Buyer's Guide to the Expobar Brewtus - Page 2

[barry]

thanks, sean. i'll go digging.

[AlMac]

The review is done, and I am now compiling some images to accompany it. To that end, I pulled a few shots yesterday, which I'd like to share with you. (the photos were also published separately on my Versalab M3 grinder review)

Abe

Would the use of a non-Versalab M3 (Rocky, Mazzer etc) produce a shot of the same quality? I am wondering how much influence you think the Versalab is having on your shot quality on the Brewtus.

[JonR10]

I am wondering how much influence you think the Versalab is having on your shot quality on the Brewtus.

This is an interesting question, especially since I do not recall seeing Abe post pictures of shots before aquiring the M3 grinder.

[Abe Carmeli]

Abe

Would the use of a non-Versalab M3 (Rocky, Mazzer etc) produce a shot of the same quality? I am wondering how much influence you think the Versalab is having on your shot quality on the Brewtus.

The color & texture of the extraction, as seen in those pictures can be achieved with the Mazzer Mini on the Brewtus. Beyond the grinder's contribution, It is mostly determined by the Barista skill and beans used. The machine of course plays a role here too. If the temperature is not right, pressure wrong, and generally the machine is inconsistent in execution, it will negatively affect the visual and more importantly - the cup.

As to flavor, the M3's flavor profile is different from the Mazzer - and it is hard to generalize in which way it is different, because it changes with every blend you use. Generally speaking, it is more rounded, especially on acidic high growth coffees. But I also noticed more complexity in the cup. That attribute is independent of the machine used. I don't want to give away too much about the M3 in this thread as I plan a post specifically addressing flavor on the M3 Bench.

[Abe Carmeli]

I am wondering how much influence you think the Versalab is having on your shot quality on the Brewtus.

This is an interesting question, especially since I do not recall seeing Abe post pictures of shots before aquiring the M3 grinder.

Come to think of it, you are right about the pictures. I've never posted any shots before. But I must say that if it were not for the necessity to take the photos for the Brewtus article, I wouldn't have posted these ones either. .

[AlMac]

I am wondering how much influence you think the Versalab is having on your shot quality on the Brewtus.

This is an interesting question, especially since I do not recall seeing Abe post pictures of shots before aquiring the M3 grinder.

Also a challenge Jon, can you and the Wega produce a better looking shot - that would be an interesting comparison as well given the different types of machine at work. I assume you could given it is more about man than machine - but I've never seen a naked shot looking that good.

Abe's shot is one for the Look Out JonR thread.

[JonR10]

...a challenge Jon, can you and the Wega produce a better looking shot - that would be an interesting comparison as well given the different types of machine at work.

If it's a challenge, then would have to say that I cannot produce a better looking shot than Abe's. It's more about the operator than the equipment, and in this case Mr. Carmeli has me beat.

Once my equipment is properly set up so that I can work standing straight and on a stable surface (with better lighting) then I probably will post many more shots on the CG "look out" thread.

But I would only hope to post something in the same league as Abe's because I can't even imagine anything looking better than that.

[Abe Carmeli]

If it's a challenge, then would have to say that I cannot produce a better looking shot than Abe's. It's more about the operator than the equipment, and in this case Mr. Carmeli has me beat.

But I would only hope to post something in the same league as Abe's because I can't even imagine anything looking better than that.

LOL, Jon ma man, thank you kindly. I don't think there is anyone out there with more authority than you on the naked extraction. You still own the porn house, I'm just an overnight guest.

[Abe Carmeli]

OK Folks, it is finally done. The Buyer's Guide to the Expobar Brewtus is now available for your review. Many thanks to Dan, who managed to suck the life out of my original masterpiece with his sharp editing razor, but left it in much better shape than he found it . Go get it.

Buyer's Guide to the Expobar Brewtus

Comments, criticism and accolades to the article are all welcome in Article Feedback.

[Paul L]

It's been some time since this thread was warm. Any thoughts on the Brewtus II versus the original? One obvious difference is the addition of the gauge that Dan noted was omitted in the Brewtus I.

[HB]

Any thoughts on the Brewtus II versus the original?

I've not seen the redesigned Brewtus, which according to WLL: "...features a brewing pressure gauge (in addition to a steam pressure gauge), a brewing pressure adjustment knob that is located behind the drip tray, and a no-burn steam wand." A cup rail is part of their "gift" package. After all the anticipation, I was hoping for more significant differences, such as 1F degree adjustments of the temperature control or option of a rotary pump.

(In terms familiar to the software development industry, I would designate it a "Brewtus 1.5" tweak release, but that's a marketing question. )

[Paul L]

I think that's fair Dan and I can see that some folk buy a refurbished MK-I and then add a new steam wand and portafilter gauge instead. With the Brewtus just being brought into the UK it all seemed an issue of luck or timing as I learned this, learned there were 2 new Brewtus II's in the UK for the next 4 weeks and at a good starting price. so, I just went for it and I'm in day 5 so early days.

It's good to have a machine from new that I would like to think will be with me for many years and, as a non-pro who has lived only with a Krups for years, a Gaggia Cubika for 6 months and then a Pavoni for 6 months I have to say that, for me personally, this is an awesome experience and a different league to my own experiences to date. It's the first time I have stopped feeling the need to go out of my way and visit the rare coffee shops that coffee folk seek out. More ot the point, when I do so I won't be feeling deflated when I get home.

So far, my own roast Ethiopian Djimmah have been a delight, I can taste Monsoon Malabar properly for the first time and it produces results it doesn't have a right to bought roasts that are known to have mixed reputations. As a roaster said to me a while ago, he knows that quite often people are not tasting the coffee he is tasting or necessarily getting all the quality in the cup. I would like to think I'm starting to get a lot further along that path now.

[onemoreshot]

Hey Paul,

I can comment a little on this one. I had a Brewus I but had to send it back as it was having some issues. During the time it was in for "the fix" the Brewtus II came online and I requested the I be replaced with a II. The obvious differences aside, I think that at their core they both execute how they are supposed to; essentially providing a digitally controlled double boiler which allows for a stable temp environment. At least that's what I bought it for. I'm happy with my temp stability at the grouphead and like yourself (iroast2, Macap and Brewtus II) I am more than happy with the end results.

In my opinion, at this level of espresso, the limitation is my skill-set more so than the "devices". I just got in a wild assortment of green and having a decent grinder and espresso machine allows me to focus on putting together an uber-shot blend rather than second guessing the variables of beans versus chrome.

Not sure if that was of any use, maybe not. But as a home roaster pulling on good machinery just know you are drinking better quality espresso than most everyone around you.

[cestbon]

Does anyone know where Todd Michael, formerly at Wholelattelove is now and how he can be reached?

[HB]

Sorry, no. Try calling WLL and asking for co-owner Todd Salzman, he would know. You may need to be persistent, he's quite busy and sometimes forgets to return calls.