Espresso Enthusiasts

[Scepticalscribe]

Yes, green tea, and I'm using brew/steep I interchangeably. White tea is up around 180F too, I seem to recall.

Ah, yes, I see.

We use 'brew' almost as a noun - 'fancy a brew'? (meaning, 'would you like a pot of tea'?) rather than as a verb, (brewing tea) in the context of the preparation of (proper) tea.

In my experience, (the verb) 'steeping' would be used a lot more.

What does white tea actually taste like? I don't believe that I have ever had it, but I did see some (white Earl Grey, in fact) in my excellent coffee shop last week, and I must say that it looked most intriguing.

 

[mobilehaathi]

Ah, yes, I see.

We use 'brew' almost as a noun - 'fancy a brew'? (meaning, 'would you like a pot of tea'?) rather than as a verb, (brewing tea) in the context of the preparation of (proper) tea.

In my experience, (the verb) 'steeping' would be used a lot more.

What does white tea actually taste like? I don't believe that I have ever had it, but I did see some (white Earl Grey, in fact) in my excellent coffee shop last week, and I must say that it looked most intriguing.

It's been a while since I had any, but it's very light and delicate. Actually, I'd be a little concerned that the bergamot could overpower the flavor of the tea, but it might work.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

It's been a while since I had any, but it's very light and delicate. Actually, I'd be a little concerned that the bergamot could overpower the flavor of the tea, but it might work.

Yes, I must say that I had never come across the concept of 'white tea', but - as everything else in the coffee shop, and design shop (not to mention the superb stereo in the ancient fireplace) is of such impeccable taste and such flawless design, I would be prepared to give it the benefit of the doubt.

My next trip there, hopefully, will take a look at the white tea, and I must admit I am intrigued by it.

Now, as for Earl Grey white tea, well, I shall examine it closely, very likely buy some, prepare some in my Japanese cast iron tea pot, and then proceed to report back.

 

[AVBeatMan]

I've bought white tea bags for years. It's ok and a good option if you want to cut down on your milk consumption. It just tastes as it says on the box, "white tea".

 

[yaxomoxay]

As Dale Cooper said: "I'm going to let you in on a little secret. Every day, once a day, give yourself a present. Don't plan it. Don't wait for it. Just let it happen. It could be a new shirt at the men's store, a catnap in your office chair. Or two cups of good, hot black coffee."

Well, it's time to give myself the present: good. hot. black. coffee.

 

[Apple fanboy]

I'm having something hot and wet in a cup on a Virgin train. Not sure I would dignify it with the title tea though!
The bacon bapp smelt nice though! I resisted.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

I'm having something hot and wet in a cup on a Virgin train. Not sure I would dignify it with the title tea though!
The bacon bapp smelt nice though! I resisted.

Well, London should offer much by way of temptation for tea, bacon, and beer. It is one of the world's great cities and an impressively cosmopolitan melting pot.

Sigh.

Well, I cannot say whether it lies in the realm of revered myth and memory, but I am sure that that was a time when what used to be British Rail - or, even one of those silly privatised companies - offered half decent tea on their trains.

After all, tea matters in England! More so, even than Scotland and Ireland (where it is also much liked and consumed in vast quantities).

 

[Scepticalscribe]

And now, later than expected, and later than usual, (very foolish, this growing and profoundly unhealthy habit of checking in online before I have had my first cup of coffee of the day, one does get distracted), a mug of Ethiopian coffee sits close to my right hand.

Coffee. Ethiopian. Hot.

 

[S.B.G]

You know you've lost it when some of the "entertainment" you view and thoroughly enjoy is when you love watching YouTube videos from Whole Latte Love and Seattle Coffee Gear when they do machine comparisons - even when they're machines you don't have or would probably ever have.

 

[mobilehaathi]

You know you've lost it when some of the "entertainment" you view and thoroughly enjoy is when you love watching YouTube videos from Whole Latte Love and Seattle Coffee Gear when they do machine comparisons - even when they're machines you don't have or would probably ever have.

Clear evidence of Stage II Coffee Psychosis....

 

[Scepticalscribe]

You know you've lost it when some of the "entertainment" you view and thoroughly enjoy is when you love watching YouTube videos from Whole Latte Love and Seattle Coffee Gear when they do machine comparisons - even when they're machines you don't have or would probably ever have.

Um, yes. Agreed.

There was a night where I blush to recall exactly just how long I spent watching videos - stuff such as, comparisons, reviews - of La Marzocco's divine GS/3 and the seductively gorgeous La Marzocco Mini Linea..........

So, yes.

You have my full sympathy. And support. And understanding.

Clear evidence of Stage II Coffee Psychosis....

I am not sure how else we could describe it.....

And, I suspect that a surprising number of us who frequent this thread are prone to it.

 

[JamesMike]

Um, yes. Agreed.

There was a night where I blush to recall exactly just how long I spent watching videos - stuff such as, comparisons, reviews - of La Marzocco's divine GS/3 and the seductively gorgeous La Marzocco Mini Linea..........

So, yes.

You have my full sympathy. And support. And understanding.



I am not sure how else we could describe it.....

And, I suspect that a surprising number of us who frequent this thread are prone to it.

But it is a good psychosis.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

It is drizzling outside, with a mulish and bloody-minded bleak persistence, the sort of drizzle that you know is only beginning to settle down for the long haul, when it hopes to graduate - in a few weeks time - into a full blown downpour.

Meanwhile, it is drizzling, and I am drinking a cup (mug) of coffee. That is: Coffee. Ethiopian. Hot.

The coffee is a winning blend of beans from the Yirgacheffe and the Gedeb regions of the highlands of Ethiopia and it is quite lovely.

 

[Kurwenal]

What does white tea actually taste like? I don't believe that I have ever had it, but I did see some (white Earl Grey, in fact) in my excellent coffee shop last week, and I must say that it looked most intriguing.

Well, I am a complete tea noob. As I believe I have previously bored y'all with, a while back I switched my late evening cup from decaf coffee to tea, and for reasons that have long disappeared from memory, I ended up selecting white tea, and this one in particular:

https://www.davidstea.com/us_en/our-teas/white/bai-hao-yin-zhen-1

I believe it was the caffeine content, or actually the lack thereof. Mrs. Kurwenal has always been a tea aficionado, which I always assumed without really thinking about it arose from her being a European and all, but now that I think about it that makes no sense at all.

Anyway, the tea thing arose as part of the whole meditation thing that comes highly recommended to cancer patients, or at least it did to the small group of fellow travelers I joined. Our weekly class on "how to deal emotionally with the fact that you have cancer in your brain" was led by a confirmed meditationist (is that a word?) who was very serious about meditation having to begin with a cup of tea. So, all of that considered, I have ended up, for the past 18 months or so(or maybe longer, I don't recall), drinking a cup of the previously linked white tea.

Back to your question....what does it taste like? I am unsure that I can really answer the question, being a tea noob and all, but my answer is: subtle, almost like you miss the taste if you don't pay attention to it; a very nice sweetness when not steeped for too long; and sort of malty....a quality of baked bread or the like.

There you have it.
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You know you've lost it

or found it.....


[doublepost=1477664591][/doublepost]

Now, I am debating whether or not I ought to have another cup of coffee.......

Really? Wow.
[doublepost=1477664646][/doublepost]

As Dale Cooper said: "I'm going to let you in on a little secret. Every day, once a day, give yourself a present. Don't plan it. Don't wait for it. Just let it happen. It could be a new shirt at the men's store, a catnap in your office chair. Or two cups of good, hot black coffee."

Well, it's time to give myself the present: good. hot. black. coffee.

I like the way you think!
[doublepost=1477664724][/doublepost]

I'm having a cup of coffee right now...resolve your internal debate in favor of another cup.

Amen, brother.

 

[Shrink]

Um...well... er...maybe...or not so much...

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/flairespresso/flair-espresso-maker?ref=backerclub.co

 

[S.B.G]

Um...well... er...maybe...or not so much...

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/flairespresso/flair-espresso-maker?ref=backerclub.co

Actually that looks kind of neat. My only concern would be temperature control and stability being that you have to add hot water separately.

I gave the page a cursory glance and will go back later and look more at it.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

That manual espresso machine looks.........experimental.

There are some things that are better off left alone. There are some things where, despite my liking for stuff such as change, - social, political, cultural, legal, occasionally economic - and innovation (technological) - along with a pronounced preference (in history) for the progressive rather than the, er, side that sought to conserve matters as they were (preferably in aspic, at times), - much though it pains me to admit it, but, there are some things that are better left as they were.

Modern classical music, theatre, espresso machines.....

Actually, there are times when I shudder at the sight - or sound - of the experimental. I will not deny that there have been times when my heart could have been said to sink, when, reading the programme notes prior to a concert, my eye alighted upon the word 'experimental'. Classical composers - some of the modern ones - when they are seized by a passionate desire to compose 'experimental' music, well, then, the temptation to flee the auditorium can become overwhelming.

Experimental theatre - the kind where an audience applauds sagely, or, worse, enthusiastically, while you are left contemplating mental images of emperors capering around without a stitch of clothing - and your brother, sitting beside you, squirming, asks you, sotto voce, "Am I thick, or is it just that I can't figure out what this is supposed to be all about?"

And experimental espresso machines: The Italians do perfectly good ones.....beautifully designed, attractive in appearance, and utterly - sublimely - functional.

There are times when I do not wish to be troubled by innovation. Above all, before I have consumed the lovely mug of Ethiopian coffee that sits on a coaster, close to my right hand.

 

[AVBeatMan]

Had quite a lot to drink tonight (Spent this afternoon with my Mum and Dad in a room in my house that I first did so 47 years ago! How lovely! ️️️

P.S still telling me what to do! ) and so "needed" (cough cough ) a few relaxing Jack D & Coke Zero's with plenty of ice. Anyway, rather proud of this effort before bed.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

A surprisingly sunny morning greets me on Sunday, and the clocks have gone back, - though not every clock in the house accurately reflects this new time. Yet. They will, in time.

When my father lived, he used to put the clocks back - or forward - depending on the time of year - punctually, and meticulously, at around 10.30 (22.30) the previous night, in the middle of enjoying his nightcap whiskies before he retired to bed for the night. Thus, you greeted the following day on the new time.

I am rarely so organised - though I have done it his way once or twice. Instead, I stumble through the house the following morning, between preparing coffees, busily adjusting the clocks.

The carer has already adjusted the one in the kitchen - or else, the battery is running down in it; this coming evening should make whichever it is somewhat clearer.

And now, having watched Andrew Marr's programme, (on the BBC), it is time to make some coffee........

That will be: Coffee. Ethiopian. And Hot.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

And now, one of the perennial Sunday afternoon debates: Do I make (prepare, with loving - indeed, borderline anal and obsessive - attention to detail) a second cup of coffee now, or later?

 

[mobilehaathi]

And now, one of the perennial Sunday afternoon debates: Do I make (prepare, with loving - indeed, borderline anal and obsessive - attention to detail) a second cup of coffee now, or later?

The correct answer is, of course, now and later!

 

[Scepticalscribe]

The correct answer is, of course, now and later!

The substitute carer - along with her accordion - (she sang and played for Mother) has departed, and I can hear the radio in Mother's room at an uncomfortable (for me) volume.

I am minding Mother solo for the coming two hours, so, yes, I think a slight adjustment of the radio's volume dial is in order, to be followed, quite possibly, by another cup of coffee.

And, the clocks are all on the new time.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

It is a public holiday, but outside, it is great, dark, wet, and overcast.

So, it is high time to have a coffee.......yes, Ethiopian. (What else could it be?)

 

[Shrink]

Finished my first morning coffee a while ago. Second cup coming up soon.

First cup...Coffee. French Roast blend. Hot.

Second cup...Coffee. Diesel blend. Hot.

(Yes, "Diesel" is not a good name for a blend. It sounds like it would be a black, tarry muck. It's not...)

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Finished my first morning coffee a while ago. Second cup coming up soon.

First cup...Coffee. French Roast blend. Hot.

Second cup...Coffee. Diesel blend. Hot.

(Yes, "Diesel" is not a good name for a blend. It sounds like it would be a black, tarry muck. It's not...)

Well, reading your posts where you have discussed drinking this coffee, I am struck by the fact that Diesel is an appalling name for a blend, especially if it is a good quality blend.

I would be hard put to overcome a prejudice against such a name, - and only the strongest of personal recommendations would persuade me to disregard my distaste for this name and actually risk sampling this coffee.