Velton's Coffee - Bonsai Blend

When I first heard of Velton's Bonsai, I was intrigued by the reviews and decided to order a pound to test the waters. Upon arrival, and opening I caught a whiff of subtle chocolate and perhaps some caramel in the mix. The scents were wonderfully complexed, yet I could not help but notice how bright and soft the beans looked. Their texture was rather blond, in contrast to the usual dark brown from Peet's, my usual choice. Then came the time to taste, and I must admit, it was an interesting deviation from my usual darker and fuller taste. My only problem is that since I make more latte's than americanos, the complexity of the espresso gets lost in the milk (I use soy, that could be it also). However, if you're a shot drinker, or an americano lover, this might just be the coffee for you. It has a taste that you will enjoy, not too much, not too little...but...just right.

(Posted on 6/12/13)

I have been drinking espressos for over 15 years and this is one of the better ones I have had! I enjoy making one every time!! It has been my espresso coffee for about 1 year now, since I discovered it! A little bit pricy though but still worth the money!

(Posted on 5/13/13)

This coffee is really bad because it tastes burnt every time. Not good

(Posted on 5/8/13)

very good espresso

(Posted on 5/2/13)

I have searched and searched, for over 30 = count 'em - 30 years to find a blend like this! Absolutely ( ! ) the best flavor and form ( crema ) that I have found in my 30+ year quest.. S C G is impossible to beat for coffee and equipment!

(Posted on 4/8/13)

I have been working with this coffee (drip and espresso) in a high volume shop for two years now..Customers are always asking about it and commenting that when they are out and experiencing other coffee its just not the same.And I agree to that..This coffee has very low bitterness,a fruity sweetness, and produces a ton of crema.

(Posted on 4/6/13)

Makes excellent espresso!

(Posted on 4/1/13)

This is a good, but not a great, cup of coffee. Very smooth and not bitter.

(Posted on 3/30/13)

Fair priced and excellent blend. The beans are not oily like most espresso roasts. The dry bean really helps to get a consistent grind. The flavor is spot on for an espresso and doesn't disappoint. It's priced fair among other "third wave" coffee roasters.

(Posted on 3/25/13)

This coffee is wonderful. Used it in the drip maker and it was just delicious. Cannot wait to try some in the espresso machine!

(Posted on 3/19/13)

This is a very good quality espresso, very rich with enough boldness for milk-based drinks. One of my favorites. Fairly good price for a one-pound bag. And kudos to SCG for shipping it out by fast but cheap US mail the same day I ordered it!

(Posted on 3/12/13)

Although not the best espresso I have ever tasted, it definitely ranks in the top 5. Hardly any bitterness and very smooth cup of espresso. Bonzai blend has a very distinct flavor and aroma that cannot be found in most local supermarket beans produced by larger, "name brand" companies.

(Posted on 3/3/13)

SCG included this with my Saeco Via Venezia. I wanted to hate it due to its regular price. But unfortunately it is probably the best coffee I have had in a good long while. No one else in my house can vouch for that as I DID NOT SHARE!! Oh well their loss. If I had a little more money I would switch EXCLUSIVELY to this bonsai blend.

(Posted on 2/21/13)

I love this coffee. However, we have several great roasters in Pittsburgh, and a couple of places that regularly carry other exceptional beans. Since I'm cheap, I don't like to pay for shipping 1 bag at a time - that's the only downside to Bonsai.

(Posted on 2/20/13)

We have been buying this coffee for about 2years, we love the smooth and excellent flavor of veltons.. The beans are so dry no oils to cause any damage to our rocky grinder and rancillio Silvia machine.. No other coffee compares to this which is why I feel the need to write my first ever review.. Give it a try..you will not go back!

(Posted on 1/5/13)

This blend is bomb! One of THE best blends for espresso shots that I've ever had... I use it in my Saeco Via Venezia and also make pressed pots with it. The undertones are earthy and sweet... love it.

(Posted on 12/28/12)

Tried many different coffee beans. From Illy’s and Lavazza to couple of dozen of less known ones. Currently Bonsai Blend is my favorite.

(Posted on 12/10/12)

This blend is pretty decent. I can pull a pretty nice shot, but still not as rich as my Lavazza Super Crema. Again, just started using the Veltons, so will have to play with dosage, grind, etc. to see if I can get it a little richer/creamier. If so, than this will prove to be a solid hit.

(Posted on 12/5/12)

We enjoy this blend of espresso over any other we have tasted. It is our daliy choice.

(Posted on 11/28/12)

I was looking at this as a potential alternative to Lavazza Gold Selection. Given that I read comparisons to Starbucks espresso and glowing reviews on other sites I figured it would be worth a shot.

I found this coffee honestly to be rather uninteresting. It's OK... but it's not the same flavor profile as Starbucks Espresso (not by a long-shot) and Gold Selection had a bolder flavor.

I suppose it could be the machine I use but nothing appeared really have an significant change on the flavor when I drew the shot...

(Posted on 9/7/12)

after reading the great review in a coffee review site i tried some - I have tried Espresso from a lot coffee house's and this one is the one for me -

Co-taster Byron Holcomb (94): "On the nose, I got inviting, complex floral and strawberry notes. The body was vivacious - I could have said round, sweet, with a little savory edge, comforting, but vivacious will do." Both Ken (94) and Byron found chocolate and malt in the flavor, with an assortment of additional descriptors that testify to the complexity of this blend: "cedar, butter" (Ken), "lemon bar, spice" (Byron). Both were impressed by the big, sweet, chocolaty bloom in milk, which Byron found was complicated by a continued, brightening hint of lemon zest. It appears that a very controlled, judicious use of cleanly fruity-fermented dry-processed coffees contributed to the round, sweet, complex richness of this versatile blend.

(Posted on 8/27/12)

This is what I use to make my morning latte and my evening shot of espresso ever since I bought the Silvia/Rocky package from SCG back in January. Every time I am on my last bag, I come back here and order five more. It brews consistently and tasty with each pull.

(Posted on 8/24/12)

This is easily one of my favorite espressos, and I have tried many. Bonsai blend is smooth and rich, with a chocolate note, not too much caramel sweetness or smokiness.

(Posted on 8/20/12)

A bright, slightly fruity flavor. The only downside is that it takes a bit of tinkering with the grind setting to make the flavor come out. All in all a good coffee.

(Posted on 6/14/12)

I always enjoy new great coffee blends and this one was excellent

Pros:
Good smooth blend, Great Taste

Cons:
None

(Posted on 5/15/12)

I LOVE this espresso! I'd been brainwashed by thinking Starbucks espresso was the best, but then I took a chance on Veltons, and boy I'm glad i did! It is so much more robust than Starbucks and it has an amazing aftertaste! It is a bit expensive but I love the fact that they literally roast and put the bag together just before they ship it to you!

I use this for lattes, americanos, iced coffee, iced espresso drinks and drip coffee too and it is fantastic all around!

I would recommend this to anyone!

Pros:
Bold yet Beautiful, Great Taste

Cons:

(Posted on 5/10/12)

The very best thing about Velton's Bonzai is that it just tastes terrific! I have tried most every brand of coffee both here and abroad (as least so it seems) and Velton's is as good as any, better than most. I love it as "just a cup of coffee" or in my preferred drink, a double macchiato.

Pros:
Great Taste

Cons:

(Posted on 5/8/12)

I have been sampling coffee beans for my home espresso for years and have had one true love with my local roasting company until I tasted this coffee. This coffee is smooth and taste great. It does have a bit of fruity flavor to it. My husband thought I added a syrup to his latte, but it was just the beans. Not a strong flavor just a smooth yummy coffee! I have to get more!!!!

Pros:
Great Taste

Cons:

(Posted on 5/2/12)

We tried the imported brands but my wife and I just love the bonsai blend. Just the right mixture to keep us happy with our daily lattes.

Pros:
Great Taste

Cons:

(Posted on 3/29/12)

If you enjoy a heavy duty, robust espresso or cafe americano, this is not it.

Pros:


Cons:

(Posted on 3/28/12)

Crisp clean good at anytime

Pros:
Great Taste

Cons:

(Posted on 3/17/12)

Excellent espresso and shipped out fresh. Very comparable to local espresso, Kobricks Tiger Stripe.

Pros:
Great Taste, fresh

Cons:

(Posted on 2/26/12)

This is one of my absolute favorites. Best, most complex aroma of anything I've tasted. When you hit the brewing sweet-spot it is wonderful, with a tiny bit of citrus note on the top. It's a little finickier to really get dialed-in than some other coffees, but it's awesome when you hit it just right. Just be careful not to under-extract (i.e. grind too coarse, tamp too light, flow too fast, not enough coffee, etc.), because you will end up with sour swill.

Pros:
Complex balanced flavor, Best most complex aroma

Cons:
UGLY if underextracted, Narrow brewing sweetspot

(Posted on 2/24/12)

I start and end my day with Velton's. It makes great espresso and the price is right!

Pros:
Freshly roasted, Delicious flavor, Great Taste, Great delivery, Small batch roasting

Cons:

(Posted on 2/21/12)

Seems to store very well. We order large quantities at a time and keep in vacuum container. Stays rich and fresh after weeks.

Pros:
No bitterness

Cons:
Pricier than competitors

(Posted on 2/13/12)

I'd say this is very much a blend suited for the American palette. Not your typical espresso but a very mild but tasty blend. A nice change of pace!

Pros:


Cons:

(Posted on 2/4/12)

Velton's Bonsai Espresso Blend makes a great espresso drink. As others have said, there are hints of chocolate and a slight fruity flavor and aroma. I think it is one of the best espresso blends that I have tried. Unless your tastes lean toward an earthy flavor, this would be a great choice. My whole family likes this blend and we plan on buying it again.

Pros:
Great Taste

Cons:
None

(Posted on 1/2/12)

I use these beans alternatively with Lavazza Gold - both always excel in quality and taste.

Pros:
Great Taste

Cons:

(Posted on 12/16/11)

Very nice to have an espresso blend that is more complex. It adds a hint of citrus to the expected chocolate notes. Having it shipped nearly two thousand miles in my case means it's not as fresh off the roast. That combined with the shipping cost means it won't become my everyday espresso.

Pros:
Great Taste

Cons:
Too far away

(Posted on 12/15/11)

There should be 10 Stars for this coffee! I have been through them all, and this is by far, the very best. HOOKED on it! Absolutely HOOKED!

Pros:
Great Taste

Cons:

(Posted on 12/13/11)

I just bought a Rancilio Silvia, and have tried at least 5 or 6 top quality espresso blends, and the Bonsai is by far the best I have tasted. It is velvety, smooth, and loaded with thick crema. Even with my limited experience using the Rancilio, I manage to pull a great shot every time with this blend. I should also mention the shot finishes with a nice hint of spice. I am so surprised to find so many different distinct tastes within one cup of espresso. Just outstanding!

I would highly recommend this blend to anyone who enjoys espresso roasts.

I think I will buy many more bags in the future.

Pros:
Great Taste

Cons:

(Posted on 9/19/11)

I bought a Rocky Rancillio grinder and SCG added free of charge Velton's Bonsai beans to try. I was immediately floored by the taste of these beans. Out of curiosity I started experimenting with other beans roasted in the NYC area, but not for long. These beans are fantastic, very smooth and full of taste. I ordered four more bags. A little tip for the people that like a poured coffee: put the rocky on 40, a quarter cup of the Velton's beans will due, 9 ounces of water, pour a little, let it sit for 10 seconds until the grind blooms, then slowly pour the rest. So great...when I am on the road I have serious withdrawal symptoms. Need to get a travel kit.

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(Posted on 9/1/11)

This is great tasting espresso!

Pros:
Great Taste

Cons:

(Posted on 7/27/11)

great blend for espresso. will order again next time we need parts. Several excellent roasters here in Chicago though!

Pros:
Great Taste

Cons:

(Posted on 7/22/11)

Some of the best coffee I ever pulled a shot with. Taste exactly as described.

Pros:
Great Taste

Cons:
Have to wait to get it

(Posted on 7/1/11)

Nice coffee for those hefty crema shots.

Pros:
Great Taste, So far a great coffe

Cons:

(Posted on 6/8/11)

I have gone through 10s of different espresso beans for my Breville espresso maker and the Bonsai blend makes the best espresso. The texture is rich and creamy and the creme is the thickest I have ever seen. The taste is chocolaty and intense with a pleasant base and some hint of spices.
This is a must try!

Pros:
Great Taste

Cons:

(Posted on 6/2/11)

That was some of the most delicious Espresso period.
The aroma is intoxicating.
I will definetly be buying alot more..
Equipment:
Technovorm for my drip friends
Saeco Aroma (bought here) 4 cups a day.

Pros:


Cons:

(Posted on 4/9/11)

Produces great rich crema. Highly comparable to Vivace Roasteria in Seattle. Will buy more soon.

Pros:
Great Taste

Cons:

(Posted on 3/29/11)

I just recently spoiled myself with a Jura Capresso C9 and (at the reccommendation of the brew crew) ordered the Velton's Bonsai Espresso Blend. This coffee is amazing. The only downside to this coffee is getting and keeping it super fresh; I have to order in bulk or wait a LONG time on the APO/FPO system. This is my absolute favorite for espresso and other coffee drinks (hot and cold). The best part is the fact that this coffee doesn't gunk up your machine or grinder like other chain coffee's do.

Pros:
Great Taste, Not oily

Cons:

(Posted on 3/12/11)

My wife and I love this coffe. It does take some planning not to run out [...]

Pros:
Great Taste

Cons:

(Posted on 3/11/11)

This proves that coffee doesn't have to be burnt to provide rich flavor. Incredible flavor and amazing crema. Twenty plus years of making espresso, this is hands down our favorite. Velton is truly a master roaster. BRAVO!

Pros:
Smooth rich incredible

Cons:
Only when cup is empty

(Posted on 3/5/11)

Don't order this espresso...I want it all to myself! I'm no expert, but I can seriously taste the difference. MUCH better than buying [...] beans.

Pros:
BEST EVER TASTE

Cons:

(Posted on 1/25/11)

I think this Bonsai blend is excellent.

Pros:


Cons:

(Posted on 1/10/11)

After trying other quality espresso blends, I tried Velton's Bonsai blend. Simply the heartiest, smoothest, satisfying espresso I have ever tried. It is my everyday roast and worth the money.
Help support this local artisan roaster.

Pros:
Crema is superb

Cons:
None

(Posted on 1/5/11)

Very good coffee, rich, smooth and very full bodied. A real treat.

Pros:
Robust flavor, Very aromatic, Smooth taste

Cons:
None

(Posted on 1/4/11)

The free bag with machine was so wonderful I got crema right out of the gate.
Maybe the Rocket Cellini played a part as well, but what great flavor from the Veltons Bonsai.
Will have to try more of their stuff. The Bonsai was so smooth and rich, loved it .

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Cons:

(Posted on 11/19/10)

This is the mildest smoothest espresso you'll find. Only once before, at an Espresso Store on San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf, have I had espresso similar to this.

Pros:
Great Taste

Cons:

(Posted on 11/10/10)

A package of Bonsai Espresso Blend came with my new Baratza Vario. It was a good way to christen the vario, but a bit light for my taste. It's the type of blend that I do like to use in a French press and it produced a nice cup of coffee with a floral bouquet.

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Cons:

(Posted on 11/9/10)

Bags are dated, always fresh, I never worry about getting old beans or lack of crema.

Pros:
Great Taste

Cons:
Drinking more espresso

(Posted on 10/17/10)

lives up to the 95 pts rating. makes great espresso, nice crema. glad I tried it. I will buy it again.

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(Posted on 9/29/10)

Tried many different types...this is by far my favorite...

Pros:
Great Taste

Cons:

(Posted on 9/7/10)

The video that came with my machine was not the model that we received thus we were having to figure out how to use our machine our self.

Pros:
Easy To Use, Large Water Container, Great Taste, Easy To Clean, Quick Brewing, Commercial Grade

Cons:
Noisy

(Posted on 8/12/10)

After using Lavazza for a while, I tried this and loved it even more. It has the perfect balance of flavors and would please the espresso novice as well as the espresso pro. This is perfect with milk drinks.

Pros:
Great Taste

Cons:

(Posted on 5/19/10)

THis is a very well balanced Espresso. Beans are a nice colour and roast Velton know;s what he's doing!

Pros:
Great Taste, Commercial Grade

Cons:

(Posted on 4/16/10)

Fine coffee - very happy with purchase.

Pros:
Great Taste

Cons:

(Posted on 4/13/10)

I received a pound of this free as part of the package I purchased. I initially thought they were simply promoting a local roaster. I could not have been more wrong.
This blend is outstanding! Watch the Kat and Gail YouTube video about Velton's roasting process. You will see the small batch processing and care taken in the roasting.
I have already purchased more. This blend has replaced my former fave as my espresso roast of choice.
I also had the pleasure of meeting Velton at SCG. He is a great individual and deserves our support.

Buy Velton's roasts. I am sure that you will be satisfied.

Pros:
Smooth, Wonderful crema, Great Taste

Cons:
None

(Posted on 3/19/10)

veltons was good but i am hooked on lavazza super crema

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(Posted on 3/18/10)

After trying all of the Espresso blends from Italy I settled in with Veltons Bonsai Blend. This Espresso is so smooth and makes great drinks whether I am drinking a straight shot or making a latte. I love it.

Pros:
Great Taste

Cons:

(Posted on 3/18/10)