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Mixing coffees
- Thread starter jnewmark
- Start date
We use a Britta filter system that sits on our countertop.
Well, I tried the blend, as you suggested. I use a French press. My method, which I usually use for Verona, is two scoops of the blend, then almost boiling water to just cover the grounds for one minute. Then pour the rest of the water, stir, cover, with plunger down about halfway, for 3 minutes, then plunge. I have to say, I was disappointed. The final result was alot weaker than I'd imagined. Not a bad flavor, but, compared to Verona, not nearly as bold tasting. Not going to give up yet, so what do you suggest ? Letting the coffee steep a few more minutes ? Maybe go to three scoops ? I usually brew enough for two cups. Maybe use less water ? Or just the Sumatra on its own ? Any suggestions welcome; I want to make this work !
If that same exact process with the Verona yields you the desired results, I would add Sumatra.
Remember though too, we're sort of guessing on the blend since Starbucks keep close to the vest what they use in that blend.
-Mike
Thanks. Since my post above, I bumped it up to three scoops, and let it steep for another two minutes ( 5 minutes in total ), and that seemed to do the trick. Much more bolder tasting, although not as complex as Verona. I can live with this.
Creating coffee blends is an art form in itself, so I leave it to the pros. I've been getting my coffee from the same mom-and-pop roastery since they opened the business about 15 years ago and they starting showing up at our local farmer's markets. (It's literally a "mom-and-pop" business, and we've watched their kids grow up!) They offer, among other things, several different house blends, each roasted to different levels. It took them years to perfect their signature blend which, for my taste, is the perfect cup of coffee. I've tried all the other blends but always come back to the same one. Best coffee in the world as far as I'm concerned, and I much prefer supporting my local small business rather than Starbucks or some other giant corporation.
I also have tried some local coffee roasters, but have yet to meet a match for flavor, boldness, and complexity that comes with Caffe Verona. Starbucks really hit it out of the park with this one, if you are looking for those three things in a coffee.
There are certain things I do not like about Starbucks, but they have done so much for coffee drinkers and the industry that I am happy about.
I respect them on many levels, including some of the great blends they created.
If there is a Starbucks Reserve Roastery anywhere near you, check it out and spend some time with one of the baristas. It's a neat experience.
-Mike
I respect them on many levels, including some of the great blends they created.
If there is a Starbucks Reserve Roastery anywhere near you, check it out and spend some time with one of the baristas. It's a neat experience.
-Mike
Italian roast is far too dark for me.
If you like that dark of a roast, find a local roaster who roasts that way. Get the beans freshly roasted when they are that dark, and they'll taste better than Starbucks.
-Mike
If you like that dark of a roast, find a local roaster who roasts that way. Get the beans freshly roasted when they are that dark, and they'll taste better than Starbucks.
-Mike
I'm definitely a fan of dark roasts. They do gum up your grinder with oils, however. My area no longer has it, but at one time, Kirkland (Costco) offered full bean dark roasts (Italian and French) that were roasted by Starbucks Roasting Co. Their coffee was indeed better than the Starbucks dark roast for much cheaper.
Sometimes finding a roaster who will do a dark roast is hard.
But I agree with MJ5150. A good local roaster is a blessing!
Sometimes finding a roaster who will do a dark roast is hard.
But I agree with MJ5150. A good local roaster is a blessing!
Still digging the Sumatra/Costa Rico blend, but, lately, I've been using my little, one cup, traditional Espresso maker, and am finding I want a larger amount. Should I get the larger version, stovetop model, or get a countertop, Espresso machine ? I'm not a frothy milk guy, I like it black, so I don't need any fancy, multi use machine, just a model that can make about two cups at a time. Any suggestions, and where I can get good beans ?
It's not too hard to find a decent espresso machine on the used market, but the thing that is hard to find (at least in my area) is a decent used grinder, and a cheap grinder just won't grind fine enough to make decent espresso from a machine. If you have the money and patience, I'd say go for it, but if you like your current setup and aren't super keen on messing with grind size and tamping and all sorts of tiny things just buy the larger stovetop.
Mixing coffee? Do it all the time. The machine at work gives both regular and decaf; I can't tolerate a lot of caffeine but I like to drink a lot of coffee, so I get a small of each, then pour them into a single large cup. Voila!
But I'm an engineer; as long as a spoon will stand upright in the coffee, we figure it's OK.
But I'm an engineer; as long as a spoon will stand upright in the coffee, we figure it's OK.
Thanks. Should have mentioned that I have a Cusinart grinder that is adjustable. Looking at some of the countertop Espresso machines, I don't really see any where you can put a larger, two cup mug under them, and there seems to be only a couple machines that actually make a " two shot " amount. On the other hand, there's a few stovetop, ones that can do more than one shot, although the brewing method is not a traditional way of making it. Definitely cheaper than the countertop models I've been checking out though, some getting up to $800+ or more.
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Why not master the art of the pour over? We don't own an espresso machine, but we do have a La Pavoni we use now and then for specific purposes. Daily use is my GINO dripper for pour overs, then the stovetop Bialetti now and then.
Espresso machines are intended to make coffee one to two ounces at a time. In my opinion, an espresso machine is not what you need based on what you've said you want.
As for beans, look for a local roaster first. That'll be your best option.
-Mike
