Pillar - Wayward blend - Espresso roast

Rarely write reviews as I am nearly always satisfied, especially with blends.
This was a surprising disappointment for me.
Far darker than comparable blends, and almost impossible for me to extract without pulling noticeable bitterness characteristic of coffee that is too dark.
Tried ratios 2:1- 2.5:1 and didn't improve - notably less complex than other well known blends as well.
Had feedback that it was pleasant as a milk coffee, but as I drink daily long blacks, felt very let down.

Sometimes taste notes can leave me scratching my head, but these are exactly as described on the bag. Very smooth flavour and easy to pull, cuts through a latte without being overpowering.

I've only tried Clarke St decaf, Small batch Ahmed, Code black decaf Swiss water and sugar cane proud Mary humbler and padre daddys girl) so I'm not quite the connoisseur. This is the first time buying Pillar and I want impressed. It's really weak and has a an acidic after-taste no matter how much tweaking I do. I won't be buying Wayward again.

Not a bad coffee bean. Starts off with light hint of blueberry and finishing strong with milk chocolate palate. Would love to see more acidity.

I had a bag that has been sitting for 2 months due to having too many coffee beans (not a bad thing) and was skeptical opening it but was pleasantly surprised! It is still very robust and well balanced coming through milk, I would buy it again and look forward to drinking it fresher this time!