Stuart Senior Member Joined: 9 Feb 2012 Posts: 113 Location: TX Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Breville Dual Boiler Grinder: Baratza Vario Roaster: Air Crazy popper
Posted Mon Apr 23, 2012, 8:10am Subject: Re: I have never had an espresso
I don't get to WV as much as I used to (I grew up alternating summers between Sutton [mom's family] and Madison[dad's family]), but there's a shop in Charleston that looks promising: Click Here (westvirginiaville.com)
There's apparently a place over in the panhandle that also aspires to excellent coffee. http://www.lostdogcoffee.com/ (Hrm. Looks like they do mail-order beans as well.)
But each of those could be over two hours from a given point in the state -- kind of a long drive for a cup.
When I first got my espresso maker, I didn't have a proper grinder. I used the pressurized portafilter with too-coarse beans, including some single-origin Burundian and Rwandan beans. Roasted medium, these did produce fairly bright espresso. The physics of the double-wall basket and coarse grinds contributed to a light body and mouthfeel. But making a coffee that way was still a rewarding flavor experience.
Posted Mon Apr 23, 2012, 8:21am Subject: Re: I have never had an espresso
Thanks for the links and the info, Stuart. I live about an hour's drive from Charleston... in Mason County just up from where the Kanawha River flows into the Ohio River. So, you see what I am talking about when I say no coffeeshops close by. By the way, when I drove a tanker truck for Matlack I used to deliver glycol to the coal mines around Madison. Take care and thanks for doing the research for me.
Posted Mon Apr 23, 2012, 11:04am Subject: Re: I have never had an espresso
hey Bill, i too had never had an espresso(until only about 6 months ago). i had a single origin(dont remember the origin, argh)and black cat pulled on a strada as my first try. the barista was working his magic with preinfusion and different pressure settings. he sinked a few and then presented it to me. it was quite an experience.
it was nothing like drip coffee, for me.
it was hard to imagine that it was even made from a coffee bean.
the flavors were just sooo amplified. this particular single origin specifically had a lime finish. it was like i was sucking on a lime. that limey.
i know that some blends are gonna be smoother and more coffee-like, but i found it interesting how different a drink it could be.
i too am waiting for my first espresso machine...sooo itching to try pulling some shots and playing with pressure profiles. in my case, i think i'm going to have to wait till at least june(zpm kickstarter machine). :(
looking forward to hearing about your experience when you get it rolling.
Posted Mon Apr 23, 2012, 11:16am Subject: Re: I have never had an espresso
Thanks Noob... I already have a pretty good scale but haven't checked yet to see if it measures to .1g... will do so today. Frank... I didn't think I would get this excited, but you are only making it worse...lol. I probably won't sleep much until it gets here and probably will get very little sleep afterwards. And yes... I will let you know how bad I mess up the first 40 or 50 shots...
Coffeenoobie Senior Member Joined: 11 Dec 2011 Posts: 2,323 Location: PNW Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: N S Oscar Grinder: Vario W
Posted Mon Apr 23, 2012, 12:56pm Subject: Re: I have never had an espresso
It is so exciting to have your first machine. And I think my first shots when I got the grind right were as good as *$. Certainly not any worse. (but I use a lot of milk but the volume of milk has gone down as I have gotten better)
I just wish I did not have my espresso machine in parts all over my table right now trying to find out what is wrong. Wish me luck!
Coffeenoobie
Buying advice: GRINDER GRINDER GRINDER. Don't cheap out on the grinder. My coffee treasure map... Click Here (maps.google.com)
Posted Mon Apr 23, 2012, 2:11pm Subject: Re: I have never had an espresso
Noob... that reminds me of a question I have that I have been meaning to ask someone. What kind of milk do you use? I don't even know if I will be using milk (I drink my coffee black.) but I have often wondered what kind of milk is used in a cappa or a latte. Good luck on getting your machine running again.
Coffeenoobie Senior Member Joined: 11 Dec 2011 Posts: 2,323 Location: PNW Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: N S Oscar Grinder: Vario W
Posted Mon Apr 23, 2012, 2:49pm Subject: Re: I have never had an espresso
yes fat milk is better, but since I am fat already I use 2%. :) And Call me Noobie! Or Helen, Noob sounds bad. And why don't I already own metric allen wrenches?
Coffeenoobie
Buying advice: GRINDER GRINDER GRINDER. Don't cheap out on the grinder. My coffee treasure map... Click Here (maps.google.com)
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