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

[HarborTownBrewing]

Those are some cool setups. I like that Jet Boil a lot, but I'm not at a point to warrant it at this point!

Apple, you mentioned the difference between Car Camping and Backpacking. Funny thing is, yesterday I was looking at various packing lists, and they were talking about the same thing. One author said, "if you will have a car near your campsite, just put everything you can think of in it when you pack so you have everything handy if need be". I'm like, "if you pack up half your house into your car, isn't that defeating the purpose of camping?!"

We talked about only packing minimal amounts of food so we sort of force ourselves to live off the land like a genuine old-school camping trip. But ultimately, screw that. Who knows if we'll catch any fish. Plus I like Doritos, and they don't grow those in the National Forest.

 

[applescrap]

@htb so it sounds like car camping then? The older I get my definition of camping is spending hundreds of dollars to pretend like you live in your car. Our camping box is small but mighty anymore. We have a cheap pop up and that's what we use now. After 30 years in a tent don't feel too guilty. We need a kettle or jet boil as well. What are you going to grind with?

There's a pretty cool but cheezy video of a guy using an Aeropress at a campsite.

Okay here it is I actually got into it a little this time. He's cool.

https://www.stumptowncoffee.com/brew-guides/aeropress

 

[HarborTownBrewing]

Yep, car camping for us. I don't have a camper, so we'll be tenting it. I think I mentioned it, but there's no power (we'll be about 45 mins from the nearest town, which is comprised of a gas station/grocery store and a casino), so we're kind of on our own once we get out there. Which is how it should be.

I'm going to pre-grind right before we leave for the trip. I know, I know. But I don't have a hand grinder and although I've thought about getting one for moments like these, I just don't feel like getting another coffee thing that takes up space (and I swear, this is Harbortown writing this - not Mrs. Harbortown).

Yeah, that was a fairly cheesy video haha.

 

[TrickyDick]

I posted a link for a new hand grinder not too long ago.....
TD

 

[HarborTownBrewing]

I posted a link for a new hand grinder not too long ago.....
TD

Thanks yeah I had tried for the last 4 weeks to forget about that, but now it's etched back into my brain.

I am NOT about to bring a grinder like that on a camping trip with another dude.

 

[jammin]

You only live once, right? I'm on the verge of spending a foolish amount of money on one these - am I out of my mind?

 

[Inkleg]

- am I out of my mind?

Hahahaha.........like THIS crew is capable of passing good judgment on something like that.
This breed of cat the wife and I have fallen in love with aren't cheap. I now have 3 and not a one can make coffee.

She sure is a beaut Clark!

 

[passedpawn]

I just watched a video on that Slayer single group. Man, what a marvel. Yes, I think you should buy it. Haha. I prefer the SS model. SS with the walnut handles, steampunk baby.

 

[JonW]

You only live once, right? I'm on the verge of spending a foolish amount of money on one these - am I out of my mind?

What kind of machine is that?

 

[passedpawn]

What kind of machine is that?

Slayer Espresso Single Group

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4STU8F8Msh4[/ame]

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxddCaNhvUU[/ame]

 

[TallDan]

You only live once, right? I'm on the verge of spending a foolish amount of money on one these - am I out of my mind?

Initially saw this post and misread it, thinking someone else posted it.

That looks awesome, and when i thought someone else posted it, i assumed it was kind of a joke, but I know you're not joking around.

I'd really love to replace my Silvia with something like that, but boy the pricetag...

 

[JonW]

Slayer Espresso Single Group

That's one sexy bitch! :rockin:

 

[Inkleg]

@jammin
With the quality of your roasted coffee you sent me I have no doubt the flavors you would coax out of that machine with your coffee would be nothing short of amazing!

Plus it has a mirror so you can watch. If you're into that kinda thing.

 

[applescrap]

You only live once, right? I'm on the verge of spending a foolish amount of money on one these - am I out of my mind?

That looks awesome! If its not pocket cash, then there are other options. If it is pocket cash, enjoy your life you dont have to apologize to anyone for loving coffee and being hard working. I have b and w speakers in my garage so I cant talk.

 

[applescrap]

Tried to get 20 percent of total time after 1c. I heard first cracking at 818 (is the first crack the beginning?) and finished it at 1018. I turned heat way down after 1c. Don't know yet. I wanted more development and I think I got that. Crack was way less loud and violent, kind of like a soft moan. Looks light and tangy though. Coffee roasting, seriously, might be driving me nuts.

 

[applescrap]

This is good. These guys are funny to me. All you wanted to know about 1c and more!

https://youtu.be/fMHLClnf40s

 

[HarborTownBrewing]

Had family in town this weekend and my sister in law wanted a vanilla latte. As a decent host, I was excited to make her one but warned my frothing is sub par.

She told me it was incredible, and finished the whole thing. Later I realized I'd used absolutely delicious Ethiopia Gedeb Asasa for the shot in the latte. That was either a waste of good coffee, or it made it taste good.

 

[applescrap]

I finally made a decent roast. I know it is decent because the coffee is bad and this was my 4th straight roast of it. The quick roasts have been acidic and bad imo. After watching that video above (its pretty awesome, he is ex. dir. of roasters guild, i think) I tried lowering heat for more development before 1c. At 5min i turned down to 5 of 6 bars power. Then at 1c. at 11 min instead of 8, I turned down to 4, and then a minute later, 2 bars. I made this sampler because all the people that use probats and the like have that sampler they pull out to check the coffee, and smell it. I realized not having something like that was hurting me, and that I needed a way to check the coffee as it progressed. I will send a pic before too long. Using it i stopped the roast at 14 mins. First crack lasted a minute and a half or so and then it just developed. Thought oh no I pulled it light again and no it's perfect. Side note here's a pic of a depressurized $80 DeLonghi shot. Virtuoso at 4, and pressure system removed. 30 sec shot. The dark roast proved pretty tasty for espresso but not so much in the cup for brewed. I can't froth milk. I don't know if I'm turning on the steamer too hard or what my problem is but I have only separation.

View attachment 1496407647912.jpg

 

[TrickyDick]

What does that espresso slayer machine go for?

 

[jammin]

What does that espresso slayer machine go for?

Base is $8500. Options hike it up quickly. On one hand, I think about people buying campers, boats, etc and getting hardly any use while the depreciate in value insanely fast. A machine like that has a wait list in the used market chomping at the bit. But that price tag even makes me blush and I've already owned 2 in the same price range. I'm still waffling like a school girl at but will probably end up getting a Profitec Pro 500 instead

 

[JonW]

I've been running my LaSpaziale S1 for about 10 years and it still runs like new. I looked at a lot of HX machines, but their idiosyncrasies ended up pushing me to the LaSpaziale. Dual boiler, plumbed in, programmable shot volumes and great temp stability. Not as sexy looking as a fully polished HX, but a great performer for the price (~$2K).

 

[jammin]

I've been running my LaSpaziale S1 for about 10 years and it still runs like new. I looked at a lot of HX machines, but their idiosyncrasies ended up pushing me to the LaSpaziale. Dual boiler, plumbed in, programmable shot volumes and great temp stability. Not as sexy looking as a fully polished HX, but a great performer for the price (~$2K).

The S1 is a VERY formidable machine. Has basically every convenience one could ask for. I love that it can be plumbed in, timer so it's ready in the morning, easy to change brew temp, p/i chamber, saturated brew group etc.. The only thing I can't get over is the is 53mm portafilter. If they would change that to a standard 58mm that is honestly the machine I probably would buy.

 

[JonW]

What's your concern with the 53mm PF? Having had both 58's and 53's, I can say that I do now prefer the 53's. I feel it is more consistent.

It's kind of like the argument for tall/skinny or short/fat mash tuns.

 

[jammin]

What's your concern with the 53mm PF? Having had both 58's and 53's, I can say that I do now prefer the 53's. I feel it is more consistent.

It's kind of like the argument for tall/skinny or short/fat mash tuns.

not as much selection for baskets and dosing accessories or tampers. i don't doubt the shot quality is every bit as good. i'm a big fan of the La Spaz machine though. It has it's own user forum which is awesome and from what i understand; it's incredibly reliable. Even if you need to service it, there are loads of resources out there to do so - something that is WAAYYY undervalued when people select a machine. Thats actually one of the reasons I like the idea of the Pro 500 - commercial components such as a Sirai Pstat & gicar controller. Also the same reason I like the Slayer - built in Seattle. I could drive it over if needed for maintenance. When I owned my GS/3 La Marzocco had not yet stood up their "Home Team" for direct support to users like us (which I understand is terrific now). When I owned my KvDW Speedster servicing it was intimidating bc its built in the netherlands and local retailers are very from where i live. Pro technicians and most others in the field didn't even know what the machine was it was so rare - i do regret selling it though. That thing was a masterpiece.

another thing, i am a little partial to La Marzocco angled PF's. the grip is super comfy and they're ergonomically great. if i do get a slayer though id stick with their PF's as they look pretty nice too.

 

[JonW]

I think several years ago there was a shortage of 53mm accessories, but I don't think it's a problem now. There's a triple basket readily available, naked PF's and plenty of tampers. With Astoria, Wega and a few others doing 53mm, it doesn't seem to be an issue any longer.

 

[applescrap]

All these machines look beautiful. There has to be a point of diminishing returns, no?

 

[JonW]

All these machines look beautiful. There has to be a point of diminishing returns, no?

Yes, I think so. When I was ready to take the plunge for a nice machine, there was a big difference in features and performance between the $600-800 and the $1600+ machines. At around $1600-$2000, you get machines with dual boilers, plumbed in, shot programmability and commercial quality components that are serviceable for many, many years. You also get very repeatable shot quality (but a lot still depends on your skills). Now, does jumping to $4K or $8K for a machine get you a shot that is that much better? I personally don't think so. For me, the point of diminishing returns is once you hit the $1800'ish mark for a machine.

Having said that, you could look at brewing setups like my own and say that people spending a fraction of what I have in mine make just as good beer - and they do. Sometimes part of the enjoyment of brewing coffee or beer is the journey with the equipment.

 

[HarborTownBrewing]

I want to give jon and jammin a hard time about 8k machines, but I'm sitting here pulling a fishing boat, thinking about upgrading the entire rig, and it's the same kind of money. Plus registration, insurance, etc.

Perspectives can be funny things. Not to my wife though. She doesn't really find anything funny with money for hobbies ; )

 

[TrickyDick]

These all are the reasons why I'm sticking to coffee. Years ago I resisted the switch to HDTV, and once I went down that rabbit hole, I spent a small fortune. Sooner or later I might get into espresso, but first I want a little more mastery of my roasting skills.

TD

 

[applescrap]

Roasted a decaf today for the first time. They turned dark quickly and I wasnt sure if it was cracking or not. Finally, a soft crack was heard and I drew it out quite a while. Looks dark but it is really nice. I am developing more before first crack. I like how that video says that its not like 1c happens and then it starts developing. No, its developing the whole time. I wonder what would happen with doing an inverse and starting with low heat and then finishing with high. A reverse sear?