16 Nov 2013

Review: Nespresso Cioccorosso - Limited Edition Variation (UK)


In previous years, Nespresso Variations (flavoured coffees) were released before Christmas as limited editions. This year Nespresso decided to do things a little differently, undoubtedly because they had already released three Variations  into their permanent Grand Cru range during the summer (see my reviews HERE). Instead, for the festive limited edition, Nespresso Club Members around the world were given a choice of three Variations and asked to vote for their chosen winner. The winning Variations Club Favourites were launched in each market, resulting in different winners in the various countries. 

The choices in the vote were; Cioccorosso - a dark chocolate and red fruit combination, Masala Chai - an aromatic mix of cinnamon, star aniseed and clove, and Liminto - a mix of lime and mint notes. In the UK the winner was the Cioccorosso, by a fairly small margin over Masala Chai (42% and 39% of the vote respectively). I was slightly disappointed by the winner, my vote had gone to Masala Chai, by far the more interesting prospect in my opinion. However, I hope the close nature of the vote means that Nespresso will see there is a market for the Masala Chai to be released in the UK at a later date. You can see a full list of all the winners by region HERE.


I love the design of the Cioccorosso capsules, it's great to see some bright colours injected into the usually formal palate of the Nespresso range. The coffee itself is described as marrying tantalizing dark chocolate and refreshing red fruit notes with the fragrant roasted notes of the Livanto Grand Cru. Once brewed, the aroma was immediately of the dark chocolate, which is very reminiscent of the Ciocattino Variation. However on tasting, it's not the chocolate which comes to the fore but rather the delicate raspberry flavour. It's not too sweet (these coffees do not contain sugar or added sweetneners) or overpowering, but sits deep within the base notes of the coffee itself, adding a fruity edge to the experience. 


I wasn't expecting to enjoy the Cioccorosso, but I was pleasantly surprised by just how well the red fruit flavours work here, and I might be tempted to buy a few more sleeves before it disappears after Christmas. I hope that Nespresso will also release the Masala Chai and Liminto varieties in the UK at some point too - in fact I wish they had just released all three as festive variations as they had done in the past!


I've yet to see a review of the Nespresso Liminto, it was by far the least successful flavour in the vote, but apparently it did win in the Turkey and Jordan regions. I would love to hear from you in the comments below if you have tried any of these new Variations!


6 comments:

  1. Bought Liminto from eBay and it really taste like mint infused coffee.

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    Replies
    1. Not sure I like the sound of that. I would preferred a stronger lime flavour. Still, I'd love to give it a try!

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  2. Just bought several sleves of Cioccorosso, since it was heavily promoted.
    Quite disappointed with the flavour. I can hardly taste any chocolate and the red fruit is overpowering.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for your comment. It's always interesting to read different opinions. The chocolate flavour is very subtle in this one, the red fruits are much stronger. Have you tried the Ciocattino?

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  3. Well - it's not a rocket sciense : make your cofee ang put there WHATEVER you desire !
    Så you have YOUR EDITION - UNLIMITED !

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  4. Have just been lucky enough to find LIminto on ebay (GB seller, at a pretty resaonable price too, considering...). It's easily my favourite of the three - a delicately subtle hint of fresh mint with just a little citrus in the background. If people had been able to taste before they voted, I'm sure more countries would have given this one the thumbs-up! Got to hope that Nespresso release it more widely in future years. Grab it if yoy see it!

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