Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Roasting Notes

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • Roasting Notes

    Hi there,

    So my hottop is due to arrive tomorrow or friday, I have some beans on the way, bags I have sorted, and scales are being looked at tonight. I cannot wait Being new to this home roasting thing, and wanting to get up to speed as quickly as possible, I am looking at taking detailed notes on the coffee I am roasting. (OK, it might just be that I cant remember a thing )

    I was just wondering what you guys take note of? At the moment I am thinking of noteing down for each bean the time, the temperatures over time, the colour over time, and batch size. Then of course I will have tasting notes that relate to all of this, and I will attempt to roast the beans to different levels to make sure I get the best of every bean in the blends that I create.

    Have I missed anything out here? From what I know, I have no control over air flow or temp profiles in the hottop, but I want to take note of the temps for my own interest, and of course for when I eventually go silly and buy a commercial roaster I want to be able to replicate these roasts (hey, dreams are free )

    Anyway, let me know

    Thanks Guys!

  • #2
    Re: Roasting Notes

    Seeing as youre just starting down the home roasting road now would be the perfect time to establish a database to track your beans and roasts. Having a record of your roasts and tasting notes is an invaluable tool.

    If youre running a PC with Access on it take a look at this one: http://improbablystructuredlayers.net/CoffeeRoastingDB/CRDBHome.htm

    Ive been using it for quite some time now since someone posted the link on here and have found it to be a wonderful tool.

    It can be used to simply record your roasts or you can bring into play all its features and use it to track inventory, tasting notes, blends, and just about anything else you can think of.

    Java "Hhhhmmm.....Data!" phile
    Toys! I must have new toys!!!

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: Roasting Notes

      Hey Java,

      I had a look at this DB and it uses a later version of Access than I own. Do you know if there is something around that can convert the DB files to my version of Access, Access 97? It would be great if there was then I could transfer all my written records to this system ;D,

      Mal.

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: Roasting Notes

        Hhhmmm.....Im not sure Mal. Ive never tried to convert in that direction. Try googling it.

        Java "Google is your friend" phile
        Toys! I must have new toys!!!

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: Roasting Notes

          Hi Muzzi,

          Welcome to the wonderful world of home roasting.  The Hottop is a great machine.  You want to keep track of all the aspects you mention...but just as importantly, the Sight, Sound and Smell of those beans during the roast.  

          The Hottop will give you a time adjustment only; but you can note the temperatures..the profile is set.

          The machine is quiet enough to clearly determine first and second crack, you can clearly see the beans as they roast, and you can smell the change from moist hay to roasted beans...

          Just make sure you religiously clean out the chaff, because that element sits very close to any chaff buildup, and there is the real possibility of a fire....(hehe...but dont let that put you off )

          Happy roasting..

          Cheers...

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: Roasting Notes

            Muzzi:

            You will love the Hottop, it really is a great little machine.

            I normally clean out the chaff every 2 - 3 roasts. There is a little tray for the chaff too that is cleaned out each roast. It takes about five minutes if that to take the front off and clean the barrel.

            The nice thing about the Hottop is that it is simple and as Chris says, it is nice and quiet so that you can hear what is going on and also see what is going on through the glass in front.

            Im taking most of my roasts about 45 seconds or so into second crack until I see the beans are getting a deep chocolatey colour. This is a matter of preference though.

            All the best,
            Grant

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: Roasting Notes

              Ditto all that has been said about the Hottop by the guys above. Ive had mine just on 12 months - hasnt missed a beat in 73 roasts.

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: Roasting Notes

                Thanks for all the tips and tricks guys!

                My hottop arrived today, while I was out Have to wait till tomorrow to get my paws on it! Damnit

                Thanks for the chaff removal tips, I dont want any fires

                Comment


                • #9
                  Re: Roasting Notes

                  Hi! I have come here because my father asked me to look through the web about secrets of roasting. I never roast myself but I think the information in this forum would be interesting for my father who is truly coffee lover.

                  Comment

                  Working...
                  X