Equalizer Dial

November 22, 2024

Dose: 20g

Ratio: 1:17

Grind: Slightly Finer than Neutral

Brew Time: 3:05

TDS: 1.32%

Extraction: 19.6%

Sensory Description:

A well-dialed cup of Equalizer presents as very bright and vibrant in a standout way for Gesha coffee. It reminded me of the tart and sweet juice of a blood orange when first sipped. It then transitions into a more delicate sweetness similar to the white peach tasting note. It also reminds me of white grape juice and sweet florals like honeysuckle and jasmine. The body is a little heavier and more syrup-like than the traditional tea-like body of a Gesha. This slightly heavier body also accentuates the sweet characteristics, resulting in dried-fruit notes like dried strawberries and dried red apples.

Dial Notes:

The under-extracted cup of Equalizer was too bright, to the point of being sour. It maintained a lot of its fruit characteristics, but was overpowered by a sour green-apple-like flavor. This resulted in the more subtle sweet flavors being absent. Under-extraction also made the body come across as slightly thin and tea-like, which is often the case with Gesha coffee, but does not serve this coffee well.

Over-extraction on Equalizer negates the extremely pleasant and unique acidity that the well-dialed cup has. It comes across as flat and less vibrant. Even on brews that are quite over-extracted, the sweetness is still present but is not nearly as lively as it is when paired with a balanced acidity. If the cup reminds you of citrus with the peel included, it’s likely over-extracted.