Espresso Enthusiasts

[0388631]

chilli in the bar.

I spent years thinking that would be incredibly foul until someone tricked me into eating a piece. I don't recall the brand, but it was one of those fancy artisan chocolate bars. It was very good. Rich darkness, subtle earthy flavors, small inkling of sweet and a warming sensation from the chili. It wasn't spicy and it wasn't disgusting. It was rather good.

For many years now, I've been of the opinion that spicy food is good for you when you're sick. Especially when you've got a throat infection. Capsaicin seems to soothe and numb the area of irritation.

You won't find me eating a screaming curry or near-deadly hot Thai dish. I don't enjoy the food from those cultures much. You will find me brewing black tea with cinnamon (demulcent), black pepper berries and either strips of dried cayenne or piri piri if the local specialty shops imported it. Added to that will be mint leaves and honey. I despite honey with every fiber of my being. However, it's necessary in my brew. A few slices of lemon doesn't hurt either.

Re: Milk Chocolate.

I like it tiny amounts. Preferably around Christmas and mixed into something else. Perhaps melted into a cake for added richness. When I was a child, and like any other child, I enjoyed sweets but as I got older I began enjoying savory foods and salty foods.

I'd find more enjoyment consuming salted herring and whole wheat bread (or whole meal if you prefer that name) from a good bakery. Speaking of which, I haven't had something so simple in a long time.

Which brings me to my travels into Russian territory many years ago. But, I believe @Scepticalscribe can offer you more intimate knowledge of Russia's arguably glorious and expansive array of meals and appetizers. Once you remove the stereotypical shroud people associate with Russia, you'll realize it's a rather beautiful culture steeped in tradition.

I'd go on but I'm sure there's coffee to be discussed and not everyone appreciates the lengthy posts I make on travels or food... or my tea habits.

Speaking of which, I had triple shot Americano. Delicious after a large meal.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Put me down as an aficionado of dark chocolate, preferably 80% or above and these days I enjoy it with the insertion of orange or chilli in the bar. Yumm.

Orange (preferably from Seville) in dark chocolate? Yum.

Raspberry also goes well with dark chocolate.

While I like my (dark) chocolate dark and quite bitter, (perhaps a metaphor I should prefer not to have to explore too deeply...), I have come to find that while I like the 77%, and 85% versions, even for me, 99% is excessive. Sometimes, that hint of suppressed sweetness can be rather nice.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Well, a cup (mug, actually) of lovely Ethiopian coffee - from the Yirgacheffe region of the highlands of Ethiopia - sits beside me, as I write.

Quite lovely, if truth be told.

Even within Ethiopian coffees, there is a magic word, and it is "Yirgacheffe".

 

[mobilehaathi]

For many years now, I've been of the opinion that spicy food is good for you when you're sick. Especially when you've got a throat infection. Capsaicin seems to soothe and numb the area of irritation.

Capsaicin is used as a topical analgesic in creams and patches as well as in nasal sprays. It is an interesting compound. (Not sure if that is freely accessible for others as I'm at work.)

 

[0388631]

Capsaicin is used as a topical analgesic in creams and patches as well as in nasal sprays. It is an interesting compound. (Not sure if that is freely accessible for others as I'm at work.)

I didn't know that. That's very interesting. I wonder if these creams are available. I've seen patches that had capsaicin but I thought it was twaddle. I'll have to research it more.

 

[mobilehaathi]

I didn't know that. That's very interesting. I wonder if these creams are available. I've seen patches that had capsaicin but I thought it was twaddle. I'll have to research it more.

I'm sure there are many brands and formulations intended for various uses, but one brand, targeted at arthritis pain relief, is called Capzasin and can be found at pretty much any drug store.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Sipping a lovely mug of coffee - that is, Ethiopian coffee, a blend of my own devising, a mixture of Yirgacheffe and Gebed - I realise that I am in danger of running out of coffee shortly.

This is something that must be remedied.

 

[S.B.G]

Sipping a lovely mug of coffee - that is, Ethiopian coffee, a blend of my own devising, a mixture of Yirgacheffe and Gebed - I realise that I am in danger of running out of coffee shortly.

This is something that must be remedied.

I'm looking at placing an order today as well. I'm not yet sure if it will be my usual order, or to try something different.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

I'm looking at placing an order today as well. I'm not yet sure if it will be my usual order, or to try something different.

Decisions, dilemmas. But, I know what you mean.

I shall see what Ethiopian coffee from Yirgacheffe is available, and then, and only then, contemplate ordering something else as well.

 

[mobilehaathi]

Brewing a cup of Ethiopian from Illubabor Baaroo Coopoerative while contemplating my next order from SM's.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Ah, so, it appears that a number of us are contemplating fresh orders at the same time. Fascinating.

 

[mobilehaathi]

Ah, so, it appears that a number of us are contemplating fresh orders at the same time. Fascinating.

Heh, I completely missed that!

Well I've ordered 8lbs from Sweet Maria's this morning. Two pounds each of Kebele Kochore lot 2, Mitchi Coop, Fara Sala, and the Ethiopiques blend. And it probably isn't a suppose that they are all from Ethiopia.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Heh, I completely missed that!

Well I've ordered 8lbs from Sweet Maria's this morning. Two pounds each of Kebele Kochore lot 2, Mitchi Coop, Fara Sala, and the Ethiopiques blend. And it probably isn't a suppose that they are all from Ethiopia.

Yes, I have put aside a book I have been in danger of falling into (Mark Landler's recent - very recent publication - "Alter Egos") and must head out to purchase some coffee, and kefir.

(And maybe some beer, too....)

Outside, it is drizzling lightly, but - unless the weather is faced - the coffee might run out.

Sad to relate, I know which alternative is worse.

But it is rather funny that your good self, @mobilehaathi, and the venerable @SandboxGeneral and myself are all set to order coffee today.

I shall see what is available in my 17th century coffee shop; if they have nothing worth ordering, I shall telephone the Ethiopian Coffee Company in London - their site tells me that several - what seem to be gorgeous - Yirgacheffes seem to be available.

 

[S.B.G]

Outside, it is drizzling lightly

That's the same weather we're having here at the moment too.

I emailed my local roaster, The Dessert Oasis, whom I've ordered from before, and asked about tasting notes on the only 3 offerings they show on the website because it is lacking. I also asked which of them, if any, are recommended for espresso. I received a reply a few minutes ago that they will add tasting notes to the website and thanked me for the inquiry.

They also stated that for espresso they can send me an offering that is not listed on the site called "Colombia Palestina Aromas Del Sur" with these tasting notes: "great notes of raspberry, chocolate, and brown sugar."

I placed the order for that Colombian offering as well as for "Kenya Oreti" for my V60 pour over needs at work. There are no tasting notes for it, as of yet, but I'll check back later to see what they add to the website for it.

There is nothing wrong with my ordering from Atomic Coffee and the Diesel Dark Roast and the French Roast, but to keep from boredom setting in I want to try other stuff once in a while too.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

That's the same weather we're having here at the moment too.

I emailed my local roaster, The Dessert Oasis, whom I've ordered from before, and asked about tasting notes on the only 3 offerings they show on the website because it is lacking. I also asked which of them, if any, are recommended for espresso. I received a reply a few minutes ago that they will add tasting notes to the website and thanked me for the inquiry.

They also stated that for espresso they can send me an offering that is not listed on the site called "Colombia Palestina Aromas Del Sur" with these tasting notes: "great notes of raspberry, chocolate, and brown sugar."

I placed the order for that Colombian offering as well as for "Kenya Oreti" for my V60 pour over needs at work. There are no tasting notes for it, as of yet, but I'll check back later to see what they add to the website for it.

There is nothing wrong with my ordering from Atomic Coffee and the Diesel Dark Roast and the French Roast, but to keep from boredom setting in I want to try other stuff once in a while too.

Well, I found some lovely Ethiopian coffee (yes, from Yirgacheffe) in my favourite 17th century coffee shop.

Unfortunately, this gloomy day meant that the upstairs part, where I love to linger, and play LPs on the gorgeous turntable (Sgt Pepper's was playing as I stuck my head in), was absolutely full of people. With regret, I beat a hasty retreat, though I did buy some of their excellent cakes to take home to the carer and to Mother.

I am the sort of customer that coffee shops don't like, as - while I do like a wonderfully atmospheric - and aged - ambience, alas, I do dislike crowds.

Perhaps tomorrow; perhaps - shock, horror - the morning........

But, at least my immediate coffee needs have been attended to.

Of course, it is entirely possible that I shall phone the Ethiopian coffee company tomorrow. Or next week. Some of their Yirgacheffe coffees look as though they may be worth investigating.

 

[S.B.G]

I am the sort of customer that coffee shops don't like, as - while I do like a wonderfully atmospheric - and aged - ambience, alas, I do dislike crowds.

I'm the same way. The Dessert Oasis tends to be crowded many times when I happen to visit. So instead of buying some beans and enjoying a coffee while I am there, I might just instead stand in line and get my beans then be on my way. But if the crowd is low I might stay a while and have a coffee or two.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

I'm the same way. The Dessert Oasis tends to be crowded many times when I happen to visit. So instead of buying some beans and enjoying a coffee while I am there, I might just instead stand in line and get my beans then be on my way. But if the crowd is low I might stay a while and have a coffee or two.

Yes, the curse of the introverted customer.......

Yes, if the place is more than half empty, I'll happily have a coffee, and some mineral water, and linger awhile, sipping my coffee, enjoying the ambience, chatting sometimes to the other solitary folks who drift in, and listening to music on the turntable.

Worse today was the fact that it had been raining, so it was not comfortable or pleasant for customers to sit at the lovely tables outside the coffee shop, - which is where the crowds are usually to be found - and that, in turn, meant that they made their way upstairs to my favourite spot, crowding it out.

Well, such is life. Needless to say, it is good for the business that it has been discovered, and, although my inner introvert would have preferred that it hadn't been, the pleasure I take in their existence means that - obviously - it is better that they are frequented by an increasing number of customers.

 

[S.B.G]

I just received a reply from The Dessert Oasis with some notes on the "Ethiopia Kayon Mtn" beans I ordered for the V60: "notes of grapefruit, apricot, and jasmine." A few posts back I incorrectly said I ordered some beans from Kenya for the V60. Not sure how I managed to do that, but I did order the Ethiopian beans for sure.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

I just received a reply from The Dessert Oasis with some notes on the "Ethiopia Kayon Mtn" beans I ordered for the V60: "notes of grapefruit, apricot, and jasmine." A few posts back I incorrectly said I ordered some beans from Kenya for the V60. Not sure how I managed to do that, but I did order the Ethiopian beans for sure.

Well, I hope you enjoy them when they arrive.

 

[0388631]

Nice hot cup of French pressed Ethiopian Harrar.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Nice hot cup of French pressed Ethiopian Harrar.

How do you find the Harrar - when compared with other Ethiopian coffees?

 

[0388631]

How do you find the Harrar - when compared with other Ethiopian coffees?

With the different processing method, the scent and body is different. At least to my old eyes. The flavor is bolder, earthier instead of the floral undertones you'd expect from Yirgacheffe. It reminds me of a good cabarnet wine whereas the other reminds me of a quality pinot noir. As I was brewing it, I smelled cloves and cinnamon from a distance. With a light hint of sweet smoke. Flavor was, as you imagine it to be, dark and mysterious in a good way. I'm not sure if it'll become a regular for me. I don't recall ever buying Harrar in my life. I think I've tried Sidamo and wasn't so pleased with it. There are other African beans of varying quality which sadly don't make it stateside. Probably for good reason as I imagine those lesser varieties are of a lower quality.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

With the different processing method, the scent and body is different. At least to my old eyes. The flavor is bolder, earthier instead of the floral undertones you'd expect from Yirgacheffe. It reminds me of a good cabarnet wine whereas the other reminds me of a quality pinot noir. As I was brewing it, I smelled cloves and cinnamon from a distance. With a light hint of sweet smoke. Flavor was, as you imagine it to be, dark and mysterious in a good way. I'm not sure if it'll become a regular for me. I don't recall ever buying Harrar in my life. I think I've tried Sidamo and wasn't so pleased with it. There are other African beans of varying quality which sadly don't make it stateside. Probably for good reason as I imagine those lesser varieties are of a lower quality.

Fascinating post, and thank you for taking the time and trouble to compose it.

I have had Harrar - an excellent Harrar from the Ethiopian Coffee Company in London - and I think you have captured its essence - and tasting notes - extremely well. What a wonderfully descriptive and informative post. Again, thank you.

Agreed. It never became a regular of mine - not least, because I far prefer Yirgacheffe - but it is excellent in beefing up other Ethiopians when one wishes to experiment with blending.

 

[Alexander.Of.Oz]

Ah, so, it appears that a number of us are contemplating fresh orders at the same time. Fascinating.

And I just picked up our coffee for the next fortnight, sticking with the favourite at the moment, laced with dark chocolate notes, but also got a darker roast for myself to enjoy too. Nothing outlandish or bitter I have been assured by the purveyor.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

And I just picked up our coffee for the next fortnight, sticking with the favourite at the moment, laced with dark chocolate notes, but also got a darker roast for myself to enjoy too. Nothing outlandish or bitter I have been assured by the purveyor.

Sounds lovely. Enjoy.

Eventually, I came to realise that I actually didn't much like that 'bitter' note (still less the 'muddy' one) that you get from some coffees.

Nevertheless, I have to say that I thought it was funny that a number of us felt compelled to order some coffee at the same time.