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Written by Meghan Hubbs
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Photography by Gary Goodman
 In the weeks before and after the start of the year, the Food Service and Quality Control teams hunkered down in the Quality Control Lab and experimented with new espresso formulas. As a member of the Food Service team, I consumed more espresso than ever before in my life; and I’m a fanatical espresso drinker who worked in cafes for years.
At the end of January, five Equal Exchange staffers went head to head to compete in what became known as the Equal Exchange Espresso Battle. The five participants created new espresso blends, attempting to arrive at a new one
-- something darker than our espresso blend, with a somewhat different flavor profile. A judge presided while shot after shot was tasted blind. The espressos were evaluated on three factors: crema (thin frothy crust), taste, and milk performance, i.e., how it reacted in the creamy stuff.
The testing was long and involved, but eventually was narrowed down to three blends. The final battle between the three was held a week later (see photos) Emotions ran high as the votes were tallied. And the winner? LJ Taylor, the Food Service Sales Rep for the Midatlantic and Southeast region in a blend called Organic Black Silk Espresso.
We hope you enjoy the fruits of our labor as much as we do and ask for Organic Black Silk Espresso in your local café. This dense and velvety dark blend boasts a multi-layered sweetness of blueberry, caramelized sugar, and floral notes producing rich espresso drinks. It stands up to the test of milk and finishes in the elegant aftertaste of dark chocolate mousse.
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