Coffee Appreciation

It'll only be for home. And no more than a couple of cups a day.

+1 for Climpsons
+1 for Bellabarista (some of their beans are quite Italian-y (?))

I'd go for cheapish electric - if you have enough worktop space

Any recommendations?

Anything with variable grind settings - I've got a dualit at work which is great for filter.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rocky-Rancilio-Coffee-Grinder-with-Doser-/272094894569?hash=item3f5a1e99e9:g:ALoAAOSwa-dWino9

Something like that? But sure there might be something cheaper out there

Should also mention that Monmouth's bog standard espresso, or organic espresso beans are a good shout too. Don't expect citrus or anything interesting, but I find the results extremely consistent.
They had a drop in quality a while back, so I stopped buying them- but have bought a few bags recently in emergencies from the bakery next to my flat and been pleasantly surprised.

Cast iron - might be an issue if you want to keep the strength in it.

Any recommendations?

Not exactly a recommendation, more an "approval". I have been using this without any problem (or any real amazement) for about 6 months now. i've used it to grind a pound or more of coffee a month for espresso only (it's finest setting).

https://www.cuisinart.com/products/coffee_makers/dbm-8.html

key characteristics to be aware of:

1. fully adjustable grind from espresso dust to french press grit
   
2. it has a variable timed shut off. Rather conveniently, the shortest duration on the finest grind produces a perfect amount for one double espresso; you aren't guessing and aren't wasting any. I just dump small amount of beans in every few days a have a go. no thought, no measuring.
   
3. for such a messy endeavor, it's pretty damn clean. The removable canister is easily carried to the sink for cleanly transfer to espresso tray. Any spillage is simply washed down the sink.
   
   

Obviously there are nicer ones, but this definitely functions at a level well enough for anyone who cares about having a burr grinder.

Weanie Beans is great, well priced, roasted by our very own @DoktorPepe but most importantly...really good!

I've been hand grinding 2-3 times a day for over ten years now using the Zassenhaus pictured in my avatar. I'm no a-lister but it hasn't been a problem for me and my moka pots.
I tried a Hario at my sister's place and found it much less smooth and took more time than my turkish-style unit.

I made a recovery shake thing this morning that included a double espresso i brewed up last night and stuck in the fridge.

It's blown my brains out a bit. I've done the same before with the same results - is it just me or does a chilled, brewed drink just get stronger and stronger over time or something?

Just go to a decent 'artisan' coffee shop that makes coffee you like and see what they have. Buy a bag of beans and use them.

Repeat elsewhere.

Continue til you have a winner!

Buying Red Brick and Monmouth etc from shops is pricey though (last time i got some Red Brick it was a bit ridiculous, like £12-14 or something), you should look into a subscription like Pact or HasBean

Coffee/caffeine isn't great for recovery- you're better off keeping it pre-workout.

The only place I like espresso from in town is Bar Termini. Most other places just make hipster piss.

I just bought more from m espresso as they were nice and will sample some other things.

Thanks all for the tips.

The strength of the beans?

Kinda. It keeps brewing due to the small particles, or colloids that are present in the brew. There is a limit though and the effect is most likely due other factors and not a spike in Caffeine.

Got an Aeropress. So smooth! I find I need 3/4 filter papers to stop my fluid draining too quickly. Thoughts?

Should be fine with just one paper. Just push slowly.

My current jams

2 Attachments

Apologies in advance for your sore necks

I had that Monmouth Yirgacheffe. Excellent.

You want the vacuum of the piston to stop the fluid draining, not the filter paper. I make mine upside down and put the filter on top for least mess.

Yeah I've liked every Ethiopian I've tried so far

Cheers, yeah I was just stood there pondering the mechanics of it and it dawned on me that once the plunger's in it creates a vacuum