Just lately, Espresso Challenge New York ventured into the moment espresso world. We give their new on the spot espresso pods a go.
BY EMILY JOY MENESES
BARISTA MAGAZINE ONLINE
Featured picture by Emily Pleasure Meneses
Working as a coaching lab, roastery, and café with 9 places throughout New York, it looks as if Espresso Challenge New York can do all of it. I’ve been enamored with the store ever since I had the possibility to go to their East Village location a number of years again.
A pair months in the past, the café’s workforce introduced their enterprise into a brand new realm: on the spot espresso, bringing their very own twist on it through the use of their signature Woke Up in New York mix. “We love the ‘On the spot Pod’ for the workplace, staying in inns, airplanes, and for once we’re working late for work however nonetheless want a fast espresso repair,” CPNY shares concerning the product.
Right this moment, we’re taking CPNY’s espresso pods for a spin.
Destigmatizing On the spot Espresso
After I was first coaching as a barista in 2015, there was a variety of speak concerning the “proper“ solution to do espresso—with a variety of disapproval being proven for issues like on the spot espresso, different milk, or overly sweetened espresso. Now that I’m older, I’ve come to consider that we shouldn’t decide how anybody else takes or brews their espresso. An individual’s preferences are largely formed by their very own private circumstances and tradition.
That being mentioned, there’s nothing improper with on the spot espresso! For busy mother and father, folks with bodily disabilities or limitations, or individuals who merely can’t be bothered to slow-brew a cup, on the spot espresso could be a nice resolution—so why not make it good?
The Espresso Pods at First Look
CPNY’s on the spot espresso pods are available in packs of eight or 20, and every pod is supposed to brew a single serving, both scorching or iced. The Woke Up in New York mix incorporates Central and South American coffees and has tasting notes of milk chocolate and candied nuts with a fruity end.
After I first acquired my eight-pack, I used to be tremendous excited concerning the packaging. The case for the pods was minimalistic and stylish, and every espresso pod was designed to seem like a tiny to-go cup; who wouldn’t be in love with that?
Brewing the Espresso
As a result of every pod is kind of small, one can’t assist however marvel how a lot taste will come out of them—however after I brewed the espresso, I used to be fairly shocked. I attempted the espresso black, each scorching and iced, with about eight ounces of water for each. (The packaging requires 4 to 5 ounces of water, in case you favor stronger.)
The new espresso was clean and balanced, with the milk chocolate notes strongly coming by way of. The cup additionally had the depth and smokiness that most individuals search for in a normal “breakfast mix.” Total, the espresso was fairly gentle, so I wouldn’t advocate it for anybody who’s searching for sturdy fruity notes to come back by way of of their espresso. But when a cup of espresso that’s each simple to brew and excessive in high quality is what you’re after, I like to recommend it.
How did the CPNY pod maintain up as iced espresso? I used to be in love! I discovered that the intense, fruity flavors got here by way of much more within the iced espresso. Plus, the moment espresso dissolved surprisingly effectively in chilly water. Barely citrusy, the iced espresso was vibrant and refreshing—on par with any iced espresso or chilly brew you’d get at a café.
The Verdict
Total, I’m a fan of those espresso pods. I feel they might be nice for gifting or for days whenever you’re on the go and desire a cup that’s fast however nonetheless high-quality.
And nonetheless, nothing beats experiencing Espresso Challenge New York in particular person. If you happen to’re ever within the space, I extremely advocate visiting one in every of their places!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Emily Pleasure Meneses (she/they) is a author and musician primarily based in Los Angeles. Her hobbies embrace foraging, cortados, classic synths, and connecting together with her Filipino roots by way of music, artwork, meals, and beverage.
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