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Post by harleyman on Jan 22, 2010 10:53:37 GMT -5
Ok, since HarleyMan does not drink any longer I was forced to go completely OCD on something new. I sold all of my brewing equipment, books, recipes, supplies, and accessories. I then started getting into coffee roasting, brewing, etc. Lately I have been purchasing green beans from SweetMarias but I am looking for other sources if anyone has some. There are quite a few defect beans in my batches. Just under 20% are weeded out and never see the roaster. I understand that green beans are fairly inexpensive but hell, if you are going OCD on something, let's take it all the way right?  My favorite coffee to roast currently are Kenyan beans. I have been roasting the AA and Peaberry beans. They have very nice flavors and believe it or not you actually can taste citrus, cherry, and cinnamon in the coffee. I know, I know, sounds crazy right. Well, trust me, it's true. I have a pretty basic air roast setup, and complete my roasts in 2.5 ounce batches. If anyone else out there is a coffee geek already, I am more than willing to share and learn more about this interesting hobby. Also, if anyone is interested in learning more about coffee, let me know. I am sure I can dig up answers from somewhere, besides my arse. ;D |
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Post by minimo on Jan 23, 2010 22:14:59 GMT -5
I am a coffeeholic! I will admit it, kaffee, kaffee, kaffee!!
Never thought about roasting my own - kudos to you!!
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Post by cc on Jan 25, 2010 14:37:53 GMT -5
The best bean I've ever had is called 'Ethiopian Yirgacheffe'.
EXTREMELY deep, rich, COMPLEX as an aged bottle of red Burgundy, I've never had coffee quite like it.
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Post by cc on Jan 25, 2010 14:44:08 GMT -5
Consulting a manual on fine coffee in a local bookstore, I understand that an expresso machine makes the best coffee because the pressure with which the water and steam is driven through the coffee extracts the maximum amount of the oils that make coffee yummy. [pressure from a good-quality expresso machine is about at least 9 atmospheres; the stove-top expresso machine drives it through at only 3 atmospheres]
But good expresso machines can run you HUNDREDS of dollars [and I was shocked to see that even some of the most expensive ones are made mostly out of PLASTIC!!!], therefore, a close second on the list of the best coffee makers is...
....the French Press coffee maker, which is what I use.
This method places full control of the strength of the coffee in your hands. You leave it as long as you desire, and the oils aren't damaged by being filtered through paper.
Forget about ANY drip maker!
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Post by cc on Jan 25, 2010 14:46:28 GMT -5
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Post by milimama on Jan 25, 2010 20:32:33 GMT -5
Love this topic! Anyone who has friended me on Facebook probably knows that my breakfast this morning was chocolate covered espresso beans washed down with more than one large mug (like soup mugs) of coffee. Mmmm . . . breakfast of champions! ;D
I have to buy a new coffee maker every time I change countries, so I haven't gone all out yet, but I long for the day that I can indulge in a high tech machine. Right now, it's a cuisinart with a thermal carafe & I have a French press as backup (& that I take to hotels with a hot water cooker so I can have my coffee the way I like it.)
In Germany, I stocked up on Jacobs Kronung, but I've run out now. I can sometimes pick it up at the commissary. I'm still looking for a stateside favorite. Today I tried the Newman's Own. I like his pasta sauce & wine so I'm giving his coffee a try. What kind do ya'all buy?
Harley, how exactly do you roast your own beans? Does it require special equipment or can I just do it with what I have on hand?
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Post by harleyman on Jan 26, 2010 12:07:13 GMT -5
Love this topic! Anyone who has friended me on Facebook probably knows that my breakfast this morning was chocolate covered espresso beans washed down with more than one large mug (like soup mugs) of coffee. Mmmm . . . breakfast of champions! ;D I have to buy a new coffee maker every time I change countries, so I haven't gone all out yet, but I long for the day that I can indulge in a high tech machine. Right now, it's a cuisinart with a thermal carafe & I have a French press as backup (& that I take to hotels with a hot water cooker so I can have my coffee the way I like it.) In Germany, I stocked up on Jacobs Kronung, but I've run out now. I can sometimes pick it up at the commissary. I'm still looking for a stateside favorite. Today I tried the Newman's Own. I like his pasta sauce & wine so I'm giving his coffee a try. What kind do ya'all buy? Harley, how exactly do you roast your own beans? Does it require special equipment or can I just do it with what I have on hand? Thank you for asking! ;D There are a few methods you can use to roast your own beans. To be honest the easiest way to do it. You may as well get the right equipment from the start is to purchase an air roaster. I purchased the Fresh Roast Plus 8 from a seller on eBay. The roaster cost me about $60, and is a small roaster. I make batches that are 2.5 ounces. Be sure to do it outside or in a well ventilated area. I have been purchasing my beans from SweetMarias.com but, I am starting to look elsewhere because of the quality of the beans is a little lacking. Good beans but, I want better. You could also try them with a skillet and a hot plate. I would recommend doing this outside. The problem is that consistency may be a little lacking. The jist of the whole thing is that the roasting process is similar to pop corn without the oil. You listen for the first "pop" which means "first crack." Keep stirring, etc, depending on method. Depending on the roast you are looking for, you either stop just after all the "popping" sounds have finished or you continue on to the "second crack." This sounds more like a sizzle. This is where beans become darker and the oil will begin to show on the outside of the bean. If anyone here is looking for an interesting hobby, I strongly recommend this. It only takes about 5-10 minutes to roast a batch of beans, let them sit for at least 8 hours, then grind them up and brew away! Mili, let me know if you want to purchase a roaster or simply do it by hand. I recommend purchasing a decent used air roaster but, I am not the type to run from a challenge.  |
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Post by harleyman on Jan 26, 2010 12:29:05 GMT -5
Consulting a manual on fine coffee in a local bookstore, I understand that an expresso machine makes the best coffee because the pressure with which the water and steam is driven through the coffee extracts the maximum amount of the oils that make coffee yummy. [pressure from a good-quality expresso machine is about at least 9 atmospheres; the stove-top expresso machine drives it through at only 3 atmospheres] But good expresso machines can run you HUNDREDS of dollars [and I was shocked to see that even some of the most expensive ones are made mostly out of PLASTIC!!!], therefore, a close second on the list of the best coffee makers is... ....the French Press coffee maker, which is what I use. This method places full control of the strength of the coffee in your hands. You leave it as long as you desire, and the oils aren't damaged by being filtered through paper. Forget about ANY drip maker! I have two coffee makers that I enjoy more than a French Press. The drawback of the French Press is the fine particulate matter at the bottom of the cup. Not to fear though! The first brewer I found after the press was a vacuum brewer. I purchased the Yama. It was pretty cool because it tasted slightly "cleaner" and did not have the leftover at the bottom of my cup. The second brewer I found, and use whenever I have the time, is my Cona coffee maker. No filters and no particulate matter at the bottom! Nice amounts of oils at the top of the cup, etc. That one is a little expensive though. Cleanup for the Yama and Cona are a bit of a pain as well. |
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Post by milimama on Jan 28, 2010 10:03:06 GMT -5
Love this topic! Anyone who has friended me on Facebook probably knows that my breakfast this morning was chocolate covered espresso beans washed down with more than one large mug (like soup mugs) of coffee. Mmmm . . . breakfast of champions! ;D I have to buy a new coffee maker every time I change countries, so I haven't gone all out yet, but I long for the day that I can indulge in a high tech machine. Right now, it's a cuisinart with a thermal carafe & I have a French press as backup (& that I take to hotels with a hot water cooker so I can have my coffee the way I like it.) In Germany, I stocked up on Jacobs Kronung, but I've run out now. I can sometimes pick it up at the commissary. I'm still looking for a stateside favorite. Today I tried the Newman's Own. I like his pasta sauce & wine so I'm giving his coffee a try. What kind do ya'all buy? Harley, how exactly do you roast your own beans? Does it require special equipment or can I just do it with what I have on hand? Thank you for asking! ;D There are a few methods you can use to roast your own beans. To be honest the easiest way to do it. You may as well get the right equipment from the start is to purchase an air roaster. I purchased the Fresh Roast Plus 8 from a seller on eBay. The roaster cost me about $60, and is a small roaster. I make batches that are 2.5 ounces. Be sure to do it outside or in a well ventilated area. I have been purchasing my beans from SweetMarias.com but, I am starting to look elsewhere because of the quality of the beans is a little lacking. Good beans but, I want better. You could also try them with a skillet and a hot plate. I would recommend doing this outside. The problem is that consistency may be a little lacking. The jist of the whole thing is that the roasting process is similar to pop corn without the oil. You listen for the first "pop" which means "first crack." Keep stirring, etc, depending on method. Depending on the roast you are looking for, you either stop just after all the "popping" sounds have finished or you continue on to the "second crack." This sounds more like a sizzle. This is where beans become darker and the oil will begin to show on the outside of the bean. If anyone here is looking for an interesting hobby, I strongly recommend this. It only takes about 5-10 minutes to roast a batch of beans, let them sit for at least 8 hours, then grind them up and brew away! Mili, let me know if you want to purchase a roaster or simply do it by hand. I recommend purchasing a decent used air roaster but, I am not the type to run from a challenge. Wow! This is so interesting . . . so what do you benefit from roasting your own? Is the quality better? Fresher? Do you do if for the fun or for the flavor? Right now, because of where I live & because I'm once again in limbo as to where I'll be (even which continent I'll be) 6 months from now, I can't bring myself to in invest in anything that I may have to shelve . . . & truthfully, this house doesn't offer the ability to ventilate as you recommend. I'm seriously looking at those vacuum coffee pots though. Are they difficult to clean? |
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Post by milimama on Jan 28, 2010 10:04:30 GMT -5
The best bean I've ever had is called 'Ethiopian Yirgacheffe'. EXTREMELY deep, rich, COMPLEX as an aged bottle of red Burgundy, I've never had coffee quite like it. Thanks for the recommendation. I French-pressed some Ethiopian Yirgacheffe this morning. I love saying that . . . it sounds naughty. ;D |
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Post by harleyman on Feb 10, 2010 8:02:06 GMT -5
Thank you for asking! ;D There are a few methods you can use to roast your own beans. To be honest the easiest way to do it. You may as well get the right equipment from the start is to purchase an air roaster. I purchased the Fresh Roast Plus 8 from a seller on eBay. The roaster cost me about $60, and is a small roaster. I make batches that are 2.5 ounces. Be sure to do it outside or in a well ventilated area. I have been purchasing my beans from SweetMarias.com but, I am starting to look elsewhere because of the quality of the beans is a little lacking. Good beans but, I want better. You could also try them with a skillet and a hot plate. I would recommend doing this outside. The problem is that consistency may be a little lacking. The jist of the whole thing is that the roasting process is similar to pop corn without the oil. You listen for the first "pop" which means "first crack." Keep stirring, etc, depending on method. Depending on the roast you are looking for, you either stop just after all the "popping" sounds have finished or you continue on to the "second crack." This sounds more like a sizzle. This is where beans become darker and the oil will begin to show on the outside of the bean. If anyone here is looking for an interesting hobby, I strongly recommend this. It only takes about 5-10 minutes to roast a batch of beans, let them sit for at least 8 hours, then grind them up and brew away! Mili, let me know if you want to purchase a roaster or simply do it by hand. I recommend purchasing a decent used air roaster but, I am not the type to run from a challenge. Wow! This is so interesting . . . so what do you benefit from roasting your own? Is the quality better? Fresher? Do you do if for the fun or for the flavor? Right now, because of where I live & because I'm once again in limbo as to where I'll be (even which continent I'll be) 6 months from now, I can't bring myself to in invest in anything that I may have to shelve . . . & truthfully, this house doesn't offer the ability to ventilate as you recommend. I'm seriously looking at those vacuum coffee pots though. Are they difficult to clean? The vacuum coffee pots are not so much difficult to clean, as much as adding a little bit of time to the overall process. You must clean them between each brewing session. Normally with the good ol' standard pot we sort of just dump in more water, a new filter, new grounds and whammo, you are done. Not the case with the vacuum brewers. I just use our detachable faucet and give it a good once over after dumping the grounds and away I go. I am still thinking about purchasing a stove-top model for the vacuum brewer though. It is a little bit of a pain to either wait for the water to boil or boil it prior. You definitely trade off convenience for quality. |
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Post by harleyman on Feb 10, 2010 8:06:39 GMT -5
The best bean I've ever had is called 'Ethiopian Yirgacheffe'. EXTREMELY deep, rich, COMPLEX as an aged bottle of red Burgundy, I've never had coffee quite like it. Thanks for the recommendation. I French-pressed some Ethiopian Yirgacheffe this morning. I love saying that . . . it sounds naughty. ;D I am currently into roasting the Kiambu Nyaga (Peaberry) and it is another one that you must try. On the advice of CC, I have ordered a few various single origin beans from Ethiopia, and will give those a try. You guys, CC and Mili, simply must try the Kenyan as well. |
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