Nespresso celebrates the festive season with Limited Edition Flavours such as Vanilla Blossom, Cherry and Dark Chocolate.

Thanks to Nespresso and Weber Shandwick, I was sent a sleeve each of the Cherry and Vanilla Blossom flavours. Using the mild, intensity level 6 Livanto Grand Cru blend as a base, these flavoured coffees cater to different palates. The Livanto Grand Cru is composed of Arabica beans from Costa Rica and Colombia. The tasting notes indicate that the Livanto Grand Cru should have roasted caramelised notes with a malted and fruity profile.

I'm always game to try new flavours especially for coffee.

When I inserted the Cherry capsule into my Nespresso CitiZ machine, the first thing I noted was the sweet fragrance of cherries that wafted to my nostrils as soon as the capsule was pierced.  The resultant brew was fruity and seemed to me to overpower the caramelized flavours that the Livanto is supposed to have. The Vanilla Blossom flavour was more subtle and seemed to blend better with the Livanto base.

With an intensity rating of 6, I can have a few cups of these at one go without getting edgy. However for a morning pick-me-up, I still rely heavily on my Arpeggio Grand Cru. Please consume in accordance with your own tolerance for caffeine as I've had friends who had sleepless nights after I made them some Cappuccinos with the Single Origin Rosabaya de Colombia with a similar intensity level.

Available while stocks last only at Nespresso boutiques at Ion Orchard and Takashimaya or via Nespresso Club and online at www.nespresso.com.

* If you're planning to buy a Nespresso machine, you'll be pleased to know that you can get S$50 off all classic machines, including the CitiZ and the latest model, PIXIE at the Nespresso boutiques at Ion Orchard and Takashimaya or any of the other Nespresso retail outlets in Singapore (eg. Tangs).

** Merry Christmas everyone!