Espresso Enthusiasts

[SurferMan]

Ahh, I have family in Tampa, and I've noticed a sad dearth of coffee roasters down there (I live in north California, no trouble near me). If you can stomach the shipping costs, places like Blue Bottle, Ritual, and Sweet Maria's do excellent coffee. Actually Sweet Maria's is mostly an excellent green bean resource, but twice a month they offer exquisitely roasted beans for sale. You might check it out.

Had Ritual and Blue Bottle. I'm always trying different stuff as I like finding the smaller less known roasters, like this order, came across them and gave them a shot, and just made a shot with their blend which is Indonesian/African roasted to full city. Pretty good and not even dialed in yet. If your in Tampa, check out Cigar City, one of the best breweries around.

 

[mobilehaathi]

Had Ritual and Blue Bottle. I'm always trying different stuff as I like finding the smaller less known roasters, like this order, came across them and gave them a shot, and just made a shot with their blend which is Indonesian/African roasted to full city. Pretty good and not even dialed in yet. If your in Tampa, check out Cigar City, one of the best breweries around.

[url=http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r273/Surfer-Chris/20141104_194539_zpslk4daa53.jpg]Image[/URL]

Oh, thanks for the Cigar City recommendation. I'll be there at the beginning of December and will make a point to check them out!

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Another new taste thanks to 'Intelligentsia' (and again, warm thanks and gratitude are in order to my friends and companions and fellow coffee lovers on the espresso thread for having made me aware of this company).

I know that many of my fellow denizens on the thread are devotees of Sweet Maria's, and the justly famed 'Liquid Amber' - a coffee I have yet to sample, but will doubtless manage to make the warm acquaintance of in due course.

As some on this thread already know, I have become a big fan of Intelligentsia; I love their Los Inmortales (from El Salvador) and am also partial to their Los Delirios from Nicaragua.

However, tempting though it is to stick with what one knows one loves (and my brother was also bowled over with these coffees), it is also necessary to try out fresh tastes and coffees; if you don't like them, fair enough - at leas you know not to order them for again.

Anyway, this morning I opened a coffee I have not had before: The coffee is from Kenya and is one of their seasonal specialities; it is called 'Kunga Maitu' and is a clean, bright, somewhat smooth and slightly sweet coffee.

 

[S.B.G]

In my humble opinion, if you really want to make a decent cup of plain old coffee, you either use a Chemex or an Aeropress. Both work very well and it's not finicky to use like a Bodum vacuum pot (Bodum pots can be hard to use compared to a Bialetti moka pot).

Ran low on beans and forgot to order, Roasters order should be hear today: 3lbs of (African/Indonesian Blend, Ethiopian Yirg, Ethiopian Harrar). Went to Publix knowing the coffee will suck lol, just grabbed some 8 O'clock whole bean as almost everything else is preground and could have sworn I read a test where it beat out Charbucks and the like in a taste off. F'n gag inducing, I just don't know how people can drink store bought coffee, doesn't even taste like coffee. I knew it wouldn't work in my espresso machine so didn't bother, used drip, gag gag gag, can only drink this swill with milk, and lots of splenda and some syrup.

Then I forgot about my Moka and grabbed some Bustelo and made "rear" Cuban coffee making the sugar froth and everything, oh so yummy and made me forget the horrors of what I just drank.

Please oh please let my order come today

Thinking about next setup, possible the Profitec 700 and HG-One hmmmm

A much warm welcome to our little thread, in the corner of the MacRumors forums.

Glad to have you aboard. This thread is a wiki thread and anyone can edit the first post of the thread to add new information about coffee and all its relations. Feel free to add your favorite coffees and equipment as you desire.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

A much warm welcome to our little thread, in the corner of the MacRumors forums.

Glad to have you aboard. This thread is a wiki thread and anyone can edit the first post of the thread to add new information about coffee and all its relations. Feel free to add your favorite coffees and equipment as you desire.

Ah, yes. A useful - and timely - reminder.

This is because I keep forgetting that the first post has been reconfigured as a 'wiki', or is a 'wiki', as I was wondering how to add the 'Chemex' method (pot, a disgracefully attractive looking pot, may I add - I find that this fusion of form and function - which is a form of design perfection - gets me every time…..) to that page as I was hugely impressed by it last Saturday night, so impressed, in fact, that I spent an embarrassing among of time on Sunday googling reviews of the Chemex, and watching videos of how one makes coffee with this method.

This, of course, makes it increasingly likely that I shall end up ordering one in due course……...

 

[S.B.G]

This, of course, makes it increasingly likely that I shall end up ordering one in due course……...

I have little doubt that your credit card is ready and waiting to make the purchase, although it may not be willing!

I admit that I haven't spent much, if any time, learning about the Chemex and perhaps one of these days I will. For the time being, I'm still quite happy with the French Press method.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

I have little doubt that your credit card is ready and waiting to make the purchase, although it may not be willing!

I admit that I haven't spent much, if any time, learning about the Chemex and perhaps one of these days I will. For the time being, I'm still quite happy with the French Press method.

Yes, while the credit card is ready and waiting, (securely tucked into its own safe enclosure in my wallet, where it shares space with a frequent flyer card from Turkish Airlines - other cards are quarantined from that pair), I am not entirely sure whether the credit card is willing either; it has received quite a pummelling over the past two months, and doubtless needs to recoup its energies, and beef up its monetary muscles (in other words,
wait for me to add monetary muscles by way of further, um, challenging, trips abroad….)

Now, I would be exceedingly grateful if you could add the noun 'Chemex' to page one of our wiki; I am not quite sure which heading it should come under, nor even where the links to it are, but, if you could add the needful, it would further enhance the page.

Indeed, I was reading the websites of both Intelligentsia and SweetMaria's these past few days; both seem to carry extensive 'accessories' sections, and both, as it happens, include a Chemex, along with the special and specific filter paper (it requires filter paper of a particular thickness) that goes with the Chemex……

 

[SurferMan]

I actually don't care for Intelligentsia, even been to their places in Chitown and LA and wife didn't like it either and so far only company she doesn't like. I went through pound after pound after pound of Blackcat and could never pull a good shot, just tasted odd... well sure enough seems online others said the same thing. Tried a few other offerings and still didn't like it, got a few buddies roasting in the industry that said back in the day they were much better and their name brand was like the go-to guys. We had a shop by us that carried them and another company, don't sell Intelly anymore as baristas and customers liked the other companies beans better.

In the last year, I'd say Metropolis Redline was one of if not the best blend I've had so far this year, so good straight or in milk. Had some friends over that even asked where I got my coffee from which never happened before and I've had some much more expensive and rare coffee lol.

Intelly sells their beans at Target now lol

 

[SHNXX]

I actually don't care for Intelligentsia, even been to their places in Chitown and LA and wife didn't like it either and so far only company she doesn't like. I went through pound after pound after pound of Blackcat and could never pull a good shot, just tasted odd... well sure enough seems online others said the same thing. Tried a few other offerings and still didn't like it, got a few buddies roasting in the industry that said back in the day they were much better and their name brand was like the go-to guys. We had a shop by us that carried them and another company, don't sell Intelly anymore as baristas and customers liked the other companies beans better.

In the last year, I'd say Metropolis Redline was one of if not the best blend I've had so far this year, so good straight or in milk. Had some friends over that even asked where I got my coffee from which never happened before and I've had some much more expensive and rare coffee lol.

Intelly sells their beans at Target now lol

Intelli black cat is a bit too sour for me.
I didn't like it at home although it seems to work better in their shop.
Admittedly I don't have a la marzocco or synesso at home so maybe that's why (i do have a compak k10 68mm conical burr grinder so I know that is up to par with what they're using)

 

[pietrov]

My favorite electric espresso machine is "mokona" bialetti:
http://www.bialetti.it/it/catalogue/scheda.asp?id_cat=186

Also "La pavoni" is a very good machine:
http://www.lapavoni.com/

BTW if you go to Rome you have to taste Caffè Sant'Eustachio:
http://www.santeustachioilcaffe.it/en/index.php
(I'm Italian... )

 

[S.B.G]

Now, I would be exceedingly grateful if you could add the noun 'Chemex' to page one of our wiki; I am not quite sure which heading it should come under, nor even where the links to it are, but, if you could add the needful, it would further enhance the page.

I added a new section called Coffee Makers, under the French Press Pot section and added the link to Chemex.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

I actually don't care for Intelligentsia, even been to their places in Chitown and LA and wife didn't like it either and so far only company she doesn't like. I went through pound after pound after pound of Blackcat and could never pull a good shot, just tasted odd... well sure enough seems online others said the same thing. Tried a few other offerings and still didn't like it, got a few buddies roasting in the industry that said back in the day they were much better and their name brand was like the go-to guys. We had a shop by us that carried them and another company, don't sell Intelly anymore as baristas and customers liked the other companies beans better.

In the last year, I'd say Metropolis Redline was one of if not the best blend I've had so far this year, so good straight or in milk. Had some friends over that even asked where I got my coffee from which never happened before and I've had some much more expensive and rare coffee lol.

Intelly sells their beans at Target now lol

Well, I'm not from the US, and so I take recommendations when and where I find them. I have found Intelligentsia to be professional and quick (whereas I have found dealing with Sweet Maria's to have been a most complicated process).

The thing with Intelligentsia is that they have a lot to choose from; thus far, my personal favourites are the Los Inmortales (from El Salvador) and the Los Delirios (from Nicaragua), both of which I really like - smooth, rich, sweet, flavoursome and incredibly soft, too.

Granted, some of their other offerings are not as good, but firstly, one needs to move out of one's comfort zone and try out new things, (which also allows one to learn what you like and don't like, but also to learn new tastes).

Secondly, Intelligentsia doubtless wish to extend their fair trade model further afield, and this allows them to do so.

Intelli black cat is a bit too sour for me.
I didn't like it at home although it seems to work better in their shop.
Admittedly I don't have a la marzocco or synesso at home so maybe that's why (i do have a compak k10 68mm conical burr grinder so I know that is up to par with what they're using)

I have tried it and found it perfectly fine - but then, taste is such a personal thing.

Now, as I have also learned, they have some products that I shall not try again. Ever. Such is life. But others - I will order again as they become available….

My favorite electric espresso machine is "mokona" bialetti:
http://www.bialetti.it/it/catalogue/scheda.asp?id_cat=186

Also "La pavoni" is a very good machine:
http://www.lapavoni.com/

BTW if you go to Rome you have to taste Caffè Sant'Eustachio:
http://www.santeustachioilcaffe.it/en/index.php
(I'm Italian... )

Ah. Recommendations from Italy. Written by an Italian…….

How absolutely wonderful, and my warm thanks to you for taking the time and trouble to drop by here to tell us about them. Caffé Sant'Eustachio will go into my diary as a place which merits a visit when I next travel to Rome.

I added a new section called Coffee Makers, under the French Press Pot section and added the link to Chemex.

My grateful thanks to you. Much appreciated.

Now, to mull over the option offered by various vendors…..

 

[SactoGuy18]

What I find interesting here is it appears few people like using a vacuum pot. I can understand why: setting up one is almost as finicky as trying to use a good espresso machine like the highly-regarded Rancilio Silvia--it takes a lot of practice to get it right.

I just ordered a Chemex plus filters and should be getting mine early next week.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

What I find interesting here is it appears few people like using a vacuum pot. I can understand why: setting up one is almost as finicky as trying to use a good espresso machine like the highly-regarded Rancilio Silvia--it takes a lot of practice to get it right.

I just ordered a Chemex plus filters and should be getting mine early next week.

I look forward to hearing about it - and to reading about your experiences with it - when you do succeed in taking delivery of it.

To be honest, not only had I never considered this method, I had never actually seen anyone, anywhere use it and had never tasted the coffee which came from this method until last week-end, when I was stunned at how good it was.

As posted above, last week-end (in a new restaurant which will be outstanding as the chef has serious provenance and an incredible CV), I was given coffee - the only one they had on offer - which they described as 'only ordinary coffee' and which was served in a Chemex.

It was superb; I still don't know what combination of bean (excellent Ethiopian) and method (Chemex) gave rise to this, but the coffee did blow me away.

Until then, my interests were confined to French Press (reliable), Hario drip pour over (for those times when I wanted just one cup or mug), and my Bialetti moka pot (for when I served - or wished to drink - stove top espresso coffee such as one gets in Italian homes).

Someday, I had promised myself an outrageous espresso machine, but this is the sort of extravagant purchase I am perfectly happy to put on a proverbial long finger. Besides, I am old enough to enjoy the idea of deferred gratification. And I work abroad a a lot - usually in countries which are somewhat conflicted and sometimes underdeveloped. That means that when I arrive home on leave, the idea of arriving to parcels which will shortly be delivered is one of the nicest parts about returning home…...

 

[BenTrovato]

I love afternoon coffee with a little snack. Today I made a long espresso with a touch of cream and a shade more of hot water. A gluten-free organic chocolate chip cookie is featured on the side. Happy Thursday!

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Another method - albeit somewhat basic, but utterly trusty, and very solid - that we might consider including in the first page (or 'wiki' page) is the (ceramic) Hario (dripper); there is a plastic version of the dripper available (I usually have one in my suitcase when travelling abroad along with some Melitta filter papers and some coffee - call it an emergency kit!).

The 'Intelligentsia' site includes both the Chemex and the Hario ceramic dripper (both of which they sell, naturally enough) under a heading which reads 'pour over' method. That is not to say that they are right - just that this is how they choose to order that information.

 

[S.B.G]

Another method - albeit somewhat basic, but utterly trusty, and very solid - that we might consider including in the first page (or 'wiki' page) is the (ceramic) Hario (dripper); there is a plastic version of the dripper available (I usually have one in my suitcase hen travelling abroad along with some Melitta filter papers and some coffee - call it an emergency kit!).

The 'Intelligentsia' site includes both the Chemex and the Hario ceramic dripper (both of which they sell, naturally enough) under a heading which reads 'pour over' method. That is not to say that they are right - just that this is how they choose to order that information.

I added those links as well.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

I added those links as well.

Brilliant, thanks a lot; excellent.

Actually, I have been reading about both the Chemex (Sweet Maria's also feature them, as, indeed do Amazon!) and the Hario.

Mind you, I am still also reading about the La Marzocca GS/3, but that purchase will be deferred for a while…….

And then there are the obscenely exquisite, utterly beautiful machines, made by La Pavoni……(some of which are manual, while others are automatic espresso machines…)

 

[S.B.G]

Brilliant, thanks a lot; excellent.

Actually, I have been reading about both the Chemex (Sweet Maria's also feature them, as, indeed do Amazon!) and the Hario.

Mind you, I am still also reading about the La Marzocca GS/3, but that purchase will be deferred for a while…….

And then there are the obscenely exquisite, utterly beautiful machines, made by La Pavoni……(some of which are manual, while others are automatic espresso machines…)

I've gone method, accessory and bean crazy this past year. For me I've been settling down with the French Press and Gaggia for a while.

 

[mobilehaathi]

Mind you, I am still also reading about the La Marzocca GS/3, but that purchase will be deferred for a while…….

I fully expect progress on this front in the near future.

 

[S.B.G]

I fully expect progress on this front in the near future.

Perhaps we should require a quarterly report on the matter until fully resolved.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

I fully expect progress on this front in the near future.

Hm. This planned (nay, dreamed of) purchase is entered into the mental ledger under the heading of 'the fairly far future' for now. Now, it must be said that although this is not a concept of the future which means 'indefinite future', equally clearly, it most certainly is not intended to mean a concept which implies an 'immediate future'.

Nevertheless, a possible purchase in the 'relatively near future' may well be a Chemex…….

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Perhaps we should require a quarterly report on the matter until fully resolved.

Ah. Inexplicably, I somehow overlooked this post…….

Perhaps, indeed, this is the sort of time frame that may have to be countenanced when contemplating such a purchase…….

Until recently, I was writing weekly, monthly, six-monthly and what were coyly termed 'special' reports………….but the quarterly - as a measure of time - escaped us.

I can just see the title now: 'La Marzocco GS/3' - Plans to Purchase: Executive Summary'……..Quarterly Report No. 1'

 

[S.B.G]

My father came to visit me at my apartment for the first time ever. He never comes to my place for two reasons. I live on the third deck and we have no elevators and he's allergic to cats. So either I go to my parents house or he drives here and we visit somewhere in town.

But today he decided to come to the apartment and visit.

I asked him if he wanted a coffee and as I expected, he said yes. I made him a fresh cup of coffee using the beans I bought last weekend and brewed it for him in the French Press. He wanted sugar and milk in it too, but all I had was milk - I don't keep sugar in the home.

But, even though he put milk in it, he said he noticed the difference in my coffee compared to the stuff he drinks. He said it tasted really good and that he liked it.

I would bet that this was his first cup of fresh coffee he's had in maybe 35 or 40 years! I say that because he may have had freshly brewed coffee at his parents house back then.

 

[mobilehaathi]

My father came to visit me at my apartment for the first time ever. He never comes to my place for two reasons. I live on the third deck and we have no elevators and he's allergic to cats. So either I go to my parents house or he drives here and we visit somewhere in town.

But today he decided to come to the apartment and visit.

I asked him if he wanted a coffee and as I expected, he said yes. I made him a fresh cup of coffee using the beans I bought last weekend and brewed it for him in the French Press. He wanted sugar and milk in it too, but all I had was milk - I don't keep sugar in the home.

But, even though he put milk in it, he said he noticed the difference in my coffee compared to the stuff he drinks. He said it tasted really good and that he liked it.

I would bet that this was his first cup of fresh coffee he's had in maybe 35 or 40 years! I say that because he may have had freshly brewed coffee at his parents house back then.

Hehehe, excellent. I've done similar things for friends and family, and they always seem surprised at how good the coffee tastes.