As part of my research to discover my tastes in espresso blending, and before I commit to home roasting, I've started my search for commercial blends I do like.
I definitely have little interest in the darkest of espresso roasts; I'm very sensitive to charred, bitter taste, either during or following the sipping. For example, Supreme Bean's Del Norte was interesting, rich and creamy, but seemed to inconsistently keep the slight bitterness away. I'm on CaffeDarte's Parioli blend right now; I'm surprised that this is called "Northern Italian" level since the beans are quite dark, somewhat oily, and the bitterness comes through at some point.
My experience with Vivace's Dolce was excellent and seemed to have the balance I personally prefer: excellent crema, thick body, number of scene/taste notes in the drinking, no appearance of bitter afterward. My wife liked her cappucino with very much.
So, can anyone suggest another commercial espresso blend that would hit this range I prefer? I'm looking next at WLL's Java Joe's espresso or the Malabar Blend ($$!).
You sound like a natural for home roasting since you like your espresso roasts very light indeed.
WLL's malabar gold is roasted to Dr John's specs and is as light as the Dolce, as well as quite similar in taste. Illy is also roasted very light, but it's lighter bodied and more citric than Dolce.
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