The Nespresso Ristretto is a blend of two Arabicas from South America and East Africa and a separately roasted Robusta.
The coffee is split roasted, with the Arabicas and Robusta roasted separately and slowly. It comes in a black coloured capsule and is part of the Intenso range with an intensity rating of 10 out of 13.
The espresso has a strong roasted and rich, chocolatey aroma with an opaque deep brown-black colour. Prepared as a long black with a 1 to 1 water:espresso ratio, strong roasted notes came through ahead of fruity hints of acidity developing in the body that recall a pome fruit, like a pear. The roasted notes return in the finish with the acidity, lingering long in the aftertaste with a slight bitterness much like rich, dark chocolate.
Overall, the Ristretto is rich and full-bodied and best compared to the Kazaar: the former being a blend of two Arabicas with a touch of Robusta, and the latter being a blend of two Robustas with a touch of Arabica. The most evident shift in flavour was a reduced bitterness and more prominent acidity in the Ristretto.
This Nespresso Ristretto contained 10 x 5.3 g capsules. It was produced in Switzerland and purchased in Sydney, Australia in 2017.