Explore the four capsules in this comparison
Choose your intensity level and go straight to the corresponding product page on Cafémalin.
Delta Q Qharacter
A balanced, full-bodied espresso with notes of caramel and nuts.
Delta Q Qharisma
A lively, full-bodied coffee with pronounced cocoa and roasted hazelnut notes.
Delta Q epiQ
A very powerful, full-bodied espresso dominated by roasted aromas.
Delta Q UniQ
Maximum intensity, with notes of chocolate and roasted walnuts.
Four intensities, four cup profiles
Choosing a Delta Q capsule based solely on its intensity rating may seem simple: the higher the number, the stronger the coffee seems. Yet Qharacter 9, Qharisma 12, epiQ 14 and UniQ 16 differ in more than just strength.
Their origins, body, acidity and aromatic notes also vary considerably. Qharacter leans towards caramel and nuts, Qharisma towards cocoa and roasted hazelnuts, and epiQ towards roasted nuts, while UniQ offers a more extreme, velvety and lingering profile dominated by chocolate and roasted walnuts.
This guide helps you identify the capsule best suited to your tastes, the way you drink coffee and the intensity level you are looking for.
Understanding Delta Q capsule intensity
Intensity is not just about bitterness or caffeine content. It depends in particular on the origin of the beans, the roast and the composition of the blend.
A coffee’s sensory profile has several dimensions: aroma, flavour, acidity, bitterness, body and finish. Two capsules with similar intensity ratings can therefore offer very different experiences in the cup.
Delta Q capsule comparison table
This table lets you quickly compare the four capsules by intensity level, profile and main aromas.
| Capsule | Intensity | Overall profile | Flavour notes | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta Q Qharacter | 9 | Intense, elegant and balanced | Caramel and nuts | A full-bodied yet approachable everyday espresso |
| Delta Q Qharisma | 12 | Lively, full-bodied and very intense | Cocoa and roasted hazelnuts | A powerful coffee that retains a pleasing aromatic richness |
| Delta Q epiQ | 14 | Very intense, full-bodied and slightly acidic | Roasted nuts | A powerful espresso with a distinctly roasted character |
| Delta Q UniQ | 16 | Intense, velvety and lingering | Chocolate and roasted walnuts | Maximum intensity and a long finish |
Delta Q Qharacter 9
Balanced, versatile intensity
An intense espresso without going overboard
Delta Q Qharacter is the least intense coffee in this selection, but that does not make it a light coffee. With an intensity rating of 9, it offers a pronounced flavour and a lingering aroma while maintaining balanced acidity.
Its blend combines coffees from Brazil, Ivory Coast and Colombia. In the cup, it mainly develops notes of caramel and nuts.
What flavour can you expect?
Qharacter offers an interesting balance between strength and smoothness. The caramel notes bring a certain aromatic sweetness, while the nuts reinforce its roasted character.
Compared with the other three capsules in this comparison, Qharacter gives more room to indulgent flavours and balance. This makes it easier to drink regularly.
Who should choose Qharacter 9?
- For those who enjoy full-bodied but not extreme espressos.
- For those who find intensity levels 12, 14 or 16 too powerful.
- For those who prefer caramel to very chocolatey profiles.
- For a coffee that is just as suitable in the morning as after lunch.
- For a gradual introduction to intense Delta Q capsules.
Delta Q Qharisma 12
The best balance between strength and aroma
A lively, very full-bodied coffee
With an intensity of 12, Delta Q Qharisma is a clear step up from Qharacter. It produces a lively, full-bodied and very intense espresso with a slight acidity.
Its blend is based on coffees from India, Togo and Uganda. Cocoa and roasted hazelnuts dominate its aromatic profile.
What flavour can you expect?
Qharisma has a darker, more roasted character than Qharacter. The cocoa notes add depth, while the roasted hazelnut brings an indulgent dimension.
Its slight acidity adds liveliness and prevents the coffee from coming across as simply heavy or roasted. It therefore retains a degree of complexity despite its high intensity.
Qharacter 9 or Qharisma 12?
Qharacter 9 is more balanced, with notes of caramel and nuts. Qharisma 12 is stronger and livelier, with more emphasis on cocoa and roasted hazelnut.
Choose Qharacter for versatility. Move up to Qharisma if you find Qharacter lacks strength or if you prefer chocolatey, roasted profiles.
Who is Qharisma 12 for?
- For a decidedly full-bodied espresso.
- For lovers of cocoa and roasted hazelnut.
- For greater strength without moving straight to extreme intensities.
- For a coffee whose aromas remain noticeable with a small amount of milk.
- For a cappuccino or an espresso with a dash of milk and a pronounced coffee flavour.
Delta Q epiQ 14
The choice for lovers of dark-roasted coffees
A particularly intense African blend
Delta Q epiQ has an intensity of 14. It is made from coffees from Ivory Coast, Angola and Congo.
It produces a very intense, full-bodied espresso with a slight acidity and notes of roasted nuts.
What flavour can you expect?
epiQ stands out for its more direct, more deeply roasted profile. Where Qharisma combines cocoa and hazelnut, epiQ places greater emphasis on roasted nuts and the strength of the coffee.
Its slight acidity adds definition, but overall it remains a coffee for those seeking body and an intense sensation on the palate above all.
Qharisma 12 or epiQ 14?
Qharisma 12 has a more indulgent, complex profile thanks to its notes of cocoa and roasted hazelnuts. epiQ 14 is stronger and more focused on roasted flavours.
Qharisma will generally be easier to enjoy as an everyday coffee. epiQ is better suited to someone looking for a clear step up in intensity.
Who is epiQ 14 for?
- For those who mainly drink their coffee as a short espresso.
- For those seeking very high intensity.
- For lovers of toasted flavours and roasted nuts.
- For those who still find Qharisma too moderate.
- For a strong coffee with a lingering finish after a meal.
Delta Q UniQ 16
The highest intensity in this comparison
The strongest coffee in this selection
With an intensity of 16, Delta Q UniQ tops this selection. It combines African Robustas with Central American Arabicas.
It develops notes of chocolate and roasted walnuts. The resulting espresso also stands out for its velvety texture and lingering finish.
What flavour can you expect?
UniQ does not rely on strength alone. Its notes of chocolate and roasted walnuts add an indulgent dimension, while its velvety texture and lingering finish reinforce the impression of density.
The African Robustas contribute to the blend’s bold character, while the Central American Arabicas help balance its aromas.
epiQ 14 or UniQ 16?
epiQ 14 stands out above all for its roasted nut notes and its very full-bodied, slightly acidic profile. UniQ 16 adds a more velvety feel, a long finish and notes of chocolate and roasted walnuts.
You should therefore not choose UniQ simply because its number is higher. Its appeal also lies in its chocolatey profile and long finish.
Who is UniQ 16 for?
- For those seeking the highest level of intensity.
- For lovers of coffees with a pronounced presence and a lingering finish.
- For those who enjoy chocolate and roasted walnuts.
- For those who still find epiQ or Qharisma not strong enough.
- For making milk-based drinks that retain a very pronounced coffee flavour.
Which capsule should you choose for your tastes?
Caramel and balance
Choose Delta Q Qharacter 9. Its intensity is already high, but its balanced acidity and caramel notes give it a more rounded character.
Cocoa and hazelnut
Choose Delta Q Qharisma 12. Its lively, full-bodied profile offers a very good balance between strength, indulgence and aromatic complexity.
Deeply roasted flavours
Choose Delta Q epiQ 14. Its roasted nut aromas suit lovers of strong espressos with a decidedly roasted character.
Maximum strength
Choose Delta Q UniQ 16. Its chocolatey, velvety profile and lingering finish suit lovers of particularly intense coffees.
Which capsule should you choose for each preparation?
For an everyday espresso
Qharacter 9 is the most versatile choice. Qharisma 12 will suit those who want a more full-bodied everyday espresso with a distinctive cocoa and hazelnut character.
For an after-meal espresso
epiQ 14 and UniQ 16 are the most suitable options. epiQ emphasises roasted flavours, while UniQ is more chocolatey and velvety, with a longer finish.
For a cappuccino or a coffee with milk
Qharisma 12 offers a good balance: intense enough to remain noticeable without necessarily overpowering the milk completely. UniQ 16 is preferable for a very strong coffee flavour.
For a long coffee
A very intense capsule is not automatically necessary. To preserve the aromatic profile, avoid an excessively long extraction and top up the espresso with hot water instead.
Does higher intensity mean more caffeine?
No. Higher intensity does not necessarily mean that the capsule contains more caffeine. Intensity depends mainly on the origin of the beans, the composition of the blend, the roasting and the sensory result in the cup.
You should therefore not choose UniQ 16 over Qharacter 9 solely for a greater stimulating effect. Without precise measurements for each capsule, the intensity number cannot tell you exactly how much caffeine is in the cup.
Our final comparison
Delta Q Qharacter 9 is the best choice for an intense yet balanced espresso. Its notes of caramel and dried fruit make it approachable and versatile.
Delta Q Qharisma 12 offers the best balance for lovers of very full-bodied coffees. Its notes of cocoa and roasted hazelnuts give it greater aromatic richness.
Delta Q epiQ 14 is aimed at those looking for a very powerful coffee with a pronounced roasted character and notes of roasted nuts.
Delta Q UniQ 16 is the most intense option. It suits coffee drinkers who are accustomed to very full-bodied coffees and also seek chocolate notes, a velvety texture and a long-lasting finish.
| Your preference | Recommended capsule |
|---|---|
| An intense yet balanced coffee | Qharacter 9 |
| The best balance of strength and aroma | Qharisma 12 |
| A very full-bodied espresso with a pronounced roasted character | epiQ 14 |
| Maximum intensity and a lasting finish | UniQ 16 |
| Caramel notes | Qharacter 9 |
| Cocoa and hazelnut notes | Qharisma 12 |
| Roasted nut notes | epiQ 14 |
| Chocolate and roasted walnut notes | UniQ 16 |
In summary
For most lovers of full-bodied coffee, Qharisma 12 is the most balanced choice. Qharacter 9 is more versatile, epiQ 14 has a more pronounced roasted character, and UniQ 16 is noticeably more powerful with a longer-lasting finish.
