Espresso Enthusiasts

[Kurwenal]

With Lattes the portions are a little less strict. Pretty much you add your shot to a cup and fill the rest of it with steamed milk. So, say you have an 8oz cup, you add your shot which we'll say is about 1oz, so that means you should add about 6oz of milk. The amount of milk is really going to depend on your glass, so the Latte allows for more flexibility in its preparation.

No, no, no. Everyone knows that the proper way to make a latte is 100% espresso and 0% milk (in any form).

At the risk of repeating myself, may I say (once again) how much I enjoy the sheer, effervescent enthusiasm, cheerful camaraderie, and genuine goodwill that I find on this thread.

I could not agree more.

 

[Shrink]

No, no, no. Everyone knows that the proper way to make a latte is 100% espresso and 0% milk (in any form).



I could not agree more.

No argument here...I, too, am a straight espresso lover.

But I am very generously tolerant of those who enjoy milk added drinks.

Aren't I just a wonderful guy!?

Like you, Sceptiblescribe, SBG, and many others...I just love this thread. It's a civil, friendly, supportive corner of MR...just like PRSI, right?

 

[S.B.G]

I had some friends over a couple of days ago and we were talking about, you guessed it, coffee. They wanted to see my gear and setup and I showed them all of it, explaining details as I went.

We didn't have a lot of time because I had to leave in about 30 minutes, but we had just come from a restaurant where we met for lunch.

I probably made my best espresso double shot ever for one of them too. He wanted a latte and as I was explaining what an espresso is, how to make it and what it should look like, it turned out great. When I finished pulling the shot I saw the crema head was very nice and deep, almost as nice looking as the picture Shrink posted of his a week ago. I impressed myself with it and told him that was probably the best shot I've ever pulled! He took a few sips of it and said he liked it.

Then I proceeded to make a pumpkin spice latte, which he wanted, and the layers of the latte turned out quite nice too and he enjoyed the drink.

 

[Shrink]

I had some friends over a couple of days ago and we were talking about, you guessed it, coffee. They wanted to see my gear and setup and I showed them all of it, explaining details as I went.

We didn't have a lot of time because I had to leave in about 30 minutes, but we had just come from a restaurant where we met for lunch.

I probably made my best espresso double shot ever for one of them too. He wanted a latte and as I was explaining what an espresso is, how to make it and what it should look like. When I finished pulling the shot I saw the crema head was very nice and deep, almost as nice looking as the picture Shrink posted of his a week ago. I impressed myself with it and told him that was probably the best shot I've ever pulled! He took a few sips of it and said he liked it.

Then I proceeded to make a pumpkin spice latte, which he wanted, and the layers of the latte turned out quite nice too and he enjoyed the drink.

It's always nice when you are trying to show off a bit...and it works great. When I try to be cool, I always mess up and look like a fool!

Come to think of it...that looking like a fool thing seems to be my normal state of being.

 

[Kurwenal]

That's not showing off; that's doing one thing coffee does: promote wonderful times with friends. (And, even if it was showing off, who cares....)

Congrats on your shots.

 

[Shrink]

That's not showing off; that's doing one thing coffee does: promote wonderful times with friends. (And, even if it was showing off, who cares....)

Congrats on your shots.

I hope you understand...I meant no insult to SBG...just teasing a bit!

 

[Kurwenal]

just teasing a bit!

Me too!

Besides, anything that happens today is wonderful, for I am in love.

 

[Shrink]

Me too!

Besides, anything that happens today is wonderful, for I am in love.

OY!

You had to put up that link, and I had to click on it! What a beauty!

This is my love...

 

[Kurwenal]

This is my love...

Beautiful.

I want to replace my loyal but aging semi-auto (I will keep the Gaggia super-auto for those times when I just want to push a button). I have been reading reviews a bit and am torn between the Rocket linked above and this beauty. They are very close; I think the Rocket has an advantage in terms of available (in the US) parts and service. They both have the E61 brew group, which is my must have.

Would appreciate any thoughts from the MR gang.

 

[mobilehaathi]

You two are to be aspired to and inspired by!

 

[Shrink]

Beautiful.

I want to replace my loyal but aging semi-auto (I will keep the Gaggia super-auto for those times when I just want to push a button). I have been reading reviews a bit and am torn between the Rocket linked above and this beauty. They are very close; I think the Rocket has an advantage in terms of available (in the US) parts and service. They both have the E61 brew group, which is my must have.

Would appreciate any thoughts from the MR gang.

My technical knowledge is such (that means limited!) that I can't really discern significant differences between the machines.

Both are double boiler, made of highest grade materials, have a rotary pump, an E61 Brew Group, can be plumbed in or use a reservoir, and look pretty cool!

You mentioned the only thing I could think of that might differentiate them...availability of replacement parts.


I would suggest that you really can't go wrong with either.

How's that for making a definitive statement and being totally un-helpful!

We have some other regular posters who are knowledgeable about equipment...I'm sure they will be more helpful than I.

Whichever you choose...enjoy!

 

[Kissaragi]

My technical knowledge is such (that means limited!) that I can't really discern significant differences between the machines.

Both are double boiler, made of highest grade materials, have a rotary pump, an E61 Brew Group, can be plumbed in or use a reservoir, and look pretty cool!

You mentioned the only thing I could think of that might differentiate them...availability of replacement parts.


I would suggest that you really can't go wrong with either.

How's that for making a definitive statement and being totally un-helpful!

We have some other regular posters who are knowledgeable about equipment...I'm sure they will be more helpful than I.

Whichever you choose...enjoy!

Id have to agree, both get great reviews, both about the same price. If parts and servicing are easier for the rocket then I guess thats the better choice.

 

[Kurwenal]

I would suggest that you really can't go wrong with either.

Id have to agree, both get great reviews, both about the same price.

Agreed, and thank you. The differences boil down to:

* no burn steam wand vs. standard wand. Both have pro's and con's.

* the digital controller on the Rocket is removable. You plug it in to program the machine and then remove it. On the Vibiemme, the controller is built into the face of the machine. Not a huge difference, but this gives the Rocket a more retro look, which I like.

* the Rocket brand is more common in the US, so spare parts and service should be easier.

* I like the look of the Rocket better. They are close, but I like the Rocket's big knobs and valves.

Frankly, I probably would have already ordered the Rocket, had I not run across this website. Gave me some things to think about.

So, I'll keep reading and make a decision next week. I think I might upgrade the Mazer as well.

Crap, I drink too much coffee.

 

[Kissaragi]

It is hard to choose, so many choices with only small differences! What grinders are you thinking about?

 

[S.B.G]

I'm looking to try yet another new whole bean drip coffee and looking for your recommendations.

 

[Kurwenal]

It is hard to choose, so many choices with only small differences! What grinders are you thinking about?

I have always wanted to try a K10 Fresh. The question is whether I will research it first or just go for it.

I'm looking to try yet another new whole bean drip coffee and looking for your recommendations.

I recently picked up some of this for FP and really like it.

 

[mobilehaathi]

I'm looking to try yet another new whole bean drip coffee and looking for your recommendations.

Ok, it is not cheap, but this Yirgacheffe makes a sublime drip.

 

[S.B.G]

Ok, it is not cheap, but this Yirgacheffe makes a sublime drip.

You're right; it is not cheap! However I ordered it anyway. How could I pass up a perspective like this?

More commonly wet-processed, coffees from the Yirgacheffe region in southern Ethiopia tend to be elegant, floral and reminiscent of sweet, ripe Meyer lemons. Tasting them is a bit like eavesdropping on a conversation between a cluster of erudite librarians – each one humbly perspicacious, each one patiently awaiting her turn to contribute deeply-considered opinions. Things get a little more psychedelic when Yirgacheffes are dry-processed, as is the case with this one from Konga Sedie. After a scrupulous quality inspection, cherry is laid out on raised beds for a period of two to three weeks. Once the husks are pulled away, the floral refinement remains intact, though it’s striped with strawberry, orange peel and peach hard candy. You’re left with something both sophisticated and delectably unpredictable – a coffee that’s well-read but surprisingly enthusiastic when it's time to tear off the spectacles, roll up the sleeves and whack open the piñata, spilling Jolly Ranchers all over the lawn.

$26 per pound, only sold in 1 pound bags and the cheapest shipping was $5.95 for a total of $31.95. The next shipping option was FedEx 2-day for $32.65 and then overnight for $49.86!

The shipping schedule says if ordered on Saturday (today) it will ship on Tuesday. Since it's coming from the California Bay Area, I won't expect it until late next week or the week after, considering it is coming by USPS.

 

[mobilehaathi]

You're right; it is not cheap! However I ordered it anyway. How could I pass up a perspective like this?


$26 per pound, only sold in 1 pound bags and the cheapest shipping was $5.95 for a total of $31.95. The next shipping option was FedEx 2-day for $32.65 and then overnight for $49.86!

The shipping schedule says if ordered on Saturday (today) it will ship on Tuesday. Since it's coming from the California Bay Area, I won't expect it until late next week or the week after, considering it is coming by USPS.

Ok now I really hope you like it! That (or similar) is what I get when I want to treat myself.

 

[S.B.G]

Ok now I really hope you like it! That (or similar) is what I get when I want to treat myself.

This will certainly be a treat because I don't want to be in the habit of buying expensive coffee like this every week.

 

[Shrink]

This will certainly be a treat because I don't want to be in the habit of buying expensive coffee like this every week.

Good for you, Mate.

Every once in a while you need to go a little nuts and give yourself a treat.

I, too, really hope that you enjoy the coffee. I'll be looking forward to your review when it finally arrives.

Enjoy....

 

[S.B.G]

Ok now I really hope you like it! That (or similar) is what I get when I want to treat myself.

Sine you live over that way, see about getting some coupon codes for us!

 

[Kurwenal]

$26 per pound

Looks wonderful, though. Can't wait for the tasting report.

 

[Kurwenal]

A Sunday morning measure of peace: coffee, an opera, and cleaning my pens.

 

[Shrink]

A Sunday morning measure of peace: coffee, an opera, and cleaning my pens.

Image

The coffee looks like some good stuff.

And a bit OT...I'm jealous of your collection of pens. I have but one fountain pen...a Mont Blanc Classic Meisterstück. For daily use at work, I have a Meisterstück Le Grande Rollerball. I can't use the fountain pen when I can't pay attention too my writing...I press too hard when concentrating on my patient rather than my writing!