Hi! Im new here. Go easy on me!

[bolb]

Re: Hi! Im new here. Go easy on me!

Hey coffeecol
I have been here a little while and i am still a baby on the knowledge front when it comes to some members here.
But everyone is really friendly and helpfull.
Enjoy you coffee experience, I know i do.

Mal

[Marnass]

Re: Hi! Im new here. Go easy on me!

Hi  CS’rs,
I love the fact that the coffeesnobs are multiplying an exponential rate – the more passionate coffee lovers out there pushing the boundaries the better.
To date my journey to the perfect cup has lead me from reheating used milk and using pre ground supermarket coffee to roasting at home with a corretto. By the way thanks CS’rs, for all the great info on roasting, building your own roaster etc.  I feel like I can start contributing a bit more now that I have some experience under my belt.
Looking forward to more great banter, and increasing my knowledge of specialty coffee.
Cheers,

[normc]

Re: Hi! Im new here. Go easy on me!

Hi all,

Definitely new, but not so sensitive that you need to "go easy on me". Just common courtesy and a bit of civility will be fine thanks. Im a little surprised Ive not been able to find a general section on techniques and how to get the most out of whatever machine one might have. Does one exist or is it a case of asking questions until everyones brain is picked clean so to speak.

I have a Krupps 4100 probably around 8 y.o. now and using it a little more then in the past. Was told recently that the basic rule is 30ml in 20 seconds but cant do this with the Krups as it dispensers about 100ml in that time and the flow rate is not adjustable. I can reduce the time to get 30ml but that comes down to 7 secs.

Any suggestions on my best course of action before buying a new machine? This one operates just fine but the coffee could certainly be better. Appreciate all replies....Normc

[A_M]

Re: Hi! Im new here. Go easy on me!

Hi all,

Definitely new, but not so sensitive that you need to "go easy on me". Just common courtesy and a bit of civility will be fine thanks. Im a little surprised Ive not been able to find a general section on techniques and how to get the most out of whatever machine one might have. Does one exist or is it a case of asking questions until everyones brain is picked clean so to speak.

I have a Krupps 4100 probably around 8 y.o. now and using it a little more then in the past. Was told recently that the basic rule is 30ml in 20 seconds but cant do this with the Krups as it dispensers about 100ml in that time and the flow rate is not adjustable. I can reduce the time to get 30ml but that comes down to 7 secs.

Any suggestions on my best course of action before buying a new machine? This one operates just fine but the coffee could certainly be better. Appreciate all replies....Normc

Civility...  And ya expect to get answers as well ???    ;D  


Rules of thumb and coffee is just that... For many it is more about "what ends up in the cup"and what works for YOU...

A general section...  Is always too general   :  :  

However some great reading can be had via the following links..

1:  http://www.home-barista.com/howtos.html?sid=649fe325900c9dc981eba359fd386e8d

and I like

2:  http://home.surewest.net/frcn/Coffee/HowToEspresso.html   He even visits CS....  

And for even more reading and some helpful tips..

3: http://home.surewest.net/frcn/Coffee/Coffee.html


Welcome to the long and windy road to enlichtment..   Speeling police  ;D  But no civility.

[GregWormald]

Re: Hi! Im new here. Go easy on me!

Hi Normc,

Welcome to CS.

One reason there is no simple technique is because making good espresso is a critical combination of several tasks that are critical in themselves, and usually differ in the details between each grinder, each espresso machine, each coffee bean, and each persons preferences.

It usually takes weeks and months of practice before this becomes second nature, and it always takes attention to the task.

Briefly however, it is below (a search of the site will reveal many details and hints for performing each task).

Getting great coffee is a matter of:
1 using fresh beans--less than 3 weeks from roasting,
2 grinding immediately before making coffee, (which requires a minimum quality of grinder, and the correct setting of same)
3 using the correct amount of grinds,
4 compressing the grinds to the correct pressure,
5 having the water delivered at the correct temperature,
6 expressing the right amount of coffee for the taste you want.
If you take milk,
7 using quality milk
8 steaming milk correctly
9 getting quantities of milk and coffee to taste.

Its all fun, its a challenge, and for the "snobs" that inhabit this site it is all worthwhile.

I hope you enjoy your trip.

Greg

[CallumMorich]

Re: Hi! Im new here. Go easy on me!

Hey there everyone! Im new here, and fairly new to the world of coffee. Im just 18, I live in Perth, and Ive been working as a barista for only a few months at a franchise cafe. Im really interested in cupping a variety of beans, and if anyone has any tips about cupping please let me know!
Looking forward to talking coffee!!!

[sy]

Re: Hi! Im new here. Go easy on me!

Hi guys,

I have been reading the posts here for a few weeks now - this is an awesome site and I have learned a great deal here already.

Like many here, I recently purchased my 1st machine - 6910 & 0480, its taken me a while to get it right but after reading about the grind and tamp comments I have managed to get it almost right. I have also booked in for the Sunbeam training in a few weeks - looking forward to refining my style a little more.

Anyway, I was hoping to obtain some valued advice in regards to sources in Melb CBD for quality beans. Thus far I have only used Lavazza from the supermarket and im sure that is hardly any comparison to some fresh roasted beans.

I am aware of BeanBay and will eventually try some of the product as many have regarded highly. But I really want to be able to talk to some local merchants and discuss, smell etc to develop a better appreciation.

So far my research has uncovered Quists (lt Collins St) and a couple of merchants in and around the Vic Market.

Any recommendations would be really appreciated. Also, any suggestions on particular beans/blends/origins for espresso and milk coffee would also be great. I understand its all up to the palate and I intend on trying many, however basic tips would really help.

Thanks in advance.

[acoggins]

Re: Hi! Im new here. Go easy on me!

Hi Sy,

Youre in the land of plenty in Melbourne. Youve already mentioned Beanbay which most people here will back. But if youd like a bricks and mortar place, theres plenty.
I know the places in and around Vic Market, and while theyre ok, you can do better.

Take a walk a few blocks north of Vic mart to Seven Seeds, or to its little brother, Brother Baba Budan in Bourke St. Check out Veneziano in Abbotsford or St Ali in South Melbourne if youre looking for something outside the city.

Theres stacks more, but these are the places I can personally recommend.

In regards to specific blends, any of the normal house blends from these establishments will work well with Milk. Start with some blends and then when youre ready, launch out in to trying some Single Origins

-ACog

Edit: typos

[hazchem]

Re: Hi! Im new here. Go easy on me!

Hi Sy,

you could also check the Good Coffee Where section of the site for some pointers ...

Welcome to Coffeesnobs!

[sy]

Re: Hi! Im new here. Go easy on me!

thanks so much - cant wait to check the recommendations.

I work in Melb CBD - so will definitely head down to BBB soon. St Ali and Veneziano sound like they are definitely on the cards for a visit soon as well (the many reviews say it all).

Much appreciated

[yawningp]

Re: Hi! Im new here. Go easy on me!

Hi CS’ers!

I’m fairly new here, been lurking since early June. I’ve been learning about all things coffee.

Today I pulled a shot, it was a double shot basket, dosed and tamped following Scottie Callahan’s guide and I stopped the pull at about 30 seconds. From all the guides I have read I concluded that my grind was too fine because I had about 30mls in the cup. I tasted the coffee and immediately I noticed there wasn’t that ‘bitterness’ that I usually taste. It wasn’t sour and I was thinking what am I drinking? Is this what everyone has been talking about when they say the espresso shouldn’t be ‘bitter’? I was ecstatic but there was no one there to share it with, so here I am!

I also noticed there was no oil left in the basket when I knocked out the puck.

Anyways just thought I’d share.

[Thundergod]

Re: Hi! Im new here. Go easy on me!

Youve pulled a ristretto with a finer grind and a result of only 30 mls.
This will taste sweeter.

There should never be any "oil" left in the basket, I think you meant water.

[Dennis]

Re: Hi! Im new here. Go easy on me!

Youve pulled a ristretto with a finer grind and a result of only 30 mls

Or a double ristretto.

There should never be any "oil" left in the basket, I think you meant water.

Nah, I think oil is what was meant. ie. not over-extracted.

[wenndie]

Re: Hi! Im new here. Go easy on me!

Hello CSers!
I dont drink alot of coffee, mostly 2 cups a day. But I want 2 good cups. The first I make at home on a base model thunk thunk thunk Sunbeam, the second I get from a good Sydney cafe.
I want both my coffees to be good, so its time to upgrade and here I am, whiling away my time trying to decide what to get next...Rancilio? ...La scala? Hopefully the old thunker will last till I can afford something  nice and shiny and new that does a decent cup of coffee! :-/
After what I have read so far, I need a new grinder too!
Thanks CSers

[sniffta]

Re: Hi! Im new here. Go easy on me!

GDay Everyone,

Been lurking for some time and thought that it was time to get involved.

A big thanks to all who do contribute, the knowledge base amongst the members is amazing, and very helpful to someone just starting out.

I was lucky enought to be surprised by a Delonghi esam 6600 (Iknow, I know :)for christmas. Whilst a good machine that makes a reasonable coffee, it hasnt allowed me to really get involved in the process.

So after many hours of browsing the site, and the aid of Chris at Talk Coffee I have a new Diadema Perfetta and Wega mini-instant grinder on the way.

Hopefully be making some good coffee by the weekend, will let you know how I go..........


Brandon