St Ali group, Sensory Lab is certainly one of the more interesting coffee venues we have visited, and one review would never be able to do the place justice. The name Sensory Lab suggests an experience of specialty coffee beyond what would normally be found. Do they truly showcase specialty coffee and the type of experience that is suggested? Is the coffee drinking public ready for this place and others like it? Is the service and knowledge there? Where is the focus – espresso? Filter? Both equally? The idea seems to be to offer the public options and educate at the same time.

The layout has you entering with a large Syphon/Pourover bar directly ahead and a Slayer espresso machine on the bench behind. The decor is modern and comfortable with a slight department store veneer feel to it – strangely! There is a smattering a tables left and right with a window at the entrance for ordering take-way coffee on the run. The feeling of sitting in someone’s kitchen is not unlike the other St Ali venue, Outpost.

Apart from the single origins available there are three blends S1, S2, S3; all designed to suit different style of espresso based coffees. We both decided to rate an espresso coffee (no ristretto this time). The expectation of in-depth knowledge and service took a slight battering when ordering a single origin as espresso (seemingly ok). When they were delivered and we asked what it was, the waitress answered “It is a Brazilian….maybe”.

Interrogation of the barista on the way out revealed the espressos were the S2 blend.

Coffee: Cafe Latte S1 Blend
Reviewed by: SimonL
Score: 18/20

Not knowing what to really expect, I almost felt a little awkward ordering a cafe latte in this place, this coffee was pleasantly awesome. The S1 blend blended comfortably with the milk without allowing itself to be dominated. It had a creamy, chocolate base with richness and balance. No problem with strength and not over done. The mouth-feel was velvety and full with drive and purpose.

Coffee: Short Macchiato S1 Blend
Reviewed by: SamW
Score: 18/20

This blend had wonderful depth of flavour. It was kind of like a slide you’d find in Willy Wonka’s factory. Beginning with light chocolate the taste richened to a darker cocoa with walnut and almond tones. It met the perfect balance of sweet versus bitter which is unparalleled in other blends I have had.

The milk provided a wonderful supporting role to the espresso, which finished with a creamy residue.

Coffee: Espresso S2 Blend
Reviewed by: SamW
Score: 17/20

There is no mincing about with this blend. It was:

- Highly acidic

- Strongly sour

- Tongue coating

- Not for the faint-hearted

I really enjoyed it but it may not be for everyone.

Coffee: Espresso S2 Blend
Reviewed by: SimonL
Score: 16.5/20

Quite a delightful espresso. Sort of medium bodied and delicate, but not fragile. Sort of a hidden robustness to it. An initial high acidity burst was followed by a reasonably smooth, lemon butter middle palate complimented by building power and a fine powdery finish. I toyed with the idea of an extra point but the acidity for me just was a little aggressive.

Service 3/5

Ambiance 3/5

Busy 3/5

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Il Fornaio – St Kilda. 1st Review

2 Acland St, St Kilda VIC 3182
(03) 9534 2922
Google map link
Date: Friday 6 August 2010
Time: 1430
Coffee Brand: St Ali

Tucked up behind the Prince on Acland Street, Il Fornaio is a discrete specialist bakery/cafe that typifies St Kilda. A bit of the grunge can be seen from the outdoor seating, and a splash of class permeates the inner-sanctum. Apart from the dirty water glasses that were presented to us, our impression on this visit was pleasant overall, and the winter sun offered some brilliant warmth for us out the front. We both have submitted reviews of the espresso. The barista advised us that the El Salvador would present better as short black rather than ristretto. Great stuff – that’s the kind of service and guidance that sets the good apart from the mediocre.

Coffee: Cafe Latte St Ali Champion Blend
Reviewed by: SimonL
Score: 14/20

Unfortunately this was plain and boring. I was surprised and kind of put out. Presentation was fine though I could see by the light tan colour the strength was going to be borderline, which it was. The espresso played a shy game, the coffee a bit thin.

Coffee: Short Macchiato St Ali Champion Blend
Reviewed by: SamW
Score: 12.5/20

The macchiato sitting before me looked as thought it had been in a scrap or two in its time. The milk bubbled aggressively atop the espresso and the crema’s skin was broken like teenage acne.

It was a sternly bitter and fairly dry coffee which reminded me of a harshly weathered farmer’s wife. I had difficulties profiling the flavour beyond the standard cocoa and soft-nut.

Coffee: Espresso El Salvador, Sam Emilio
Reviewed by: SamW
Score: 17/20

The flavour in this coffee was chode-like (as big as it was wide). I noticed a hickory nose and a bold body of honey-citrus flavour that was both unadulterated and firm. The crema was light in colour only, it’s depth reaching half of the cup.

SimonL and I both scored this coffee, my gaining high points for taste, but losing half a point for being served in a cool cup.

Coffee: Espresso El Salvador, Sam Emilio
Reviewed by: SimonL
Score: 17/20

Interesting that we both came up with the same score for different reasons. I toyed with the idea of an extra half point but the acidity was a little too aggressive for me. A bloody decent espresso all the same. It had a good solid body that was fresh, sweet and well proportioned, like a model that actually eats; juicy fruitiness and hint of cocoa. The finish lingered long after leaving.

Service 3/5

Ambiance 3/5

Busy 2/5

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St Ali – South Melbourne. 1st Review

12-18 Yarra Pl, South Melbourne VIC 3205‎
(03) 9686 2990‎
Google map link
Date: Thursday 5 August 2010
Time: 0945
Coffee Brand: St Ali

What more can we add about a place that has had so much media attention? St Ali is so well known and often referenced around Melbourne as ‘where it all began’. They roast their own, offering several blends as well specialty Single Origin varieties that we are coming accustomed to in Melbourne.

Fashionably hidden down a lane-way just behind the main shopping strip of Clarendon St, the place is set amongst graffiti-art laden brick walls, all adding to the street culture feel that surrounds St Ali.

It is a lovely and comforting warehouse-style layout with loads of different seating to accommodate everyone. Two smoker’s dens flank one communal table and there is a certain bohemian feel.

The staff were pleasant and the service was speedy; our coffees arriving at different intervals but in a timely manner. Open up the menu to find out the origin of the St Ali name (patron saint of coffee).

Coffee: Cafe Latte St Ali House Blend
Reviewed by: SimonL
Score: 17/20

This hit the spot, with a certain ease. Well balanced with a malty, nutty richness, baby bum smoothness (is that allowed?) and a lovely creamy backbone. This won’t disappoint the good coffee hunters. The mum, visiting from France (though an ex-pat Kiwi…..long story), commented on its high yum factor. Presentation was spot on, good head thickness and retention while not being overly concerned with the art-farty aspect of Latte scribbles

Coffee: Short Macchiato St Ali House Blend
Reviewed by: SamW
Score: 14/20

In my experience the short macchiato in Melbourne are made one of two ways. One way is an espresso shot with a whisp of steamed milk that offers a stormy-looking coffee. The other way is an espresso shot that is topped up with steamed milk, creating a coffee that looks like a miniature flat white. Whilst my preferences lie with the former, I can see the benefits of the latter.

However, this coffee fell into the ‘heavily milked’ category which made flavours quite difficult to discern. It was washed out and I seemed to be only tasting small hints of caffeine held hostage by unrelenting bandits of the milk variety. I could say there were hints of lightly tempered chocolate and maybe even some nutty characteristics (but I’d only be guessing) and these descriptors are lackadaisical at best…

Coffee: Espresso El Salvador Sam Emilio
Reviewed by: SimonL
Score: 17/20

This is the stuff I really look forward too, a hit of rich espresso. The El Salvador came on strong and confident but with a shy edge. It was near perfect length in pour with a glistening creamy looking and deep crema. It did fizzle out a bit quick though leaving the impression of being a bit too fresh. However it displayed a lovely burst of rich sweet character of light citrus with juicy acidity, leading into a darker mid palate then swooping away, my palate chasing this tease in the wind.

Coffee: Doppio Ristretto El Salvador Sam Emilio
Reviewed by: SamW
Score: 17/20

Certainly something to write home about, this El Salvador single origin was crafted very well. It really performed on my palate. Both sweet and citrus-like with a bold acidity, I felt as though I was drinking coffee flavoured fanta.

The crema was light in colour, but thick in presence. Very nice.

Service /5

Ambiance /5

Busy /5

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