After Café au Lait & Beignets had immediately became one of my favorites, I welcomed the idea of sampling another coffee-based creation from New Orleans Ice Cream Company. The masterpiece that had included pieces of beignets and a sugary swirl was second to none, but were inspired enough by the combination of coffee and chicory to add a second flavor dedicated to caffeine. This chicory-infused beverage has a darker look with a slight-caramel flavor. Also known as Cafe Noir, the added flavors of the dried and roasted herb comes together to create this lighter than normal offering. Although this lacks mix-ins and tips the scales at only 150 calories, I know not to underestimate New Orleans Ice Cream Company when it comes their base ice creams.
Coffee & Chicory is described as a uniquely N’awlins twist as fresh cold brewed coffee and chicory jolts this delicious blend of ice cream. The base peels back without objection, easily piling up on the end of my spoon. The smoothness of any flavor from New Orleans Ice Cream Company is a given, but this has a much lighter consistency than some of their other options. Despite having a fluffier texture than others, the ice cream still lingers around on my tongue for a while before beginning to melt. As Coffee & Chicory continued to thaw, it began it to envelope my mouth with a complex blend of flavors.
The initial taste of sweetened gourmet coffee is eventually overtaken by the unique aftertaste of chicory. The slight-caramel taste of the chicory was the perfect touch to an already better than average coffee ice cream. Just as the authentic New Orleans beverage was meant to be enjoyed, I took my time with this one, letting each spoonful fully break down allowed me to further appreciate the New Orleans authenticity inside. If you enjoy coffee-flavored ice cream, purchase Café au Lait & Beignets; but if you're in a need of a slightly slimmer option, Coffee & Chicory may be what you want. It's impossible not to miss the bits of beignets, but the added complexity and lower calorie count make this still worth the compromise.
Where I Found It: Ice Cream Source
Grade: C
