Espresso Enthusiasts

[S.B.G]

I forgot to post a few days ago about a regular coffee experience I had. During the week one day I was getting a bit tired and wanted a coffee. All we had in the office was a small package of Ghirardelli freeze dried breakfast blend. I made that in the Bunn coffee maker and it tasted absolutely horrible!

The boss and I had to go out to Tim Hortons and get a proper tasting drip coffee.

 

[Kissaragi]

I've been experimenting with different coffees. I found that it's actually difficult to get anything that's been roasted within the last two weeks, or even with a date at all. Living in a rural area hurts that.

But I do feel like I've gained a lot of control over the process and I'm comfortable, and I think I'm at the point where I'm just refining skills.

I've also gotten decent at making vanilla lattes, which my gf loves. I mainly bought a machine to make those types of drinks anyway. But I want to make good espresso too.

Unless your very lucky to live next one of a very few good roasters, mail order is the way to go.

This is one of the most famous online roasters in the US http://www.intelligentsiacoffee.com the black cat espresso blends are legendary.

 

[Shrink]

I forgot to post a few days ago about a regular coffee experience I had. During the week one day I was getting a bit tired and wanted a coffee. All we had in the office was a small package of Ghirardelli freeze dried breakfast blend. I made that in the Bunn coffee maker and it tasted absolutely horrible!

The boss and I had to go out to Tim Hortons and get a proper tasting drip coffee.

Might I humbly suggest, quietly and calmly...that any form of instant coffee is totally unfit for human consumption!!! It is horrible beyond description!! Brown, foul tasting....stuff! (This is a family thread)

Humble and calm...that's me!

 

[S.B.G]

Might I humbly suggest, quietly and calmly...that any form of instant coffee is totally unfit for human consumption!!! It is horrible beyond description!! Brown, foul tasting....stuff! (This is a family thread)

Humble and calm...that's me!

Buddy you aren't kidding! That stuff is so bad I wouldn't even give it to a dog.

 

[Shrink]

Buddy you aren't kidding! That stuff is so bad I wouldn't even give it to a dog.

You're right! Giving it to a dog would constitute animal cruelty!

Really, I just can't understanding drinking that stuff. I realize it's convenient, but for the same effort (essentially, boiling water) one can have press coffee. No more work, and with good pre-ground beans...an excellent cup of coffee.

Ghirardelli has a well earned reputation for a good product, but not even Ghirardelli can make drinkable ersatz coffee. It is just such a a total desecration of coffee, it's impossible to make it drinkable.

 

[S.B.G]

You're right! Giving it to a dog would constitute animal cruelty!

Really, I just can't understanding drinking that stuff. I realize it's convenient, but for the same effort (essentially, boiling water) one can have press coffee. No more work, and with good pre-ground beans...an excellent cup of coffee.

Ghirardelli has a well earned reputation for a good product, but not even Ghirardelli can make drinkable ersatz coffee. It is just such a a total desecration of coffee, it's impossible to make it drinkable.

I really enjoy Ghirardelli's chocolate though! I even visited Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco and got a chocolate scented t-shirt. But I've never tried their coffee before the other day.

 

[twietee]

Ersatz Kafee?! That sounds (and most probably tastes) like an invention by the Aparat! Cruel and mean stuff, made to rule the world in a convenient way...

 

[Shrink]

Ersatz Kafee?! That sounds (and most probably tastes) like an invention by the Aparat! Cruel and mean stuff, made to rule the world in a convenient way...

Sorry, I don't know what "Aparat" means. I

Googled it and diin't come up with a definition.

er·satz
/ˈersäts/
Adjective
(of a product) Made or used as a substitute, typically an inferior one, for something else.
Not real or genuine.
Synonyms
surrogate

 

[Scepticalscribe]

I can certainly understand protecting the highly valued and treasured Bialetti you have at home.

But if you wanted to take one with you on your travels, even the budget of a terribly underpaid Diplomat p) might manage the cost of a new, unsentimental pot. The link below is the US Amazon, but it should be available for a similar price across the pond. (I know you have the problem with $=£, and VAT...but still...)

http://www.amazon.com/Bialetti-Expr...85626&sr=8-1&keywords=bialetti+espresso+maker

Actually, I agree with you re the Bialetti; however, believe it or not, cost is not the issue, even on a generous salary. Rather, the issue is that it is much easier to boil a kettle, and use a French press, thus, in many of the twilight zone places I visit, and work in, my first port of call is to buy a kettle, and a French press, and then whatever form of real coffee I can find (usually LavAzza at astounding prices....)

We share the same model then! But 12 cups, really? Makes me think I drink too much espresso!

Anyway, that gurgling sound always more than compensates for the sound of the alarm in the morning. Always a nice and encouraging start into the day!

Love it, that gurgling sound, Gurgle, gurgle......actually, mine makes six, not twelve cups; I doubt I have consumed twelve cups of espresso at a time since I was a student.......wait, memory strikes a chord. Ooooops. Maybe not twelve, but certainly, the total which some might locate under the category called 'many' have indeed been consumed more recently than undergrad days.....

I wish I had your problem. I wake up incredibly early whether I want to or not. I wake with enough time to make my espresso, clean up, and do a 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle!!

Ah well, the blessings of the Golden Years.

Enjoy your latte, Mate!

Evidently, someone who greets the morning sun with a grin.

To be honest, I am not certain that this is a matter of age. For my part, it most certainly is not, as I am a night owl, and morning finds me morbid and murderous, clutching duvets over my head and growling imprecations at the world. Me, I am no longer in the first flush of youth, and I can never remember a time in my life when I leapt balletically out of bed upon waking in the morning (unless the temperature was already approaching 23 degrees at 8 a.m. and the sky was a pellucid blue, daring me to partake of the joys bestowed by engaging with life as a cheerful and active participant).

Oh you know Shrink is going to buy one of those! I just know it.

So do I.

Just took a quick look at some information. The scace, plus the recommended data logger, costs $914!!!

Even I'm not that crazy! If I'm really honest, part of the reason I don't like it is it is ugly, and esthetics count. Also, it is just one step more information than I can process. I'm sure it somehow makes the espresso better, but even holding the price out...TMI. I don't think my palate is that finely tuned that I would really know the difference. Anyway, I might have mentioned before...too damned expensive!

So nyaah, nyaah..SandboxGeneral, I'm not getting it!!

Hmmmm. Let me say, I have my doubts that this robust statement of intent will withstand the vicissitudes of life, or temptations of fate.....

In my best Yoda voice, oh you will, you will.

Yes, I agree, you will. Sometimes, an apple is just asking to be bitten into.....

I never thought I'd say this, but the scace is just more than I need.

Then again...never say never..

Stay tuned to this space for further updates...but don't hold your breath!

We shall....

I forgot to post a few days ago about a regular coffee experience I had. During the week one day I was getting a bit tired and wanted a coffee. All we had in the office was a small package of Ghirardelli freeze dried breakfast blend. I made that in the Bunn coffee maker and it tasted absolutely horrible!

The boss and I had to go out to Tim Hortons and get a proper tasting drip coffee.

Aaaah. Awful.. Instant coffee can only be classed as a crime against humanity, and an utter affront to civilisation, and a complete insult to anything resembling good taste. Above all, it is not, never was, and never can be, classed as anything that might be called coffee...

Might I humbly suggest, quietly and calmly...that any form of instant coffee is totally unfit for human consumption!!! It is horrible beyond description!! Brown, foul tasting....stuff! (This is a family thread)

Humble and calm...that's me!

I find myself (not for the first time) in complete, utter and total agreement with you on this.

Buddy you aren't kidding! That stuff is so bad I wouldn't even give it to a dog.

No, that would be most unfair to any dog, even the ones that bite....

You're right! Giving it to a dog would constitute animal cruelty!

Really, I just can't understanding drinking that stuff. I realize it's convenient, but for the same effort (essentially, boiling water) one can have press coffee. No more work, and with good pre-ground beans...an excellent cup of coffee.

Ghirardelli has a well earned reputation for a good product, but not even Ghirardelli can make drinkable ersatz coffee. It is just such a a total desecration of coffee, it's impossible to make it drinkable.

Again, I cannot but agree. Well said; instant coffee is an abomination, really, it is just an excuse for bad taste, a lazy simulacrum of what coffee should be, an affront to the sheer civilised concept of what coffee, coffee drinking, coffee houses, and cafés actually represent.....

I really enjoy Ghirardelli's chocolate though! I even visited Ghirardelli Square in San Francisco and got a chocolate scented t-shirt. But I've never tried their coffee before the other day.

Agreed; Ghirardelli's chocolate is excellent, which makes it an even greater source of surprise that they fail to understand what good coffee should entail....

Ersatz Kafee?! That sounds (and most probably tastes) like an invention by the Aparat! Cruel and mean stuff, made to rule the world in a convenient way...

You said it.....

 

[Shrink]

...snip.....

Just one correction...my early wakening is not voluntary, and NOT an happy and joyous happening! I awaken early, grumble to no one in particular (since there is no one present to whom to grumble), grunt and groan and drag my ass out of bed. When I was in college I was a night owl, and seldom up before noon. ( I never scheduled morning classes!) Now...it is what it is!

Leaping out of bed balletically...no so much!! I do nothing balletically, except perhaps my beautifully choreographed ballet of making an espresso!

Oh, I'm not buying a scar. Remember, you read it first here!

 

[S.B.G]

Oh man, I just made a honey latté for the first time and it is utterly delicious! Even more so than the carmel latté!

I put two tablespoons of honey into the frothing pitcher along with the 2% lactose free milk and then steamed them together. Then poured into the espresso to my taste buds delight.

 

[Shrink]

Oh man, I just made a honey latté for the first time and it is utterly delicious! Even more so than the carmel latté!

I put two tablespoons of honey into the frothing pitcher along with the 2% lactose free milk and then steamed them together. Then poured into the espresso to my taste buds delight.

Image

Not that I know anything about any of this, but have you tried vanilla latte. i'm told it's very good.

It sounds like you've definitely reached the point of having a great time experimenting with new creations.

Terrific!!

 

[eric/]

Vanilla latte is my staple. Favorite all time coffee based drink.

I found one company, Silver Bridge Coffee co which has 100% Arabica beans and a date. They made some good stuff.

I bought a can of the Illy stuff too. So far so good.

 

[S.B.G]

Not that I know anything about any of this, but have you tried vanilla latte. i'm told it's very good.

It sounds like you've definitely reached the point of having a great time experimenting with new creations.

Terrific!!

Not yet on the vanilla. I'm not much of a vanilla person, but I'm willing to give it a try. I just need to research what the proper brand would be and see if there is a small enough container of it to purchase. I don't want to buy a large one in case I end up not liking it.

I'm still going through that Starbucks Christmas blend and the Starbucks French Roast I started with. I'm getting near the point where it will be time to buy some proper espresso coffee.

 

[Shrink]

Unless your very lucky to live next one of a very few good roasters, mail order is the way to go.

This is one of the most famous online roasters in the US http://www.intelligentsiacoffee.com the black cat espresso blends are legendary.

Vanilla latte is my staple. Favorite all time coffee based drink.

I found one company, Silver Bridge Coffee co which has 100% Arabica beans and a date. They made some good stuff.

I bought a can of the Illy stuff too. So far so good.

Not yet on the vanilla. I'm not much of a vanilla person, but I'm willing to give it a try. I just need to research what the proper brand would be and see if there is a small enough container of it to purchase. I don't want to buy a large one in case I end up not liking it.

I'm still going through that Starbucks Christmas blend and the Starbucks French Roast I started with. I'm getting near the point where it will be time to buy some proper espresso coffee.

Looks like both of the quotes above might have some ideas about shopping for espresso coffee. I know you need pre-ground, but my guess is both the sites mentioned have pre-gound as well as whole bean. The only way I've ever seen vanilla is either buying vanilla beans and chopping them up (I assume), or buying bottles of liquid vanilla extract. Looks like eric/ should be able to give you a hand with vanilla.

 

[eric/]

Looks like both of the quotes above might have some ideas about shopping for espresso coffee. I know you need pre-ground, but my guess is both the sites mentioned have pre-gound as well as whole bean. The only way I've ever seen vanilla is either buying vanilla beans and chopping them up (I assume), or buying bottles of liquid vanilla extract. Looks like eric/ should be able to give you a hand with vanilla.

I just use vanilla syrup. Wholelattelove sells these, and I think you can buy small bottles from Kroger.

Pretty much, squirt vanilla syrup into a mug, froth milk, shoot espresso (2 shots, depending on size though) and mix together. It should be cake for you SBG.

 

[S.B.G]

I just use vanilla syrup. Wholelattelove sells these, and I think you can buy small bottles from Kroger.

Pretty much, squirt vanilla syrup into a mug, froth milk, shoot espresso (2 shots, depending on size though) and mix together. It should be cake for you SBG.

Vanilla extract is what I was thinking of; thanks! I'll check out Wholelattelove for some and/or my local supermarket.

 

[eric/]

Vanilla extract is what I was thinking of; thanks! I'll check out Wholelattelove for some and/or my local supermarket.

I don't even use that. They have actual syrups. But I suppose you could use vanilla extract if you desired. I haven't experimented with it, so I couldn't offer an opinion.

 

[S.B.G]

I don't even use that. They have actual syrups. But I suppose you could use vanilla extract if you desired. I haven't experimented with it, so I couldn't offer an opinion.

Syrup... duh!

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Re vanilla pods (not beans), you can slice them open (with a sharp knife) and then scrape out the tiny seeds with a sharp knife, or small spoon; for bestowing, blessing, conferring, or merely giving a sublime flavour the full pod can be placed in a jar of (say) brown sugar, or custard, or, either the full pod, or the scraped out seeds, can be placed into a jug/saucepan of milk for infusing with a rich and delicious, flavour. The flavour, not to mention the scent, of real vanilla (in a pod, or, the seeds of same) is simply sublime.

Please do not confuse real, magnificent vanilla pods with the feeble substitute which is called vanilla essence. Seriously, fellow coffee nerds, it is like confusing real coffee with that feeble ersatz substitute which comes in jars with screw top lids......the name of which I shall not permit to pass my lips, nor be typed by my twitching fingers nor bashed out on my MBA's chicklet keyboard.....

 

[S.B.G]

Re vanilla pods (not beans), you can slice them open (with a sharp knife) and then scrape out the tiny seeds with a sharp knife, or small spoon; for bestowing, blessing, conferring, or merely giving a sublime flavour the full pod can be placed in a jar of (say) brown sugar, or custard, or, either the full pod, or the scraped out seeds, can be placed into a jug/saucepan of milk for infusing with a rich and delicious, flavour. The flavour, not to mention the scent, of real vanilla (in a pod, or, the seeds of same) is simply sublime.

Please do not confuse real, magnificent vanilla pods with the feeble substitute which is called vanilla essence. Seriously, fellow coffee nerds, it is like confusing real coffee with that feeble ersatz substitute which comes in jars with screw top lids......the name of which I shall not permit to pass my lips, nor be typed by my twitching fingers nor bashed out on my MBA's chicklet keyboard.....

I just love the way you so articulately describe things!

Where can I find these vanilla pods you speak of?

----

On another note, this may be blasphemy to some of you, but I do want to get a regular drip coffee maker. Preferably an automatic one with a timer that can brew me a pot and have it ready by the time I get up in the morning.

As I have mentioned in the past, I have a difficult time waking up with enough time to make an espresso/latté (including clean up) and still get cleaned up myself and out the door to work.

Does anyone have any suggestions before I start searching Amazon for one based on user reviews?

 

[Shrink]

Re vanilla pods (not beans), you can slice them open (with a sharp knife) and then scrape out the tiny seeds with a sharp knife, or small spoon; for bestowing, blessing, conferring, or merely giving a sublime flavour the full pod can be placed in a jar of (say) brown sugar, or custard, or, either the full pod, or the scraped out seeds, can be placed into a jug/saucepan of milk for infusing with a rich and delicious, flavour. The flavour, not to mention the scent, of real vanilla (in a pod, or, the seeds of same) is simply sublime.

Please do not confuse real, magnificent vanilla pods with the feeble substitute which is called vanilla essence. Seriously, fellow coffee nerds, it is like confusing real coffee with that feeble ersatz substitute which comes in jars with screw top lids......the name of which I shall not permit to pass my lips, nor be typed by my twitching fingers nor bashed out on my MBA's chicklet keyboard.....

Hey, thanks for the preparation instructions! My feeble suggestion to use the prepared liquid essence or extract was for convenience...but so it that screw top jar stuff who's name shall not be mentioned.

Once again...if you're going to do it...do it right. The payoff is worth it, whether it's coffee, or cooking, or...well, you can fill in the blank!

I just love the way you so articulately describe things!

Where can I find these vanilla pods you speak of?

----

On another note, this may be blasphemy to some of you, but I do want to get a regular drip coffee maker. Preferably an automatic one with a timer that can brew me a pot and have it ready by the time I get up in the morning.

As I have mentioned in the past, I have a difficult time waking up with enough time to make an espresso/latté (including clean up) and still get cleaned up myself and out the door to work.

Does anyone have any suggestions before I start searching Amazon for one based on user reviews?

A good friend just bought a drip machine. He bought a De Longhi, and is very pleased.

A suggestion...I know you are truly sick of hearing me me talking about freshness, but the automatic machines with timers that you fill the night before so your coffee is ready when you get up means you have to put the grounds in before going to bed. That means the grinds will be sitting there, exposed to air, for 7-8 hours or so. Even without being a lunatic like me about freshness, sitting overnight in the machine will really ruin the grounds.

He bought the simplest De Longhi machine available, just put in the water, put in the grinds, push the Start button, and it delivers the coffee shutting itself off when a pre=selected amount is dispensed.

 

[S.B.G]

Hmmmm. Let me say, I have my doubts that this robust statement of intent will withstand the vicissitudes of life, or temptations of fate.....

Regarding Shrink's seemingly unwillingness to purchase aforementioned said device, perhaps we other looney enthusiasts should take up a collection and buy him one as a token of gratitude for all of the marvelous information he has bestowed upon us!

 

[Shrink]

Regarding Shrink's seemingly unwillingness to purchase aforementioned said device, perhaps we other looney enthusiasts should take up a collection and buy him one as a token of gratitude for all of the marvelous information he has bestowed upon us!

OK, that's about the nicest thing anyone has suggested for me in a very long time. SBJ, I'm honestly move by such a lovely thing you have suggested. I'd say you were a very sweet guy, but I know you are a former Marine...and I wouldn't want you to take it the wrong way!!

As kind as the suggestion is, if you are referring to the scale...it's really more information than I need. More importantly, even if I find out that my pressure or temperature is too variable, or off a bit...what can I do about it? I'm not going to ship it back to the factory for fine adjustments, as it makes great coffee now. It also weighs 60 pounds, and just lifting off the counter is pretty much out of the question, never mind packing it up. And then doing without it for two weeks, or whatever...

This is definitely a case of ignorance being bliss...

 

[Scepticalscribe]

"Real" vanilla pods can be be found in either 1) health food stores, or, better still, 2) a very good delicatessen, or 3)- in my case, I buy them in the best cheesemonger's in the country, a place which prides itself on sourcing, and selling, good food.

When you buy them, (they are long, and black, slightly shrivelled and twisted and evil looking - a little, indeed, like liquorice, - but the scent is extraordinary, the sort of aroma one would willingly drown in, inhaling all the way), my advice would be to then store them in a large, air-tight jar, or a screw-top jar, or the sort of sealed jars that French stores sell. They keep well for a surprising period of time.

I forgot to add that after infusing custard/milk/brown sugar or anything else which takes your fancy with vanilla pods, (or the tiny black seeds) you, of course, proceed to remove the pod (or seeds) and do not eat it/them. Their function is to supply flavour and sublime scent......

Edit: I have also seen (and bought them) in shops/stores which specialise in selling spices. And, when cutting them open, one should remember to slice them vertically rather than horizontally. That is how you get access to the tiny black seeds nestling within.....