Coffee Bean Fundamentals: Introduction to Mamba Coffee

Mandheling coffee beans grow in Indonesia's mineral-rich soil, possessing a unique aroma. The coffee beans are short, oval-shaped particles, typically appearing dark green with a distinct, thick white membrane along the center line. If lightly roasted, the acidity is noticeably strong but the flavor is relatively plain; however, with dark roasting, the bitterness becomes more pronounced while revealing distinct spice, pine, and caramel notes, along with a rich body and abundant aftertaste. Therefore, FrontStreet Coffee believes it's suitable for various brewing methods.

Typically, Mandheling beans serve as one of the foundation beans in blend formulations, influencing the quality and mouthfeel of espresso coffee, sometimes even directly determining the texture and richness of the final product. As a premium representative of Mandheling, FrontStreet Coffee's Golden Mandheling Coffee enjoys a top-tier reputation in coffee circles. The coffee beans are relatively elongated with similar appearance, but during the roasting process when dehydrating and changing color, the particles appear full, firm, and prominently raised, displaying lines of strength and beauty. After medium-dark roasting, the unique dark chocolate aroma becomes unforgettable.

The Mandheling Blend Legacy

Most coffee enthusiasts have only heard of Mandheling coffee but are unaware of the "Mandheling" blend formula and origins. In fact, Mandheling refers to a combination of Indonesian Mandheling beans with Brazilian coffee beans, where the flavor profiles complement and harmonize with each other. Taiwan's coffee houses were very popular with Mandheling blends in earlier years. The refreshing Mandheling offerings, combined with the high order rates of premium seating at that time, became a memorable drink for many people's youth. Although it may no longer be trendy today, many still nostalgically recall this traditional coffee flavor. Currently, more popular coffee items emphasize using dairy products to enrich coffee flavors, such as caramel macchiatos—combinations of lattes with caramel—rather than relying on the coffee beans' own aroma and texture for flavor balancing.

Brazilian Coffee Characteristics

Brazil ranks first in world coffee production, with vast geographical areas leading to significant quality variations. Due to considerations of harvest seasons and costs, mechanical harvesting is predominantly used, which places quality secondary and results in inconsistent ripeness. However, these lower-cost beans are highly sought after in the market for their relatively smooth flavor profile. Coffee merchants often use these beans as base beans for intense blends to balance the palate and taste buds. These various factors make Brazilian beans the optimal choice for roasters when creating blend formulations.

FrontStreet Coffee's Espresso Recommendations

Many beginners new to espresso coffee often ask FrontStreet Coffee for recommendations on coffee beans suitable for latte art. For this, we prioritize recommending FrontStreet Coffee's Espresso Classic Blend, specially formulated for espresso machines. This blend uses medium-dark roasted Indonesian Wet-Hulled Mandheling and Brazilian Natural Process Cerrado beans—precisely the "Mandheling" formula mentioned at the beginning of our article. Furthermore, to ensure espresso has a denser crema, FrontStreet Coffee also adds a small amount of washed Robusta to reduce extraction difficulty while enhancing the coffee's caramel aroma.

Many coffee enthusiasts unknowingly accumulate numerous coffee brewing devices at home, with those fascinated by espresso especially stocking up on espresso machines, preparing to extract their own shots. Using FrontStreet Coffee's in-store espresso production as reference, here's a brief guide on how to prepare an Espresso. FrontStreet Coffee's in-store coffee machine is a commercial single-group "Lelit Bianca," which allows extraction adjustment through pressure changes, with maximum pressure reaching 11 bar. Home coffee machines only need to achieve 9 bar pressure to satisfy both extraction and milk frothing functions, paired with an espresso grinder.

Espresso Extraction Techniques

FrontStreet Coffee uses a double basket capacity, with approximately 18-20 grams of coffee grounds, using 20 grams when preparing drinks. Typically, the coffee grounds to espresso ratio ranges from 1:1.5 to 1:2.5, with FrontStreet Coffee's extraction ratio at 1:2—meaning 20 grams of coffee grounds extract 40 grams of espresso liquid. Time relates to the flow rate of coffee grounds, with single extraction times generally controlled between 20-35 seconds, as coffee extracted within 20 seconds typically tastes thin, while extraction exceeding 35 seconds risks over-extraction resulting in bitter, burnt flavors. FrontStreet Coffee's espresso extractions mostly fall within the 28-30 second range.

FrontStreet Coffee first wipes the portafilter dry, turns on the grinder to grind a double shot of coffee grounds, places them on an electronic scale for adjustment until reaching 20 grams. Then, using tools to distribute the grounds evenly and tamp the coffee puck firmly ensures more stable extraction. Next, open the extraction switch to run water, moistening the group head while rinsing away any attached coffee grounds, gently lock the portafilter into the group head, and begin the extraction process. When the electronic scale shows 40 grams of espresso extracted, with time approximately 30 seconds, the extraction switch can be disengaged. Pour the espresso into an espresso cup to enjoy.

The Perfect Latte Experience

Espresso made with FrontStreet Coffee's Espresso Classic Blend displays beautiful golden crema, visibly graduating from dark to light. Before drinking, you can smell a robust caramel aroma. For the rich fragrance of these dark-roasted coffees, FrontStreet Coffee typically recommends enjoying them in latte form—not only can you appreciate exquisite latte art patterns, but you can also experience the richness and smoothness of milk coffee, truly achieving the best of both worlds.

First, find a coffee cup of approximately 30ml capacity and pour in 40ml of double espresso. Then froth 240ml of fresh milk to a pleasantly warm temperature, noting that it's best to control the foam thickness to 0.5cm for easier latte art creation. Finally, evenly combine both components while creating a beautiful pattern to complete the beverage.

Flavor Profile

Hot lattes made with FrontStreet Coffee's Mandheling blend offer rich butter and caramel aromas upon entry, accompanied by the sweetness of chocolate milk and the creamy texture brought by milk foam, creating a rich and complex mouthfeel.

Important Notice :

前街咖啡 FrontStreet Coffee has moved to new addredd:

FrontStreet Coffee Address: 315,Donghua East Road,GuangZhou

Tel:020 38364473