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

[Ruint]

Hey TrickyDick...no special membership requirements needed for Crown account. Shortly after they had that Ethiopian Banko that @jammin turned us onto, they had a "special" buy package (that I haven't seen them do since!!) where they gave a sample of 3 of their coffees for a set price. All 3 were fantastic! It was like a total of 5 lbs worth if I remember correctly. I would be willing to join in on a group purchase too!

 

[TrickyDick]

I’ll have to look into this once I am back from vacation.
$10/lb a bit too steep for me though.
But on second thought, could be a nice way to pad my PayPal account with group buys...

 

[TallDan]

Can't remember who here recently posted about getting a new scale for coffee. My latest cheap amazon scale that I used for chemex and various kitchen uses appears to have crapped itself after 18 months of use, so I need a new one. Most frequent use is for chemex or v60, but I also use it as a general kitchen scale frequently.

The "OXO Good Grips 6 Lb Precision Coffee Scale with Timer" and Hario scales are in consideration. I'd rather avoid another cheap scale that will crap out and cause me to overflow my coffee mug all over the countertop again.

Any recommendations?

 

[HarborTownBrewing]

I got this one about 10 months ago and it's leaps and bounds better than my old one. I like the size - it comfortably holds a Chemex, and it came with a rubber mat so things don't slip around on it. It also is big enough I can set a plate on it for use in the kitchen (my older scale was smaller and couldn't really hold a plate).

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071J3YXFH/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[TallDan]

I got this one about 10 months ago and it's leaps and bounds better than my old one. I like the size - it comfortably holds a Chemex, and it came with a rubber mat so things don't slip around on it. It also is big enough I can set a plate on it for use in the kitchen (my older scale was smaller and couldn't really hold a plate).

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071J3YXFH/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Other than the rubber mat, i would have said the same about mine if you had asked me before this week

In addition to the failing kitchen scale, I have two bathroom scales, a luggage scale, a shipping scale (also used to weigh grain), a 0.1 gram scale (used to weigh coffee for espresso shots and hops), and a 0.01 gram scale (used for water addiditions). It's a bit crazy to have all of these scales and still feel like i need to replace this one.

 

[jammin]

I bought a used Brewista scale. I’ve been happy with it & sure as heck wouldn’t shell out for a Lunar. I don’t used the timer function very often, only for the occasional pour over.
I used a bigger scale for the morning filter batch & the timer on the kettle.

 

[MaxStout]

Other than the rubber mat, i would have said the same about mine if you had asked me before this week

In addition to the failing kitchen scale, I have two bathroom scales, a luggage scale, a shipping scale (also used to weigh grain), a 0.1 gram scale (used to weigh coffee for espresso shots and hops), and a 0.01 gram scale (used for water addiditions). It's a bit crazy to have all of these scales and still feel like i need to replace this one.

I think you need to start a "show us your scales" thread in the equipment section. With pics.

 

[applescrap]

SM’s just posted a nice Burundi. 8.8 rating for sweetness. If I wasn’t flush w/greens it would be tempting.
Of course there is a nice looking Kenyan AB at Royal Crown Jewels. I’m not sure what they have left in stock but honestly all those Kenyans sounded terrific. It was tough to settle on 1 out of the 3


Speaking of letting those fruit bombs rest, I’ve been noticing mine are taking a good 5 days lately to really show the fruit. Maybe it’s the light roasts with higher airflow or maybe the current crop.

Wish I had anything with fruit. I've got a little of the small lot blueberry left, that's it. The others are just nice cups. Sorry td havent been looking, but I would wait and make sure you get something really killer, just my 2c. Let me know if you find the mana. Also I agree that the coffee gets better after a few days and I drink it a little early as well. Yeah rcj seems a little pricey imo, but realistically most coffee I buy after shipping is 9 to 10 a pound.

The way I see things is take shipping out and the difference in per pound bean is worth a little more. I generally don't care about "deals" anymore unless the coffee is good. A real deal to me involves killer coffee. Imho, if you dont want to spend to much but want to drink the best coffe, a good plan is this. You get either the sweet Maria's or bodhi leaf Ethiopian deal when they offer it in bulk.

That's what I do for worst case scenario coffee drinking. At 30 percent off the 7.50 (update 7) a pound plus bulk pricing and shipping it's a great deal. Grade 1 Ethiopian natural, it wont win any awards but its stellar. I see they have it now for 33 if you buy 5 pounds plus their 7 shipping. That's a good deal. I would rather get better, but when its 30 percent off that, they force me into it. They have done that at Christmas the last two years. My last was that sm, is that the hanabongi? It's super good, a little better than the maho. It was a superb deal.

 

[applescrap]

I had tried another roast of the Ethiopia Hambela and that's a good example of a bean I just have been struggling with. After a week there is still no fruit flavor. Tried it as an espresso this morning and got a really nice long shot but without much flavor. Also made a paper Chemex with it but still not a whole lot going on.

I think I'm going to take some time away from it and then try again later.

How do you know there is fruit in it?

 

[jammin]

Wish I had anything with fruit.

I think mentioned this one a long time ago but Klatch must have a contract & great relationship with this farm. Ive had several year's crops on this & it is the most consistently fruit-punch coffee Ive ever had... wish is remarkable. Its always extremely fruity and ranges from a tropical fruit salad to blueberry & strawberry. It's not hard to pull the fruit flavors out either. Cool part is you can order it roasted by Klatch as well & compare to your own roasts to see how you're stacking up. Ive done this a couple times and been able to get pretty close to what they do with it.
If you order a 10lb bag, it drops the price to $8/lb which IMHO is a good price all things considered.
FTO Ethiopia Gedeo Worka Natural

 

[applescrap]

Doh

 

[Ruint]

I have some of that coffee Applescrap. Milk chocolate strawberry are dominant flavors. It is what I actually brewed this morning. Along with a shot of Brazilian bean espresso.

 

[TallDan]

My last was that sm, is that the hanabongi? It's super good, a little better than the maho. It was a superb deal.

I end up giving coffees nicknames. Bogali Turkey (I'm gonna roast that turkey!), Hambela Baked Alaska, Sidamo "Gerbil Killer", etc..

That one got the nickname "HandJobby".

 

[applescrap]

I have some of that coffee Applescrap. Milk chocolate strawberry are dominant flavors. It is what I actually brewed this morning. Along with a shot of Brazilian bean espresso.

That's it, strawberry. The slightest hint on every third cup or so. Depending on palate cleanliness, maybe? A few cups of fairly marked fruit too.

 

[applescrap]

I think mentioned this one a long time ago but Klatch must have a contract & great relationship with this farm. Ive had several year's crops on this & it is the most consistently fruit-punch coffee Ive ever had... wish is remarkable. Its always extremely fruity and ranges from a tropical fruit salad to blueberry & strawberry. It's not hard to pull the fruit flavors out either. Cool part is you can order it roasted by Klatch as well & compare to your own roasts to see how you're stacking up. Ive done this a couple times and been able to get pretty close to what they do with it.
If you order a 10lb bag, it drops the price to $8/lb which IMHO is a good price all things considered.
FTO Ethiopia Gedeo Worka Natural

Sounds awesome I'll check it out. I have enough for now and we aren't drinking it fast enough. Cold brew.

 

[jammin]

Roasted the last of my 2017 Banko. Only had 8oz left so I added 8oz of Ethiopia Oromia DP from the GCBC. The wife and I enjoyed the hell out of last batch of Oromia about 2 weeks ago - really fruity & easy drinking. Im thinking this will be a terrific blend.

 

[jammin]

Kenya Ichamama Triple Wash Crown Jewel.

First roast of this AA bean went well. You can see the crash at onset of 1C even though I kept the heat way up until the absolute last second. Drove the roast a bit faster than id like due to that so depending on how it cups I may charge a little lower to extend time to 1C. Id like to see that development % tighten up a bit and get closer to 10 rather than 15. Only 10.3% loss though which i gives isn't surprising considering it's a sub 8min. roast

 

[applescrap]

Kenya Ichamama Triple Wash Crown Jewel.

First roast of this AA bean went well. You can see the crash at onset of 1C even though I kept the heat way up until the absolute last second. Drove the roast a bit faster than id like due to that so depending on how it cups I may charge a little lower to extend time to 1C. Id like to see that development % tighten up a bit and get closer to 10 rather than 15. Only 10.3% loss though which i gives isn't surprising considering it's a sub 8min. roast
View attachment 632260

What does the line that crashed represent? Cant wait to hear how you like it.

 

[shelly_belly]

Kenya Ichamama. 17% and start of second crack.

 

[Schmoogdaddy]

With a birthday coming up, I'd like to up my game with pour over. I know this has been discussed many times on the last 143 pages, but I was wondering if anyone uses the OXO electric gooseneck and their feelings on it.

I was also considering the Hario Woodneck cloth filter pour over drip pot vs. the Chemex.

Thanks for any input.

PS: I roast my own on a Behmor and grind on an OXO conical burr, so I have those parameters to work with.

 

[MaxStout]

Speaking of Behmor, I see the 1600 AB Plus is out. Is this the same one that everyone was out of for a while, or is it a new iteration? Received an email from Williams Brewing promoting it a few days ago. I'm guessing it's available all over or will be soon. For $400, it's tempting, but I'd like to see some reviews first if it is a new model.

 

[HarborTownBrewing]

With a birthday coming up, I'd like to up my game with pour over. I know this has been discussed many times on the last 143 pages, but I was wondering if anyone uses the OXO electric gooseneck and their feelings on it.

I was also considering the Hario Woodneck cloth filter pour over drip pot vs. the Chemex.

Thanks for any input.

A few of us use the Bonavita electric kettle...it's kind of the "name" for serious hobby-ists and small cafes. You can get the 1L for like $45 and the 1.7 L for about $65 https://www.amazon.com/Bonavita-BV3...ocphy=9007525&hvtargid=pla-275333816061&psc=1

I would strongly suggest the Chemex over any other options for pourover, but I'm heavily biased because I think the Chemex is the sexiest, easiest, and best tasting device made to brew coffee. You've got some options with it too in the filter game - paper filters (for the signature clean Chemex flavor) or a re-usable filter basket (for more oils, body, and french-press like flavors).

Again, just my personal opinions.

 

[HarborTownBrewing]

I'm guessing it's available all over or will be soon. For $400, it's tempting, but I'd like to see some reviews first if it is a new model.

It's pretty much the same roaster with a couple small changes. https://burmancoffee.com/product/home-coffee-roasters/behmor-1600-plus-home-coffee-roaster/ According to Burmans:
Similar to its predecessor, it runs the same roasting programs and has the same controls as the previous model. The main appearance difference is the black on black color versus black on stainless. Turns out coffee roasting can stain “stainless”… should look a little nicer in the years to come. It has a new more serious door handle along with a double pained window, should insulate the roasts a little better. A new motor is being used giving the user more control over drum speed.

I am sure you would be fine to order it now considering how similar it is to the previous model. Behmor stands by it's products and will provide any support you might need too.

 

[bierhaus15]

I was also considering the Hario Woodneck cloth filter pour over drip pot vs. the Chemex.

I am not a fan of the Woodneck and drip pots in general. They require a coarser grind than most brewers and suffer from slower draw times and uneven extraction, as you can't control the slurry depth. Also, they tend to strip out much of the fruity-aromatics found in lighter roasts... but they do make for a smoother and heavier body.

That said, I would go with the Chemex over the Woodneck, although I personally prefer the Hario V60 and Kalita Wave for pourovers, especially when using the high acidity coffees.

 

[shelly_belly]

For the Hario V60 does size make a difference in taste? Would one be better over the other when making just one serving?

 

[HarborTownBrewing]

For the Hario V60 does size make a difference in taste? Would one be better over the other when making just one serving?

The V60 02 is great for single-cup brewing. They do have a V60 03 model which is made for brewing two cups at a time; I haven't used it though. If you use the V60 for 2+ cups it's tough to get a proper extraction but you can lift up the filter to aid it (more on this below).

I have run 70 grams of coffee through the Chemex (which produces about 3 cups worth) a number of times. Naturally it requires some technique changes; you have to be careful with your bloom because it can really rise up over the edge, especially with super fresh coffee. You can also speed up the brew time by lifting the filter up out of the Chemex just a little bit. Some people use chop sticks to assist with this, and doing this can help keep the brew times under 5 mins which, imo, is pretty dang good through the Chemex with about a liter of water.

 

[HarborTownBrewing]

Warm weather finally reached Chicago (for perspective I turned my ac on for the first time this past weekend). With that it is espresso season and I got this beautiful shot out of the Ethiopia Hangahi. 40 second pull, awesome wine - like flavors. I would drink this every day.

 

[Schmoogdaddy]

A few of us use the Bonavita electric kettle...it's kind of the "name" for serious hobby-ists and small cafes. You can get the 1L for like $45 and the 1.7 L for about $65 https://www.amazon.com/Bonavita-BV3...ocphy=9007525&hvtargid=pla-275333816061&psc=1

I would strongly suggest the Chemex over any other options for pourover, but I'm heavily biased because I think the Chemex is the sexiest, easiest, and best tasting device made to brew coffee. You've got some options with it too in the filter game - paper filters (for the signature clean Chemex flavor) or a re-usable filter basket (for more oils, body, and french-press like flavors).

Again, just my personal opinions.

Thanks for the replies, but.....I hastily pulled the trigger on the Hario Woodneck and the OXO electric kettle before I heard from anyone. I also got a Coffee Gator scale. I don't have too much buyer's regret, at least not yet, because I have been very happy with my OXO grinder and drip machine. And as bierhaus15 said the drip pot makes a smoother and heavier body and that is first and foremost what I am after. I don't doubt I will pick up a Chemex in the not too distant future, anyhow.

One thing I will do for sure is verify the water temperature in the kettle with a thermocouple. I despise readout errors.

 

[shelly_belly]

I'm really liking 20g of coffee in a 2oz shot. 1# green yields about 400g roasted so with 5# I have 99 more shots to go!
Kenya Ichamama Dark. Honey, chocolate, plum, cinnamon and apple. Heavy body. Mild acidity.

 

[jammin]

that sounds good. really good