Packaging is upscale, with a large almost square box containing 10 capsules bulk ... only. In fact, each capsule (plastic apparently) is surrounded by a plastic bag, which seems destined to maintain freshness. Is that helpful, since the cover is aluminum (tight I guess!), As with Nespresso? Still, at the opening of this bag, it smells like ground coffee. But I have the impression of a conjuring trick (not bad incidentally!) And actually irrelevant to making coffee. Still, this multi-packaging makes them unnecessarily bulky boxes, not to mention the plastic and cardboard waste. Good point, these capsules perfect pass into the machine (tested on a Magimix "U"), capsules already tested could cause malfunctions.
On tasting, a first observation, the coffee has a foam quite similar to what we usually get. Regarding the taste ... Well it's not bad, but this coffee is less rich in aromas and less powerful than a Ristretto (rated power 10) or an Arpeggio (actually less strong, which is my favorite . thanks to its rich aroma) Personally, I find this coffee is not unpleasant - but it lacks subtlety. While other people invited to try were quite disappointed. I might have had to do a blind test!
Still, the price is very close to that Nespresso provides, one would expect a somewhat larger difference. So, I'll leave anyway, I think, to the original capsules, although Carte Noire in question does not demerit.
