Real coffee makes a happy little me.

[tjwmason]

I'm sitting here in the land of bad bad bad coffee (England), it's usually made so weak that water would have more of a kick, and fouled with milk. Worst of all, in the large majority of cases is isn't coffee, but rather 'instant coffee'.

Now all of that has changed, this morning I remembered to bring a single-cup filter into work with me; and am enjoying a rather decent Ethiopian coffee.

Hurrah for real coffee.

[KT2000]

1. Weak coffee is the worst

I really like Italian coffees. They seem to have figured a way to make a strong coffee without acidity or bitterness.
Could you run down to Italy for a cup? It would be worth it!

[tjwmason]

2. They really have figured out the perfect coffee

But it's a little too far to go just for a cup each morning. Will probably be there for holiday in the summer though.

[pnorman]

3. That's exactly what a coffee dealer in SF's "Little Italy"

told me a long time back. Italian style roasting may look dark and "strong", but it burns off all the bitterness and acidity.

My little kitchen has become a Temple of Coffee. In addition to to an expresso machine with it's own dedicated grinder, I have a standard filter coffeemaker, a vacuum filter coffee maker, and a French press. By mail, I get 3 different coffee beans including Blue Mountain and Stockholm Roast (I buy the espresso beans locally). I just bought a new and better grinder for those other machines.

My next step will probably be roasting my own beans.

pnorman

[tjwmason]

4. I'm tempted to try home-roast

but the rest of my family just don't get the whole 'coffee is heavenly' thing and would bitch and moan about the smell too much.

[pnorman]

10. Here's one of several websites that'll tell you all you may need

to know about home roasting. As you can see even popcorn poppers are listed, although there may be a few hitches: http://www.sweetmarias.com/ The biggest problem with all of them is that considerable smoke is generated. Unless you have some sort of ventilation hood in the kitchen, it's suggested that it be done out on the porch or somewhere. That's not practical for me, so I'll probably take a pass on home roasting for the time being. {But the idea of fresh roasted coffee SURE tempts me though].

My espresso grinder (~$120) has a large hopper, and is set to 'espresso fine grind'. My other grinder ($50 Cuisinart) has a large hopper also, but I use it 'batch-feed' ... a diferent coffee bean each day. French press takes a coarser grind than the syphon (vacuum) device. My ONLY concern about mixing beans, is that I may accidentally hit on a Million Dollar Mix ... one that would put my name up in lights at Coffee Geek (http://www.coffeegeek.com/). I'd then probably devote the rest of my life trying (in vain!) to recreate that blend. Otherwise, I figure that ALL mixes are okay as long as the beans aren't stale. While I'm babbling, here's my vacuum filter pot: http://hariousa.com/abvacpotmet.html The model illustrated is the one I have, but I no longer see it listed on that page.

It's getting close to 6am here in Seattle. Time to make some (fresh ground!) coffee and get to bed!

pnorman

[Solly Mack]

5. Bless you! I thought my multiple devices for coffee made me odd!

3 grinders, so as to never mix beans. No matter how well you clean it out, it never "feels" clean enough and might mix blends. Might harm the flavor. I also have an old hand cranked grinder.

A Senseo, a Krupp w/ espresso maker, a Cuisinart, as well as a French Press. My goal is a Bunn....industrial size. :) Not because I can drink that amount in a day...but because I could have that much available if I wanted to...it's the "thought"


German, Viennese , and Italian coffees here. As well as Danish.

[Bunny]

6. Do you like your Senseo?

I have that Home Cafe thing, and I'm not impressed with the flavor of those pods. It just isn't fresh enough for me. What do you think?

[Solly Mack]

7. It's not the best maker I own

I generally use other makers, but I like it for the one cup option. My husband calls it "noisy" :)

I think it taste fresher than most domestic coffees but not as fresh as the beans I buy and grind myself.

[Zuni]

8. shouldn't you bee drinking Earl Grey with a touch of cream?

You are British. Do not embarass your nation

[tjwmason]

9. Golly no

Cream in tea is a perfidy of the highest order (milk not cream is added to Indian tea). Earl Grey in the morning is very questionable and it should be taken with lemon (because of the bergamot flavouring).

[Zuni]

11. I always used milk myself

I thought cream would be too thick, myself. But then again you British always have a way of your own to do things...like driving on the wrong side of the road :shrug:

:evilgrin:

[WritersBlock]

12. Rambout's?

I love their Columbian single cup filters. We take them with us when we stay in hotels, because those little coffee packets are never strong enough.