Espresso Enthusiasts

[S.B.G]

I wasn't able to play with the new machine yesterday as I planned. I arrived home much later than I anticipated and was too tired. I had enough energy to schlep my way to the couch and crash. Then I awoke at 0300 to use the restroom and then went to bed.

Anyway it's morning now and I've assembled the machine, primed it and used it.

I used the Blue Bottle coffee beans this morning with it and it took me three try's to dial in the grind to an acceptable level. The first try I used the same setting I used for the De'Longhi just as a starting point knowing full well that it probably wouldn't be correct. Sure enough it wasn't as the Gaggia extracted it in less than 5 seconds! The grind was way too course for it. The grinder was set to 5 for that extraction.

I decided to apply a principle of Marine Corps artillery firing to the grind. You make big adjustments in opposite directions until you're dialed in on your target. It sounds weird but it's an efficient means of fire control and target acquisition.

The next try I set it at 2. The extraction was too difficult for the Gaggia there and took too long.

Then I set the grind to 3 and the extraction was better, but not perfect, and was acceptable in time to extract. Next time I'll try it on 4.

I can see already I will need a better grinder with a more fine adjustment.

Anyway here is the third shot I pulled.

This is the honey latte it turned into.

 

[Shrink]

I wasn't able to play with the new machine yesterday as I planned. I arrived home much later than I anticipated and was too tired. I had enough energy to schlep my way to the couch and crash. Then I awoke at 0300 to use the restroom and then went to bed.

Anyway it's morning now and I've assembled the machine, primed it and used it.

I used the Blue Bottle coffee beans this morning with it and it took me three try's to dial in the grind to an acceptable level. The first try I used the same setting I used for the De'Longhi just as a starting point knowing full well that it probably wouldn't be correct. Sure enough it wasn't as the Gaggia extracted it in less than 5 seconds! The grind was way too course for it. The grinder was set to 5 for that extraction.

I decided to apply a principle of Marine Corps artillery firing to the grind. You make big adjustments in opposite directions until you're dialed in on your target. It sounds weird but it's an efficient means of fire control and target acquisition.

The next try I set it at 2. The extraction was too difficult for the Gaggia there and took too long.

Then I set the grind to 3 and the extraction was better, but not perfect, and was acceptable in time to extract. Next time I'll try it on 4.

I can see already I will need a better grinder with a more fine adjustment.

Anyway here is the third shot I pulled.

Image


This is the honey latte it turned into.

Image

Looks like the process is coming along nicely...

BTW: Since you are using your Marine training involving artillery sighting...if you can figure out a way to make it actually fire shells...I have a neighbor I'm not too crazy about!

 

[S.B.G]

Well I wasn't an arty guy, but I did learn about that tiny bit of fire control information while working with them. What I did do was call in CAS (Close Air Support). Basically I called in airstrikes. If you want your neighbor gone, I'd recommend the airstrike over arty because there would probably be less collateral damage!

Anyway, the kitchen is a mess! Coffee grinds everywhere! The espresso holder thingy (technical term there) for the Encore grinder worked better with this portafilter holder than with the De'Longhi one. This actually fit on the half ring holder, but you still have to hold to it for obvious reasons.

The new tamper fits the VST filter with the tightest of tolerances and leaves no grinds on the side of the filter and I like that a lot. Those are some very finely crafted tools and beautiful too.

 

[Shrink]

Well I wasn't an arty guy, but I did learn about that tiny bit of fire control information while working with them. What I did do was call in CAS (Close Air Support). Basically I called in airstrikes. If you want your neighbor gone, I'd recommend the airstrike over arty because there would probably be less collateral damage!

Anyway, the kitchen is a mess! Coffee grinds everywhere! The espresso holder thingy (technical term there) for the Encore grinder worked better with this portafilter holder than with the De'Longhi one. This actually fit on the half ring holder, but you still have to hold to it for obvious reasons.

The new tamper fits the VST filter with the tightest of tolerances and leaves no grinds on the side of the filter and I like that a lot. Those are some very finely crafted tools and beautiful too.

Considering I might be part of the collateral damage...I'll drop the idea!

The grinder espresso holder thingy might be working better because the Gaggia PF is 58MM, and the De Longhi was 53MM (if I remember correctly)...and most grinders work best with the more commonly used PF size.

I'm really glad that you are pleased with the VST basket and the Cafelat tamper. If one can manage the finances, it's really nice to have the best tools...no matter what the task.

 

[S.B.G]

Considering I might be part of the collateral damage...I'll drop the idea!

The grinder espresso holder thingy might be working better because the Gaggia PF is 58MM, and the De Longhi was 53MM (if I remember correctly)...and most grinders work best with the more commonly used PF size.

I'm really glad that you are pleased with the VST basket and the Cafelat tamper. If one can manage the finances, it's really nice to have the best tools...no matter what the task.

It wasn't so much the width of the filter but the design and height of it. I'll go take a photo....

 

[S.B.G]

I took the time to clean up first and then took the photos.

 

[decafjava]

I had a traffic espresso brewed by a lovely young lady with clear blue eyes at my favourite coffee shop after lunch today. I even braved the cold walking from my usual lunch spot to the coffee place located at the train station. Brewed with beans from El Salvador, it really made me regret the horrible coffee machine most of my colleagues put up with here, and frankly the Nespresso machine me and a few other colleagues use does not compare either.

While I was there a fellow was preparing drip coffee for some other clients and I noticed a weird apparatus. I asked and was told that it was a "siphon" (vacuum) coffee maker. The gentleman explained the process and let me taste some coffee for free. Very nice, subtle almost like high quality (I hope you all won't expel me for this) strong tea. Apparently it preserves more of the flavour. Still love my espresso but this was a nice change.

http://coffeegeek.com/guides/siphoncoffee

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vacuum_coffee_maker

Any of you try this method before?

 

[Shrink]

I took the time to clean up first and then took the photos.

Image

Image

The Gaggia PF is clearly wider, but also the shape and depth is the more common one.

Most grinder PF holders are built for the more common shape.

 

[S.B.G]

I had a traffic espresso brewed by a lovely young lady with clear blue eyes at my favourite coffee shop after lunch today. I even braved the cold walking from my usual lunch spot to the coffee place located at the train station. Brewed with beans from El Salvador, it really made me regret the horrible coffee machine most of my colleagues put up with here, and frankly the Nespresso machine me and a few other colleagues use does not compare either.

While I was there a fellow was preparing drip coffee for some other clients and I noticed a weird apparatus. I asked and was told that it was a "siphon" (vacuum) coffee maker. The gentleman explained the process and let me taste some coffee for free. Very nice, subtle almost like high quality (I hope you all won't expel me for this) strong tea. Apparently it preserves more of the flavour. Still love my espresso but this was a nice change.

http://coffeegeek.com/guides/siphoncoffee

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vacuum_coffee_maker

Any of you try this method before?

Nope. I've never seen anything like that before. It looks neat though.

 

[Shrink]

I had a traffic espresso brewed by a lovely young lady with clear blue eyes at my favourite coffee shop after lunch today. I even braved the cold walking from my usual lunch spot to the coffee place located at the train station. Brewed with beans from El Salvador, it really made me regret the horrible coffee machine most of my colleagues put up with here, and frankly the Nespresso machine me and a few other colleagues use does not compare either.

While I was there a fellow was preparing drip coffee for some other clients and I noticed a weird apparatus. I asked and was told that it was a "siphon" (vacuum) coffee maker. The gentleman explained the process and let me taste some coffee for free. Very nice, subtle almost like high quality (I hope you all won't expel me for this) strong tea. Apparently it preserves more of the flavour. Still love my espresso but this was a nice change.

http://coffeegeek.com/guides/siphoncoffee

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vacuum_coffee_maker

Any of you try this method before?

I haven't used a siphon...but I thought that one of the other posters had shown one here. Perhaps s/he will stop by with some comments.

Tastes like strong tea!?

And this is a good thing!?

 

[mobilehaathi]

I had a traffic espresso brewed by a lovely young lady with clear blue eyes at my favourite coffee shop after lunch today. I even braved the cold walking from my usual lunch spot to the coffee place located at the train station. Brewed with beans from El Salvador, it really made me regret the horrible coffee machine most of my colleagues put up with here, and frankly the Nespresso machine me and a few other colleagues use does not compare either.

While I was there a fellow was preparing drip coffee for some other clients and I noticed a weird apparatus. I asked and was told that it was a "siphon" (vacuum) coffee maker. The gentleman explained the process and let me taste some coffee for free. Very nice, subtle almost like high quality (I hope you all won't expel me for this) strong tea. Apparently it preserves more of the flavour. Still love my espresso but this was a nice change.

http://coffeegeek.com/guides/siphoncoffee

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vacuum_coffee_maker

Any of you try this method before?

Seen those around, but I've never gone for one...!

 

[turtle777]

Talking about grinders, I'm in the market for a significant upgrade.

Anyone have the Baratza Vario and care to share their experience?
I first eyed the Rancilio Rocky, but it seems like many find the grind quality of the Baratza to be much better.

-t

 

[S.B.G]

Earlier, I ordered Sweet Maria's Roasted Espresso - Liquid Amber Espresso Blend after receiving their email notice that they were doing a roast.

I had just arrived at my pastor's home for Thanksgiving dinner and only had my iPhone with me. But despite the small screen I was able to get the order placed. I have no idea what kind of demand they have, but I do know that they don't do roasts very often, so I wanted to be sure I ordered as soon as they announced.

I should have it in about three business days.

 

[Shrink]

Earlier, I ordered Sweet Maria's Roasted Espresso - Liquid Amber Espresso Blend after receiving their email notice that they were doing a roast.

I had just arrived at my pastor's home for Thanksgiving dinner and only had my iPhone with me. But despite the small screen I was able to get the order placed. I have no idea what kind of demand they have, but I do know that they don't do roasts very often, so I wanted to be sure I ordered as soon as they announced.

I should have it in about three business days.

I'm sure that whoever it was that might have suggested that blend to you is really hoping that you like the stuff.

 

[S.B.G]

I'm sure that whoever it was that might have suggested that blend to you is really hoping that you like the stuff.

I hope so too, for his sake!

 

[Shrink]

I hope so too, for his sake!

What a funny coincidence...in three business days I may have to make an extended visit to the deep jungles of Borneo...

Or perhaps not...depending...

 

[Grey Beard]

I haven't used a siphon...but I thought that one of the other posters had shown one here. Perhaps s/he will stop by with some comments.

I have the Hario Syphon and also use the Bodum Press and the Hario pour over method. The Syphon makes an excellent brew if you have the time, and it's full flavoured. I like the "pour over" for a brew out of doors. I use a gas burner with the Hario Kettle, and either a one cup direct or two cup into a carafe. The kettle and the syphon bring out the Japanese style. Here's the Hario range in a pdf format.

http://www.hario.jp/pdf/2013COFFEEcatalogue.pdf

KGB

 

[S.B.G]

What a funny coincidence...in three business days I may have to make an extended visit to the deep jungles of Borneo...

Or perhaps not...depending...

Remember those artillery and airstrikes I was speaking about earlier..... Us Marines have a motto... In any climb and place.

 

[Shrink]

I have the Hario Syphon and also use the Bodum Press and the Hario pour over method. The Syphon makes an excellent brew if you have the time, and it's full flavoured. I like the "pour over" for a brew out of doors. I use a gas burner with the Hario Kettle, and either a one cup direct or two cup into a carafe. The kettle and the syphon bring out the Japanese style. Here's the Hario range in a pdf format.

http://www.hario.jp/pdf/2013COFFEEcatalogue.pdf

KGB

Thanks for the little review...

I hope decafjava sees it... as s/he was the one asking about it.

 

[decafjava]

I have the Hario Syphon and also use the Bodum Press and the Hario pour over method. The Syphon makes an excellent brew if you have the time, and it's full flavoured. I like the "pour over" for a brew out of doors. I use a gas burner with the Hario Kettle, and either a one cup direct or two cup into a carafe. The kettle and the syphon bring out the Japanese style. Here's the Hario range in a pdf format.

http://www.hario.jp/pdf/2013COFFEEcatalogue.pdf

KGB

Thanks for the little review...

I hope decafjava sees it... as s/he was the one asking about it.

Thanks indeed for that. Seems an interesting alternative, though a bit fragile!

P.S. I am a he.

 

[Shrink]

Thanks indeed for that. Seems an interesting alternative, though a bit fragile!

P.S. I am a he.

I never take any chances!

 

[S.B.G]

Just ordered one of these.

Dreamfarm Grindenstein 4-Inch Espresso Stein

 

[Shrink]

Just ordered one of these.

Dreamfarm Grindenstein 4-Inch Espresso Stein

That tears it...the man is now, officially, a lost soul!

A knock box is an indisputable sign of advancing accessory addiction.

We may need to have a group intervention soon!

 

[S.B.G]

That tears it...the man is now, officially, a lost soul!

A knock box is an indisputable sign of advancing accessory addiction.

We may need to have a group intervention soon!

This intervention wouldn't have donuts and .... Coffee would it?

 

[Shrink]

This intervention wouldn't have donuts and .... Coffee would it?

As part of the tough love component of a group intervention...only instant coffee is allowed.

It's for your own good!