Good coffee... It does make a difference!

[physiognomy]

I wanted to post some thanks for a generous gift by one of our members (who won't go unpunished ), but also to see if I could start a little discussion about everyone's daily coffee routine, their favorite beans, sources, preferred methods of preperation, etc... Please post away!

What got me thinking about this was a GREAT cup of Peru Cajamarca Andes Gold I had this morning... It was full, rich, smooth & sweet. I almost forgot that coffee can be this good! Scott posted here, but I also wanted to thank Stefan again for the coffee & cool mug!



We have been really enjoying these beans freshly ground (starbucks blade grinder ) & brewed in a small french press every morning. I'm learning not to pulverize the beans too much & can see how & why people get into 'good' coffee... It's just damn tasty!

Our consumption had been waning quite a bit before Stefan's bomb & I'm more than sure it had something to do with making mediocre coffee. Thinking about it now, there's probably several reasons - Our previous everyday beans ('Organic Guatemalan' - $6/lb from a bulk bin at Sunflower) vary in quality from batch to batch & I'm sure they are often past their prime before we buy them. Our drip machine (Cuisinart DCC-1200) has also not brewed good coffee to my tastes for a while now. This is speculation on my part, but I don't think it has been getting water up to a good temperature. Even with a switch to french press, our blade grinder can also make way too much fines to brew this way. At its worst, it's like drinking dirt. Finally, I won't bother to mention the heartburn in a cup at the office

I guess where I'm going is that, for me, good coffee is worth the extra effort & I can see us keeping this up & probably exploring more... I'm already looking at grinders & might start with a Baratza Virtuoso. Clear the slope!

[moglman]

Great thread Peter. Sorry to all if this post is TMI. I always loved a great cup but until several years ago, I didn't put much effort. I looked for good coffee is about all. Then I started roasting and that started this journey anew. I have been enjoying coffee a lot lately and have given into the temptation of looking for the next great cup. Here are a few of my tools. The press is a 33 oz Frieling that makes a great cup or 3. I got it because of it's size, durability and insulated walls, though I use several presses. The MochaMaster drip is made by Technivorm out of Holland. I use this when I want a full pot for myself or guests. I highly recommend them for a very nicely brewed drip. I haven't used the Moka Pot lately but this also makes a mean little espresso but takes practice.



I use a Baratza Vario ceramic burr grinder, which will handle all grinds well. I was given this nice FrancisFrancis X5 espresso machine by Sean (I'll get him back) after he heard I was on the lookout for a machine. His overly generous gift has been a tremendous boon as lately I have been having 2 double espressos every morning. I had to order some new filter baskets from Illy and it took months for them to arrive, but since they came in, I have been very happy.



Here are some of the coffee's I am about to break into. The Serrano is long gone. I am very much looking forward to trying the Peruvian and Guatamalan sole source coffee's I was gifted (thanks Stefan!). The Torrefazione Perugia makes a great espresso, probably the best I've tried so far. The Torrefazione Napoli blend (not pictured) is also very good but I like it better in the press. I haven't roasted in a while but need to knock out some Jamaican Blue Mountain, Kenya AA Fancy and Kona Peaberry. I don't roast much because it's a smoky effort, but it is past time to go for it again.

[b0rderman]

glad you guys are enjoying it...and that is some sweet gadgetry there Scott. Me, not a fan of coffee...but probably have never had a proper cup.

[toasterhead]

Scott, you are a gearhead!

I also like to make it a morning ritual with Kaladi Trieste beans (airtight bag/freezer keeps them fresh) ground with a Cuisinart burr grinder; it does a great job at espresso and French press grinds. I use the Bialetti Moka also, but it is the electric plate model that turns off automatically. My wife melted a few unattended stove top models

I like to make Americanos so I cut the espresso with hot water; a little sugar and cream and I am ready for the day. My daughters impress their sleepover guests with this technique and I routinely hear, "This is the best coffee EVER, dude".

Dave

[moglman]

Dude!

[b0rderman]

[sepp]

We are pretty much latte freaks. When company comes to town we have to search for the mr. coffee... or like more recently where I had to convice my father that french press coffee is just as good (c'mon better than) as mr. coffee coffee.

Machines:

Rancillio Rocky grinder

Rancillio Silvia Espresso maker. This machine is a workhorse. After having been through several espresso machines we settled on the Silvia about 6 years ago. I figure I pull over 1,500 double shots a year (yes, I average 4 or more per day, 7 x 52) and Miss Silvia hasn't missed a beat in the 6 years.

Coffee source is important as well. Freshness in bin coffee is always a question; the instant the roasting process stops and the beans are cooled they begin to absorb oxygen which kills the flavor eventually.

We have found Safeway brand bulk espresso beans to be pretty consistent. You can spend more for free trade or Starbucks but it seems the Brothers coffee is pretty consistent and tasty.