Espresso Enthusiasts

[BenTrovato]

Tried something new while preparing this afternoons coffee. I put on the Songza station for a busy coffee shop while preparing the dark roast. It felt like I was working in a café hehe. The flavors and aromas seemed to have been accented today

 

[Shrink]

Tried something new while preparing this afternoons coffee. I put on the Songza station for a busy coffee shop while preparing the dark roast. It felt like I was working in a café hehe. The flavors and aromas seemed to have been accented today

Title for the post above...

"The Making Of A Barista"...music and all!

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Last night, I took my brother out to dinner in a rather good Italian restaurant. Tastings were shared until dessert; I was too busy paying attention to a platter of Italian cheeses (and polishing off a nice bottle of Italian red wine) to pay heed to my sibling's choice of dessert.

It was a strange, and original Italian number; home made 'gelato' (ice-cream) which came with a very small, very hot, little jug of robust espresso; the waiter demonstrated what was to be done - the piping hot espresso was to be poured over the cool Italian ice-cream. Not until this morning (over a quick yes, coffee with his colleagues - lawyers will always ask the right question) was I offered an opinion on this dessert. On reflection, I do remember the total silence, (but I was attacking a cheeseboard, and thus, distracted), and I also recall, now that my attention was drawn to it, the total lack of any offer to taste said dessert. However, this morning, my brother's reminiscent - and slightly embarrassed - smirk told me all I needed to know; apparently, this combination of espresso and home made ice-cream was exquisitely delicious……

I pass it on for those who may find solace in such discoveries…..

 

[mobilehaathi]

Last night, I took my brother out to dinner in a rather good Italian restaurant. Tastings were shared until dessert; I was too busy paying attention to a platter of Italian cheeses (and polishing off a nice bottle of Italian red wine) to pay heed to my sibling's choice of dessert.

It was a strange, and original Italian number; home made 'gelato' (ice-cream) which came with a very small, very hot, little jug of robust espresso; the waiter demonstrated what was to be done - the piping hot espresso was to be poured over the cool Italian ice-cream. Not until this morning (over a quick yes, coffee with his colleagues - lawyers will always ask the right question) was I offered an opinion on this dessert. On reflection, I do remember the total silence, (but I was attacking a cheeseboard, and thus, distracted), and I also recall, now that my attention was drawn to it, the total lack of any offer to taste said dessert. However, this morning, my brother's reminiscent - and slightly embarrassed - smirk told me all I needed to know; apparently, this combination of espresso and home made ice-cream was exquisitely delicious……

I pass it on for those who may find solace in such discoveries…..

Ahhh, yes, an affogato. Heresy, perhaps, to some, but it is a divine dessert in my eyes...

 

[S.B.G]

Last night, I took my brother out to dinner in a rather good Italian restaurant. Tastings were shared until dessert; I was too busy paying attention to a platter of Italian cheeses (and polishing off a nice bottle of Italian red wine) to pay heed to my sibling's choice of dessert.

It was a strange, and original Italian number; home made 'gelato' (ice-cream) which came with a very small, very hot, little jug of robust espresso; the waiter demonstrated what was to be done - the piping hot espresso was to be poured over the cool Italian ice-cream. Not until this morning (over a quick yes, coffee with his colleagues - lawyers will always ask the right question) was I offered an opinion on this dessert. On reflection, I do remember the total silence, (but I was attacking a cheeseboard, and thus, distracted), and I also recall, now that my attention was drawn to it, the total lack of any offer to taste said dessert. However, this morning, my brother's reminiscent - and slightly embarrassed - smirk told me all I needed to know; apparently, this combination of espresso and home made ice-cream was exquisitely delicious……

I pass it on for those who may find solace in such discoveries…..

Ahhh, yes, an affogato. Heresy, perhaps, to some, but it is a divine dessert in my eyes...

That sounds interesting; I ought to partake in something like that one of these days.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Ahhh, yes, an affogato. Heresy, perhaps, to some, but it is a divine dessert in my eyes...

That sounds interesting; I ought to partake in something like that one of these days.

Strange to relate, I had neither heard of, nor seen, this combination of ingredients or this dessert (an affogato? Wonderful - I have learned something new, today!) - until yesterday evening. And I am earnestly assured that it was indeed 'divine' to quote mobilehaathi; he (said much loved sibling) was licking his spoon with a silent and very intent focus, I must say.

And isn't it utterly splendid and quite completely charming, too, that our delightful oasis of civilised and supportive good fellowship in this thread - home to our 'moderate espresso enthusiasts' - has somehow contrived to exceed three thousand civilised, agreeable, fun, helpful informative, slightly intense and insane, but wonderfully welcoming posts……..

 

[mobilehaathi]

Strange to relate, I had neither heard of, nor seen, this combination of ingredients or this dessert (an affogato? Wonderful - I have learned something new, today!) - until yesterday evening. And I am earnestly assured that it was indeed 'divine' to quote mobilehaathi; he (said much loved sibling) was licking his spoon with a silent and very intent focus, I must say.

And isn't it utterly splendid and quite completely charming, too, that our delightful oasis of civilised and supportive good fellowship in this thread - home to our 'moderate espresso enthusiasts' - has somehow contrived to exceed three thousand civilised, agreeable, fun, helpful informative, slightly intense and insane, but wonderfully welcoming posts……..

I think there is a healthy dose of extreme silliness too.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

I think there is a healthy dose of extreme silliness too.

But a nice, healthy dose of extreme silliness has its place, and its time…….and it is a sort of silliness which comes from a positive life-affirming sense of self, and a joy in sharing lore and laughter (and yes, needless to say, maybe more than an occasional bout of strictly rationed self-indulgence, too)...

 

[mobilehaathi]

But a nice, healthy dose of extreme silliness has its place, and its time…….and it is a sort of silliness which comes from a positive life-affirming sense of self, and a joy in sharing lore and laughter (and yes, needless to say, maybe more than an occasional bout of strictly rationed self-indulgence, too)...

Agreed whole-heartedly! "" is often just me feigning embarrassment for the sake of humor.

 

[Shrink]

Strange to relate, I had neither heard of, nor seen, this combination of ingredients or this dessert (an affogato? Wonderful - I have learned something new, today!) - until yesterday evening. And I am earnestly assured that it was indeed 'divine' to quote mobilehaathi; he (said much loved sibling) was licking his spoon with a silent and very intent focus, I must say.

And isn't it utterly splendid and quite completely charming, too, that our delightful oasis of civilised and supportive good fellowship in this thread - home to our 'moderate espresso enthusiasts' - has somehow contrived to exceed three thousand civilised, agreeable, fun, helpful informative, slightly intense and insane, but wonderfully welcoming posts……..

I think there is a healthy dose of extreme silliness too.

But a nice, healthy dose of extreme silliness has its place, and its time…….and it is a sort of silliness which comes from a positive life-affirming sense of self, and a joy in sharing lore and laughter (and yes, needless to say, maybe more than an occasional bout of strictly rationed self-indulgence, too)...

Yeah...it's an OK thread...if you're a little nuts!

And as the only truly sane denizen of this thread...I know whereof I speak.

Remember, as a trained professional...I get to decide what's crazy and what's not.

Now, about all you other folks...

 

[mobilehaathi]

Yeah...it's an OK thread...if you're a little nuts!

And as the only truly sane denizen of this thread...I know whereof I speak.

Remember, as a trained professional...I get to decide what's crazy and what's not.

Now, about all you other folks...

You and your 'professional degree' ... if they only knew you've contributed nearly 1/3 of the posts in this thread, it might be revoked!

 

[Shrink]

You and your 'professional degree' ... if they only knew you've contributed nearly 1/3 of the posts in this thread, it might be revoked!

I'd have to consult the APA Professional Code Of Ethics...but I wouldn't be at all surprised if my participation in this pit of happy insanity were not grounds for charges to be brought to the Mass Board Of Registration...seriously questioning my mental competence.

And if you want to know the really scary part...I can have someone involuntarily hospitalized on my signature alone.

That's not a threat, of course...

 

[mobilehaathi]

I'd have to consult the APA Professional Code Of Ethics...but I wouldn't be at all surprised if my participation in this pit of happy insanity were not grounds for charges to be brought to the Mass Board Of Registration...seriously questioning my mental competence.

And if you want to know the really scary part...I can have someone involuntarily hospitalized on my signature alone.

That's not a threat, of course...

Thank god your dementia first affected your ability to sign your name.

 

[S.B.G]

I'm just hanging out on my balcony tonight enjoying the weather with Puma.

In a little while I'll be heading back inside for some coffee. <--- see how I stayed on topic?

 

[mobilehaathi]

I'm just hanging out on my balcony tonight enjoying the weather with Puma.

In a little while I'll be heading back inside for some coffee. <--- see how I stayed on topic?

Pretty cat!

So what coffee will you be brewing this evening?

 

[Shrink]

I'm just hanging out on my balcony tonight enjoying the weather with Puma.

In a little while I'll be heading back inside for some coffee. <--- see how I stayed on topic?

Nice save!

And we all know that you will only go inside and make some coffee if you are ALLOWED to go inside and make coffee by The Master Of The House...you know who...

 

[S.B.G]

Thanks!

Yeah he's not ready to go in or let me go back in yet. But when I can, I'll make a cup of Stumptown coffee.

 

[Shrink]

Thanks!

Yeah he's not ready to go in or let me go back in yet. But when I can, I'll make a cup of Stumptown coffee.

When permission is forthcoming...enjoy your coffee!

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Well, all I can say is that I hope you get to enjoy making and drinking your coffee whenever your personal Domestic Tyrant (the Handsome Black One) designs to allow you to do so.

Meanwhile, lovely pictures and yes, a damned handsome cat.

 

[S.B.G]

Well, all I can say is that I hope you get to enjoy making and drinking your coffee whenever your personal Domestic Tyrant (the Handsome Black One) designs to allow you to do so.

Meanwhile, lovely pictures and yes, a damned handsome cat.

Puma appreciates, no, demands, that folks dote upon him. He really is the best pet that has ever owned me.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Puma appreciates, no, demands, that folks dote upon him. He really is the best pet that has ever owned me.

I think that your perspective is the correct one, here: That is because, in this context, Puma most definitely owns you, and not vice versa….indeed, he can be said to have chosen you, when he turned up on your doorstep all that time ago…..

 

[Shrink]

I had mentioned in an earlier post that I had received a "surprise" 8 pound "espresso intended" assortment as a bonus on a recent purchase from Sweet Marias.

In post# 3272 I listed the coffees that I received. I'm due for a roast tomorrow, so in a moment of reduced compulsivity, I'm going outside my usual three blends, and am going to try the Espresso Workshop Edition #31 - Third Level.

I will roast tomorrow morning and after the requisite resting time, will post my incoherent impressions. For a non-incoherent bit of information, below are the SW notes on the blend...

New crop coffees are upon us. It's not that they ever stop arriving, but this is one of the busiest times of the year. Some of our more popular coffees are landing all at once. It makes sense to introduce a new Workshop blend, putting together a few of our freshest arrivals. We used a Guatemalan coffee from the area of Volcan de Agua, a sweet, balanced cup on it's own. There's also a dry-processed Brazil, which provides body and also adds a depth to the sweetness. Brazils are nutty, which is not always a bad thing, and in the context of this blend is a welcome addition. As a blend, these coffees build quite a complex profile as a brewed coffee, and in the Full City and beyond roast range, it's a very sweet, viscous shot of espresso. And '3rd Level'? Well, that's a top grade of bus transportation in Ethiopia (see the first pic below). 'Life's too short to ride anything other than 3rd Level', so the saying goes (or does it?).

Workshop #31 makes a nice brewed cup, with the Brazil and Guatemala coffees providing a base sweetness, and Yirga Cheffe balancing this out with acidity and complex high notes. Floral aspects really come through, especially in the wet aromatics and on the break. There's an ever-so slight nuttiness too, which come off as complimentary to sweetness and to the top notes. We cupped a City+ roast, and the sweetness was intense, bright acidity, and a syrupy mouthfeel. At Full City (verging on Full City+) this is incredible espresso. The Brazil provides a rich chocolate flavor complimented by viscous body - like a melted chocolate bar. The mouthfeel is super creamy, and a sweet, and with pointed acidity. Chocolate really is the highlight here, and while it's a fantastic SO espresso, this blend will hold up so well in milk drinks. The floral and citrus aspects found in the cup take a bit of a backseat in espresso. They are still there, but they truly are 'top' notes, not defining the base. These highlights take the form of citrus zest, lavender, and berry, all weaving in and out of the long finish.

 

[mobilehaathi]

I'm going outside my usual three blends, and am going to try the Espresso Workshop Edition #31 - Third Level.

If such intransigence can be overcome, perhaps there is still hope left in the world.

 

[Shrink]

If such intransigence can be overcome, perhaps there is still hope left in the world.

I am, truly, a wild man.

I live out on the ragged edge!

 

[Kurwenal]

I had mentioned in an earlier post that I had received a "surprise" 8 pound "espresso intended" assortment as a bonus on a recent purchase from Sweet Marias.

Shrink, most of your list is new to me. I look forward to your thoughts.

I have started playing with the Moka Kadir. Let me know when you get to that one. For now, I will just say that is it one the thickest, syrupiest espressos I have come across.

+++++++

Look what popped up on Reddit this morning.