Coffee |OT| Taste as good as it smells

Anyone have a suggestion for a reasonably priced burr grinder to use with my keurig?

412ZXCHGRJL.jpg


http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00018RRRK/?tag=neogaf0e-20

I have been using that everyday for two years for French press grinding and it is perfect.


I am headed to Seattle in June for vacation, any great coffee places to check out (or other recommendations)?
 
Bought an aeropress this week, and am in love with the thing. I think it could very well be the best $25 I have ever spent. I never knew coffee could be this smooth and creamy. I've been using a bag of this with it:

uganda-peaberry-41.png


It is truly mindblowing how much different the taste is than to the scorched stuff you get served at restaurants and what not. That stuff is so acidic and bitter, while this is subtle, nuanced, and complex in terms of flavor!

Now I want to start tracking down other awesome beans. :)
 
Anyone have a suggestion for a reasonably priced burr grinder to use with my keurig?

The Cuisinart one is probably fine, but I'd also recommend my Bodum burr grinder. When you say reasonably priced, it's all compared to what some people would spend, but I think the main difference with the Cuisinart was that the Bodum one has a glass receptacle so it's supposed to have less static. Some of the reviews said the Cuisinart one was inconsistent in the grinds, but maybe that's not the case?
 
I am headed to Seattle in June for vacation, any great coffee places to check out (or other recommendations)?

Zoka and Herkimer are both within a short one-mile walk from my house and my absolute favorites in the city. Fiore, Vitta and Ladro are all worth checking out as well. Although Stumptown is from Portland, they also have shops and a roasting operation in Seattle.
 
Ok, real (embarrassing) talk. And definitely not what this thread is supposed to be about, but it's related.

My love for coffee experienced a meteoric rise from when I started in 2009 till now. Back then, 3 cups a week. These days, 1-3 a day. I had to stop last week though. I realized coffee, particularly the strong stuff (say, Starbucks) wreaks fucking havoc on my body. I'm talking crazy acid reflux, burning down there (it's definitely not STIs or anything medical, I've had enough tests to rule all that out) and well, irritated bowels, but I hear that's par for the course with coffee.

I wish to continue enjoying thus delicious beverage every day. Has anyone found that the suffered from any of this but that different brews, brands or drinking habits eased the toll this takes on the body?
 
Ok, real (embarrassing) talk. And definitely not what this thread is supposed to be about, but it's related.

My love for coffee experienced a meteoric rise from when I started in 2009 till now. Back then, 3 cups a week. These days, 1-3 a day. I had to stop last week though. I realized coffee, particularly the strong stuff (say, Starbucks) wreaks fucking havoc on my body. I'm talking crazy acid reflux, burning down there (it's definitely not STIs or anything medical, I've had enough tests to rule all that out) and well, irritated bowels, but I hear that's par for the course with coffee.

I wish to continue enjoying thus delicious beverage every day. Has anyone found that the suffered from any of this but that different brews, brands or drinking habits eased the toll this takes on the body?
How old are you?

I used to drink up to 8 cups a day, but now I try to limit it to 2-4. Also, try taking a break from coffee for a week. If you find yourself going crazy due to a lack of caffeine, buy some Coke Zero/Pepsi Max/etc. and drink that for the time being.

For me, more than 4 cups a day is generally not good for my health. Starbucks is much more acidic than a lot of other coffees, too -- so try something else, you may be able to tolerate more of it. It's okay, Starbucks isn't all that it's cracked up to be, anyway.
 
The Cuisinart one is probably fine, but I'd also recommend my Bodum burr grinder. When you say reasonably priced, it's all compared to what some people would spend, but I think the main difference with the Cuisinart was that the Bodum one has a glass receptacle so it's supposed to have less static. Some of the reviews said the Cuisinart one was inconsistent in the grinds, but maybe that's not the case?
I have a Capresso burr grinder which has given me similar good luck. I bought it back in 2007 and I'm still using it without any problems. Admittedly it has a plastic receptacle and there can be some static that can lead to a little mess, but it's not really that much of an issue to me. :-)

I'd like to upgrade to the Chemex drip coffee carafe + filters and a coffee drip kettle one of these days.
 
Ok, real (embarrassing) talk. And definitely not what this thread is supposed to be about, but it's related.

My love for coffee experienced a meteoric rise from when I started in 2009 till now. Back then, 3 cups a week. These days, 1-3 a day. I had to stop last week though. I realized coffee, particularly the strong stuff (say, Starbucks) wreaks fucking havoc on my body. I'm talking crazy acid reflux, burning down there (it's definitely not STIs or anything medical, I've had enough tests to rule all that out) and well, irritated bowels, but I hear that's par for the course with coffee.

I wish to continue enjoying thus delicious beverage every day. Has anyone found that the suffered from any of this but that different brews, brands or drinking habits eased the toll this takes on the body?

What kind of roast are you using? Try a lighter medium roast.

You may also want to just cut back and give tea a try, Here's me buzz marketing: http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=470058
 
If I repeatedly wake up during my sleep, every night, a couple of hours after dozing off, could caffeine be the issue? I'm only having 2 cappucinos a day :(
 
I have a Capresso burr grinder which has given me similar good luck. I bought it back in 2007 and I'm still using it without any problems. Admittedly it has a plastic receptacle and there can be some static that can lead to a little mess, but it's not really that much of an issue to me. :-)

I'd like to upgrade to the Chemex drip coffee carafe + filters and a coffee drip kettle one of these days.

Capresso stuff is supposed to be really nice too. The Chemex is pretty cool. Friend of mine has brought his over a few times. Honestly, I can't tell a difference between it and a cup of french press coffee. It's definitely a lot more of a hastle since you have to keep adding water to the filter.

There may be a slight difference in taste between the two, maybe a slight bit less grounds in your coffee with the Chemex. It is a very smooth cup, so no complaints about the end result. For me, I just wouldn't want to use it every day as it's a bit more involved.
 
Fine, if no one likes Latte art,


Can someone recommend me a wonderful espresso brand? I am having so much fun with different blends lately and this is quickly becoming one of my main hobbies.
 
Fine, if no one likes Latte art,


Can someone recommend me a wonderful espresso brand? I am having so much fun with different blends lately and this is quickly becoming one of my main hobbies.

I just drink mine black, but some of those fancy drinks are pretty cool looking. I don't do much with espresso at home, yet, so I can't help you.
 
Thanks for the suggestions guys. Will try different things.

I guess I was looking to make sure others have encountered some of these problems before too? The acidity, the issues downstairs, etc. so that I don't sound totally crazy.
 
Capresso stuff is supposed to be really nice too. The Chemex is pretty cool. Friend of mine has brought his over a few times. Honestly, I can't tell a difference between it and a cup of french press coffee. It's definitely a lot more of a hastle since you have to keep adding water to the filter.

There may be a slight difference in taste between the two, maybe a slight bit less grounds in your coffee with the Chemex. It is a very smooth cup, so no complaints about the end result. For me, I just wouldn't want to use it every day as it's a bit more involved.

Very true about the Chemex being more involved but that was part of the attraction. I would probably only use it on the weekends when I have more time. It just looked appealing to me, especially since it reminds me of Erlenmeyer flask (which appeals to my scientific side). But perhaps there isn't as much of an improvement in the taste of the coffee made with it as I thought there might be. I do have a Bodum french press but it takes so many beans to use to make coffee with it that I don't use it that often. I've thought of also maybe trying something like the Bialetti stovetop espresso maker but I'm not sure if I'd like such a strong brew but at least it's not an expensive option to try.
 
Very true about the Chemex being more involved but that was part of the attraction. I would probably only use it on the weekends when I have more time. It just looked appealing to me, especially since it reminds me of Erlenmeyer flask (which appeals to my scientific side). But perhaps there isn't as much of an improvement in the taste of the coffee made with it as I thought there might be. I do have a Bodum french press but it takes so many beans to use to make coffee with it that I don't use it that often. I've thought of also maybe trying something like the Bialetti stovetop espresso maker but I'm not sure if I'd like such a strong brew but at least it's not an expensive option to try.

I've actually thought about getting one of those Moka pots you were talking about. I generally use a Bodum french press like what you're talking about. It does use a lot of coffee, but I think it's probably my preferred taste.

Like I said, the Chemex does make a great cup of coffee, I'd almost say perfect. But really, I'd say that about a French press too.. So long as you have the time do it, like on the weekends, I think you'd enjoy it.
 
Wife got me some Kona coffee from Kroger yesterday. It's on sale for $5 a bag, so may be worth checking in your area to see if that sale applies. Also, not sure of the quality of the beans, but it said Kona on it so it was a nice surprise to see a couple bags of it on the counter when I came home.
 
When I was in Vietnam about a month ago, I was talked into trying weasel coffee. Once I got past the thought of what I was drinking, it was actually really, really good. Incredibly smooth with absolutely no bitterness. Anyone else try something like this?
 
When I was in Vietnam about a month ago, I was talked into trying weasel coffee. Once I got past the thought of what I was drinking, it was actually really, really good. Incredibly smooth with absolutely no bitterness. Anyone else try something like this?

Yep, it's well known for being extremely expensive per cup, but seen as worth it for the quality you get out of it.

One day I'll try some...
 
When I was in Vietnam about a month ago, I was talked into trying weasel coffee. Once I got past the thought of what I was drinking, it was actually really, really good. Incredibly smooth with absolutely no bitterness. Anyone else try something like this?

Never had it, though I've had some Blue Mountain coffee from Kenya and was under the impression that it was the same type of thing. Anyone know if that's the case?
 
I had a gaggia evolution that did me well for about 6 years.

After much deliberation I now have these:

atomicshop-rocket3qtr_1_medium.jpg



Mini_Mazzer_web.jpg


Still perfecting tamp and extraction.
 
My espresso machine sucks. No matter what I do, the espresso comes out completely black. The milk is either too runny or too fluffy to pour art (Most likely not my mistake, I am able to pour rosettas really well at the shop).

I also don't have a grinder. The dripping on my espresso machine is like a single drop a second.


Is Gaggia nice? Seems affordable.
 
My espresso machine sucks. No matter what I do, the espresso comes out completely black. The milk is either too runny or too fluffy to pour art (Most likely not my mistake, I am able to pour rosettas really well at the shop).

I also don't have a grinder. The dripping on my espresso machine is like a single drop a second.


Is Gaggia nice? Seems affordable.

Is it your espresso machine or are your beans not ground finely enough?
 
Is it your espresso machine or are your beans not ground finely enough?

Pal, I have ground turkish, and every setting in between what can be used with espresso machines, and drip. Nothing comes out right.

If I use the espresso setting, my machine can not get water through, apparently becomes too hot, and produces close to nothing in under 30 seconds.

If I grind it finer, say turkish, the water runs right through, and produces this shitty tasting water with raw grounds in it. With properly steamed milk, it tastes unbearable, and latte art is impossible.

I do not own my own grinder, but I go to a local shop every few days for more grounds. The amount of money I have wasted, alternating between settings would shock someone.
 
Can you guys recommend a good decaf? My wife is pregnant and really misses coffee. She typically makes it via french press. Thanks.

Up to her doctor, but I thought you could have up to 1 cup of regular coffee a day. I'm not familiar with decaf coffees at all, honestly. No clue if such a thing as "good decaf" exists.

Pal, I have ground turkish, and every setting in between what can be used with espresso machines, and drip. Nothing comes out right.

If I use the espresso setting, my machine can not get water through, apparently becomes too hot, and produces close to nothing in under 30 seconds.

If I grind it finer, say turkish, the water runs right through, and produces this shitty tasting water with raw grounds in it. With properly steamed milk, it tastes unbearable, and latte art is impossible.

I do not own my own grinder, but I go to a local shop every few days for more grounds. The amount of money I have wasted, alternating between settings would shock someone.

That sucks, sounds like you do need a new machine.
 
I just got an Aeropress, and I have to say that I am quite impressed. Seems to be a great way to make a single cup of coffee.

Does anyone have any suggestions for tablespoons of coffee beans I should use for 12 oz. of water? The instructions say to use two scoops (of grounds), but the scoop provided seems so large...
 
Pal, I have ground turkish, and every setting in between what can be used with espresso machines, and drip. Nothing comes out right.

If I use the espresso setting, my machine can not get water through, apparently becomes too hot, and produces close to nothing in under 30 seconds.

If I grind it finer, say turkish, the water runs right through, and produces this shitty tasting water with raw grounds in it. With properly steamed milk, it tastes unbearable, and latte art is impossible.

I do not own my own grinder, but I go to a local shop every few days for more grounds. The amount of money I have wasted, alternating between settings would shock someone.

This makes absolutely no sense. How was water running through turkish grind when it didn't with espresso? How hard were you tamping?

edit: If you need to, try some Easy-Serve Espresso pods -- they fit in to normal portafilters -- and see if that works.
 
Finally picked up some of the well-known Café Bustelo and made some lattes. As expected, for a dark roast it isn't all burnt-tasting like american brands. Also it has a lot of plant-like notes, which is very interesting. I've had plenty of coffees that had a tobacco flavor, but that isn't what's here. I can't quite place what it's like... some sort of tea? It's not floral or earthy or citrus, just... plant-like? Anyway, it's rather unique because while it's a smooth coffee it's not in a nutty way like many others. And for some reason when made into a mocha (using this) it's almost a bit spicy?

When this is gone I'll try Yuban Original.
 
I'm drinking some Bustello made with my moka pot, and it's grown in me. I still don't like it for straight shots, but in latte with some sugar it's good. I swear though, the caffeine content in this is way higher than any coffee i'm used to. Seattlite here.
 
The time for iced-coffee is here!


I usually drink my coffee black, but I'm okay with adding a little bit of sugar to iced-coffee.

Brewed at double-strength over ice with Handsome Roaster's bean: dukunde kawa. I like putting a little sugar in this one because they're such coffee-nazis about "no sugar!" at the brewery. These beans taste great in iced-coffee because there's a little more fruit flavor versus their more chocolatey roasts.
 
Been using a Hario Syphon. The process is nearly as good as the coffee, it's like a mini science experiment every morning. Clean, strong & black. Kinda like an Aeropress flavor, but a bit smoother.

20070419-b001.jpg

That looks awesome. I have to admit that I'm more than a little curious about Siphons and slightly curious about the Aeropress.

Anyways - I'm still fucking around with pour-over coffee nearly every morning. It's good. Really good in fact, but on some days it can be a minor inconvenience. If my cup doesn't come out good enough, I'll do it over again :/ I think I might need to change grinders at this point since my hand grinder won't grind consistently at a medium setting, and my blade grinder sucks because it's a blade grinder. That's probably where most of my problems are coming from, really.

Anyways I stumbled into a Japanese home store on Alameda street here in Los Angeles. They had a table with every Hario model on display! They also sell the different types of filters and such. Awesome. Now I won't have to order them online.

1084601-528ASC3.jpg


I've got a melitta and a plastic V60 02. I'll probably go back and pick up the glass model as well. I've also been eyeing the Chemex brewers for a while. From what I've read, it doesn't seem like it'll give better results than the Hario, but damn it looks nice. Plus, I like how it's all one piece. But I don't like that I need special filters for it D:

I bought some Stumptown and some Cafecito Organico. Shit is so good!!
 
31%2BmkPFvFIL._SL500_AA300_.jpg


Finally bought my first grinder! After doing some research I opted for the Hario Mini Mill. I've only used in once, and so far I'm very happy with it. The grind had a good consistency and I quickly found a sweet spot for my french press. The grinding itself was mostly smooth with the occasional jerk and twitch. Took about a minute to grind about 20 grams of coffee.

After reading around a bit I've found out that the slight wobble in the grinding mechanism can be fixed with a bit of tape, improving the grind consistency, so I'm going to try that later and report back. For the £32 I paid I'm very pleased with this grinder. Perfect for someone like me that only makes coffee for myself once or twice a day.

Oh, and I don't think I'll ever go back to buying pre-ground beans if I can help it. The difference in taste is pretty amazing.

Edit: I put some tape around the main shaft and the outer burr which has reduced the overall wobble. The consistency of the grind seems improved, but as this was only my second time using the grinder it's hard to tell; I might be fooling myself. Bottom line is that it produces a consistent grind, anyway.

I have a Hario Skerton. It's basically the same but a bit larger and with a glass bottom. I love/hate it. It has some SERIOUS wobble on any setting other than powder fine. I can't get a consistent grind for the life of me, so I had to resort back to using the blade grinder.. for now.

http://www.orphanespresso.com/OE-Lo...kerton-Kyocera-CM50-Hand-Grinders_p_4066.html

This company sells a bearing/stabilizer - which I have considered - or I may just buy a mini-mill since they are supposedly a little bit better. OR, I might just have up save up and buy a Baratza burr grinder. I kinda hate manual grinding in the morning.
 
Top Bottom