Espresso Enthusiasts

[Kurwenal]

watch with mesmerizing admiration of the slow-motion video of an espresso shot

Well said.

The colors of the espresso cascade get me every time. Watching the colors form and exude and fuse and divide in the slow delicious dance.

Oh great, have to go pull another shot now. Just call me Pavlov's dog.

 

[Kurwenal]

Okay I made a Cafeccino, according to the Great Coffee App.


Though the layering in my cup didn't quite turn out as the video in the app showed. It's probably due to the type of syrup I used being not as thick and the milk I used was 2% lactose free.

But it tasted good nonetheless!

View attachment 484668

Congrats, nice looking drink.

I have heard rumors, usually spoken only in the seediest parts of town, over across the tracks, that a wee smidge of The Good Hooch in that drink might be a good thing, from time to time....

 

[Kurwenal]

I must agree that the butchery of Ella Fitzgerald's classic interpretation of the brilliant Cole Porter tune was disquieting, to say the least.

Hey why don't you get off your high horse and go join the Peace Corps or something.



Bwahahahaha.

 

[Shrink]

Hey why don't you get off your high horse and go join the Peace Corps or something.



Bwahahahaha.

But...but...I like my high horse....and the Peace Corps won't have me.

Not peaceful enough.

 

[S.B.G]

Hey why don't you get off your high horse and go join the Peace Corps or something.



Bwahahahaha.

Muahahaha! Just fantastic!

 

[mobilehaathi]

Hey why don't you get off your high horse and go join the Peace Corps or something.



Bwahahahaha.

Hehehehe, yes, indeed...

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Hehehehe, yes, indeed...

Yes, absolutely. Bravo, one and all. And, here, one ought to admit to a sneaking fondness for the High Horse…...

As the person who was invited to join the Peace Corps, - elsewhere on these fora - I must admit to mulling this kind offer over, and contemplating giving it serious consideration…….

 

[Kurwenal]

At dinner the other night with friends who are coffee-heads, we got into a furious wine-fueled debate over this question:

"What is the absolute best cup of coffee one can make for an absolute and final total cost of $50 or less, excluding only tax, mug, water, shipping and electricity."

Every other item used in any way to make the cup must be included in the price.

We adopted Amazon.com as the system of record, and decided one must purchase at least 12oz of beans. We also deemed that any pre-ground coffee would be deemed to be 30 days stale.

I ended up here:

Hario Slim Hand Grinder: $24

$14 French Press: $13.95

Stumptown House Blend: $14.25

I was disqualified for being at $52.20 and for saying I would stir the coffee with my finger. So I substituted in a new grinder:

Krups Spice and Coffee Grinder: $19.95

But then I was disqualified again after admitting that I would not, in fact, ever be willing to use that grinder, even for French Press, and that my finger had been burned in my first attempt and the medical costs would be assessed against my total.

So, it's easy to get below $50, but not when you remember that the goal is the best cup of coffee you can make.....

Anyone want to play?

 

[Shrink]

At dinner the other night with friends who are coffee-heads, we got into a furious wine-fueled debate over this question:

"What is the absolute best cup of coffee one can make for an absolute and final total cost of $50 or less, excluding only tax, mug, water, shipping and electricity."

Every other item used in any way to make the cup must be included in the price.

We adopted Amazon.com as the system of record, and decided one must purchase at least 12oz of beans. We also deemed that any pre-ground coffee would be deemed to be 30 days stale.

I ended up here:

Hario Slim Hand Grinder: $24

$14 French Press: $13.95

Stumptown House Blend: $14.25

I was disqualified for being at $52.20 and for saying I would stir the coffee with my finger. So I substituted in a new grinder:

Krups Spice and Coffee Grinder: $19.95

But then I was disqualified again after admitting that I would not, in fact, ever be willing to use that grinder, even for French Press, and that my finger had been burned in my first attempt and the medical costs would be assessed against my total.

So, it's easy to get below $50, but not when you remember that the goal is the best cup of coffee you can make.....

Anyone want to play?

Easy...peasy

HG-one grinder...$1,000

L1 espresso machine...$3,000

Gene Cafe Roaster...$585

One Pound Liquid Amber Blend...$6.75

Total....$4591.75

Over limit...$4541.75

You did say a cup of GOOD coffee...right?

 

[Kurwenal]

You did say a cup of GOOD coffee...right?

OK, you are disqualified and sentenced to go watch this.

 

[Shrink]

OK, you are disqualified and sentenced to go watch this.

If I accept my disqualification graciously, and beg on bended knee, can I PLEASE not watch the whole video?!

I watched 10 seconds and my already badly compromised IQ is now halved!

Please...

 

[Kurwenal]

If I accept my disqualification graciously, and beg on bended knee, can I PLEASE not watch the whole video?!

I watched 10 seconds and my already badly compromised IQ is now halved!

Please...

The thread will give you a choice: watch the video, or make and drink a Cafe Mocha.









Enjoy the video.

 

[Shrink]

The thread will give you a choice: watch the video, or make and drink a Cafe Mocha.









Enjoy the video.

Oooh, Nurse Diesel...you're so strict!



Edit: OK...I watched it. Herry's doll looked just like him.

Can't write...any ...more.

Must go be....sick.

Am very much more stupid now...

All your fault.

 

[S.B.G]

At dinner the other night with friends who are coffee-heads, we got into a furious wine-fueled debate over this question:

"What is the absolute best cup of coffee one can make for an absolute and final total cost of $50 or less, excluding only tax, mug, water, shipping and electricity."

Every other item used in any way to make the cup must be included in the price.

We adopted Amazon.com as the system of record, and decided one must purchase at least 12oz of beans. We also deemed that any pre-ground coffee would be deemed to be 30 days stale.

I ended up here:

Hario Slim Hand Grinder: $24

$14 French Press: $13.95

Stumptown House Blend: $14.25

I was disqualified for being at $52.20 and for saying I would stir the coffee with my finger. So I substituted in a new grinder:

Krups Spice and Coffee Grinder: $19.95

But then I was disqualified again after admitting that I would not, in fact, ever be willing to use that grinder, even for French Press, and that my finger had been burned in my first attempt and the medical costs would be assessed against my total.

So, it's easy to get below $50, but not when you remember that the goal is the best cup of coffee you can make.....

Anyone want to play?

Okay, I'll play.

Norpro Coffee Grinder $17.11 (Free Prime shipping)

Wyndham HouseTM 12oz French Press Coffee Maker $10.94 (Free Prime shipping)

Silver Bridge Blend, 12oz $11.99 + $6.95 shipping

Total: $46.99

I wanted to use Tim Horton's coffee, but they only sell 2 pound bags of whole bean AND they're currently out of stock!

So how did I do?

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Not sure I can make this cut at any level; the cost of my Le Creuset French press alone takes me dangerously near the limit of $50…….

…….and when I add Intelligentsia coffee (or Sweet Maria's), that lovely handmade grinder I ordered some time ago,, which has yet to arrive, and, add to that the cost of shipping the lot to the Old Continent, well, I suspect that I am excluded.

However, if one drops a league to Illy or LavAzza, uses one's older Feench press (a gift from dear friends), buys one's coffee pre-ground, and incurs no shipping costs, well, then, I suspect that I will come in under the $50 limit.

And does this make for a cup or pot of good, perfectly drinkable, coffee? Yes, of course. But the very best? No, needless to say, of course not…..

 

[Kurwenal]

Silver Bridge Blend, 12oz $11.99 + $6.95 shipping

That's a new coffee to me. Is it worth ordering?

Total: $46.99

I wanted to use Tim Horton's coffee, but they only sell 2 pound bags of whole bean AND they're currently out of stock!

So how did I do?

Well, the first contestant was disqualified for having a size issue, so I think you are the winner! As your prize, you get to go Mod somebody.

However, if one drops a league to Illy or LavAzza, uses one's older Feench press (a gift from dear friends), buys one's coffee pre-ground, and incurs no shipping costs, well, then, I suspect that I will come in under the $50 limit.

And does this make for a cup or pot of good, perfectly drinkable, coffee? Yes, of course. But the very best? No, needless to say, of course not…..

It is the grinder that causes difficulty, but it is also what makes $50 a challenge. Lots of small, cheap blade grinders out there. Are they any good? I have no idea, but I tend to highly doubt it.

And, now, thanks to the links in the last few posts, the MR front page and no doubt many other websites will today welcome me with ads for small, cheap blade grinders.

Here is what greeted me this morning on the MR front page:

Good morning, friends.

 

[Shrink]

That's a new coffee to me. Is it worth ordering?



Well, the first contestant was disqualified for having a size issue, so I think you are the winner! As your prize, you get to go Mod somebody.




It is the grinder that causes difficulty, but it is also what makes $50 a challenge. Lots of small, cheap blade grinders out there. Are they any good? I have no idea, but I tend to highly doubt it.

And, now, thanks to the links in the last few posts, the MR front page and no doubt many other websites will today welcome me with ads for small, cheap blade grinders.

Here is what greeted me this morning on the MR front page:

Image

Good morning, friends.

Yack!

Blade grinders are evil! Even if you don't try to use them for espresso (TOTALLY useless because of particle size variability), they ruin coffee beans by striking each bean thousands of times (instead of once, as with a burr grinder) and creating bean destroying heat.

 

[Kurwenal]

Yack!

Blade grinders are evil! Even if you don't try to use them for espresso (TOTALLY useless because of particle size variability), they ruin coffee beans by striking each bean thousands of times (instead of once, as with a burr grinder) and creating bean destroying heat.

Yes, you see, that's why those of us who actually READ the rules opted for other tools......like the Hario hand grinder I posted.

Yours was a great choice, but just a wee bit over the $50 limit.

I have stated my view previously that the Rocky is the cheapest acceptable grinder for espresso (of which I am aware and that I have ever used). The new Lido may change my view on this, but not yet. It does fine on an espresso, but struggles with the fine-ness required for a ristretto.

 

[S.B.G]

That's a new coffee to me. Is it worth ordering?

Yes it's a decent brand and tastes quite well. I've had it once so far as I am always alternating between my favorite Tim Hortons beans and trying something new for my Press needs. I'd put the Silver Bridge coffee on the same plane as Stumptown Coffee.

Here is what greeted me this morning on the MR front page:

Image

Well, to get those nasty ads for inferior grinders to go away, you probably should mention burr grinders more often!

 

[Shrink]

I just saw this on SM, and thought I would pass it along for those who use travel bottles.

SM has a well deserved reputation for only selling quality stuff which they have teasted themselves...

 

[D.T.]

Anyone want to play?

I thought folks might enjoy this.

David Smith has a blog and podcast I subscribe to for iOS development, and he’s also a coffee enthusiast - a few months ago he had a blog entry about his travel coffee kit: 1) to have a good cup on the road, and 2) to quell his “travel anxiety” a bit (that I can definitely identify with...).

Anyway, his total was $88, a bit over, but it’s semi-portable and includes some gear you might consider outside of the basics.

[edit]

Forgot the most important detail

http://david-smith.org/blog/2014/05/22/my-travel-coffee-kit/

 

[S.B.G]

I forgot to write down the make…….and it is not listed on page one of our thread which includes the Wiki section.

I meant to add this lovely espresso machine to the Wiki a few days ago, but nearly forgot. It is, however, there now as I just added it to the list. Thank you for saying something so that it would be included.

-------

The other day I ordered a batch of the Sweet Maria's Liquid Amber as it was, and may still be, on sale in the roasted beans department. It's due to arrive Wednesday sometime and that will be perfect as my current supply is running critically low.

Today, I stopped at my local Tim Horton's and picked up a fresh 1 pound bag of whole beans to replace my now empty container of Stumptown beans. It's a little strange with Tim Horton's because when I walk into the restaurant, they sell 1 pound bags, which is ideal for me. But if I were, and never have, yet, to order the Tim Horton's whole beans on their website, it's only sold in 2 pound bags - less than ideal for my needs.

So I have a fresh batch of Tim Hortons for my French Press and a fresh batch of Liquid Amber en route for my espresso needs. Happy days ahead! ☕

 

[Shrink]

I meant to add this lovely espresso machine to the Wiki a few days ago, but nearly forgot. It is, however, there now as I just added it to the list. Thank you for saying something so that it would be included.

-------

The other day I ordered a batch of the Sweet Maria's Liquid Amber as it was, and may still be, on sale in the roasted beans department. It's due to arrive Wednesday sometime and that will be perfect as my current supply is running critically low.

Today, I stopped at my local Tim Horton's and picked up a fresh 1 pound bag of whole beans to replace my now empty container of Stumptown beans. It's a little strange with Tim Horton's because when I walk into the restaurant, they sell 1 pound bags, which is ideal for me. But if I were, and never have, yet, to order the Tim Horton's whole beans on their website, it's only sold in 2 pound bags - less than ideal for my needs.

So I have a fresh batch of Tim Hortons for my French Press and a fresh batch of Liquid Amber en route for my espresso needs. Happy days ahead! ☕

Quite amazing how a couple of bags of coffee can bring such pleasure...

I just ordered a bunch of Moka Kadir, and i feel just as you do...I'm looking forward to having a supply of wonderful beans, and the wonderful espresso they produce.

Amazing...

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Ah, this thread of happy coffee insanity……inhabited by cheerfully deranged and engaging enthusiasts…..I do love dropping in to see what is being discussed…..

…It certainly beats some of the other many and varied forms of insanity that a number of us encounter on a personal and professional basis elsewhere in our lives…...

 

[S.B.G]

I thought folks might enjoy this.

David Smith has a blog and podcast I subscribe to for iOS development, and he’s also a coffee enthusiast - a few months ago he had a blog entry about his travel coffee kit: 1) to have a good cup on the road, and 2) to quell his “travel anxiety” a bit (that I can definitely identify with...).

Anyway, his total was $88, a bit over, but it’s semi-portable and includes some gear you might consider outside of the basics.

Can you provide a URL to that particular blog posting? I'm interested to read it.
Thanks.

Quite amazing how a couple of bags of coffee can bring such pleasure...

I just ordered a bunch of Moka Kadir, and i feel just as you do...I'm looking forward to having a supply of wonderful beans, and the wonderful espresso they produce.

Amazing...

Ah, this thread of happy coffee insanity……inhabited by cheerfully deranged and engaging enthusiasts…..I do love dropping in to see what is being discussed…..

…It certainly beats some of the other many and varied forms of insanity that a number of us encounter on a personal and professional basis elsewhere in our lives…...

Yes, as I was writing the last few posts this morning, I was pondering the level of happiness and friendship that such a small thing, a coffee bean, has brought to us all.