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

[HarborTownBrewing]

I broke out the French press yesterday for some Kenyan, I half assed it because I was in a hurry and was doing other things, ended up doing a 7 min steep before plunging. Oops.

It was delicious though! This was a Kenyan with spice and apple notes and the press really accentuated that.

Today I brewed a new Nicaraguan in the Behmor. I struggled with the roast, at least I never did hear a first crack. But man did this one taste good. Really nice and bold, perfect for this cooler weather.

 

[TrickyDick]

Hate the muted 1C sounds. usually get with tiny greens or greens that have been sitting in my basement too long.

By the way, what is your personal Bullet 1 pound Ethiopian dry process roast like? I have a feeling my roast is progressing too fast, especially the drying phase, usually always between 2:30-3:00 To hit 135°C.

this weekend I roasted the Bookkisa and the Hamasho Ethiopians I’ve had for a while (wow august 2020!). I also pulled a Bali Kintamani 2017 from my freezer and roasted it. Said “fruit bomb” on the package.

had 13% , 14%, and 15% weight loss in that order. All roast finished fast, under 10 minutes. I usually preheat to 240-245 on my bullet, and let it go for a hour for the first roast.

still feeling like I’m learning to use my bullet.
had tried to implement the “soak” method with some success at stretching out the drying phase, but forgot how to do that. Turn off the heat until the turning point I think? I know there are tons of technical posts on the roast world site, but I just hate the way they have that organized. Also I quit using Facebook


tasting notes maybe next week.

TD

 

[HarborTownBrewing]

@TrickyDick I can tell you what I do, if it helps at all. I'm using a Bullet with the IBITs module, not sure if you have IBITs but if you do not then just ignore the following. Also I use Celsius.

I do a 240C preheat for 30+ mins. I'll charge it with 1lb of beans, P6, F2, D9. At the 1:30 mark I drop to P4. Stay at P4 until Yellowing occurs; once I notice no more green-ness in the beans I go up to P8. At this point I'll keep an eye on my ROR and try to keep it steady around 10-12 degrees C/min. I'll start trimming down to P7 maybe about 1:30 after switching to P8, then switch to P6 about 1:00 later, then P5 about 1:00 later. Usually around this point I'll hear the first couple snaps before 1C starts. I then ramp up to F9 for about 10 seconds to flush out some of the hot air, then drop back to F2. Once 1C starts I drop to P3. For Ethiopians or Kenyans I'll stay at P3 for the remainder of the roast, dropping the beans typically at 13-15% development. If I'm roasting something like a Guat or Columbian, about 30 secs into 1C I'll go to P8, and drop the roast around 18%-20% development.

This is probably incredibly confusing to read, but this is my routine and it works well for me. I know everyone's setup and approach is different though, so if you don't like it, well, I'm not too offended. If you have any questions let me know and I'll see if I can help at all.

 

[TrickyDick]

Perfect! Thanks for sharing! I can follow along. Are you using Artisan or the aillio software?

long been wanting to get back to using artisan and getting the 3rd party automatic 1C detection working ( found some software someone posted on another forum, but was never able to get it to work ). Going to get one of the IT guys at work to help me but been too busy with other things.

yeah I have the Infrared temp thing installed too.

I had read somewhere that some roasters arbitrarily define drying/yellow stage at 135° C as a means to attain better reproducibility between roasts or something,

by the way, perfect cleaning on the chaff filter SS insert achieved by PBW soak in ultrasonic cleaning bath.
TD

 

[HarborTownBrewing]

I am strictly Aillio software. They have done a number of substantial upgrades and I'm really digging it now.

I ordered a new chaff filter and put it in last week, it's making a huge difference. I don't know that a soak would have been enough for me; I should have tried it, but oh well. It was only $30 for the new one anyways, and I've got a lot of roasts through the first one.

 

[TrickyDick]

I think the ultrasonic cleaner in combo with the PBW was where the magic happened. Plus it heats the solution. 30 minutes and it’s sparkling clean. My cleaner unit is the one from Hornady. You do have the larger chaff insert? The original is tiny, like a small dome, and they later revised it with a larger one almost as big as a small can of Red Bull.

I think I need to update my software for the aillio roast world. I dislike entering the bean info separately, and last I checked couldn’t delete it.

looking forward to trying your roasting method.
TD

 

[HarborTownBrewing]

Yeah please do share how it works out, if it works out.

My chaff filter is the red bull size can you mentioned. I'm not sure how many roasts I've put through it off the top of my head, but it got to the point where I had to soap/scrub it every two pounds which was pretty annoying on days I was roasting 4+lbs.

 

[TrickyDick]

Yeah please do share how it works out, if it works out.

My chaff filter is the red bull size can you mentioned. I'm not sure how many roasts I've put through it off the top of my head, but it got to the point where I had to soap/scrub it every two pounds which was pretty annoying on days I was roasting 4+lbs.

I’ll have to do a before and after photo and post. Maybe tonight. I had just cleaned it before roasting three 1lb roast over the weekend. Will try to remember.
might be worth the investment if it saves you time. Maybe could run it less than 30 minutes and would probably be good to go.

by the way, one of the first bullet users on the FB group had rigged up an in-line chaff removal system with some type of tubing or vacuum like hoses. Looked pretty elaborate But he was roasting back to back to back commercial duty I believe.
TD

 

[applescrap]

Busy week, sorry havent kept up, gosh why was it easier with app. Lots of good stuff trickyd, woot. The ninja I want to say was 250 plus shipping taxes, etc. So we are enjoying the tea feature plenty, havent used the frother and different settings enough but I love cold brew and iced coffe so looking forward to it. Arent using carafe, because It has these weird settings and here is the chart.

So the xl mug with close to a quarter cup, or 4 tablespoons of grinds equals about 2 tablespoons per 6 oz fluid. Figuring the rest out will take time. But got that one down. It's super convenient and wife is not brewing carafe. She puts my travel mug under hits xl mug, and brews hers later. I remain certain it's too hot, but the convenience and I am willing to consider I dont know what I dont know. Plus, with such a small cup a bigger pot has a better cross section of grinds, theory.

Muted 1st crack is too low heat, just my experience. Haha, I put beans in freezer or fridge, cant remember, and was like why are these roasts off. Sure enough, I wasnt accounting for the fact they were cold. It changed things quite a bit ymmv.

Thanks everyone for the kind words, haha, yeah super cool. I entered at my wife's prodding, if you know me it's not like me to enter something like this. I did one roast and after tasting a cup, thought s... this ain't bad. Lol, I kinda wonder if they drank it when it got there, they had to have smelt it. But cool they sent me feedback, and imo imply, I think, the winner was local and fresher and had her buddies there. I find it interesting, based on experience and sampling, that a 15 minute roast was better. But yeah, lol, really enjoying the props.

The coffee they sent was nice, smelt heavenly, to drink, ehh, not so much. I mean was good but nothing like that klatch, what a roast I thought. To be that developed with such a light middle crack, what the heck is the crack called, cant think of it.

 

[applescrap]

@TrickyDick I can tell you what I do, if it helps at all. I'm using a Bullet with the IBITs module, not sure if you have IBITs but if you do not then just ignore the following. Also I use Celsius.

I do a 240C preheat for 30+ mins. I'll charge it with 1lb of beans, P6, F2, D9. At the 1:30 mark I drop to P4. Stay at P4 until Yellowing occurs; once I notice no more green-ness in the beans I go up to P8. At this point I'll keep an eye on my ROR and try to keep it steady around 10-12 degrees C/min. I'll start trimming down to P7 maybe about 1:30 after switching to P8, then switch to P6 about 1:00 later, then P5 about 1:00 later. Usually around this point I'll hear the first couple snaps before 1C starts. I then ramp up to F9 for about 10 seconds to flush out some of the hot air, then drop back to F2. Once 1C starts I drop to P3. For Ethiopians or Kenyans I'll stay at P3 for the remainder of the roast, dropping the beans typically at 13-15% development. If I'm roasting something like a Guat or Columbian, about 30 secs into 1C I'll go to P8, and drop the roast around 18%-20% development.

This is probably incredibly confusing to read, but this is my routine and it works well for me. I know everyone's setup and approach is different though, so if you don't like it, well, I'm not too offended. If you have any questions let me know and I'll see if I can help at all.

How long is the overall roast? It looks like a solid method.

 

[HarborTownBrewing]

First crack usually starts around 7:20 - 8:00, I typically drop between 13 to 20 % development which tends to be around the 9 to 9:30 min mark I think.

 

[HarborTownBrewing]

Well I ordered my beans for my Christmas Blend, 20 lbs each of a top secret mixture. I opened the Sweet Maria's box and to my surprise saw the most intriguing bag I've ever seen, complete with instructions to read and a link to watch instructions. I kid you not.

So I go to the link and watch Tom's video. It's interesting and has some good info on bean storage. But geez. If I need to watch a video on how to use a bag, maybe the bag is too complicated.

All is well though. If anyone is curious, here's info on the bag. They use it on 20lb shipments now apparently. The Ecotact Troiseal Reusable Bag for 20+ Lbs Green Coffee - Sweet Maria's Coffee Library

 

[TallDan]

Interesting bags. I’ve been thinking about vac sealing and freezing 1lb amounts of my green coffee that I won’t be using real soon. I try not to keep so much on hand that it’s an issue, but I like to hold on to some of the better coffees. Maybe I’ll go vac pack some right now!

 

[TrickyDick]

That is what I do, Mylar bags (no condensation inside and airtight),
a “snorkel” type vac sealer, mine is sinbad brand or something like that, and also get a bag of those oxygen absorbing packets, which I figure can’t hurt so long as you don’t accidentally dump into your roaster, lol. Pre weigh into 1# amounts and then seal and toss into freezer.

 

[TallDan]

That is what I do, Mylar bags (no condensation inside and airtight),
a “snorkel” type vac sealer, mine is sinbad brand or something like that, and also get a bag of those oxygen absorbing packets, which I figure can’t hurt so long as you don’t accidentally dump into your roaster, lol. Pre weigh into 1# amounts and then seal and toss into freezer.

I used normal bags instead of mylar. 1 pound in each bag and put 13lb (the majority of what I have on hand right now) in the deep freezer last night. Mylar might be better, but I’m not anticipating the coffee being in the freezer for years.

 

[TrickyDick]

You are probably good then. When I did mine, I had a huge surplus of greens that were old and getting older. plus I already had the vac sealer for doing hops with In Mylar pouches. Some of my greens have “perked” up a bit from being in the freezer. I am not sure why, but the previously muted 1C sounds are easier to hear after having been in the freezer. Some has been in freezer for a few years now. Gradually whittling away at it…. And still tasting good too.

TD

 

[MaxStout]

Well I ordered my beans for my Christmas Blend, 20 lbs each of a top secret mixture. I opened the Sweet Maria's box and to my surprise saw the most intriguing bag I've ever seen, complete with instructions to read and a link to watch instructions. I kid you not.

So I go to the link and watch Tom's video. It's interesting and has some good info on bean storage. But geez. If I need to watch a video on how to use a bag, maybe the bag is too complicated.

All is well though. If anyone is curious, here's info on the bag. They use it on 20lb shipments now apparently. The Ecotact Troiseal Reusable Bag for 20+ Lbs Green Coffee - Sweet Maria's Coffee Library

View attachment 749213

A 20 lb bag that can only be sealed/cut open 3 times? I tend to roast only 1-2 lbs at a time, so I'd be opening that a lot more than 3 times.

The 10 lb bags of greens I buy from Mill City are packed in ordinary heavy plastic bags. Cut open, take what I need, tape over the top, place bag of beans inside a 5 gal bucket with Gamma lid until next time.

 

[HarborTownBrewing]

Yup, doesn't suit my needs but I just cut open a small corner of the bag, then rolled it and clipped it shut.

 

[applescrap]

Yup, doesn't suit my needs but I just cut open a small corner of the bag, then rolled it and clipped it shut.

Me similar and kept in the box it came in, in a dark pantry. Refrigerate would be best, but it messes with my roast. I dont keep much spare on hand. Right now I have 5 or 6 pounds of wush, 1 or 2 pounds of banko, and 1 pound sidama yirgacheffe.

Bro that roast method is super cool. Super cool.

 

[applescrap]

The ninja remains fun and usable. Surprisingly might as well throw away the carafe. We just make travel mug sizes mostly. We put coffee in, travel mug under and set to travel mug. Almost using it like a Keurig literally but with good tea and coffee. I am still suspect of brewing temps but I am giving this thing two thumbs up.

 

[pshankstar]

With Bodhi Leaf’s sale (30% off all green beans) has any variety jumped out to anyone on here? I still sometimes get overwhelmed when I search especially when there’s so many choices.

 

[pshankstar]

Well I think I spent almost two hours reading all the different beans tasting notes before placing this order. It appears the beans from Honduras really caught my attention last night.

 

[HarborTownBrewing]

I was going to try to get you a response but was on the road and didn't have a chance, then I forgot. Report back how you like those Bodhi beans though.

Usually Sweet Marias runs a 20% off sale for Black Friday/Cyber Monday but I do not believe they did that this year.

 

[pshankstar]

I was going to try to get you a response but was on the road and didn't have a chance, then I forgot. Report back how you like those Bodhi beans though.

Usually Sweet Marias runs a 20% off sale for Black Friday/Cyber Monday but I do not believe they did that this year.

No worries. I was shocked to not see any Sweet Maria deals.
I do have some SM beans to get through before I start the Bodhi Leaf beans, although I’ll probably rotate through them all as they come in along with the two Klatch beans I bought too.

 

[pshankstar]

I did buy 5lbs of this bean because of the rave reviews of it being a “berry bomb”.

 

[applescrap]

That bodhi sale is awesome for the coffees they have, I dont buy them much anymore as I am looking for the wush or something like it. But sure the coffees are plenty good depending on what you get. Just not something like the banko or wush imo. For the average coffee and even some decent Ethiopian it's a good deal imo.

 

[pshankstar]

I received this email from Mill47. I haven’t purchased beans from them before but I may pull the trigger on buying more beans during their sale. Then vacuum seal and freeze a bunch of beans from the info shared here with this awesome group.
At this rate I may not need to buy beans for a while in 2022.

 

[TrickyDick]

View attachment 750981
I received this email from Mill47. I haven’t purchased beans from them before but I may pull the trigger on buying more beans during their sale. Then vacuum seal and freeze a bunch of beans from the info shared here with this awesome group.
At this rate I may not need to buy beans for a while in 2022.

highly recommend using oxygen absorbing inserts and Mylar bags if you intend To keep for very long. the Vac seal bags on the rolls might Be ok, I haven’t used them.

 

[TallDan]

20% off green coffee and free shipping over $50 at klatch today. I’m hoping they do another 20% off gift cards like they did last year as one of the last days in this promotion.

 

[TrickyDick]

Roasting today. Going to try the HarborTown method on my bullet and see how it goes. I was going to clean my filter with before and after pics, but it looks like it doesn't need it yet, so will do that another time.

TD

went well. I left my phone on chRger or I would’ve taken pics. The ROR curve kinda leveled off a bit after initial decline, I had always tried to get a continuous decline. seems like the drying phase was slower than my previous methods, so I think that is a step in the right direction.

so I finally see the development time % tracked. Funny I never noticed that before. So I kinda overshot the 13-15% because I was still in the 1C late stages.
how does % affect flavor? I’m thinking since it means you are roasting longer, that you are getting more roast character, and more chocolate type dark flavors than the bright fruit flavors?
is there any % correlate with the vague, city,city+,full city, etc terms??

also, was at the end of the bag, so most of my charges were less than a full pound. Might have been part of what I was observing With the ROR Curve