Search found 127 matches

by SL28ave
March 4th, 2012, 3:38 pm
Forum: Coffee Roasting
Replies: 8
Views: 2017

Sweet Maria's Guatemala Acatenango Gesha

Those beans look more like Gesha than some mellow-tasting roundish-bean Acatenango "Gesha" that I had a few years ago, but still not exactly like Esmeralda; I'm interested to know why, for fun rather than criticism. I've had contradictory results depending on the machine. I bet there is a correlatio...
by SL28ave
November 27th, 2011, 12:30 am
Forum: Knockbox
Replies: 14
Views: 1829

Who really likes espresso?

i vaguely remember espresso orders nearing 50% some days... I'm going off of memory from years ago, so maybe i'm fantasizing it. I would guess 10-20% straight espresso orders tonight, but again, I didn't look at the numbers. Either way, many straight espresso orders. If it's promoted, that % would l...
Advertisement
by SL28ave
November 23rd, 2011, 11:08 pm
Forum: Knockbox
Replies: 1
Views: 280

Ugandan Rwenzori coffee farmers say yields down two thirds since 1980s due to global warming

Yes, interesting and sad... but fortunately not hopeless. Climatically, it's a complicated region, because it's between two monsoon regions, and perhaps close enough to the Sahara to be very sensitive to its dryness. The Sahara and warming are a worrisome mix. Looking at the map, I would think that ...
by SL28ave
October 29th, 2011, 3:10 pm
Forum: Knockbox
Replies: 65
Views: 6924

Starbucks takes roasting to a new level

I like what Jim is saying. But, Starbucks has a character as its head (some Steve Jobs effect?), who seems to be a swell person based on an interview I saw. I haven't read his books. How much of Starbucks's complete fixation on dark roasts might be due to him? My first job was at a busy
by SL28ave
October 29th, 2011, 6:02 am
Forum: Knockbox
Replies: 65
Views: 6924

Starbucks takes roasting to a new level

I forgot to say, I was once served a tasty coffee at a mill that supplies Starbucks, and the coffee was a true light roast. Certainly lighter than blonde roast. This (long) lecture reminds me of your post:{video}Maybe I shouldn't try to explain the subjective taste preferences of others. On the othe...
by SL28ave
October 27th, 2011, 11:54 pm
Forum: Knockbox
Replies: 65
Views: 6924

Starbucks takes roasting to a new level

There are so many alcohol soda drinkers that are timid tasters at the same time; I could cry. But, I think a holistically skilled barista can get the light roasts across to them. Edit: patience is also often lacking when tasting
by SL28ave
October 27th, 2011, 10:56 pm
Forum: Knockbox
Replies: 65
Views: 6924

Starbucks takes roasting to a new level

Some of my most knowledgable customers are young (twenties and thirties; teenagers are not quite there, but they're certainly on their way). Most of my customers are not very knowledgable. But, most are (quietly) begging to enjoy and learn about coffee. I think that so many baristas and owners sell ...
by SL28ave
August 6th, 2011, 11:47 am
Forum: Coffee Roasting
Replies: 34
Views: 3403

94.1pt Kenya Nyeri AA Gaturiri

For espresso, Kenyas were arguably the trickiest for me to roast. The only bean that forced me close to second crack. I've heard some people claim Kenyas as the best espresso they've had, so it might be worth it
by SL28ave
August 4th, 2011, 6:59 am
Forum: Coffees
Replies: 4
Views: 646

Cupping a panama esmeralda - is something wrong?

To me, Esmeralda has an incredible finish. Every once in a blue moon, the finish is imperfect, but that's rare. (the bar may be raised some day) If you're drinking for pleasure, I'd *try* removing some of the fines (perhaps using electrical charge). Maybe increase the brew time a little. It should b...
by SL28ave
August 3rd, 2011, 12:44 pm
Forum: Coffees
Replies: 14
Views: 2248

Why Espresso Blends vs Single Origins?

"Whole greater than the sum of the parts" will probably come up forever, at least because it's a convenient and lovely thought. But, my Single Origin espresso experience is that when certain SOs are pushed to a sort of extreme, the SO can have an incredible natural balance and complexity. That's why...