AndreBII Senior Member Joined: 23 Feb 2006 Posts: 41 Location: Philadelphia, PA Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Expobar Brewtus II Grinder: Mazzer Mini, Baratza... Vac Pot: Hario 3 cup, Yama 3 cup Drip: Bodum FP, Bee House dripper,...
Posted Tue Jun 10, 2008, 8:21am Subject: Re: What's with the Black Cat?
I tightened the Mazzer way up - 3 notches tighter its ever been before (about 6 notches from 'Start here' mark - normally I am grinding 3.5 notches tighter). I also updosing the basket with at least 18 grams. This seemed to have slowed down the shots quite a bit, the flavor seemed to have improved - it is actually palatable now, although there is no caramel or chocolate in sight. I am still puzzled by the finess of the grind required by this blend - I do not remember ever going outside of my 'normal' espresso grind setting range before with Black cat.
SL28ave Senior Member Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 796 Location: Rockville, MD Expertise: I live coffee
Grinder: Baratza Virtuoso Drip: Technivorm
Posted Tue Jun 10, 2008, 5:09pm Subject: Re: What's with the Black Cat?
FWIW, here's my description of the latest shot of Black Cat I had, at Sova Espresso in DC one month ago:
I’ve tasted Black Cat here and there since 2004. My single shot looked reserved – perhaps .65 oz with neither much flecking nor whiteness. A raspberry buzz that I’d expect from a great Salvadoran or Guatemalan... rich... A smooth, smoky tobacco finish without much bitterness, perhaps from a Brazilian. Nice! The best shot of Black Cat I’ve ever had.
I want to go back for another one.
Regarding the earlier question about woodiness. To be general, woodiness often comes from raw coffee age.
Posted Tue Jun 10, 2008, 5:51pm Subject: Re: What's with the Black Cat?
I'm glad that you posted this because I am experiencing the exact same issue....too fast and a distinctive woody flavor. I've gone 2 clicks tighter to get the correct time/volume, but the flavor is not what I am accustomed too. Thanks for posting!
AndreBII Senior Member Joined: 23 Feb 2006 Posts: 41 Location: Philadelphia, PA Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Expobar Brewtus II Grinder: Mazzer Mini, Baratza... Vac Pot: Hario 3 cup, Yama 3 cup Drip: Bodum FP, Bee House dripper,...
Posted Wed Jun 11, 2008, 9:28am Subject: Re: What's with the Black Cat?
It seems this blend does improve with time - I just opened the second pound yesterday and at 12 days after roasting it is looking much better...I guess this blend requires more resting time than others - give it a few more days in a one way valved bag and try it then. As to the finess of the grounds I keep it around 18 grams in a ridgeless double basket and my Mazzer at 'extra fine' - that seems to slow down the pulls quite a bit.
Posted Wed Jun 11, 2008, 11:34am Subject: Re: What's with the Black Cat?
I think the recent Black Cat is different than the first Black Cat I ever had a few years ago, and it's not bad, just different. That's probably something that's not very easy to control due to the varying sources for blend components, but they do a great job with their coffees in my opinion. Sometimes I switch off and go for some Kid O's organic blend which has always been one of my favorites from Intelligentsia.
That's a great video - thanks for posting the link! It's after seeing videos like this one that I wish I had a job related to coffee. Like in Chicago, the LA facility looks equally awesome.
groomcreek Senior Member Joined: 8 Dec 2004 Posts: 66 Location: Northern AZ Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: La Spaziale S1 Grinder: Macap
Posted Thu Jun 26, 2008, 2:19pm Subject: Re: What's with the Black Cat?
Intelligentsia has CHANGED the blend for Black Cat!
I've been a BC fan for over 3 years and always considered it my favorite. I order BC 10 to 1 over other espresso blends - and I've tried many. I received my usual mail order this week and was told by Intelligentsia that they had just changed the blend. I was told it was more fruity and I'd love it. Not sure why the blend change, but certainly not the same flavor.
I'm really bummed. Although still a very nice espresso (is this damning with faint praise;-), NO WHERE NEAR what it used to be. It's lost a lot of the caramel & chocolate tones that I preferred.
Any suggestions for another blend that's big on caramel and chocolate? Sorry Doug, but when I'm through with this 3 lb. order I'm bailing on Black Cat until you switch back to the original blend.
PS - BC has always been considered a forgiving blend to pull a great shot (and still is). So, I'm not sure why you're having trouble pulling good shots.
I said why in my above post, & the link to Intelly there also explains why! It's not a static blend/in flux & they're always tweaking to push the boundarys.
Ask Jay Cunningham (JCunningham) above & see what he says..
AndreBII Senior Member Joined: 23 Feb 2006 Posts: 41 Location: Philadelphia, PA Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Expobar Brewtus II Grinder: Mazzer Mini, Baratza... Vac Pot: Hario 3 cup, Yama 3 cup Drip: Bodum FP, Bee House dripper,...
Posted Thu Jun 26, 2008, 2:38pm Subject: Re: What's with the Black Cat?
groomcreek Said:
Intelligentsia has CHANGED the blend for Black Cat!
Any suggestions for another blend that's big on caramel and chocolate? Sorry Doug, but when I'm through with this 3 lb. order I'm bailing on Black Cat until you switch back to the original blend.
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