This is the Kuroi Awa ($6.20) from Slow Koi, their signature espresso tonic featuring Society Coffee NZ’s Ethiopia Konga G1 Natural poured over tonic water and served in a tulip glass.

The beverage presented with a layered appearance, consisting of an opaque deep brown lower portion filled with fine carbonation bubbles, transitioning into a lighter crema layer across the upper third. Aroma opened with intense roasted espresso notes supported by subtle fruit aromatics beneath.

Without stirring, initial contact delivered a concentrated espresso character with immediate roasted depth and restrained bitterness. The crema contributed a smooth and lightly creamy texture across the palate, softening the sharper edges of the tonic base beneath.

Through the mid-palate, the nuances of the Ethiopia Konga coffee became more apparent, introducing soft fruity acidity with notes recalling dried berries. The tonic water remained restrained rather than aggressively quinine-forward, instead functioning to brighten and lift the espresso profile without disrupting the coffee’s balance. Texture combined the smooth density of the crema with fine carbonation, resulting in a layered but controlled structure.

Towards the finish, the fine tonic bubbles refreshed and lifted the palate, allowing the beverage to resolve cleanly without lingering bitterness, astringency, or excessive acidity. The carbonation shortened the finish deliberately, preventing the roasted espresso notes from becoming heavy while maintaining clarity through to the final sip.

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Overall, an espresso tonic with a converging flavour trajectory and finely layered texture integration, resulting in a balanced and refreshing coffee-forward structure from opening through finish.

This Kuroi Awa was purchased from Slow Koi in Auckland, New Zealand in May 2026.