| 4HICKSMDX |
| Zafer, Never had it...I love Kona better than anything I have ever had, including Blue Mountain. I roast my own and usually roast Coastarican and organic Mexican. Kona I roast medium body and drink it as Coffee. Coastarican, Mexican, Sumatra,Brazilian and many others I roast depending on desire. Espresso/Desert coffee/breakfast blend etc. Coffee beans are one of my newer hobbies I picked up about 5 years ago and have enjoyed it immensely. Probably not the reply you were looking for, but when I saw coffee thread I had to talk about my experience. I would however try the excreted coffee bean coffee, can't be too bad. |
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| grumpygolfer |
OK, you have my curiousity up. How do you roast your own coffee and where can I get a roaster? Where do you get unroasted beans?
I will probably ask more questions after I see these answers.
Thanks |
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| msu79gt82 |
quote:
Originally posted by grumpygolfer
OK, you have my curiousity up. How do you roast your own coffee and where can I get a roaster? Where do you get unroasted beans?
I will probably ask more questions after I see these answers.
Thanks
I love coffee:1: |
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| 4HICKSMDX |
Grumpy/msu, I purchase them locally from a coffee guy, like an independent coffee seller( starbucks like). You can purchase them on the net look up green coffee bean and you will find bunches. Green beans sell for 1/2 the roasted price. Kona and Blue Mountain being the exception(much higher about 75% of roasted). I started out roasting in a hot air popcorn popper, you put in about 2-3 ounces and turn it on do in the garage or outside(well ventilated). You will after about 5-7 minutes start hearing the coffee popping.(This is the moisture in the bean being heated). This will soon pass after a little while longer you will hear a snapping coming out of the bean this is the super heated steam being forced out of the bean through the exterior of the bean. With hot air popper its easy quick and cheep to do takes about 10-12 minutes tops.
After doing it this way for 3 years I got for Christmas 2 years ago a Alpinroast Coffee roaster $300 bucks. It has 15 different settings plus manual mode. It can roast 1/2 pound at a time. It is a tumble electric roaster that rotates the bean like a pro uses but electric and small batches vs 5-50 lbs batches. The first coffee I roasted in the hot air popper was very good 9better than anything you can purchase from a can or starbucks or any where else for that matter! The Alpinroast creates a different flavor until the drum is seasoned (still palatable but not as good as I was making in the air popper. There are other air style coffee roasters on the market, but heck if a 20 dollar popcorn popper works why bother with a 120-180 dollar one! The Alpinroast is a different style roaster and is very well built and worth the 300 bucks. I would start with a air popper, just to see if its your cup of tea(coffee). One more thing Coffee beans upon first roasting slut off a carnal like rice paper thin coating(you will read about it, no big deal, just forgot to mention it in the body of the reply! Let me know if your still interested and I can help anyway I can. I promise you this, if you are drinking any other coffee than a specialty roasters coffee you are drinking old coffee, fresh is by far the best you will ever have!
http://www.sweetmarias.com/ is one spot to learn the craft and buy beans and equipment |
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| ghm2112 |
The coffee is expensive ($300/lb) solely due to the fact that it is consumed and then crapped out by a marsupial. And not because it tastes great?
So strange how the taste is described as, "chocolaty and syrupy" and "smells musty and jungle-like green." I'll bet it "roasts up real nice." So does elan scat...
Come on. I'm all for 'terroir' but this sounds like a gimmicky way to fleece the foreigners. I can only imagine the tight quality control on that production...
"Sure, sir, for your $300/lb (huge money by Indonesian standards, by the way) I absolutely, positively guar-an-tee that this is 100% pure..."
But, then again, people overpay big bucks for a Mercedes just so they can say they drive one. I guess $5/cup for being able to say "I drank coffee from beans 'processed' by a marsupial" is a bargain!
There's one born every minute...
zafer: if you ever try it out, let us know what you think...
Happy Trails,
-Traveller:1: |
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| Fireblade6 |
What is my morning without a nice piping hot cup of JOE....I LOVE COFFEES...
Here in the west we have:
Coffees from Peet's Coffee
Coffees from Starbucks
and smaller coffee distributor like Pannikan.
One the richest coffee beans are from Vietnam north region believe it or not. Vietnam used to be the largest rubber and rice provider and now is competing to be coffee provided against south America, Mexico and some other parts of the world. The reason why coffees from Vietnam is so good and the quality is so good is that the climate, you get the tropical layer at sea level but at higher level of elevation you get perfect damp and cold weather to grow the perfect beans.
My take on coffee is that if you brew it and you taste THEE COFFEE WITHOUT ANY CONDIMENTS..and it has a flavorable taste that leaves a nice taste with NOT bitterness...THAT IS GOOD BEANS AND THAT IS GOOD COFFEE...The efferescent and perfum of the beans after it is roasted and grinded and then brew is also important.
Good Coffee beans should start at around 9.00 per half a pound. BEST coffee should be sold in sealed containers, rotated according to how long the coffee stayed in the container...Those beans depending on the country of origin and how they are roasted...excellent coffee should start at around $13.00-$20.00 per half a pound.
I travelled to Costa Rica and obtained the beans of its origin there after they are roasted and it is quite tasty.
Coffee..should stay coffee...Anything you do BEYOND that is NOT coffee...it is just a drink that contains coffee... |
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| ghm2112 |
Great graphic, zafer!:2:
But does that model have and integrated roaster?
-Traveller:1: |
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| grumpygolfer |
quote:
Originally posted by 4HICKSMDX
Grumpy/msu, I purchase them locally from a coffee guy, like an independent coffee seller( starbucks like). You can purchase them on the net look up green coffee bean and you will find bunches. Green beans sell for 1/2 the roasted price. Kona and Blue Mountain being the exception(much higher about 75% of roasted). I started out roasting in a hot air popcorn popper, you put in about 2-3 ounces and turn it on do in the garage or outside(well ventilated). You will after about 5-7 minutes start hearing the coffee popping.(This is the moisture in the bean being heated). This will soon pass after a little while longer you will hear a snapping coming out of the bean this is the super heated steam being forced out of the bean through the exterior of the bean. With hot air popper its easy quick and cheep to do takes about 10-12 minutes tops.
After doing it this way for 3 years I got for Christmas 2 years ago a Alpinroast Coffee roaster $300 bucks. It has 15 different settings plus manual mode. It can roast 1/2 pound at a time. It is a tumble electric roaster that rotates the bean like a pro uses but electric and small batches vs 5-50 lbs batches. The first coffee I roasted in the hot air popper was very good 9better than anything you can purchase from a can or starbucks or any where else for that matter! The Alpinroast creates a different flavor until the drum is seasoned (still palatable but not as good as I was making in the air popper. There are other air style coffee roasters on the market, but heck if a 20 dollar popcorn popper works why bother with a 120-180 dollar one! The Alpinroast is a different style roaster and is very well built and worth the 300 bucks. I would start with a air popper, just to see if its your cup of tea(coffee). One more thing Coffee beans upon first roasting slut off a carnal like rice paper thin coating(you will read about it, no big deal, just forgot to mention it in the body of the reply! Let me know if your still interested and I can help anyway I can. I promise you this, if you are drinking any other coffee than a specialty roasters coffee you are drinking old coffee, fresh is by far the best you will ever have!
http://www.sweetmarias.com/ is one spot to learn the craft and buy beans and equipment
Thanks for the info, I will go the hot air popper route first and see where that path leads to. I will surely have more questions. Thanks again.
GG |
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| 4HICKSMDX |
| GrumpyGolfer, You are wecome Sir! Enjoy |
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| crmsnidol |
I've been doing some web work for a local caterer and we got to talking about coffee. I mentioned that I can never find coffee as good as Diner coffee. He said it's probably Lacas brand and gave me a handful of packets. It's great! Last week I was having dinner with my dad at the Diner and we both remarked about the coffee. I asked the waiter and he said it was Lacas!
The cafeteria at work had Starbucks for years but it wasn't until I switched that I realized how burnt-tasting the Starbucks was. Of course, they may have never brewed it correctly but I doubt it since Starbucks would send representatives periodically to quality test and view the marketing set-up.
When I was in Hawaii 4 years ago I wanted to pick up some Kona coffee but was surprised to find "Grown and packaged in CA" on the label. That kind of turned me off without ever trying it. Nothing good has ever come out of California. :) |
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| ByeByeChrysler |
quote:
Originally posted by zafer
:16:
I agree
I can't stand a sh1ttty cup of coffee. |
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| 4HICKSMDX |
crmsnidol; Lacas brand coffee I don't know anything about, but I agree some places do offer some good coffee. Most of the time I pass on the coffee when I eating out due to it being so disapointing after drinking great coffee for the last 5 years. Coffee I have roastedwithin days of drinking it! and ground within minutes of extracting it :2:
I have been to a plantation on The Big Island and there are strick rules on 100% Kona Coffee. You can get blended coffee that has a % of Kona and mixed with Arabica beans. 100 % Kona Must be grown in Hawaii else it is not Kona period. It use to be that they would not even sell the green bean, but that has changed. I hate starbucks coffee ...it is bitter and fowl, they make great mochas though! The Origin, bean grade and roast are the biggest influences on the taste of beautiful rich tasting coffee and yes I drink it black no added anything! I even go as far as using bottled water in my espresso maker and Britta Filtered water in my coffee maker. All this Coffee talk means just one thing....I need to go roast a couple of batches! 1lb last me about 7 days. Roasting 1lb yields about 13 oz of the best coffee on the planet despite any old vacuum sealed can, bag or prepackeged whole bean. Guatemalan is great with a sweet desert. [B]Kona coffee but was surprised to find "Grown and packaged in CA" on the label. |
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| jswift2000 |
| I love a good cup of cafe and my favorit is Green Mountain. Tons of flavors and not too expensive. Starbucks - not for me. Too strong. |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by crmsnidol
I've been doing some web work for a local caterer and we got to talking about coffee. I mentioned that I can never find coffee as good as Diner coffee. He said it's probably Lacas brand and gave me a handful of packets. It's great! Last week I was having dinner with my dad at the Diner and we both remarked about the coffee. I asked the waiter and he said it was Lacas!
The cafeteria at work had Starbucks for years but it wasn't until I switched that I realized how burnt-tasting the Starbucks was. Of course, they may have never brewed it correctly but I doubt it since Starbucks would send representatives periodically to quality test and view the marketing set-up.
When I was in Hawaii 4 years ago I wanted to pick up some Kona coffee but was surprised to find "Grown and packaged in CA" on the label. That kind of turned me off without ever trying it. Nothing good has ever come out of California. :)
Thanks for the recommendation! I found the website for Lacas, and it is very reasonably priced. As much as a I love a good cup of java, I am a firm believer in 'good tasting' coffee at a reasonable price. It does not have to reach the level of fine wine to satisfy me.
http://www.lacascoffee.com/products/personal/index.htm
I have not the inclination to fool around with roasting beans where I have found the results of those who do, to be variable. I like consistency when going for a good cup, not experimentation.
In The 'tarnished' Golden State, Peets is a very good alternative to Starbucks, to avoid that burnt edge of Starbucks. Yeah, the stuff may be 'commercial' to you connesieurs, but it is consistent. |
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| 4HICKSMDX |
| DaleB,no disrespect. but a poor fresh experiment (coffee) is better than the best coffee that has been roasted/and vac packed for more than a week I guarantee it! I have been doing it so long now that the experimentation is gone and that is a little unfortunate, because some of the best coffee I ever had was some of my first experiment times! My roast is very consistent 1/2lb to 1/2lb week to week. I change origin, roast times, grind, and extraction method coffee/americano/espresso/French press for variety. I like americano best of all. I understand not wanting to take the time to do it, but it is always superior no question! |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by 4HICKSMDX
DaleB,no disrespect. but a poor fresh experiment (coffee) is better than the best coffee that has been roasted/and vac packed for more than a week I guarantee it! I have been doing it so long now that the experimentation is gone and that is a little unfortunate, because some of the best coffee I ever had was some of my first experiment times! My roast is very consistent 1/2lb to 1/2lb week to week. I change origin, roast times, grind, and extraction method coffee/americano/espresso/French press for variety. I like americano best of all. I understand not wanting to take the time to do it, but it is always superior no question!
No disrespect taken. I have no doubt a superior level of results is obtainable. It's just not as high on my priority list, and there are some very good packaged coffees out there for the rest of us folks who rather not spend the extra time. |
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| 4HICKSMDX |
| I hear ya about the extra time! I enjoy roasting it as much drinking it! After 5 years that says something! Its a quick thing once a week:eek: Your new home got to be lots o work huh. I built my own 8 years ago and boy its a project! Have a great night! Bruce |
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| VA Tech Hokie |
I love coffee too and one of my favorites comes from Gloria Jeans.
My question is related to grinders. I have the standard Krups
grinder, with the glass top. I put the beans into the grinder,
press the start button on top and shake the grinder to get most all the
beans ground pretty well. I find my grinding process is very inconsistent
and I think this makes the taste of my coffee inconsistent. I understand
that grinding coffee too finely can cause it to have a bitter taste. A typical
batch of my ground coffee will include both very finely ground(almost powder like) coffee and
somewhat coarsely ground coffee.
Do any of you use a grinder that gives a consistent results, without the guessing?
I know the grinders at the coffee shops tend to give consistent results, but I have not
found anything like that for the home.
Hokie... |
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| DaleB |
I have had some positive taste experiences with GJeans. They lost favor in California, I think with the competition from SB and Peets. Not that they are better, but my experience has been that GJ's was a bit pricey.
I have similar questions with regards to grinding, I thought the grinding wheels were better than the flying cutters, but would be interested in 4HICKS recommendations or others. |
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| 4HICKSMDX |
| DaleB is right Conical burrs give consistent, fine grind critical for perfect espresso extraction. Slower rotation preserves aroma and flavor of the freshly ground beans. I have 4 grinders, all burr grinders. 2 Zassenhaus manual Grinders(not recommended for most people) because you will eventually hate hand grinding your coffee beans. I have a relatively inexpensive Capresso grinder ~40-50 bucks and a Astra Grinder 250 bucks. All do quit fine at grinding. My first was a manual grinder then I went to a bruu grinder about 50 bucks used it for years, upgraded to the Astra. Also replaced my original electric burr grinder with the Capresso. I use different roast in each grinder so all get used at least 1 time every 2weeks. The Astra gets the most use due it handles espreeso grind. I think 50-100 bucks on a grinder is reasonable. |
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| Big Gorilla |
I too luv a cup of java each day! I love Kona but never know for sure how long to grind it. I usually put the beans in my electric Krups grinder, count til 20-30 seconds and that`s it. Not sure if I should gring it more to make it taste stronger of put in more when my taste changes. I get Kona at Traders Joe`s for around $16. I have tried Trader Joe`s the low acid style and like it as well. I have tried the Jamaica Blue Mountain but it seemed too mellow, not strong enough. I love that vanilla and Carmel creamers in my a.m. coffee. When I have the time on the weekends I use the "press" style brewing method and I like that flavor. I am considering an espresso maker, but not the Krups top of the line for $300 but a fully automatic version like the ones offered at Williams Sonoma and online that run $800 to $1,800. These do it all grind,add water,tamp steam etc. The Miele coffee system appliance offers an awesome home espresso machine that does it all, it is like a built in appliance. Anyone have any recommendations?
Thanks |
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| 4HICKSMDX |
| Big G; I like some of these do it coffee/espresso center all in one makers. Jura has several really nice ones. A bit on the higher price side of the semiautomatic all in ones. The Jura s7/s8/s9 are great do all semi machines the f8 fully automatic. some lower end of their line is nice too. many others out there lots of info and research can be done at http://www.wholelattelove.com I tasted coffee espresso drinks from those machines this after noon and they were all great from the Jura makers. check out site above. Good luck and let us know which you end up with. Briel makes some nice stuff around the 300-500 dollar range as well as Pasquini for 1000-1400 bucks. I almost bought the pasquini livia 90 last year, but wife doesn't love coffee as well as I do and feels the investment I currently have in coffee making stuff could suit a small coffee business. I disagree, but she is the boss:4: :4: :4: |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by 4HICKSMDX
DaleB is right Conical burrs give consistent, fine grind critical for perfect espresso extraction. Slower rotation preserves aroma and flavor of the freshly ground beans. I have 4 grinders, all burr grinders. 2 Zassenhaus manual Grinders(not recommended for most people) because you will eventually hate hand grinding your coffee beans. I have a relatively inexpensive Capresso grinder ~40-50 bucks and a Astra Grinder 250 bucks. All do quit fine at grinding. My first was a manual grinder then I went to a bruu grinder about 50 bucks used it for years, upgraded to the Astra. Also replaced my original electric burr grinder with the Capresso. I use different roast in each grinder so all get used at least 1 time every 2weeks. The Astra gets the most use due it handles espreeso grind. I think 50-100 bucks on a grinder is reasonable.
I did get a moderately priced Capresso (about 45 bucks) and it works great! |
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| Blackura |
quote:
Originally posted by zafer
maybe I should give their $4+/cup coffee a try, huh?
http://invizibletouch.com/media/A2Z/pictures.php?dir=41
:drool:
I'll take mine tall and sweet and I'll add my own cream, thank you.
PS... Perhaps this should be marked "not family safe" or "not work safe"??? |
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| Mr. Mom |
| I bought the Bodum Antigua Coffee Grinder from http://www.wholelattelove.com/ eight months ago. It is noisy and very messy. I gave it a 4 point rating back then and still do. I have to grind the night before or I wake up the household. |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by Mr. Mom
I bought the Bodum Antigua Coffee Grinder from http://www.wholelattelove.com/ eight months ago. It is noisy and very messy. I gave it a 4 point rating back then and still do. I have to grind the night before or I wake up the household.
I doubt there is a decent one that is quiet. Mine transforms into an air raid siren during the last several seconds before auto shutoff. I usually leave the room. |
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| greatscot |
Very funny clip.
I'm not a coffee drinker, but our company does warehousing and distribution of an Italian coffee (Illy) that moves like crazy. Funny thing is the only place I've seen it for sale was in Europe. However, they tell me you can get it at Trader Joe's now, and there are a few "Bistro's" where you can get it in So. Cal. |
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| Fabvsix |
Here is my latest coffee grinder:
Kitchen Aid Pro Line: |
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| Fabvsix |
Btw:
That Krups coffee maker I've had for the past 12 years ! They still sell it exactly the same these days for $169.95 12 years later ! ;) |
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| G. COLTON |
| Anything that is not pure ground coffee bean is not for me!! I do not want the flavor of anything thing else in my coffee. One of the best cups of coffee I ever had was at a Denny's in Opelika, Alabama. They told us exactly what it was and we bought some. Could never make it taste the same. |
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| zafer |
quote:
Originally posted by Fabvsix
Here is my latest coffee grinder:
Kitchen Aid Pro Line:
Fab, whats that cost? Know of any e-deals for it? Thanx! |
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| Fabvsix |
| I got if for $199.95 plus tax at HomeExpo in Concord California ! Heavy as lead too ! |
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| zafer |
http://www.tassimo.com
Anyone have this, or would recommend one of these single cup, no cleaning required machines? |
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| Fabvsix |
| I like to make brew the traditional method.....not fond of those machines.... |
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| DaleB |
Still using my Capresso $45 grinder, and a Starbucks "Aroma Barista Solo". It gets the coffee piping hot... something many regular coffee makers simply don't do.
For everyday coffe, it's hard to beat Peet's...not into the expensive esoteric stuff I need to order from the jungles of South America. |
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| nightguy |
I just started drinking coffee about a year ago. I'm usually good for just a single "cup" but I don't like the idea of those machines. My perception is that the refills are expensive but I don't know for sure.
It's just as easy to use my 4 cup Mr. Coffee which is really only 2 mugs worth. It comes out hot and everything can go in the dishwasher. Once in a while I clean out the unit with vinegar. |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by nightguy
I just started drinking coffee about a year ago. I'm usually good for just a single "cup" but I don't like the idea of those machines. My perception is that the refills are expensive but I don't know for sure.
You are talking about the 'pods'? Yeah, that's not my thing either. I think those are good for folks who don't drink coffee often. It's more convenient, rather than leave a pound of good stuff laying around for months. |
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| Fabvsix |
| And its WEAK too ! I like STRONG coffee ! It is made to "WAKE" one up, not tease them into more cups........I agree with Dale....:1: |
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| DaleB |
quote:
Originally posted by Fabvsix
And its WEAK too ! I like STRONG coffee ! It is made to "WAKE" one up, not tease them into more cups........I agree with Dale....:1:
I knew you were a wise man. Not to be confused with a wise guy. OR a 'wiseguy'.
:) |
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| gpg |
| If you're looking for a cheap way to make the occasional cup of coffee (or just want really good coffee) try the French Press. Very simple, and great results. |
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| zafer |
quote:
Originally posted by gpg
If you're looking for a cheap way to make the occasional cup of coffee (or just want really good coffee) try the French Press. Very simple, and great results.
Straight coffee or tea isn't what I'm going for, already have that. Actually what I want is an occasional espresso or cappuccino, the quick and dirty way, without all the cleaning the conventional machines need, guess you'll have to call it the quick and clean way then :p |
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| ranchuk |
Attention coffee fans & fanatics!
Do I have a coffee source for you!!!
Over 10 years ago, I stumbled across a little coffee house located in a little beach town in Costa Rica. The amazing aroma led me to what can only be called a treasure. And the best part is that you can buy their beans online anytime! The American owner, Adrienne, now has 2 coffee locations plus a cafe...and an even more successful online store! Check it out:
http://www.cafemilagro.com/
Pura vida, amigos!
ranchuk
:1: |
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| Mr. Mom |
| Well, I bit, went for the 6 bag deal. Hope it’s primo. :cool: |
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| ranchuk |
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Mr. Mom
Well, I bit, went for the 6 bag deal. Hope it’s primo. :cool: [/QUOTE
I sure hope you enjoy it! As a matter of fact, I'm waking up with a mug of their Organico right now. Y'know, having a warm dog curled up at your feet and a quiet house filled with the smell of freshly ground & brewed coffee is an excellent start to the day! :)
Seriously, I'm not prone to making personal recommendations in a public forum, because people's tastes vary, but when I saw this string, I thought I'd spread the word. We've frequently given Cafe Milagro as gifts with consistently good feedback.
Enjoy! :D
BTW, I'm not connected to the business in any way...other than as a satisfied customer!
R |
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| Mr. Mom |
| My coffee came today, Fed/Ex, surprised it was so fast. Anyway, after my second cup of Joe I’m finding it very good. Not bitter, I drink it black, and very smooth, right out of my nothing fancy Krups sensor electronic coffee maker. I got their whole bean Dark Roast and it’s making me hum. Recommended **** |
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| DaleB |
| Just ordered the Organic myself. Looking forward to it. Looking forward to visiting Costa Rica hopefully in the not too far future. |
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| ranchuk |
quote:
Originally posted by Mr. Mom
My coffee came today, Fed/Ex, surprised it was so fast. Anyway, after my second cup of Joe I’m finding it very good. Not bitter, I drink it black, and very smooth, right out of my nothing fancy Krups sensor electronic coffee maker. I got their whole bean Dark Roast and it’s making me hum. Recommended ****
Awesome!! Glad you liked it! :2: :2: :2: |
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| ranchuk |
quote:
Originally posted by DaleB
Just ordered the Organic myself. Looking forward to it. Looking forward to visiting Costa Rica hopefully in the not too far future.
Pura Vida!! Costa Rica is a great place to visit It's changed a lot over the past 10-15 years (with a lot of development going on), but it's still wonderfully natural in many places.
BTW, Adrienne has two Cafe Milagro shops very near Manuel Antonio national park (a "must see" place next to the town of Quepos), plus a new shop in the capital city of San Jose (a "must land at the airport and leave" place, IMHO). :D
Enjoy!
R |
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