☕ Coffee ☕: Ingredients, Roasting, Grinding, Brewing, and Tasting

[HarborTownBrewing]

I have had fantastic results with Sweet Maria's Congo beans using heat gun/dog bowl. Possibly my favorite coffee I have roasted, although I haven't been at it long. I can't remember the profile off the top of my head, but typical for me is FC at 10 minutes/12:30 end of roast.

I'll give that a try. When I roasted them I hit 1C at 11:25, so I definitely could go faster.

 

[applescrap]

Ooof, I hate to be a Debbie downer but that milk looks awful. The rabbit hole is too deep for me to jump into on this one

Espresso is not a poor mans game there are no cheap tricks to bridge the gap to quality/expensive equipment

Yeah I poured the milk under the foam in and then spooned all the foam I could on top. I really like the milk foam. I haven't learned to use the frother yet. Skim milk too, dont know what that does.

Any cheap frother tips?

 

[HarborTownBrewing]

Any cheap frother tips?

I think I've frothed a total of 5 times, the first of which ended with milk in cracks I didn't know existed (in my kitchen). So I'm not in a position to give advice...

But what I've read says that some machines can take a steam wand upgrade. The Gaggia, for instance can accept the Rancilio steam wand which is considerably better than the Gaggia. I don't know if your DeLonghi can be modified, but that may help. Some of those wands can be had for about $15.


It's going to be a long day. Like a, chug-as-much-coffee-as-you-can type of day. Ughhh.

 

[Limbrizik]

It has been a while since I last posted which was when a started roasting on my whirlypop. Maybe a month or two? Anyway, I have learned that I really like lighter roasts and so far my favorite coffee that I have roasted has been a Burundi bean. I didn't write down the exact name but one of the descriptors was snapple juice. I roasted it just past 1C and it was unlike any coffee I have ever had; it was like chocolate covered blueberries, so so good. Does anyone have a favorite bean that is their go to for a light refreshing roast?

 

[HarborTownBrewing]

Does anyone have a favorite bean that is their go to for a light refreshing roast?

All of them!

I'd say Ethiopia and Burundi are my favorites, with Kenya and Guatemala close behind. What I like about Burundi beans is you get nice body and fruit/floral flavors.

 

[passedpawn]

Someone sent me some cervet poop coffee.

Cat crap coffee this morning. Beans looked and tasted over-roasted. Ashy is what I get. Feck, I was hoping for something special and I got a cup of starbucks.

So much for the most expensive coffee in the world. Harrumph.

 

[Limbrizik]

Yeah I was surprised at how a light roast can still have so much body. It just seems counter intuitive, to me at least. The Nicaragua I'm drinking right now is good and all but I am craving something fruity even though it's like -8 here in MN.

Also, I need to share. I got a new hand burr grinder for christmas from my wonderful wife and it has been a very noticeable upgrade in quality from my whirly blade. https://handground.com/

 

[shelly_belly]

I got the Hario Slim mill for Christmas. The difference between it and the old blade grinder is amazing. I'm past the hand cranking part though and the cordless drill does a great job with it.

 

[corkybstewart]

I broke down and bought another Behmor for my Christmas present. Right now I'm roasting and drinking a very nice Honduran bean. I had my 2 Mobile AL nieces out here for a week and even they mentioned how good the coffee was(in spite of putting hazelnut creamer in it. There should be an emoji for a full body shudder)

 

[TallDan]

Just roasted some of that Ethiopain Yirgacheffe Banko Dhadhato. Seemed to take a long time though the yellowing phase, then it got away from me in 1c and went right into 2c. Oily beans are much farther than I usually take my roasts. I'll use it for some cappuccinos this weekend, but don't have very high expectations for a botched roast.

 

[applescrap]

Cat crap coffee this morning. Beans looked and tasted over-roasted. Ashy is what I get. Feck, I was hoping for something special and I got a cup of starbucks.

So much for the most expensive coffee in the world. Harrumph.

Not sure i can blaim them for an over roast . So whats starbucks excuse.

 

[8rnw8]

Yeah I was surprised at how a light roast can still have so much body. It just seems counter intuitive, to me at least. The Nicaragua I'm drinking right now is good and all but I am craving something fruity even though it's like -8 here in MN.

Also, I need to share. I got a new hand burr grinder for christmas from my wonderful wife and it has been a very noticeable upgrade in quality from my whirly blade. https://handground.com/

Been eyeing that grinder up. Looks legit. I have the javapresse which I like so far. I've also been discovering there is more to coffee than dark roasts.

 

[applescrap]

Couple more pictures of the pressurized portafilter shots.

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[HarborTownBrewing]

I got stuck having to have Keurig today due to travels and a series of unfortunate events. Sometimes it's good to have it just to remind yourself how good you have it as a home roaster. Especially as a roaster who can brew properly.

The coffee came out of the Keurig clear; I have no idea how it turned Brown in my cup. Voodoo. Some seriously weak stuff though

 

[jammin]

Welp, I finally pulled the trigger on a gas roaster. It's on the water right now and should be in port soon. Looking forward to the learning process and a new challenge.

Here are a couple pics from the factory of the batch mine is in - i wonder which one I'll get

 

[jammin]

The Quest M3 is all polished and boxed up for shipment if anyone is looking for a new roaster��

 

[TallDan]

The Quest M3 is all polished and boxed up for shipment if anyone is looking for a new roaster��

Pretty sure the answer is "more than i'd be looking to spend", but have to ask anyway: Asking price?

 

[jammin]

Pretty sure the answer is "more than i'd be looking to spend", but have to ask anyway: Asking price?

yeah i hate to talk to most people about my roasting hobby because they think Im an idiot for buying some of the equipment i have. its funny how you don't hear many boat or RV owners get called idiots though (and those things TANK instantly in value and cost a lot to upkeep).

Anywho - I'm asking $1k for the package deal. New price for the entire kit (includes some spendy/high quality instrumentation) would be close to $1,900. You can't even get one new right now if you want though because they are out of stock.

 

[passedpawn]

What's the max batch size?

 

[jammin]

What's the max batch size?

300g. I solely run 227g/8oz batches as they evenly use up bags of greens I buy from Sweet Maria's etc.


edit:

I feel it's worth mentioning that this kit is plug & play ready to connect with Artisan (which is free) and really enhances your ability to gain insight & real-time feedback during the roast. Artisan displays RoR (Rate of Rise) of the bean temp & roaster temp. I can tell you right now that when roaster temp is around 440*, you will be nearly flat-lining the rate of rise on the bean temp. This type of feature is really neat because you can adjust fan speed and amperage to the elements to control this quickly and steer the roast in the direction you want it to go.

My other favorite thing about the Quest M3 is that it is classified as a light commercial roaster and built as such. This means you don't have any stupid safety features that interfere/impede your ability to use the roaster as you want and the machine is built more rugged. I used to HATE waiting for my old Hottop to go through it's cool down phase and warm back up before I start another batch. It was total drag and made roasting sessions much longer than necessary. It is so nice to drop a roast and charge another while the previous batch is cooling. It also eleviates major frustrations when you miss the mark on time or temp the Hottop decides your too stupid to know whats going on and goes into safety mode. Now don't get me wrong - the Hottop is FANTASTIC roaster fully capable and producing top tier coffee.

 

[TallDan]

Anywho - I'm asking $1k for the package deal. New price for the entire kit (includes some spendy/high quality instrumentation) would be close to $1,900. You can't even get one new right now if you want though because they are out of stock.

For less than the price of a new hottop it seems like a deal. I'd be lying if i said it wasn't tempting.

 

[passedpawn]

I need at least 1# batch size, and to spend $$ I'd like bigger. I think my next roaster (after my super ghetto model #3) will be gas, but probably Super Homemade Ghetto Gas, Model #4.

 

[jammin]

I need at least 1# batch size, and to spend $$ I'd like bigger. I think my next roaster (after my super ghetto model #3) will be gas, but probably Super Homemade Ghetto Gas, Model #4.

check out RK Drums - might be the perfect fit for you. they make drum kits for your gas BBQ. Great bang for your buck!

2lb kit with mount & motor is about $350
http://www.rkdrums.com/index.php/pr...ts/product/217-2lb-2lb-max-do-it-yourself-kit

 

[applescrap]

Welp, I finally pulled the trigger on a gas roaster. It's on the water right now and should be in port soon. Looking forward to the learning process and a new challenge.

Here are a couple pics from the factory of the batch mine is in - i wonder which one I'll get

I am seriously so happy for you.

 

[applescrap]

yeah i hate to talk to most people about my roasting hobby because they think Im an idiot for buying some of the equipment i have. its funny how you don't hear many boat or RV owners get called idiots though (and those things TANK instantly in value and cost a lot to upkeep).

Key point.

 

[TallDan]

yeah i hate to talk to most people about my roasting hobby because they think Im an idiot for buying some of the equipment i have. its funny how you don't hear many boat or RV owners get called idiots though (and those things TANK instantly in value and cost a lot to upkeep).

Going back to this one, I call almost all RV owners idiots. A lot of boat owners too.

 

[HarborTownBrewing]

I prefer to buy things used when they have little room to depreciate. Guitars, cars, speakers, tools, etc etc. Thought the same about buying a used roaster but not quite there yet.

Jammin I can't wait to hear about your new rig. I'm sure there will be a learning curve but be sure to keep us posted.

 

[applescrap]

Something about roasting over a grill seems yucky imo. It seems like gas or drippings or other things could flavor the coffee. I am willing to admit I could be totally wrong though. I've really fallen in love with air roasted coffee. All you taste is the coffee, none of the burnt chaff or build up on the drum. I don't know about home roasting equipment and it would seem it would be much easier to clean a home drum then a commercial drum. But in my opinion all I can smell from most commercial coffee anymore is off scents that built up on the drum and makes its way into the coffee. Or am I completely wrong and it's not build up on the drum that I'm smelling but just cheap Bad Coffee?

 

[HarborTownBrewing]

But in my opinion all I can smell from most commercial coffee anymore is off scents that built up on the drum and makes its way into the coffee. Or am I completely wrong and it's not build up on the drum that I'm smelling but just cheap Bad Coffee?

What you are smelling in commercial coffee is simply the scent of burnt, from taking really cheap, crap beans and roasting them dark to hide the natural characteristics which aren't worth exhibiting (because they are so cheap).

Just about any roaster who's roasting commercially uses Drum roasters. The difference being the ones producing good coffee aren't burning them, and they are buying good beans.

 

[passedpawn]

Something about roasting over a grill seems yucky imo. It seems like gas or drippings or other things could flavor the coffee. I am willing to admit I could be totally wrong though. I've really fallen in love with air roasted coffee. All you taste is the coffee, none of the burnt chaff or build up on the drum. I don't know about home roasting equipment and it would seem it would be much easier to clean a home drum then a commercial drum. But in my opinion all I can smell from most commercial coffee anymore is off scents that built up on the drum and makes its way into the coffee. Or am I completely wrong and it's not build up on the drum that I'm smelling but just cheap Bad Coffee?

Roasting over coals would probably result in some odd flavors. But a drum on a rotisserie over gas flame (with shield to keep the flames from hitting the drum) would work fine I think. With a little temperature feedback, it can't be too far off from what the pros do. Anyway, at some point I might give it a try. First I need to find a gas grill