Can a cup of coffee embody the spirit of a special place and time? I do not know about that, but I do know that for an instant espresso concentrate, Stomping Grounds have embodied the taste of a proper espresso latte. About a week ago
Stomping Grounds contacted me about trying their product and sharing my thoughts with my readers. I am certainly never one to turn down a cup of coffee. I will admit though, that initially I had my doubts on whether I would like "The Worlds first first pre-packaged espresso".
The samples arrived today from Portland, the standard Espresso and the Vanilla flavor were the samples I received. My expectations rose when I looked at the ingredients on each container. Both contained actual coffee and espresso and the ingredients were indeed all natural. Ever look at the ingredients on most instant style coffees?
I followed the amazingly
simple preparation, which requires your choice of milk only. The concentrate poured nice and black, instant coffee as a liquid, who would of thought.
(That was a hint to other instant coffee makers.) If you are going to do instant coffee, Stomping Grounds has the right idea. Julie, who only likes sweetened coffees, such as lattes or your standard cup of coffee with lots of half and half and sugar tried the first cup. I added no sugar to the drink, just a 1/3 of the mug filled with coffee concentrate and the rest of the mug filled with milk. A beverage cycle in the microwave and it was ready to drink. Julie loved it!
I made myself a serving and I have to say that I love Stomping Grounds Espresso Lattes from concentrate. I would compare the taste to just about any latte I have ever had at your local coffee shop. Seriously, folks, it is that good. I imagine that enjoying it cold would be similar to the cold, sweetened coffee beverages by that coffee empire that you find on every city block. As most of you know, my standard coffee preparation is black, no additives. But for a special treat I do enjoy lattes on occasion and Stomping Grounds concentrated lattes fit the bill. Though they mention sweetening to your taste, I really urge you not to bother.
Stomping Grounds also asked me to share the following FREE offer to the first ten of you to take them up on the offer.
We will also be happy to send a free box to any of ten of your friends. All they have to do is send an email to sip@stompinggrounds.com and mention your weblog -- oh and send their snail mail address.
So there you have it, send them an email, mention Nitevilla and of course include your mailing address(snail mail address). It is worth mentioning, this is an honest review, I received free coffee to sample, just as I am offering ten of you, nothing else. As always, the review is from the stomach, err, heart, not my wallet. Check it out and try it for yourself, and do not say I never gave you anything.