Italian blends vs 3rd wave with 18g basket

#1: Post by **ertech** » March 6th, 2016, 11:30 am

Hi guys. Tried the 3rd wave type beans with 18g of coffee with matching basket and I get it to taste like it should with 32-36 g extraction. I really prefer the high end Italian blends . With 18g of Italian blend coffee it is way too thick or concentrated.
Is this normal?
Thanks

March 6th, 2016, 4:19 pm

What kind of basket are you using? VST?

And for the Italian blends, what is your beverage weight for the 18g dose?

#3: Post by **Marcelnl** » March 6th, 2016, 4:23 pm

Might also be good to know which Italian blends...

March 6th, 2016, 6:39 pm

Some of those blends are designed to grow hair on the bottom of your feet.

#5: Post by **OldNuc** » March 6th, 2016, 6:41 pm

A 18gm dose of just about any Italian blend is about 4gm over a double. Which may be the problem.

#6: Post by **Marcelnl** » March 6th, 2016, 6:43 pm

OldNuc wrote:Some of those blends are designed to grow hair on the bottom of your feet.

Is that the reason for weird hairgrowth...

March 8th, 2016, 12:10 pm

Yes I have a vst 18g. Been using Lavazza top class
Total weight of coffee is around 36g
So ratio of 1for 2

March 8th, 2016, 12:17 pm

Ok so that blend wasn't designed with updosing in mind. Meaning doubles with that coffee are meant to have closer to 14g doses. Try that. If you have a traditional double basket that came with your machine. That should tame the intensity.

Also, that blend has robusta in it. That has higher caffeine content. Although, people on HB have reported good results with Top Class, I'd recommend also trying something from the recommended roasters which ship beans immediately after roasting. Good luck!

March 8th, 2016, 12:30 pm

Also, since you're in Montreal, ceck out the Canadian roasters thread. Search HB for threads specific to Montreal. I've seen some before discussing local Montreal cafes and roasters.
Canadian Roasters: Canucks...What are you drinking?