Espresso Enthusiasts

[Solomani]

If this is your first Espresso machine, welcome to the espresso club. You will have plenty of fun and it’s 1000% better than any washy coffee you can find. Don’t you think?

From what I heard from people /companies with pod-machine’s is that it’s really good stuff.
I also heard that it tends to be a pricey way to get espresso after a while.
The machine’s are affordable but the pods isn’t comparing to beans. But there’s also tons of variations of those pods, and hey you gotta make a choice where to put the money when you want the good stuff, enjoy 😋

Thanks and yes, this is the very first espresso machine in my house. Only in the last couple of years did I start really embracing the strong refined taste of espresso.

Yeah the pods/capsules are certainly more expensive than buying your own grinded beans. But the trade-off is the convenience. So I am willing to pay more for the convenience of these modern espresso machines.

With the Nespresso pods (capsules), I don't need a filter paper. I also don't need to decide exactly how much water my espresso needs. My espresso machine has a computer microchip (and YES, it has Wifi and Bluetooth connection so I can update the firmware). When I insert the pod, my machine digitally reads a barcode on the pod, it then recognizes if the pod is for a single espresso, or a double espresso pod, or a lungo pod, or a pod for making an 8-ounce coffee. It figures out exactly how much water is needed. (see image below)

It also determines the BAR pressure. There are no levers to pull like in the traditional barista-grade espresso machines in Italy. The higher-end Nespresso machines can achieve as much as 19 BAR of pressure. That's more than plenty.

Cost: Currently at 2023 prices (everything is higher due to inflation), I bought a 10-pack of Double Espresso pods for $11.50. That's not bad for a single serving! That would be the Nespresso MSRP price of the pods, when bought online, or when I bought from my local Nespresso Boutique (which was located inside a mall). I decided to buy at the local Nespresso boutique because.... they gladly gave me tasting samples before I even purchased anything. Free espresso shots at the mall. ☕

Amazon might sell the same pods for around 10% cheaper occasionally. And Walmart is starting to sell the 3rd-party espresso pods as well (e.g. Starbucks and Peets branded pods made for the Nespresso machines).

 

[Solomani]

I had help....



I'd invited a friend who is much into coffee to come try my newly acquired Yemen coffee and she brought along one of her children, and yes he's a teenager......but generally civilized......and yes the cookies vanished quickly

Ahh.... coffee from around the world!

A few years ago, my co-worker once brought me a bag of coffee beans "from his native country". He gave it as a birthday gift to me. To which he claims his people has known coffee for a couple of milennia.


He is native Ethiopian (born there).

Legend has it that Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee.

P.S. --- the coffee was dark and strong!

 

[Lioness~]

It seems like I've had my latest Siemens ~5 years now. Excellent machine! (posted Sep 6, 2017)
Most likely had 2 of them before.
My brother brought home green beans from India in my teens even, it got the real coffee/espresso interest started.

About the same, 1 kg a month here too.
Which surprise me. I thought I was using more as my new Siemens have a sophisticated system that uses double grinding. But of some reason it doesn't use more beans, rather the opposite. I don't think I drink less with my new machine. Excellent anyway

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Ahh.... coffee from around the world!

A few years ago, my co-worker once brought me a bag of coffee beans "from his native country". He gave it as a birthday gift to me. To which he claims his people has known coffee for a couple of milennia.


He is native Ethiopian (born there).

Legend has it that Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee.

P.S. --- the coffee was dark and strong!

I think that it may be more than legend, - or, rather, there may well be some degree of truth to that legend - as there are many strains and varieties of coffee unique to Ethiopia, and all of the sources describe it as the birthplace, or cradle, of coffee.

 

[Macky-Mac]

...Glad you enjoyed your coffee from Yemen; sounds fascinating, it is several years since I have been able to sip and savour and enjoy a coffee from there....

This is the first time I've had coffee from Yemen and I'm finding it to be quite enjoyable.

It's from the Al-Mokha region of Yemen, organic, dry-processed, and a medium roast.

It is, as the roaster's description predicts, extremely smooth with a subtle sweetness, dark chocolate notes, hints of raisins......and yes, that's what it tastes like, although I'd say there's also a hint of peach too. I've found it to have a very long finish.

It's cold and raining again so I'm going to make an afternoon mug of it now, despite the lack of any cookies

 

[Scepticalscribe]

This is the first time I've had coffee from Yemen and I'm finding it to be quite enjoyable.

It's from the Al-Mokha region of Yemen, organic, dry-processed, and a medium roast.

It is, as the roaster's description predicts, extremely smooth with a subtle sweetness, dark chocolate notes, hints of raisins......and yes, that's what it tastes like, although I'd say there's also a hint of peach too. I've found it to have a very long finish.

It's cold and raining again so I'm going to make an afternoon mug of it now, despite the lack of any cookies

That sounds absolutely amazing; I'm delighted for you (and envious of you).

Al-Mokha, of course, has given its name to Mocha coffee and Mocha chocolate.

Anyway, do enjoy.

Smooth is a quality that I have come to appreciate greatly, in coffee, wine, cognac, whisky.......

And sweet; increasingly, my palate enjoys smooth, sweet, coffees.

Ethiopian coffee is noted (and these are qualities that I am partial to, as well) for its "clean, bright" notes; are these also a feature of the coffee from Yemen?

 

[Macky-Mac]

That sounds absolutely amazing; I'm delighted for you (and envious of you).

Al-Mokha, of course, has given its name to Mocha coffee and Mocha chocolate.

Anyway, do enjoy.

Smooth is a quality that I have come to appreciate greatly, in coffee, wine, cognac, whisky.......

And sweet; increasingly, my palate enjoys smooth, sweet, coffees.

Ethiopian coffee is noted (and these are qualities that I am partial to, as well) for its "clean, bright" notes; are these also a feature of the coffee from Yemen?

From what I've read while hunting for a coffee from Yemen to buy, some are definitely described as "bright", but not all, and it's something that varies greatly by region. Chocolate flavor notes seem to be widely associated with Yemen coffee. As I understand it, more of a distinct tangy fruit flavor note would be expected in a "bright" coffee......"bright" being a term for coffee that has a high acidity.

The coffee I have is described as having medium acidity, and was described as "smooth", which in this case was a reference to its mouth-taste and not its acidity level.

A couple of weeks ago when I ordered more coffee to restock my supply, I also bought a couple of 4oz packets of Ethiopian coffee; one from the Sidamo region (one of my favorites!) and another from Yirgacheffe, so I''l have to do some taste tests to compare them to the Yemen coffee.......but Ill have to get some more cookies first.

 

[TSE]

I have been absolutely enjoying my espresso from a Urbanic 070s Titanium grinder and my Breville Bambino!

 

[Scepticalscribe]

I have been absolutely enjoying my espresso from a Urbanic 070s Titanium grinder and my Breville Bambino!

Delighted to read this; what coffee do you use?

 

[Solomani]

This is the first time I've had coffee from Yemen and I'm finding it to be quite enjoyable.

It's from the Al-Mokha region of Yemen, organic, dry-processed, and a medium roast.

It is, as the roaster's description predicts, extremely smooth with a subtle sweetness, dark chocolate notes, hints of raisins......and yes, that's what it tastes like, although I'd say there's also a hint of peach too. I've found it to have a very long finish.

Can you please describe what you mean by "finish"?

 

[Macky-Mac]

Can you please describe what you mean by "finish"?

It's the aftertaste, it's what happens and remains after you swallow......here's a fairly fancy definition;

from Coffee Review;
"If aroma is the overture of the coffee, then finish is the resonant silence at the end of the piece. Finish is a term relatively recently brought over into coffee tasting from wine connoisseurship. It describes the immediate sensation after the coffee is spit out or swallowed. Some coffees develop in the finish — they change in pleasurable ways."

For the Yemen coffee I've been drinking, some of the flavor continues to be present for a noticeably long time......which is quite pleasant.

 

[Solomani]

It's the aftertaste, it's what happens and remains after you swallow......here's a fairly fancy definition;

from Coffee Review;
"If aroma is the overture of the coffee, then finish is the resonant silence at the end of the piece. Finish is a term relatively recently brought over into coffee tasting from wine connoisseurship. It describes the immediate sensation after the coffee is spit out or swallowed. Some coffees develop in the finish — they change in pleasurable ways."

For the Yemen coffee I've been drinking, some of the flavor continues to be present for a noticeably long time......which is quite pleasant.

Thank you!

 

[Lioness~]

It's the aftertaste, it's what happens and remains after you swallow......here's a fairly fancy definition;

from Coffee Review;
"If aroma is the overture of the coffee, then finish is the resonant silence at the end of the piece. Finish is a term relatively recently brought over into coffee tasting from wine connoisseurship. It describes the immediate sensation after the coffee is spit out or swallowed. Some coffees develop in the finish — they change in pleasurable ways."

For the Yemen coffee I've been drinking, some of the flavor continues to be present for a noticeably long time......which is quite pleasant.

Don't forget and never underestimate the anticipation and the mouth watering experience you have before you go and make the espresso. When you make it, and the glorious espresso aroma spreads in the kitchen while it fills the cup. There you stand in delight of the aroma, and preparing yourself for the sanctuary of sitting down, or bringing it with you back to bed to sip on this divine golden drops of espresso ☕️ 😋

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Don't forget and never underestimate the anticipation and the mouth watering experience you have before you go and make the espresso. When you make it, and the glorious espresso aroma spreads in the kitchen while it fills the cup. There you stand in delight of the aroma, and preparing yourself for the sanctuary of sitting down, or bringing it with you back to bed to sip on this divine golden drops of espresso ☕️ 😋

And nothing, but nothing, just nothing, beats - or comes close to - the sheer delight of inhaling the aroma, and sipping and savouring the very first espresso (or coffee) of the day.

 

[TSE]

And nothing, but nothing, just nothing, beats - or comes close to - the sheer delight of inhaling the aroma, and sipping and savouring the very first espresso (or coffee) of the day.

I can think of something else that has a sweet, supple aroma that tastes like heaven. I usually end my day on it, rather than start it off, though. 😏

 

[Scepticalscribe]

I can think of something else that has a sweet, supple aroma that tastes like heaven. I usually end my day on it, rather than start it off, though. 😏

An alcoholic beverage?

Whisky?

Or, perhaps, hot chocolate?

No thanks, not in the morning, for me.

Then, my marked preference is coffee.

 

[TSE]

An alcoholic beverage?

No thanks, not in the morning, for me.

Then, my marked preference is coffee.

Nope. It's not a beverage, unless you are doing a REALLY good job with it. 😇

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Nope. It's not a beverage, unless you are doing a REALLY good job with it. 😇

Well, whatever it is, enjoy.

 

[Lioness~]

Well, whatever it is, enjoy.

I have noticed that men in particular needs to be roasted way beyond what any beans do to have any taste at all. Usually when you turn up the heat just slightly and no roasting have even occurred at all, you get all strange kinds of reactions and wrong interpretations from these un-roasted boys.

 

[DaveFromCampbelltown]

I have no idea what is going on with this conversation.
I think I need another coffee. ☕☕☕☕☕ or 5.
Brazil, single origin. Probably with McVites Dark Chocolate biccies. 🍪🍪🍪

 

[Scepticalscribe]

I have no idea what is going on with this conversation.

No, neither have I.

I think I need another coffee. ☕☕☕☕☕ or 5.
Brazil, single origin. Probably with McVites Dark Chocolate biccies. 🍪🍪🍪

View attachment 2175295

You really are twisting that knife........

But, enjoy your Brazilian single origin coffee, with a few McVitie's Dark Chocolate Digestives (and yes, I must admit, they are a perfect accompaniement for a coffee).

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Time for an afternoon coffee.

With a biscuit, or two.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Enjoying a Sunday afternoon coffee; the coffee from El Salvador with a dash of organic double cream.

 

[Lioness~]

3 new bags (kilo) are on its way.
Would be awful to run out of beans.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Enjoying an afternoon coffee (El Salvador) with organic hot milk and a dash of organic double cream.