Find the four comparative capsules here
Choose your intensity level and go directly to the corresponding product page on Cafémalin.
Delta Q Qharacter
A balanced and full-bodied espresso, with notes of caramel and dried fruit.
Delta Q Qharisma
A bright and full-bodied coffee, marked by cocoa and roasted hazelnuts.
Delta Q epiQ
A very powerful espresso, full-bodied and dominated by roasted aromas.
Delta Q UniQ
Maximum intensity, with notes of chocolate and roasted nuts.
Four intensities, four cup profiles
Choosing a Delta Q capsule based solely on its intensity number might seem simple: the higher the number, the stronger the coffee appears. However, Qharacter 9, Qharisma 12, epiQ 14, and UniQ 16 are not distinguished only by their strength.
Their origins, body, acidity and aromatic notes are also very different. Qharacter leans towards caramel and dried fruit, Qharisma towards cocoa and roasted hazelnut, epiQ towards roasted nuts, while UniQ offers a more extreme, velvety and persistent profile, dominated by chocolate and roasted nuts.
This guide helps you identify the capsule best suited to your tastes, your way of drinking coffee and the level of intensity you are looking for.
Understanding the intensity of Delta Q capsules
Intensity is not solely determined by bitterness or caffeine content. It also depends on factors such as the origin of the beans, the roasting process, and the composition of the blend.
The sensory profile of a coffee encompasses several dimensions: its aroma, flavor, acidity, bitterness, body, and finish. Two capsules with similar intensity can therefore provide very different sensations in the cup.
Comparative table of Delta Q capsules
This table allows for a quick comparison of the four capsules according to their intensity level, profile and main aromas.
| Capsule | Intensity | General profile | Aromatic notes | Best to prioritize |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta Q Qharacter | 9 | Intense, elegant and balanced | Caramel and dried fruit | A strong espresso that's easy to drink every day |
| Delta Q Qharisma | 12 | Lively, full-bodied and very intense | Cocoa and roasted hazelnuts | A powerful coffee that retains a beautiful 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 persistent | Chocolate and roasted nuts | Maximum intensity and a long finish on the palate |
Delta Q Qharacter 9
Balanced and versatile intensity
An intense espresso without being excessive
Delta Q Qharacter is the least intense coffee in this selection, but it's by no means a light coffee. With an intensity of 9, it offers a pronounced flavor and a lingering aroma, while maintaining a balanced acidity.
Its blend combines coffees from Brazil, Ivory Coast and Colombia. In the cup, it mainly develops notes of caramel and dried fruit.
What taste can you expect?
Qharacter offers an interesting balance between power and smoothness. The caramel notes bring a certain aromatic sweetness, while the dried fruits enhance its roasted character.
Compared to the other three capsules in the comparison, Qharacter offers more of a balance of flavor and taste. It is therefore easier to drink regularly.
Who should choose Qharacter 9?
- For lovers of strong but not extreme espressos.
- For people who find intensity levels 12, 14 or 16 too powerful.
- For those who prefer caramel to very chocolatey profiles.
- For a coffee that's suitable for both morning and afternoon.
- To gradually discover the intense Delta Q capsules.
Delta Q Qharisma 12
The best compromise between power and flavor
A strong and very full-bodied coffee
With its intensity of 12, Delta Q Qharisma marks a clear improvement over Qharacter. It offers a lively, full-bodied, and very intense espresso with a slight acidity.
Its blend is based on coffees from India, Togo and Uganda. Its aromatic profile is dominated by cocoa and roasted hazelnuts.
What taste can you expect?
Qharisma has a darker, more roasted character than Qharacter. The cocoa notes provide greater depth, while the roasted hazelnut adds a touch of indulgence.
Its slight acidity adds vibrancy and prevents the coffee from being perceived solely as heavy or roasted. It thus retains a certain complexity despite its high intensity.
Qharacter 9 or Qharisma 12?
Qharacter 9 is more balanced, with notes of caramel and dried fruit. Qharisma 12 is more powerful, more vibrant, and more focused on cocoa and roasted hazelnut.
Choose Qharacter for versatility. Switch to Qharisma if you find Qharacter lacks intensity or if you prefer chocolate and roasted profiles.
Who should choose Qharisma 12?
- For a truly strong espresso.
- For lovers of cocoa and roasted hazelnuts.
- To gain power without immediately moving to extreme intensities.
- For a coffee whose aromas remain present with a small amount of milk.
- For a cappuccino or hazelnut coffee with a pronounced coffee flavor.
Delta Q epiQ 14
The choice of lovers of very dark roast coffee
A particularly intense African blend
Delta Q epiQ displays an intensity of 14. It is made from coffees from Ivory Coast, Angola and Congo.
It offers a very intense and full-bodied espresso, with a slight acidity and notes of roasted nuts.
What taste can you expect?
epiQ stands out with a more direct and intensely 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 depth, but overall it remains intended for consumers who are primarily looking for body and an intense mouthfeel.
Qharisma 12 or epiQ 14?
Qharisma 12 has a richer, more complex profile thanks to its notes of cocoa and roasted hazelnuts. epiQ 14 is more powerful and more focused on roasted sensations.
Qharisma will generally be easier to incorporate into daily life. epiQ is better suited to someone looking for a significant increase in intensity.
Who should choose epiQ 14 for?
- For people who primarily drink their coffee as a short espresso.
- To seek a very high intensity.
- For lovers of toasted flavors and roasted nuts.
- For those who find Qharisma still too moderate.
- For a strong and lingering coffee after a meal.
Delta Q UniQ 16
The maximum intensity of the comparison
The strongest coffee in this selection
With an intensity of 16, Delta Q UniQ sits at the top of this selection. It combines African Robustas with Central American Arabicas.
It develops notes of chocolate and roasted nuts. The resulting espresso is also distinguished by its velvety texture and lingering finish.
What taste can you expect?
UniQ doesn't rely solely on strength. Its notes of chocolate and roasted nuts give it a gourmet dimension, while its velvety texture and persistence reinforce the impression of density.
The presence of African Robustas contributes to the assertive character of the blend, while the Central American Arabicas contribute to its aromatic balance.
epiQ 14 or UniQ 16?
epiQ 14 is distinguished primarily by its notes of roasted nuts and its very full-bodied, slightly acidic profile. UniQ 16 adds a more velvety sensation, significant persistence, and notes of chocolate and roasted nuts.
UniQ should not be chosen solely because of its higher number. Its appeal also lies in its chocolatey profile and its lingering finish.
Who should choose UniQ 16?
- To seek the highest level of intensity.
- For lovers of strong and persistent coffees.
- For those who enjoy chocolate and roasted nuts.
- For people who find epiQ or Qharisma still not powerful enough.
- To prepare milk-based drinks that retain a very pronounced coffee taste.
Which capsule should you choose according to your tastes?
Caramel and balance
Choose Delta Q Qharacter 9.Its intensity is already significant, but its balanced acidity and caramel notes make it rounder.
Cocoa and hazelnut
Choose Delta Q Qharisma 12.Its lively and full-bodied profile offers a very good compromise between power, indulgence and aromatic complexity.
Heavily roasted flavors
Choose Delta Q epiQ 14.Its roasted nut aromas are suitable for lovers of strong and frankly roasted espressos.
Maximum power
Choose Delta Q UniQ 16.Its chocolatey, velvety and persistent profile is perfect for lovers of particularly intense coffees.
Which capsule should I choose depending on the preparation?
For a daily espresso
Qharacter 9 is the most versatile choice. Qharisma 12 will suit consumers who want a fuller-bodied everyday espresso with a cocoa and hazelnut signature.
For an espresso after the meal
epiQ 14 and UniQ 16 are the most suitable options. epiQ emphasizes roasted sensations, while UniQ is more chocolatey, velvety and persistent.
For a cappuccino or a latte
Qharisma 12 strikes a good balance: intense enough to remain noticeable without necessarily overpowering the milk. UniQ 16 is preferable for a very strong coffee flavor.
For a long coffee
A very intense capsule isn't always necessary. To preserve the aromatic profile, avoid excessively long extractions and instead top up your espresso with hot water.
Does high intensity mean more caffeine?
No. A higher intensity does not necessarily mean that the capsule contains more caffeine. Intensity depends primarily on the origin of the beans, the composition of the blend, the roasting process, and the resulting sensory experience in the cup.
Therefore, you shouldn't choose UniQ 16 over Qharacter 9 solely to seek a stronger stimulant effect. Without precise measurements of each capsule, the intensity number doesn't accurately determine the amount of caffeine in a 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 compromise for lovers of very strong coffees. Its notes of cocoa and roasted hazelnuts give it added aromatic richness.
Delta Q epiQ 14 is aimed at consumers who are looking for a very strong coffee, with a strong roasted character and notes of roasted nuts.
Delta Q UniQ 16 represents the most intense option. It is suitable for palates accustomed to very full-bodied coffees who also seek chocolate notes, a velvety texture and a strong persistence.
| Your preference | Recommended capsule |
|---|---|
| An intense but balanced coffee | Qharacter 9 |
| The best compromise between power and flavor | Qharisma 12 |
| A very strong, roasted espresso | epiQ 14 |
| Maximum intensity and persistence | UniQ 16 |
| Notes of caramel | Qharacter 9 |
| Notes of cocoa and hazelnut | Qharisma 12 |
| Notes of roasted nuts | epiQ 14 |
| Notes of chocolate and roasted nuts | UniQ 16 |
In summary
For most lovers of strong coffee, Qharisma 12 is the most balanced choice. Qharacter 9 will be more versatile, epiQ 14 more intensely roasted, and UniQ 16 significantly stronger and more persistent.
