CoffeeGeek - Espresso: Espresso Blends, Need recommendation from Counter Culture please

Espresso: Espresso Blends
Need recommendation from Counter Culture please

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Discussions > Espresso > blends > Need...

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tealboy1
Senior Member

Joined: 1 Jul 2008
Posts: 129
Location: Florida
Expertise: Just starting

Espresso: Starbuck Athena Barista
Grinder: B Vario
Vac Pot: Bodum Press
Drip: Cuisinart but don't use

Posted Sat Jan 2, 2010, 3:16pm Subject: Need recommendation from Counter Culture please

I am going to order my first bag of coffee and I thought I wouild start with Counter Culture. For one, they are in NC so shipping to Florida will be fastest and I am nearly out of coffee. Second, they have a $3 flat shipping and third, they seem to be a recommended supplier on CG. Is there a espresso blend you would recommend I start with? I am using a Starbucks Athena pressure porta filter, so I realize this may limit my potential. My next coffee will be Klatch Belle but thought I'd start with CCC since they will get it here fastest. thx, dave

SwingT
Senior Member

Joined: 28 Jul 2009
Posts: 150
Location: GSP
Expertise: I like coffee

Posted Sat Jan 2, 2010, 3:47pm Subject: Re: Need recommendation from Counter Culture please

Tuscano is working well for me. I keep coming back to it. Super Jolly grinder and pretty soft city water.

Kenntak
Senior Member

Joined: 10 Apr 2009
Posts: 57
Location: Florida
Expertise: Just starting

Espresso: Gaggia Classic
Grinder: Kyocera Hand Grinder

Posted Sat Jan 2, 2010, 4:56pm Subject: Re: Need recommendation from Counter Culture please

I am in Florida too and ordered my first beans from Counter Culture for the same reason. I ordered the Toscano blend and the Rustico blend. I loved the Toscano blend for espresso, it had notes of caramel and chocolate, and was very smooth. The Rustico was also very good. It was very creamy and had an earthy taste. I am going to order from them again next week, this time trying the Aficionado and the La Forza. After my first order, I received a $5.00 coupon, so shipping and more will be covered. Give them a try.

Jmanespresso
Senior Member

Joined: 18 Jan 2009
Posts: 2,108
Location: Westchester NY
Expertise: I live coffee

Espresso: Alex Duetto II
Grinder: Compak K10 - Vario
Vac Pot: Yama-SY5/SY8/TCA5
Drip: V60, Beehouse, CCD
Roaster: Hottop B

Posted Sat Jan 2, 2010, 5:10pm Subject: Re: Need recommendation from Counter Culture please

I LOVE the Rustico. Its my favorite of the usual offerings from Counter Culture. Very versatile, meaning, it works well in milk drinks of reasonable sizes. My favorite is the patented "Jeffiatto", which is a 3oz drink, 50-50 espresso to microfoam. It might have another name, but I like Jeffiatto better :) Second favorite is Aficionado. The sweetest of counter cultures blends. Like a slightly higher brew temp then their other blends.. I usually start at 200F. It changes slightly throughout the year, as all blends do. Toscano is a close third to Aficionado. It IS delicous, but less complex then the above too. To me, it's counter cultures version of a "Comfort Food" blend.. Which means, its delicous, and easy to pull. Chocolate, Caramel, Nuts, Almost non-existant brightness.. Very good in a 5oz Capp. La Forza is not my favorite, but if you like milk drinks, its does very well. When I know family is coming over, I order a bag.. because it holds up pretty well in the larger milk drinks.. If syrups/sauces are your thing, as long as you dont go overboard, the coffee still comes through. As a straight shot, Im not crazy about it. Its NOT bitter, but its not as sweet as the other offerings. Depending on which single origin they are offering.. They usually are favorite. Apparently they will soon be offering an Ethiopian Shakisso, which I am looking forward too very much. You really cant go wrong with Counter Culture.. All of their blends are great. Id go a trio pack(and freeze some if you wont go through it quick enough), and get 1 Tscn, 1rstc, 1afcdn. Heck, add a bag of the La Forza on as well to try them all. Counter Culture comes in Valve Bags, so if you just tape over the valve itself, and stick the bag of coffee in a sealed ziploc, you'll be good for freezing for a few weeks in a normal freezer, and longer if you have a deepfreezer. With their Trio Pack, and cheap shipping, Counter Culture is great coffee, at a great price.

Follow Your Bliss Coffee makes your constantly overcome your prejudices and re-evaluate your own "received wisdoms" when it comes to judging cup flavors. -Tom Owen, SweetMarias

J_Premium
Senior Member

Joined: 21 Oct 2005
Posts: 83
Location: USA
Expertise: I love coffee

Espresso: Andreja Premium
Grinder: Mazzer Mini, SJ

Posted Tue Jan 5, 2010, 12:39pm Subject: Re: Need recommendation from Counter Culture please

Just got through on my second turn of a CCC 3 bagger. The first time around I picked up Toscano, Rustico and La Forza. This time around I picked up Toscano, Rustico and Afficianado. Let me just say, I was BLOWN AWAY by the Afficianado. Absolutely delicious and sure to be in future rotation.

Posted Tue Jan 5, 2010, 2:26pm Subject: Re: Need recommendation from Counter Culture please

I'm not sure my machine will allow me to calibrate temps in the 200-203 range as suggested for the Aficionado. I suppose i could play with the steamer butt on but i'd be guessing as to when it reaches 200. for this reason, i'll prob go with the Tus.

jpreiser
Senior Member

Joined: 6 Sep 2007
Posts: 75
Location: Chicago 'burbs
Expertise: I love coffee

Posted Tue Jan 5, 2010, 7:15pm Subject: Re: Need recommendation from Counter Culture please

I received my first order from Counter Culture which included the espresso trio pack (Aficionado, Tuscano, Rustico) tonight. Not sure if I'll try any tomorrow or later in the week since I have a little Klatch Belle Espresso to use up first. With three bags of espresso in addition to some other drip SOs and blends I have around, I'm thinking I'll end up vacuum packing and freezing some. This thread will definitely help with some tasting notes and brewing suggestions.

Posted Wed Jan 6, 2010, 5:07am Subject: Re: Need recommendation from Counter Culture please

I ordered my first bag of coffee beans and went with the Tuscano. It should be here thursday or friday, so looking forward to trying it.

mlhm5
Senior Member

Joined: 23 Oct 2005
Posts: 10
Location: Boston

Posted Wed Jan 6, 2010, 2:52pm Subject: Re: Need recommendation from Counter Culture please

I had discussions with them a couple of years ago about buying in bulk. I buy about 100lbs a year and they would not sell to me in any form except 1lb bags. As I remember it, I got a pretty nasty email from someone there, when I pointed out that they were the exception by not selling in quantity. I now buy my organic, fair trade, shade grown blends from New Harvest Coffee Roasters in Pawtucket, RI and really like the Roast Boy Blend. I have bought over 100lbs of this blend and have not found anything (even their other coffees - they send samples to me with every order) that compares. My daughter lives in Seattle and is also a Coffee Geek and she sends me about 10lbs a year from different roasters in that area and I still like the Roast Boy the best.

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