Posted Tue May 11, 2010, 9:54am Subject: Re: Redbird Espresso
Just pulled a couple 18g/200* straight shots of the Redbird (day 6) & the Snickers bar has emerged! Tried it yesterday shortly after it arrived but it definitely wasn't ready. One night in the hopper made a world of difference. Jeff says it hits it's prime on day 7 so I'm really looking forward to seeing what 1 more day brings out.
I also want to put in a good word for Jeff's Decaf Espresso blend (http://www.redbirdcoffee.com/decafespresso.html) which I tried yesterday on day 10 (18g/199*). This is the first decaf espresso I've tried that not only tasted good straight but left a nice lingering aftertaste that makes you want to go back for another.
Posted Tue May 11, 2010, 2:20pm Subject: Re: Red Bird Espresso
John,
Interesting comment about the Jeff's Decaf. How would you compare the taste to Red Bird Espresso please?
I have never bought a decaf as I don't normally drink coffee after 3PM because of the caffeine. However I think I would enjoy a nice coffee after dinner.
Bob
JVBorella Said:
Just pulled a couple 18g/200* straight shots of the Redbird (day 6) & the Snickers bar has emerged! Tried it yesterday shortly after it arrived but it definitely wasn't ready. One night in the hopper made a world of difference. Jeff says it hits it's prime on day 7 so I'm really looking forward to seeing what 1 more day brings out.
I also want to put in a good word for Jeff's Decaf Espresso blend (http://www.redbirdcoffee.com/decafespresso.html) which I tried yesterday on day 5 (18g/199*). This is the first decaf espresso I've tried that not only tasted good straight but left a nice lingering aftertaste that makes you want to go back for another.
I wouldn't, the decaf just isn't that interesting but its still very good for a decaf. As a straight shot I get a nice bittersweet chocolate & in a 5 oz Cappo the steamed milk brings it closer to milk chocolate sweetness with the chocolate still standing out.
Unlike every other decaf espresso blend I've tried to date this one doesn't have that decaf taste. Like a good straight shot it leaves you wanting another & if you didn't know it was decaf you'd think you were drinking a pleasant "regular" blend. Nothing to shout about unless you compare it to other decafs. Very enjoyable as a late afternoon/early evening espresso fix.
I'm planning on opening that tomorrow. I'll be trying it as Espresso and as either French Press a/o Vacuum pot brewed. From what I've read, it might be too bright for Espresso by itself, or it might be awesome. I've seen both. I guess I'll find out.
Dave_I Senior Member Joined: 1 Dec 2009 Posts: 120 Location: Wisconsin Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: Brewtus II Grinder: Baratza Mario Vac Pot: N/A Drip: Cheap coffee machine (can't... Roaster: None . . . yet.
Posted Thu May 13, 2010, 6:20pm Subject: Re: Redbird Espresso
I tried the Amaro Gayo. I haven't nailed it yet, but using roughly the same settings (18 grams, 93* C, ended up a slow ~1.5 oz. shot for the AG) as the Redbird Espresso, I got a fruity, not-quite-dialed-in Espresso. I think I need to go a tad coarser and might play with the temp. It was pretty good (for a non-dialed shot) and interesting. I'm also going to try it in a Cappuccino and probably some Vacuum Pots (as noted). So far, I like it.
Posted Thu May 13, 2010, 6:44pm Subject: Re: Redbird Espresso
The Amaro Gayo from Klatch that I had a few months ago was like chocolate covered berries in the cup but took a good 7-8 days rest to hit its prime.
Finished off Jeff's Decaf blend today with two straight shots. At 13 days post roast I thought it might be fading but was very pleasantly surprised by sweet caramel candy in both shots. A truly amazing decaf blend that just keeps getting better so I'll have to take back my comment about it not being all that interesting. Wish I had more on hand to see what happens after 13 days.
As far as the Redbird goes I've had a few nice sweet "Snickers" type straight shots but many have been dominated by a strong dry peanut flavor that reminds me of the Paradise Brazil Ouro Preto S/O which was not one of my favorites. My best shots so far have been Ristrettos cut early which seem to bring out the sweetness that gets lost in higher volumes.
Posted Fri May 14, 2010, 9:02am Subject: Re: Redbird Espresso
Just a quick post to say that I just found out that the decaf espresso sample Jeff sent was already 5 days old the day it was shipped. I editted my previous comments on the decaf to reflect the correct age of the blend when I pulled my shots. 13 days old & still improving. Amazing!!
Yeah, I'm getting closer, but I'm going to try and down-dose (reading Jman's comments and I think a few others, it does better <16g and I've been trying it at 18g). It's still good, but that's supposed to open it up, and I think I'm still a bit off with my grind.
As far as the Redbird goes I've had a few nice sweet "Snickers" type straight shots but many have been dominated by a strong dry peanut flavor that reminds me of the Paradise Brazil Ouro Preto S/O which was not one of my favorites. My best shots so far have been Ristrettos cut early which seem to bring out the sweetness that gets lost in higher volumes.
I've got a bit of the peanut flavor. I'm still getting my technique down though because my really great shots are kind of few & far between, but I think I'm getting my stuff straight because the overall quality has gotten better and more consistent. Anyway, not sure how much of it's me vs. the coffee sometimes. But I like it so far (gotten a lot of chocolate/dark-chocolate w/ some nut, not quite the sweetness though), and I'd be willing to try your Ristretto-cut-early to see if it works better with my setup.
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