Scout Sixteen - Nespresso

Coffee Cultured // Nespresso

Scout Sixteen - Nespresso Scout Sixteen - Nespresso Scout Sixteen - Nespresso Scout Sixteen - Nespresso Scout Sixteen - Nespresso Scout Sixteen - Nespresso Scout Sixteen - Nespresso Scout Sixteen - Nespresso

I started drinking coffee around my freshman year of high school. I must’ve been 15 or 16 years old – I was young but not too young to fall in love. My relationship with coffee has been a strange one. I wasn’t so much dependent on coffee to get through my day, but more enamored with the boldness I felt drinking it. It was like a fast pass to adulthood.

It wasn’t until after college that I began yearning for a more mature experience with coffee and the rising “coffee culture,” as the blogs like to say. In 2014, I was gifted my first Nespresso machine and, boy, did things change! For the first time, I was able to brew the perfect cup of coffee with the touch of a button… a single-serving of premium coffee like I’d get at one of my favorite cafés. Sorry generic brew, but this is where my love affair with Nespresso began.

I was so thrilled when Nespresso invited me by their newest boutique at 935 Madison Avenue to try out their new automatic espresso machine. They are situated on an elegant tree-lined corner of Manhattan’s Upper East Side. It’s the first of its kind in the U.S. to surround Club Members (current Nespresso customers) and guests in an immersive coffee experience to provide them with deeper learning and coffee exploration.

The store is simply stunning and laid out to provide the deepest perspective into the Nespresso story: Nespresso sources and produces only the highest quality coffees and remains involved in every aspect of the coffee value chain from when the cherry is harvested to the quality of the coffee extracted into the cup. Plus you get the chance to play with some of their latest and greatest machines. I liked the Essenza Mini – this adorable, minimalist beauty whose small size is perfect for those with limited space (but don’t want to compromise on coffee quality)!

Two of my favorite aspects to the new Madison Boutique are the Take Away Bar and the recycling drop-off point. It’s no secret that Nespresso is committed to recycling and sustainability – their capsules are packaged in aluminum and can be recycled again and again. For eco-conscious folks like me, that’s a big draw. Club Members can bring used capsules into the store (or ship via UPS with a pre-paid label and recycling bag) and stock back up on their favorites or get suggestions on new flavors that might fit their liking.

The Take Away Bar is just genius. It’s a quick and easy way to snag that tasty, high-quality cup of coffee or espresso, and maybe even a snack from their artisanal menu of on-the-go bites. My personal favorite was the Iced Honey Cinnamon Latte – like heaven in a Nespresso cup.

In terms of overall experience, I give the Madison Boutique two thumbs way up! The Coffee Specialists on site were incredibly informative and even turned me on to a new blend I hadn’t tried before. If you’re in the area or you’re just looking to graduate to a higher-quality coffee experience, be sure to check it out. Your taste buds will thank you!

Scout Sixteen is a lifestyle blog from Justin Livingston. Justin grew up in Mississippi but relocated to New York City in 2008. On Scout Sixteen, Justin shares his passion in fashion, travel, food and drink, and mental wellness.