When I'm 64 ...

OK, so I admit I'm a huge fan of Rio in Stepney. It has been suggested on occasion that they lack consistency, and for a time I would have agreed and my first taste of 64 was no exception. Everyone raved about it, they loved it, it was great, they all said. I certainly did not experience the same immediate coffee lust for 64 as the plethora of fans as my first taste was somewhat deflating. It was a little lack lustre, it had no depth, almost no flavour. At $44 a kg, it's not cheap either, and I decided Rio's Crema was a more consistent blend, so stuck with that.
But then ... on my way out of Rio one week I spotted these very stylish jute shopping bags emblazoned with graphics from the 64 packaging, which encouraged me to grab another tin and try again.
The next time I tasted 64 I was hooked. Not just because of the marketing, but because of the flavour. I'm not sure if they have changed the blend since that first batch, or if I just had an average bag, but the issues are no more, and the blend of 64 is one to adore.
If you like a strong coffee that's not bitter, give 64 a go. It doesn't have the same head that you get with the crema and it's not as aggressive as the espresso blend, so I'd say it's somewhere in the middle. Around once a month now I treat myself to a tin of 64 - and it's been going on so long I almost have enough empties to make myself a display. As Molly would say, do yourself a favour and check it out. It's a great after dinner party kind of coffee, that also works well for everyday too (if you've got the $$$). Funky tin, drinkable, caffeinated 4 out of 5.
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