u/Straight_Loss_9195

I decided it was time for a real treat. I pulled out all the No. 20 I have from the vault. I initially had 7 or so boxes of the Vertuo Line and 4 Original Line boxes. Now I’m down to 3 full boxes of VL and almost 2 full boxes of the OL. The coffee is simply exquisite. Not everyone’s favourite, I’m sure. It has a bit of fruitiness to it, but in a good way. The notes are complex. I should never had extracted the blend in such a wide cup, but it was a change from the usual Riedel Tasting Glasses I use for special blends (too lazy to bring them out from storage). The coffee is not flavoured, but the way they made this coffee made the flavour profile what it is. Black Magic is what it is. The coffee lingered for a bit in the mouth, but not too long. I liken it to hitting a lower mid-tone on a grand piano and letting it reverberate. Slow decay of a gorgeous sound.

I added half a packet of Nespresso Brown Sugar. The coffee opened up. Orange Blossom - they weren’t kidding. Not overpowering, but noticeable. Did I mention complex? I then added a few drops of evaporated milk. It was a very nice addition. As black, this coffee is very good. It’s the kind of coffee you don’t gulp down. Sip and enjoy every moment kind of coffee. At nearly $5.00 a capsule, that’s like a given.

I made this post, because there are rumours that after being gone for a few years, there’s a chance that it will be coming back in 2027. I am so looking forward to it. But for now, I have to make sure what I have now will last me in case it doesn’t ever come back.

The Bard at my local boutique made something special for me today. It was incredibly good. Used Mascarpone Cheese with Maple Syrup, some sea salt and a tiny bit of Monin Pistachio Syrup. She did this on her break, so as not to get into any trouble. She used a NanoFoamer. Tiramisu much?

Free is always good. Ordered six VL sleeves to qualify. I’ve got a decent supply of Puerto Rico, so ordered some coffees that are not available here in Canada. I was going to go tomorrow morning, but decided to take a leisurely evening drive to the border. I got to the border and met this really nice border patrol agent. As I got to the booth, he greeted me with a smile and addressed me by my name. I have a Nexus Card that I scan, so they see all the info on me before I even make it to the booth. Most border guards are serious and sometimes miserable. This guy was genuinely nice. We talked for about ten minutes about coffee, of all things. He has a super automatic and by the sounds of it, really knew his stuff. It was such a wholesome encounter. Goes to show you coffee aficionado’s are such a chill bunch…….

Back to the order. I got the coffee at 10% discount for being a subscriber (auto replenish). Because I paid with a Canadian credit card (one with no foreign transaction fee), I could not use the free Monin Syrup Code. The nice fellow made an adjustment where the syrup kit was sent separately. That’s cool, but that would’ve cost me extra, because the parcel depot charges for each shipment. After hearing that, dude gave me a $5 credit to be used on my next order. I just found out, it’s a $10.00 credit. I love those guys from The Dominican Republic. I usually have awesome conversations with them. The previous gal I talked with, insisted I visit the country. She made it sound so beautiful. One things for sure, they love their baseball. Sorry for the storytelling……… beats talking about high coffee prices.

Saw this at the local Salvation Army Thrift Store. Was in nearly pristine condition. No chips or cracks. Pair of dolphins. Got some of my more special capsules in there. Under $10.00. Not bad.

Ordered it yesterday morning at around 9:30 am and it arrived today at around noon.

I used to order my favourite Cafecito de Puerto Rico along with the Ginseng Delight on a regular basis. Now that the Ginseng is available in Canada, I’m going to get other capsules that are not available, like the Cafe Joyeux, boost capsules, and the Ristretto Intenso. I am now officially a subscriber. I figured I might as well get the 10% discount. I can change my order at any time, so I’ll keep the CPR as is, and change up the sidekick capsules. I can change the order at any time and suspend or cancel at any time. For the moment, I have the order recurring every three months. It’s more like every two months that I’ll be needing to reorder. The three month interval will start as soon as my next order goes through.

I also took advantage of the one time $20.00 discount offer for signing up (see invoice).

They did screw up, but I’m not going to make it a big deal. I didn’t get 10% discount for the Cafe Joyeux.

Ordered early Friday morning and it arrived Monday morning. Now that Ginseng Delight is available in Canada, these are the only capsules not available in Canada. There is the Ristretto Intenso, but I prefer the Ristretto Classico, which is available in Canada. Anyway, reading up on what’s in the VL Café Joyeux, I was surprised it was arabica from El Salvador. Well, since I have a few sleeves of El Salvador I got for free from various promos, I thought, Why not do a side by side?

Results: They’re exactly the same. Maybe a very slight difference. Black, with sweetener, with creamer, there was no discernible difference.

The Original Line Café Joyeux is a bit more interesting. Blend of beans from Uganda and China. It’s a big hit at the boutiques. I’m not a huge fan of the VL, but the OL is nice.

I was at the Oakridge Park Nespresso Boutique last week when my go to guy told me I had to try something new. They have a mid level Professional Line machine at the boutique. He extracted a Guatemala capsule for me and used the silky smooth milk frother that’s part of the machine. It’s the first time I’ve actually tried a coffee from a professional line machine.

Yeah, like I have a spare $7500.00 lying around. I quickly found out the professional line machines start at around $395.00. And, you can have one with a subscription for $10.00 per month. I didn’t read the fine print, but damn……… that’s affordable. Probably have to order 1000 capsules or something.

The coffee? Fantastic. I just saw a post about them launching a Pumpkin Spice Cake “pillow” capsule in this subreddit.

Oh, they also have Peru Organic for the professional line, too. WTHeck?

https://www.nespresso.com/pro/ca/en/order/capsules/pro#nesclub2.ca.b2b/cat/capsule-range-origins-pro

The basic machine is called the Giorno Mini.

[https://www.nespresso.com/pro/ca/en/order/machines/pro?gclsrc=aw.ds&gad\\\_source=1&gad\\\_campaignid=23552365358&gbraid=0AAAAADh6xivg3TdaJTB9IjA5FZpLrGOvk&gclid=Cj0KCQjwv4XUBhDBARIsAE6bQUS2W7-p0dapvbjKMNfZrMBJ2f\\\_yWJ3TLhZFP09pibBBrgN88auQCoQaAtANEALw\\\_wcB\](https://www.nespresso.com/pro/ca/en/order/machines/pro?gclsrc=aw.ds&gad\_source=1&gad\_campaignid=23552365358&gbraid=0AAAAADh6xivg3TdaJTB9IjA5FZpLrGOvk&gclid=Cj0KCQjwv4XUBhDBARIsAE6bQUS2W7-p0dapvbjKMNfZrMBJ2f\_yWJ3TLhZFP09pibBBrgN88auQCoQaAtANEALw\_wcB)

I always thought the professional line machines were way more expensive. It’s an option for some. Just have to find a way to get the capsules without having to buy a lot. I mean I have my channels, but have way too many VL and OL capsules to get through first………. so in 25 years or so. 😂

Brand new Signature Large Mugs. $46.00 CAD from Nespresso. Got it for under $10.00. The box was in perfect shape. I don’t think it was ever opened. I was waiting for a GWP. I have four of the smaller sizes, so this was a total win! At my local Salvation Army Thrift Store. The amount of Nespresso accessories I’ve found there is outstanding. Most, if not all, brand new.

I go to Sally Ann looking for vintage audio and records.

Was at the Oakridge Park Boutique in Vancouver a couple of days ago. My favorite coffee specialist pulled out a bottle of something he said I would love. It was a Monin Yuzu Purée. I’ve been searching for a recipe to recreate something I tasted when the Yuzu Vanilla capsule first came out. It was one of those, once in a while when conditions are just right, taste moment. The taste of a lemon meringue pie. For the life of me, I couldn’t get it to work, no matter what I tried. Well, this concoction he made me was so damn close, I regained some momentum (never give up) in my search for the silver cup. The secret was the microfoam that was used. Foam created from a $7500.00 Professional Line Nespresso machine they have at the boutique. My god, the machine is so elegant. Still, the coffee was not perfect. I broke down and went to a business that sells just about the whole line of Monin products as well as stuff needed to make bubble tea and other very trendy drinks. More on that later.

So, after I got home I had to make an attempt to make a Yuzu Meringue Coffee. I started with three, premade, Yuzu Vanilla Over Ice, ice cubes that I have bags of in the feezer. I use the Nespresso Ice Cube Trays (and yes, I used the yellow ones, even though I have every colour Nespresso has ever made, including the Mandarin).

After the ice, I poured in a good amount of evaporated milk. Evaporated milk is basically a non sweetened condensed milk. Good thing, too, as the Yuzu Purée is so so sweet as it is. Then I extracted a Double Espresso VL Yuzu Vanilla over the mix. To top it off, I released some Kirkland Real Whipped Cream and drizzled some more purée on top of that. So close. I mean so close. All it needs now is a little tweaking. Perhaps some crumbled Graham Crackers sprinkled on top.

Can this be called a hybrid Espresso Con Panna?

The purée has tiny pieces of Bitter Orange Peel. When you bite into one, it just adds a real special dimension to the overall experience. It’s not for everyone, but damn……………

This location was one of those kiosk type boutiques. Not sure for how long, but definitely more than six years. One of the most popular boutiques in the region. Being far away from the Downtown Vancouver Business Core, it draws in people from the valley. It’s a long time coming. So happy for the employees who’ve had to put up with the limitations of a kiosk. Today only and for the first 100 registered customers a welcome $20 off promo is available. No minimum purchase required.

Lisbon Bica is gone online and every boutique in the area has none on hand. I phoned yesterday and was told that 23 sleeves were in stock at this location. Needless to say, I was first in line. Got 10 sleeves, used my 10% off subscription+ price, win!!!

I was going to get more, but I would totally feel guilty. A lady soon afterward had a few sleeves in her cart. I told her what’s left on the wall is it. None for a year, maybe more. She purchased the rest for her friend who loves Lisbon Bica. Since her friend had a different registered account, got the $20 off price.

I couldn’t apply the $20 to the subscription as Nespresso doesn’t allow for stacking offers. That’s okay, I got two sleeves of Ginseng Delight for a grand total of $8.00 and change.

I came across this little cafe/kiosk in the middle of City Square Mall in Vancouver. I love Vietnamese Iced Coffee, so wondered what an Indonesian Iced Coffee tasted like. I loved it. When I got home, I decided to make my own version by using Nespresso Master Origins, Original Line, Indonesia. Need to tweak it a bit, but wow, it’s a damn good coffee. The sleeves have been forgotten about in my stash till now. I discovered I really like the woodiness profile this coffee has.

In case you’re wondering about the cafe, here’s the link.

https://blazecafeyvr.com,

Nespresso Indonesia Fair Trade Capsule.

https://www.nespresso.com/ca/en/order/capsules/original/Indonesia-Original-coffee-capsule

I used two capsules, two pumps of Monin Pure Cane Sugar Syrup a fair amount of ice and a decent amount of evaporated milk. Evaporated milk is a condensed milk without the added sugar. So creamy.

I chuckled at the sign when I first saw it.

Just arrived. Limited Edition Kruve Propel Server. Im slowly growing the collection. I ordered the pair from Cafuné. A supplier of coffee goodness based out of Montreal, Quebec Canada. Really great company. Shipping is free with a very low threshold. Instead of me trying to explain why this server is so special, check out the link.

https://www.kruveinc.com/products/propel-with-spout-daddy-got-coffee-edition?srsltid=AfmBOorp1r459ZPPe7l6fyQ5nieBPAkDjGelfBqixzqRFH2zl1lw4egH

This thing makes pouring your Espresso/Double Espresso so much easier. Helps with everything from affogato to iced coffee and specialty drinks. No fuss, no mess.

I’ve tried everything to make the Yuzu and Vanilla capsule work. I was on a mission to recreate the taste of lemon meringue pie I experienced a couple of times at the boutique. It was one of those, conditions were just right, kind of things.

Anyway, Costco Canada has these biscotti’s on sale. Damn…….. dip them into the Yuzu iced coffee and it’s simply amazing. The coffee was made on my, older than the hills, Vertuo Evoluo. Lots of skim milk mixed with a fair bit of evaporated milk over ice cubes made with the Yuzu capsule in a Nespresso Yuzu Ice Cube Tray. I love it!!

It’s totally worth the 45 minute drive down to the border and another hour drive on the way back (hit late afternoon traffic). Having just over five sleeves of CPR at home just feels comforting. 20% off doesn’t hurt.

The second set of photos is included so I could show off the new Signature Small Cups I purchased at the boutique a few days ago. Made the coffee late morning before heading out to pick up the Nespresso order. The coffee is a Maple Pecan capsule extracted on a Vertuo Up using the short, 190 mL setting. I find that Expert/Creations Mode is a little too concentrated and a full size, too weak.

I used Organic Maple Syrup with a decent amount of skim milk. Oh, over Maple Pecan ice cubes made with the Nespresso Ice Cube Tray. Three ice cubes is a perfect amount. I have a tonne of premade cubes in the freezer.

I love how the coffee in the cup has four distinct layers. Still wanting to make a five layer. It’s not as easy as it looks. If any of you manage it, post a pic or recipe here. It’ll be like a four five leaf clover. .

A fellow Reddit member inquired about the effectiveness of the Nespresso NanoFoamer on an Oat milk Creamer. Specifically, the Silk brand Maple Brown Sugar Oat Milk Creamer. I love experiments and whatnot. So here’s what I did. I made cold foam using an Aeroccino 4 as well as the NanoFoamer. For those who are not familiar with the NanoFoamer, it looks like one of those cheap hand held frothers. It’s not a frother, but a foaming device. It uses a propeller instead of a wired whisk. USB charge port and a whole bunch of neat built in features (more on that later).

Anyway, I measured 100 mL of said creamer into both cups (Nespresso Vertuo Lungo). The one on the left is the NanoFoamer while the one on the right is the Aeroccino 4. A shot from overhead then with a capsule of Ginseng Delight extracted Reverso. The second image is Aeroccino completed and NanoFoamer cup ready to be stirred up. Third is directly comparison of both frothed/foamed.

The NanoFoamer, in my opinion does a very good job. Slightly better than the Aeroccino 4. The drawback with the NanoFoamer is it doesn’t heat up the milk for obvious reasons. Being able to mix milk with sweeteners in your cup is a huge plus. And, of course being able to use whatever vessel you are drinking out of. Clean up is a snap. Just run it under running water. I cup my hand around the head as I spin the thing.

The other image is from my boutique visit today. Broke down and got a pair of Signature Small Mugs. The coffee they made me today was a double shot of Athens Freddo Intenso. Over ice with Monin Vanilla syrup from the sample kit.

Got the 7 capsule OL sample pack. Bonus surprise!!!

The NanoFoamer as I found out accidentally because of this morning’s experiment, has auto shut off feature (yeah, I never read manuals - guy thing, amirite?) also, saw the charge was down to one LED. I can’t remember the last time I charged this beast.

BTW, this thing comes with two screens that snaps over the head. Fine and Super Fine. I used the fine mesh today. As an option, you can run this without the screen. People take the screen off when frothing/foaming Matcha.

The NanoFoamer has two speeds, fast and faster. It took some time to get used to it. I’ve learned to tilt the cup and hold the thing at a specific angle depending on how much foam you desire.