Search found 5 matches

by smootsg
August 4th, 2012, 1:07 pm
Forum: Coffees
Replies: 38
Views: 6150

Why do good roasters sell stale coffee?

I've had the Edlina microlot in the past couple of months, but am working with a bag of Finca El Rosario beans at the moment. Not specifically roasted for espresso, and a tendency toward brightness if the temperature and grind aren't right. I don't know if Whole Foods San Antonio or Third Coast Coff...
by smootsg
August 2nd, 2012, 3:40 pm
Forum: Coffees
Replies: 38
Views: 6150

Why do good roasters sell stale coffee?

I was going to post about the Whole Foods here in San Antonio, who stocks at least one brand that has the roast date imprinted (Third Coast Coffee -- not all varieties). I was very pleased when I first noticed this, and bought a bag that was 10 days off roast even though I was unfamiliar with them. ...
by smootsg
May 2nd, 2012, 11:07 am
Forum: Espresso Machines
Replies: 32
Views: 2945

Preinfusion: line pressure vs pump pressure

Not really on the subject of characteristics of GS3 models, but: The Breville BES900XL is a reservoir-only espresso maker that offers a "pre-infusion" setting. The vibratory pump is operated at partial power (default is "60%") to saturate the puck with water at less than full infusion pressure. On m...
by smootsg
April 13th, 2012, 9:42 am
Forum: Coffees
Replies: 317
Views: 19500

How was your morning coffee today?

This morning: three shots. First, a . . . mistake. From Cuvee Coffee's Spicewood 71 Classic blend. 15g 203F (set point) ~30ml 35 sec (counting all of the 7 second 3-bar pre-infusion; first drop at 14 seconds) Salty, with brightness quite prominent. Lost the subtleties this blend can offer. I adjusted
by smootsg
April 13th, 2012, 7:53 am
Forum: Knockbox
Replies: 20
Views: 900

Some observations and opinions from a frequent reader who rarely comments

Finally, a thread on H-B to which I feel qualified to contribute. I hugely appreciate the resource that is this website. The FAQs have spoiled me to the point where I can read something elsewhere -- in a book, online, in a magazine -- and think "well, that's an oversimplification." The forum exchang...