This was one of the most unpleasant coffees I have tasted. First off the paper bag didn't seem to seal, air was travelling freely in and out through the glue seal. I opened it 12 days after the roast date, but it smelt stale from the outset. It was overly dark roasted for something marked as a medium. I had constant trouble with channelling (also had the same issue with the Golden Rule blend from Seven Seeds) which was weird, I'm using a single dose grinder, twin group commercial machine, WDT tool, calibrated tamper, VST basket (also tried a non VST basket, no success). I'm pretty sure it's not my equipment or technique, as I bought 9 other coffees in the same order and had no issues dialling each of those in. And yet, about 50% of the shots from this coffee would channel, even when made one after another on the same settings. Incredibly frustrating.
On the occasion that I would get a decent shot out of it, the espresso was undrinkable. Flat and ashy, like it had been on the shelf for 6 months. I found it to be only just drinkable as a flat white.
I've been to Seven Seeds, I enjoyed the coffee there. I thought this was it. Sadly, this ain't it.
