Pennyfarthing Espresso – Northcote. 3rd Review.

206 High St, Northcote VIC 3070
(03) 9482 2246
Google map link
Date: Monday 8 November.
Time: SimonL 10:30am. SamW 12 midday.
Coffee Brand: 5 Senses

Coffee: Cafe Latte House Blend
Reviewed by: SimonL
Score: 18.5/20

This has quality written all over it, the kind of coffee you travel for. The kind of coffee that blows the cobwebs away and gives you confidence to face the day. A coffee for the soul. No arguments with its presentation, this had rich, smooth and deep flavours. Chocolate, high grade cocoa and sweet creaminess. The espresso sat high and proud without being overdone in the slightest, the coffee balanced and flavoursome.

Coffee: Short Macchiato Lake Toba region – Lintong, Indonesia

Reviewed by: SamW
Score: 17.5/20

Is it better to be an iron fist in a velvet glove or a velvet fist in and iron glove? The difference only matters when the gloves are off. In this case, the Lintong in macchiato form was certainly an iron fist in a velvet glove. There was a lovely mid-strength body with an accompanied acidity that was equal in strength and measure. Perfectly tempered by the milk, I was quietly impressed with this coffee.

Coffee: Espresso Lake Toba Region – Lintong, Indonesia
Reviewed by: SimonL
Score: 18.5/20

Incredibly smooth and oily with a crema a ristretto would be proud of. Dusty earth, potpouri and melted chocolate laced with orange rind. Good acidity matching the body with ease creating a well rounded and balanced coffee. Mouth-watering and tangy on the finish. Extraction and presentation obviously spot on.

I called for another one….

Coffee: Ristretto Costa Rican Sin Limites Feugo
Reviewed by: SamW
Score: 18.5/20

There was a lovely lemon-like sweetness that stretched for some time, but without any of the sourness. The acidity was very delicate, and I thought I sensed some muted chocolate tones (light milk). The tasting notes stated that there was cherry and wine tones, but I didn’t get any of that.

It was quite a well-made coffee from a cafe that has demonstrated good consistency.

Service 4/5

Ambiance 4/5

Busy 3/5

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Espresso 3121 – Richmond. 3rd Review.

98 Balmain Street, Melbourne, 3121
(03) 9025 6720
Google map link
Date: Monday 4 October 2010
Time: 1055
Coffee Brand: Veneziano

Coffee: Cafe Latte Coffee House Blend
Reviewed by: SimonL
Score: 16/20

Subtle strength and deceiving power. Instead of waves crashing rocky shores it rather heaved and broke quietly – playful now but giving the impression of greater power. There was good balance richness and smoothness but coming across at first as a bit unassuming and easily forgotten. It wasn’t until finishing the last drops that I thought…I could go another one of those.

Coffee: Short Macchiato Costa Rica Origin
Reviewed by: SamW
Score: 17/20

I am not sure what the tasting notes were, but this time around it was creamy and sweet and there was a strong acidity …almost like an unripe strawberry. The honey tones were there as with the espresso, but less pronounced.

Coffee: Espresso Costa Rica
Reviewed by: SamW
Score: 16/20

I quite enjoyed this little drop of honey in a cup and I almost expecting pooh-bear to step in and steal it from before my eyes. It was a bit woody and dry in some places, but made well. The height and pour were right on the money.

Coffee: Ristretto Costa Rica Origin
Reviewed by: SimonL
Score: 16.5/20

This was honey sweet and smooth with a lightness belaying the thick, deep and glistening crema. A gorgeous looking coffee with subtle aroma and perfect pour. There was some tangy sweet/sour notes and mineral salts and gentle acidity. Likable and well made. I had an espresso after, just for the hell of it, and concluded that I preferred this ristretto version.

Service 3/5

Ambiance 4/5

Busy 4/5

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Keffa Han – Port Melbourne. 2nd Review.

Address‎: 816 Lorimer St, Port Melbourne, VIC 3207
Phone: 03 9077 4384 ‎
Google map link
Date: Monday 20 September 2010
Time: 0930
Coffee Brand: Coffee Snobs

This time around at Keffa Han there were a few more people floating in and out of the venue. The coffee and service were provided by the sole operator, which is also the owner.

Coffee: Cafe Latte
Reviewed by: SimonL
Score: 15.5/20

This was a coffee to brush away the morning cobwebs, to prime the mind to face the day. Rich and full with light malt, chocolate and nut, and a lovely creamy milk base. It was moderately smooth having a slight raw edge. As a “standard” cafe latte this could be a bit too punchy for some; the espresso part was certainly not shy.

Coffee: Short Macchiato
Reviewed by: SamW
Score: 16.5/20

This coffee had good depth of chocolate with a lovely balance. There was an elegant smoothness and softness of the milk, that was really sung within the coffee. The blend came through a little harshly, but was on par with our last.

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

The colour was dark and foreboding. The pour was spot on with a deep layer of oily glistening crema. Fresh with a full mouth-feel, gentle acidity and moderate smoothness; there was dark fruits and cocoa coming on with a mild sweetness initially then finishing on a more dry, savoury note.

Coffee: Ristretto
Reviewed by: SamW
Score: 16/20

This coffee had a greater acidity than the macchiato, which was not unbalanced, but welcomed. It hung on my palate like dried fruit, but did not seem unpleasant. It was just a little fresh.

Service 4/5

Ambiance 3/5

Busy 3/5

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A Minor Place – Brunswick. 1st Review

103 Albion St, Brunswick VIC 3056
(03) 9384 3131
Google map link
Date: Friday 10 September 2010
Time: 1130
Coffee Brand: Atomica

This a very, very busy cafe tucked away in a residential part of Brunswick. It is an old rustic wooden converted house with big open rooms, an outdoor area and swarming with locals. We waited perhaps 10-15 minutes for a table so get in early or be prepared to line up (especially on a weekend we would imagine). Atomica is the coffee brand and if you are familiar with it you will recognise the style. A ristretto was to be reviewed but it never arrived despite being asked for twice. Were they too busy or having trouble making it? We can’t be sure, but the other coffees arrived without any noticeable delay.

Coffee: Cafe Latte
Reviewed by: SimonL
Score: 16/20

The coffee presented here was  genuinely likeable in the typical robust Atomica style. In this coffee the blend showed up very well. It is a darker roast with chocolate and caramel, roasted nut and low acidity that melded with the milk beautifully. The milk texture was fine, rich and creamy and the dark espresso sat proudly on top, a natural leader with a dedicated following carrying the rest of the coffee on a wave rich sweetness. A strong version would be for the brave.

Coffee: Short Macchiato
Reviewed by: SamW
Score: 16.5/20

Arriving with speed, this coffee was beautifully presented. The milk was velvet-like and made for very smooth drinking. There were strong chocolate tones as one would expect form the Atomica dark roast. It was also a little heavy on the bitterness, but not altogether unpleasant.

Coffee: Espresso
Reviewed by: SamW
Score: 15/20

The extraction looked a little strained and there were few bubbles in the crema. It was still a pleasant coffee but the darker elements of this roast were too pronounced for my liking. It was almost like charcoal and other flavours struggled to come through, making a punchy and intense coffee.

Service 3/5
Ambiance 3/5
Busy 3/5

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Dancing Goat – CBD. 3rd Review.

4/280 King St, Melbourne VIC 3000‎
(03) 9670 4002‎
Google map link
Date: Friday 27 August 2010
Time: 1115
Coffee Brand: 7 Seeds (House Blend). Feature coffee – various sources.

This third visit was just a formality, almost unnecessary. The consistency and quality here is in no doubt.

Coffee: Cafe Latte House Blend
Reviewed by: SimonL
Score: 17.5/20

Funny, we hit this place straight after Brother Baba Budan and I some deja vu with this coffee. Like a Rally Car in a permanent state of a controlled crash, it danced on the slippery slope of balance. Good coffee joints pull off balance with ease, this coffee coming in with a good time and hardly a scratch. The espresso appeared at first a little under strength but ultimately showing up well partnering the delicate creamy texture beautifully.

Coffee: Macchiato House Blend
Reviewed by: SamW
Score: 18.5/20

It was tiny and punchy! Just they way I like it! There was a lovely head of acidity and a cleansing chocolate and plum finish. It was wonderful.

It was the kind of coffee that has options for the customer, covering all bases from taste to personal modification. This is because was served with a small glass of water and a tiny jug of milk…just in case you like to doctor your coffee.

Coffee: Espresso El Salvador Finca La Fony

Reviewed by: SamW
Score: 18/20

This espresso was served with wonderful height and a deep dark crema. I tasted some smouldered tea leaf (think gently spiced edible potpourri) with some soft acidity. It was both delicate and driven.

Coffee: Espresso El Salvador Finca La Fony
Reviewed by: SimonL
Score: 17/20

Just a glance at the presentation was enough. Comfort here in that the coffee will always arrive dressed perfect – like a Dandy. Dried herb, and roasted nut balanced by a sweet hit of acidity woven through the smooth buttery body with a hint of smoky spice and a long lingering aftertaste.

Service 4/5

Ambiance 3/5

Busy 3/5

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