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The Ultimate Nespresso Capsule Guide
Time for some real talk, espresso lovers:
Raise you hand if…
when you first opened the sleek, uber cool looking capsule starter pack that came with your Nespresso, you felt totally baffled trying to understand what your coffee was actually going to taste like?
This was 100% me.
Me with my favorite Nespresso Pod Variety Pack
Those capsules are ridiculously good looking in their black box. AND good at what they do: delivering flavorful and crema-rich espressos and coffees pressure-brewed at a button push.
BUT how does that translate to the latte you want to whip up?
If you have a Veruoline machine click the button below to see the Best Vertuoline Capsules:
Click for Vertuoline Reviews
Contents
Originaline Capusle Reviews
I’ve compiled the most epic, ultimate, one-stop-shop guide to give you the skinny on ALL the Nespresso capsule flavors.
I even made it extra easy and filtered by intensity and flavor notes in a chart for skimming in case you don’t have the time to read this masterpiece.
Dark Roast
Title- IndriyaName
- Pure OriginType
- IndiaOrigin
Medium Roast
Title- LivantoName
- EspressoType
- Central and South AmericaOrigin
Light Roast
Title- VollutoName
- EspressoType
- Brazil, ColumbiaOrigin
The Final Shot: My favorite by far is the Indriya. Its bold strong flavor with intense chocolatey notes and slight sweetness make it perfect for my afternoon espresso. When I get a variety pack it is always the first one to go. If you are just starting out with Nespresso I highly suggest this variety pack. It is the one I buy.
If you are just here for a fast recommendation, I’ve also highlighted my favorites for you to try. I’d love to hear your feedback once you take one of these capsules for a spin.
If your looking for a new Nespresso machine check out my ultimate guide where I review all 7 machines.
Nespresso Capsule Comparison Chart
| Name | Type | Intensity | Origin | Flavor | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kazaar | Intenso | 12 | Brazil, Guatamala | Bitter, Peppery | |
| Dharkan | Intenso | 11 | Costa Rica, Java | Bitter Cocoa, toasted cereal | |
| Ristretto | Intenso | 10 | Colombia, Brazil, East Africa | Chocolate | |
| Arpeggio | Intenso | 9 | South and Central America | Cocoa, Woody | |
| Roma | Intenso | 8 | Central America, Brazil | Woody | |
| Livanto | Espresso | 6 | Central and South America | Caramel, Fruity | |
| Capriccio | Espresso | 5 | South America | Cereal | |
| Volluto | Espresso | 4 | Brazil, Columbia | Biscuity | |
| Cosi | Espresso | 4 | Costa Rica, Kenya | Cereal, Fruity | |
| Indriya | Pure Origin | 10 | India | Cocoa, Cloves, Pepper | |
| Rosabaya | Pure Origin | 6 | Colombia | Blackcurrents, Cranberries | |
| Dulsao | Pure Origin | 4 | Brazil | Toasted Grain | |
| Bukeela | Pure Origin | 3 | Ethiopia | Floral, Musk, Wood | |
| Envivo | Lungo | 9 | India, Mexico | Wood, Gingerbread | |
| Fortissio | Lungo | 8 | India, Colombia | Cereal, Toasted | |
| Vivalto | Lungo | 4 | Brazil, Ethiopia | Woody, Cereal, Floral | |
| Linizio | Lungo | 4 | Brazil, Columbia | Cereal | |
| Arpeggio (d) | Decaffeinato | 9 | South and Central America | Cocoa, Woody | |
| Volluto (d) | Decaffeinato | 4 | Brazil, Columbia | Biscuity | |
| Vivalto | Decaffeinato | 4 | Brazil, Ethiopia | Woody, Cereal, Floral | |
| Intenso | Decaffeinato | 7 | South America | Chocolate | |
| Caramelito | Variations | 6 | Costa Rica, Colombia | Cereal, Caramel, Fruity | |
| Ciocattino | Variations | 6 | Costa Rica, Colombia | Cereal, Caramel, Fruity | |
| Vanilio | Variations | 6 | Costa Rica, Colombia | Cereal, Caramel, Fruity | |
| 2014 Vintage | Limited | 7 | Colombia | Woody, Fruity |
The Basics
Varieties
There are 6 different grand cru varieties for Nespresso’s primary capsule system, the Original Line: intenso, espresso, lungo, pure origin, decaffeinato and variations.
I’ve included a quick description of what to expect from each below:
Intenso (5)
Especially intense and rich, even syrupy. Best enjoyed in a short cup, ristretto (25ml) or espresso (40ml) style.
Espresso (4)
A mild, rounded and balanced style. Best enjoyed in a 40ml espresso cup.
Pure Origin (4)
Includes 3 espressos (40ml) and one lungo (110ml), all sourced from, you guessed it, a single country of origin: India, Colombia, Brazil and Ethiopia.
Lungo (4)
A variety of taste profiles and intensities, all designed to be enjoyed as a long shot (110ml).
Decaffeinato (4)
Not surprisingly, an all decaf range, designed to be enjoyed several different ways, depending on the blend.
Variations (3)
The three flavored gourmet variations on the Livanto Grand Cru: caramel, vanilla and chocolate. Best enjoyed in a shot 40ml espresso cup.
Let’s Talk Numbers
So how many total capsule options can you expect from Nespresso? Right now, for the Original Line, there are 26 blends on offer.
This includes two limited edition grand crus that aren’t permanent additions to the line up and may change yearly.
VertuoLine vs. Original Line
Nespresso produces two lines of espresso machines, which means two different lines of capsules offering up the crème de la crema (literally, a whole lot of crema) of super-auto espresso.
What is most important to know is that the capsules for the Original Line are NOT interchangeable with the VertuoLine pods.
VertuoLine capsules pair with the two VertuoLine machines currently offered by Nespresso: the VertuoLine and Evoluo. The Original Line pods are used with all other Nespresso machines.
The shape of the capsules is slightly different (think flatter and more saucer-like) and the VertuoLine pods also come with a tiny barcode under the rim that the machine is designed to read to determine optimal brew settings.
We’ll discuss what that barcode means for the brew experience a little later on, but keep it in the back of your mind – it’s a game-changer.
Type
The Original Line grand crus are designed to brew just espresso. You can choose the strength (ristretto or lungo) to customize the intensity, but espresso is the sole function.
For the VertuoLine, you have the option of purchasing coffee grand crus (they’re a little rounder) that will brew you a cup of coffee similar to a drip coffee system. You can also brew espresso, just like with the Original Line.
This is a versatility feature unique to Vertuo line and the two compatible machines.
When we explore the different flavor notes and features of the various blends, we’ll dive into the coffee options in addition to the espresso capsule blends.
Taste
So what about taste? Is one capsule system making a better latte than the other?
The quick answer is no.
The Original Line, as the more established system, has a wider range of espresso strengths, blends and flavors on offer than the newer VertuoLine, but all 4 of the new system grand crus produce the flavorful taste and crema you expect.
The VertuoLine pods are also designed to satisfy a wide range of palettes, with a highly intense and powerful option, a creamier and smoother blend, a slightly sweet and light grand cru and a decaf option.
As I mentioned earlier, there is also an array of 12 coffee options to enjoy.
So what’s the longer answer?
The VertuoLine capsules may offer some of the same flavor profiles as the originals, BUT they are designed to be “read” by the machine (using that mini barcode), which then optimizes the brew settings. This includes water amount, temp and strength, producing the optimal shot based on the individual grand cru.
While the quality of the coffee inside the pod doesn’t differ much, the VertuoLine machines may end up producing a better cup, simply because the machine will customize the experience for you.
The Original Line
We’ve curated a detailed breakdown of the flavor notes, intensity and origin of each of the grand crus from Nespresso’s original system and compiled them below.
For a quick glance, check out our skimmable chart to choose your fave based on intensity or flavor profile.
Intenso
The selection of grand crus in the Intenso line deliver what the name suggests: bold, and richly intense espresso.
Kazaar
Kazaar is spicy and intense in flavor with distinct notes of pepper, mellowed by a robust and creamy texture. It is intense with a bitter note.
Three beans are used in the blend. Including a naturally sun dried Conillon Robusta from Brazil, a washed Robusta from Guatemala and a calming washed Arabica from South America to smooth out the flavor profile.
Intensity: 12
Flavor Profile: Spicy and peppery balanced by a rich and creamy texture
Countries of Origin: Brazil, Guatemala, South America
Recommended cup size: .85 oz, 1.35 oz
Dharkan
Dharkan is rich and velvety with powerful intensity that evokes notes of bitter dark cocoa and toasted grains. It is silky and well-rounded.
This blend combines beans of four origins, including Costa Rica, the island of Java and two other Latin American points of origination. Beans are long roasted at low temps.
Intensity: 11
Flavor Profile: Powerful with notes of bitter cocoa and toasted cereals
Countries of Origin: Costa Rica, Java and Latin America
Recommended cup size: .85 oz, 1.35 oz
Ristretto
Ristretto is strong and smooth with a subtle juxtaposition between fruity, citrus flavors and intense, but smooth chocolate ones. Ristretto also has an acidic undertone and complex bouquet.
This blend combines East African Arabicas, as well as beans from Colombia and Brazil, with a touch of Robusta for a bright, intense finish.
Intensity: 10
Flavor Profile: Fruity with notes of citrus and an acidic undertone coupled with cocoa
Countries of Origin: Colombia, Brazil and East Africa
Recommended cup size: .85 oz, 1.35 oz
Arpeggio
Arpeggio is toasty and intense with distinct chocolate aromas and a hint of bitterness. Woody undertones are also present and bring a smooth, malted element.
This blend combines the best of Central and South American Arabica beans, with distinct flavors from Costa Rica, roasted for fullness and depth.
Intensity: 9
Flavor Profile: Toasty with hints of chocolate and a woody malt
Countries of Origin: Costa Rica and South and Central America
Recommended cup size: .85 oz, 1.35 oz
Roma
Roma is a subtler blend with a strong woody and roasted profile. The strength and intensity is full and finessed.
This blend combines high altitude Central American Arabicas with Brazilian Arabicas and Robustas lightly roasted and finely ground for a medium bodied and not overly forceful taste.
Intensity: 8
Flavor Profile: Woody with subtle roasted notes
Countries of Origin: Brazil and Central America
Recommended cup size: .85 oz, 1.35 oz
Espresso
The espresso blends are mild to medium-bodied for palates seeking more balanced and less bitter flavors.
Livanto
Livanto is rounded and balanced with roasted and caramelized flavors. It also has a hint of delicate fruit notes and malted cereal for a smooth finish.
Composed of Central and South American Arabicas from Colombia and Costa Rica, cultivated using traditional techniques and medium roasted to enhance naturally malty and fruit forward profiles.
Intensity: 6
Flavor Profile: Fruity with notes of citrus and an acidic undertone coupled with cocoa
Countries of Origin: Costa Rica and Colombia
Recommended cup size: 1.35 oz
Capriccio
Capriccio is a balanced blend of distinct notes of cereal and light acidity for a smooth, well-rounded flavor.
South American Arabicas grown at high altitude are combines with Brazilian Arabicas and a zing of Robustas. This blend is lightly roasted for a crisp acidity.
Intensity: 5
Flavor Profile: Dominant cereal notes with a hint of light acidity
Countries of Origin: Brazil and South America
Recommended cup size: 1.35 oz
Volluto
Volluto is aromatic and rounded with forward notes of sweet biscuit and an undertone of light fruit, combining for an overall balanced and complex taste.
Composed of Brazilian and Colombian Arabicas from small plantations, grown by traditional methods and lightly roasted to enhance the fresh and fruity notes in the beans.
Intensity: 4
Flavor Profile: A sweet biscuit flavor with light and airy notes of fruit
Countries of Origin: Brazil and Colombia
Recommended cup size: 1.35 oz
Cosi
Cosi is light and delicate with a balanced blend of mild cereal and subtle fruit for a lightly toasted taste profile.
Costa Rican and Kenyan Arabicas are blended to enhance the notes of fruit and harmonized with Latin American Arabicas for an overall bright taste. No bitterness from added Robustas.
Intensity: 3
Flavor Profile: Lightly roasted cereal paired with crisp fruity tones
Countries of Origin: Costa Rica, Kenya and Latin America
Recommended cup size: 1.35 oz
Pure Origin
No mystery here, the pure origin capsules all use single-origin beans for distinct flavor profiles.
Indriya
Indriya is bold and spicy with intense, full-bodied flavors of cocoa, cloves, pepper and nutmeg. The intensity is balanced by quick, light roasting of the Arabica beans and a bolder Robusta roast for a hint of bitterness.
Indian Arabica and high-altitude Robusta beans are blended to deliver a powerful and spicy flavor. Beans are vetted through an intense selection process to ensure the subtle aromas are consistent.
Intensity: 10
Flavor Profile: Cocoa with notes of dried herbs, balanced with spices, like cloves, pepper and nutmeg
Countries of Origin: India
Recommended cup size: .85 oz, 1.35 oz
Rosabaya
Rosabaya is soft and offers notes of berry jam and wine with fruity, acidic notes shining through. Berry flavors include black currant, cranberry and red currants.
Grown at high altitudes in small batches, beans are treated with the “wet” method to cultivate aromas before being dried on parchment in a cold, dry climate. The different varieties are split roasted to elicit the different flavor notes.
Intensity: 6
Flavor Profile: Berry jam and wine flavors predominate
Countries of Origin: Colombia
Recommended cup size: 1.35 oz
Dulsao
Dulsao is smooth and silky with subtle hints of lightly toasted grain and notes of slight sweetness.
Purely Arabica, Bourbon coffee beans are harvested by hand, sundried and lightly roasted. More well-roasted Arabicas are also added for greater depth of flavor to balance the mellowness and sweet undertones of the lighter roasted bean.
Intensity: 4
Flavor Profile: Smooth with hints of toasted grains
Countries of Origin: Brazil
Recommended cup size: 1.35 oz
Bukeela
Bukeela is floral and delicate, expressing notes of jasmine, white lily, bergamot and orange blossom, tempered by hints of wood and musk.
Arabica beans from the Sidamo area are washed and sundried on raised beds and combined with Arabicas from other areas in the western region that are unwashed and processed naturally. Split roasting enhances the wild musk flavors.
Intensity: 9
Flavor Profile: Floral with hints of musk and wood
Countries of Origin: Ethiopia
Recommended cup size: 1.35 oz
Lungo
The Lungo grand crus are designed for a longer shot and vary in intensity and depth of flavor.
Envivo Lungo
Envivo is intense and full with aromatics evoking wood and gingerbread. A toasted, caramelized flavor creates a robustness and depth that works particularly well with a long-cup.
Green coffees from India and Mexico are roasted separately and blended for a dark and especially robust taste.
Intensity: 10
Flavor Profile: Gingerbread with woody and caramelized flavors
Countries of Origin: India and Mexico
Recommended cup size: 3.7 oz
Fortissio Lungo
Fortissio is full-bodied and full with a smooth and silky texture accented with notes of sweet cereal and toasted malt. It also presents an enjoyable bitterness.
Monsooned Malabar Arabica from India is paired with washed Arabicas from Colombia for a rich, complex flavor.
Intensity: 8
Flavor Profile: Sweet cereal with mated, toasted notes and a slight bitterness
Countries of Origin: Southwest India and Colombia
Recommended cup size: 3.7 oz
Vivalto Lungo
Vivalto is complex and balanced with notes of sweet cereal, woodiness, and subtle florals. A slight roasted undertone offsets the other flavors and adds a nice roundness coupled with a light acidity.
High altitude South American Arabicas are paired with light Ethiopian Arabicas infusing a light floral flavor and Cerrado beans from Brazil that add a touch of bitterness.
Intensity: 4
Flavor Profile: Sweet cereal with woodsiness, a slight roast and subtle florals
Countries of Origin: South America, Brazil, East Africa
Recommended cup size: 3.7 oz
Linizio Lungo
Linizio is smooth and balanced with a cereal, malty tone with a mild and smooth drinkability.
Arabicas from Brazil and Colombia are treated and roasted separately to create a smooth and mild marriage of flavor.
Intensity: 4
Flavor Profile: Cereal with mild malty notes
Countries of Origin: Colombia and Brazil
Recommended cup size: 3.7 oz
Decaffeinato
All the non-caffeinated options you could possibly need.
Arpeggio Decaffeinato
Your favorite Arpeggio blend, just without the caffeine.
Intensity: 9
Flavor Profile: Toasty with hints of chocolate and a woody malt
Countries of Origin: Costa Rica and South and Central America
Recommended cup size: .85 oz, 1.35 oz
Volluto Decaffeinato
Your favorite Volluto blend, just without the caffeine.
Intensity: 4
Flavor Profile: A sweet biscuit flavor with light and airy notes of fruit
Countries of Origin: Brazil and Colombia
Recommended cup size: 1.35 oz
Vivalto Lungo Decaffeinato
Your favorite Vivalto Lungo blend, just without the caffeine.
Intensity: 4
Flavor Profile: Sweet cereal with woodsiness, a slight roast and subtle florals
Countries of Origin: South America, Brazil, East Africa
Recommended cup size: 3.7 oz
Decaffeinato Intenso
Intenso is dense and strong with flavors of cocoa, malt and toasted cereal, offset by a bright bitterness.
South American Arabicas are paired with a light touch of Robusta for a more complex and dense flavor.
Intensity: 7
Flavor Profile: Grilled and cocoa notes with an especially rich and fragrant aroma
Countries of Origin: South America
Recommended cup size: 1.35 oz
Varieties
These are the more intensely flavored, specialty grand crus with dessert flavor profiles.
Caramelito
Caramelito is caramel flavored, round and well-balanced. It is silky and smooth with a creamy undertone of toffee and cereal. A soft fruitiness is also hinted at in this blend.
Central and South American Arabicas, cultivated using traditional techniques to enhance the malty and toasted notes, are paired in this blend and medium-roasted.
Intensity: 6
Flavor Profile: Caramel
Countries of Origin: Costa Rica and Colombia
Recommended cup size: 1.35 oz
Ciocattino
Ciocattino offers dark and bitter chocolate notes paired with cereal and malted flavors to create a balanced profile with a light bitterness.
Central and South American Arabicas, cultivated using traditional techniques to enhance the malty and toasted notes, are paired in this blend and medium-roasted.
Intensity: 6
Flavor Profile: Chocolate
Countries of Origin: Costa Rica and Colombia
Recommended cup size: 1.35 oz
Vanilio
Vanilio is smooth and velvety with a mellow vanilla profile that has cereal, malted undertones and a balanced aromatic bouquet.
Central and South American Arabicas, cultivated using traditional techniques to enhance the malty and toasted notes, are paired in this blend and medium-roasted.
Intensity: 6
Flavor Profile: Vanilla
Countries of Origin: Costa Rica and Colombia
Recommended cup size: 1.35 oz
The VertuoLine
We’ve curated a detailed breakdown of the flavor notes, intensity and origin of each of the grand crus from Nespresso’s VertuoLine system and compiled them below.
There are a couple key things to know about the capsules for these machines: 1) They include coffee and espresso options, 2) The espresso selection is teeny, as in 3 caff options, BUT the coffee selection is great (12 varieties), so these machines are best suited for coffee lovers and espresso dabblers.
Espresso Dark
Title- DiavolittoName
- EspressoType
- Brazil, Central and South AmericaOrigin
Espresso Light
Title- VoltessoName
- EspressoType
- Brazil and ColombiaOrigin
Coffee
Title- StormioName
- CoffeeType
- Guatemala and NicaraguaOrigin
The Final Shot: My favorite by far for coffee is the Stormio. It’s bold strong flavor with woody notes and slight bit of spice is perfect. I highly suggest this variety pack for the coffee drinkers out there. For espresso, the Voltesso is my favorite.
For a quick glance, check out our skimmable chart to choose your fave based on intensity or flavor profile.
| Name | Type | Intensity | Origin | Flavor | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intenso | Coffee | 9 | Mexico, Guatemala and South America | Sweet, Toasted | |
| Stormio | Coffee | 8 | Guatemala and Nicaragua | Spicy, Woody, Cereal, Roasted | |
| Odacio | Coffee | 7 | Central America and East Africa | Cereal, Fruity | |
| Melozio | Coffee | 6 | Central America and Brazil | Honey, Biscuity | |
| Elvazio | Coffee | 4 | Brazil and Colombia | Fruity, Caramel, Cereal | |
| Giornio | Coffee | 4 | Ethiopia and Kenya | Floral, Cereal | |
| Solelio | Coffee | 2 | Kenya and Colombia | Fruity, Toasted Cereal, Caramel | |
| Decaffeinato | Coffee | 6 | Colombia and Costa Rica | Malty, Cereal, Nutty | |
| Half Caffeinato | Coffee | 5 | Ethiopia, Brazil and Central America | Biscuity, Caramer, Nutty | |
| Hazelino | Coffee | 6 | Brazil and Central America | Hazelnut | |
| Caramelizo | Coffee | 6 | Brazil and Central America | Caramel | |
| Vanizio | Coffee | 6 | Brazil and Central America | Vanilla | |
| Diavolitto | Espresso | 11 | Brazil, Central and South America | Oaky | |
| Altissio | Espresso | 9 | Costa Rica and South America | Roasted Cereal | |
| Voltesso | Espresso | 4 | Brazil and Colombia | Biscuity | |
| Decaffeinato | Espresso | 7 | Brazil and Colombia | Cocoa, Fruity |
Coffee Selection
The coffee selection is pretty robust and a big win for anyone who is looking for cafe style coffee in lieu of espresso, with 12 options, including one decaf and one half caf option.
Intenso
Intenso is dense and deep with lingering flavors evoking brown sugar and caramel toastiness. It is strong and powerful.
Three beans are used in the blend, including a washed Robusta from Guatemala and Mexican and South American Arabicas to round out the flavors and add smoothness.
Intensity: 9
Flavor Profile: Dense brown sugar and toasty notes with a lingering aftertaste
Countries of Origin: Mexico, Guatemala, South America
Recommended cup size: 7.7 oz
Stormio
The Stormio grand cru is intensely roasted with distinct spicy and woodsy flavors with a definitive cereal note that pairs especially well with milk to enhance the flavor.
Two beans are used in the blend, including a washed Arabica from Guatemala and Nicaraguan Robustas, all dark and long roasted to achieve intensity of flavor that is strong and memorable.
Intensity: 8
Flavor Profile: Spicy and woody cereal notes with a distinct roast taste
Countries of Origin: Guatemala and Nicaragua
Recommended cup size: 7.7 oz
Odacio
Odacio is a full-flavored coffee with both cereal and fruity notes that blend to create a bold and complex flavor.
Beans from Central America and Ethiopia are split-roasted, bringing both delicate notes as well as structure and body, thanks to pre-wetting and a high temperature during the roast process.
Intensity: 7
Flavor Profile: Cereal and fruity flavors combine for a full-bodied experience
Countries of Origin: Central America and East Africa
Recommended cup size: 7.7 oz
Melozio
The Melozio coffee grand cru is smooth and aromatic, with a well-rounded balanced drinkability with notes of honey and biscuit.
Brazilian Bourbon Robustas are fast-flow and high-temp roasted and paired with Central American Arabicas for a more balanced and lighter flavor profile.
Intensity: 6
Flavor Profile: Honey and biscuit notes that are soft and well-rounded
Countries of Origin: Central America and Brazil
Recommended cup size: 7.7 oz
Elvazio
The Elvazio capsule is predominantly fruity with sophisticated delicacy of flavor, paired with a light caramel note to be enjoyed after the fruitiness fades.
Brazilian Bourbon Robustas are low temp roasted with slow flow first and then quick flow, high-temp finished and paired with Colombian Arabicas for a more refined finish.
Intensity: 4
Flavor Profile: Fruity with caramel and delicate cereal notes
Countries of Origin: Brazil and Colombia
Recommended cup size: 7.7 oz
Giornio
Giornio is floral and velvety with initial toasted cereal tones that mellow into light floral flavors with a slight kick of acidity for a harmonious blend perfect for fans of medium roasts.
Ethiopian Arabicas are short roasted with a lighter finish to bring out the delicate floral flavors, while the Kenyan Arabicas are longer-roasted for more body, to act as a base.
Intensity: 4
Flavor Profile: Floral with smooth cereal tones
Countries of Origin: Ethiopia and Kenya
Recommended cup size: 7.7 oz
Solelio
Solelio is a lightly roasted blend for morning drinkers that is fruit forward with an undertone of toasted cereal and a final hit of caramel that is well-balanced and easy to drink.
The Colombian beans are roasted light and short to enhance the fruity profile, while the Kenyan Arabicas are medium and long roasted to finish the flavor and minimize acidity.
Intensity: 2
Flavor Profile: Red fruity notes with light toasted cereal flavors and a hint of caramel
Countries of Origin: Kenya and Colombia
Recommended cup size: 7.7 oz
Decaffeinato
Decaffeinato is smooth and well-rounded with a rich flavor evoking notes of fresh nuts, malt and light cereal.
Colombian and Costa Rican Arabicas are split roasted, dark and long respectively to create a malty but rounded flavor profile.
Intensity: 6
Flavor Profile: Malted and cereal notes and a hint of fresh nuts
Countries of Origin: Colombia and Costa Rica
Recommended cup size: 7.7 oz
Half Caffeinato
Half Caffeinato is smooth with medium body and suffused with notes of biscuit, caramel and nutty flavors are revealed when paired with milk.
Brazilian Arabicas are roasted light and quick and then paired with beans from Ethiopia and Central America for a dense and velvety flavor and a smooth drinking experience.
Intensity: 5
Flavor Profile: Slight notes of biscuit, followed by caramel and nutty tones
Countries of Origin: Ethiopia, Brazil and Central America
Recommended cup size: 7.7 oz
Hazelino
The Hazelino grand cru is sweet and nutty, infused with a distinctive hazelnut flavor and blended from Brazilian and South American Arabicas.
Intensity: 6
Flavor Profile: Hazelnut
Countries of Origin: Brazil and Central America
Recommended cup size: 7.7 oz
Caramelizo
The Caramelizo grand cru is sweet with subtle hints of vanilla and brioche with a predominate caramel flavor, blended from Brazilian and South American Arabicas.
Intensity: 6
Flavor Profile: Caramel
Countries of Origin: Brazil and Central America
Recommended cup size: 7.7 oz
Vanizio
The Vanizio grand cru is creamy, smooth and balanced, infused with a distinctive vanilla flavor and blended from Brazilian and South American Arabicas.
Intensity: 6
Flavor Profile: Vanilla
Countries of Origin: Brazil and Central America
Recommended cup size: 7.7 oz
Espresso Selection
The espresso selection for the Vertuoline is a little slim compared with the options available for the OriginalLine. If you like a range of options and are primarily an espresso drinker, this may not suit your needs, but if you prefer coffee with an occasional latte, the Vertuoline will serve you well.
Diavolitto
The Diavolitto blend is the darkest roast for this line. It is intense and powerful with an aroma evoking oak wood and leather offset by a creamy texture.
Central and South American Robustas are highly roasted to create rich body tinged with bitterness. The Brazilian Arabicas add a smoother texture and balance to the blend.
Intensity: 11
Flavor Profile: Strong, intense, oaky notes with a smooth texture
Countries of Origin: Central and South America and Brazil
Recommended cup size: 1.35 oz
Altissio
Altissio is another dark roast for the Vertuoline and is both full-bodied and creamy with hints of cereal.
Costa Rican and South American beans are highly roasted, with brief pre-wetting and a slow flow. The Costa Rican beans infuse the blend with the cereal notes, with intensity coming from the South American beans.
Intensity: 9
Flavor Profile: Dark roasted, full-bodied with cereal notes
Countries of Origin: Costa Rica and South America
Recommended cup size: 1.35 oz
Voltesso
The Voltesso blend is a lighter roast with a sweet, light balance and biscuity mildness in the cup.
Colombian highland beans offer a light acidity and combine with the Brazilian Bourbon Arabicas to feature the sweet, biscuity notes and create a smooth, balanced blend.
Intensity: 4
Flavor Profile: Light and sweet with soft biscuit notes
Countries of Origin: Brazil and Colombia
Recommended cup size: 1.35 oz
Decaffeinato
The decaf espresso option for the VertuoLine is medium bodied and substantial with balanced fruit and cocoa flavors.
Unwashed Brazilian arabicas are paired with coffee beans from South America with a hint of unwashed Asian Robustas. Beans are both dark and medium roasted for a complex and balanced blend.
Intensity: 7
Flavor Profile: Dense and harmonious with notes of cocoa and fruit
Countries of Origin: Brazil and Colombia
Recommended cup size: 1.35 oz
While the VertuoLine offers some serious tech advancements and the bonus of a range of coffee capsules, if you’re an espresso lover, the selection is a little small. For coffee lovers, this is the line you’ve been dreaming of.
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About the Author Michael York
I am a die-hard espresso fan. I love every form of the drink from straight espresso shots to lattes and cappuccinos. I currently use a Breville BES870XL Barista, it is an awesome machine. BUT, my dream machine is definitely an Italian Quickmill Andreja. Those bad boys make badass espresso. I love answering your questions, leave a comment or question below!
