As discussed in the last #whatsCTpulling post, I won't be posting in depth looks at a coffee each week, but will be doing a lot of "real-time" or current coffee dial in and findings on Instagram, and highlighting what was great and what I have coming up, if you are interested in tasting along.  

This week, I'm working through Abagore Burundi Limited Release from Intelligentsia, which is turning out really nice when brewed, but was a challenge to dial in as espresso.  Regardless in the VST baskets, this coffee was tasting underextracted and unbalanced.  This is where I find the IMS precision double 16/22 basket does quite well.  Although the IMS basket generally doesn't provide as much flavor separation as the VST's do, when a coffee is struggling to find a sweet spot with the VST baskets, the IMS tames acidity and underextracted flavors and produces sweeter more balanced pulls.  This basket does require a much larger dose and coarser grind, and I found my ultimate sweet spot at 20.3 grams in to 45 grams out in 33 seconds (with 3s preinfusion) at 203*F.

On Deck

When Intelligentsia sends you a 25% off coupon, it's tough to ignore.  So coming up, I also have from them:

• Honey Badger Espresso
• Rayos del Sol Organic Peru Limited Release
• Agua Preta Brazil Single Origin Espresso

Honey Badger is a seasonal espresso blend that I've yet to have, so I'm definitely looking forward to it, and also the Brazil SOE.  Typically, you think of Brazil of being more on the comfort side of espresso shots, as it usually serves as the bass notes or backbone of espresso blends.  The description this one is anything but, so we will see if it breaks the mold.  

Be sure to sign up for Intelligentsia's email list for great opportunities and promotions like this one, and follow along on Instagram and comment there or here with any questions, comments, or finding of these coffees you have.