Altissio

vertuoespressodark roast

A bold espresso cloaked in a creamy cereal note, made from Latin American beans.

Intensity

9 / 13

Flavor Profile

Acidity1 / 5
Bitterness3 / 5
Body5 / 5

Flavor Notes

ChocolateRoastedCreamyCereal

Detailed Review

Altissio is the Vertuo line's answer to a classic Italian dark espresso, delivering a concentrated 40ml shot with an intensity of 9 that rivals anything in the Original range. The name means 'very high' in Italian, referencing both its intensity and the elevated experience it promises. The blend combines South American Arabicas roasted dark to develop deep cereal, roasted, and smoky notes with a powerful body.

The crema is one of the thickest in the Vertuo lineup — a caramel-colored foam that speaks to the Centrifusion brewing system's ability to extract maximum texture. Beneath it, the espresso is bold and roasted, with toasted grain opening into a smoky mid-palate and a long, bitter-sweet finish. The body is dense at 4 out of 5, and the bitterness is pronounced at 4, making this a no-nonsense espresso for serious drinkers.

Altissio is the Vertuo espresso for purists who want their small cup to pack maximum punch. It holds its own against any Original line competitor and is the go-to choice for Vertuo owners who miss the intensity of their previous Original machine. It also makes an outstanding cappuccino or cortado base, with enough power to cut through foam and milk with ease.

Tasting Tips

  • 1Brew as a 40ml espresso and savor the thick crema — stir gently to integrate it for full flavor.
  • 2Use as the base for a Vertuo cappuccino: brew the shot and add 100ml of textured steamed milk.
  • 3Try a double Altissio (two capsules) over ice for an intensely bold iced espresso.
  • 4Taste it side-by-side with Arpeggio from the Original line to compare the two systems' interpretations of dark espresso.

Food Pairings

  • Dark chocolate or chocolate-covered espresso beans
  • Italian biscotti dipped in the espresso
  • Tiramisu or espresso panna cotta
  • Roasted almonds or marcona almonds with sea salt

Best For

espresso puristsVertuo cappuccino basestrong short shotsdark roast lovers

Frequently Asked Questions

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