Coffee Appreciation

Are these available to buy @StevePeel

Looks like it https://yellowbourbon.net/collections/shop/products/costa-rica-las-palomas-triple-pack

Sick, deffo getting added to my next order!
I’ve been without YB for a couple weeks while away, really makes it stand out how much better YB is than most others I’ve tried.

I just ordered, should be interesting.

When the tasty YB Kenyan ran out there was nothing that leapt out at me so I did a Hasbean stop-gap order, one of which is ok, the other a bit muddy.

Got sent these along with with some green beans and incense from my cousin in Ethiopia both popular coffee houses in Addis, anyone ever been?

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Had some friends staying out there and they sent some (roasted) beans over (I recall they came in an orange bag but not sure if it was the same as the ones on the left there). I'm a big fan of Ethiopian coffee but they were terrible. Maybe I'm being too cynical but I assumed most of the good stuff gets sold off overseas and most of what is left isn't so great.

Coffee drinking is a massive part of the day to day over there, you won't be able to go many places without being offered one. Something like 50/50 in terms of domestic consumption and export and I think there may be some truth in the fact that a lot of the coffee that's sold in Ethiopian markets is the stuff that gets turned away by the Ethiopian commodities exchange for failing to meet standards. My cousin gets annoyed that a lot of 'raw' produce is shipped out of Ethiopia and its value is added in the exported markets, his company deals in export of herbs and spices. Coffee drinking in Ethiopia is an experience and considered a blessing, you are most welcome to mine in NW11 for a coffee ceremony although its important to note it would not be prepared in a totally controlled manor! Its an open invite really so anyone please do send me a PM if your interested in stopping by for a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony. If you haven't already seen this movie it is worth a watch, link below.
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/blackgold

Very much appreciate the offer! Unfortunately I moved out of London last year there so can't take you up on that.

And thanks for the movie link! Looks like a good watch

World's largest coffee tasting is back - I didn't participate last time but looking forward to this one!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqRKY44PbD4

Enjoyed that last time so will be up for it again!

Honestly wasn't massively interested in it initially, but for that price it's hard to say no.

Speedy turnaround & an A3 padded envelope to reuse, cheers @StevePeel

The tins are brilliant and will get plenty of re-use too.

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Nice one. Enjoy!

That was great fun last time round, I'd encourage anyone to give it a go.

I've ordered the tasting kit. Not sure if I'll be available at 3pm 3rd Oct but will try keep it clear.

Posted in homebrew last night but figured it worth a mention here. Last year I made a 2.5l batch of coldbrew using an Ethiopian Natural then added water and lots of sugar before fermenting with a wilko wine yeast. Expectations were low and I pretty much forgot about it until I dug it out yesterday.

When I opened it up I was quite surprised, a very fruity aroma. The abv isn't far off 14%, and the 100ml sample I took to measure needed to be drunk of course.

It tastes far better than I thought it would, exceeding all my expectations. Almost Sherry like flavours. Defo a lunchtime wine I reckon as I drank this at midnight and was wide awake at 3am, might just be a placebo effect though.

Bottled it up ready to enjoy again soon, 2 x 1l & 2 x smaller bottles.

Worth a try for anyone who likes experimenting with stuff like this.

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Any recommendations for where I can get an actual genuine Gaggia portafilter seal for my Classic? I got one a few months ago which clearly isn’t a genuine one. It was a bit spongy at first and now it’s swollen up to the point I can only just get the portafilter on.

You mean the group head gasket? I followed @dubtap's lead and got the silicone Cafelat... It's been great, the last rubber one I put in lasted less than six months... I bought two of these!

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Yeah sorry, meant group head. So sleep deprived...

Yeah the cheap rubber ones don’t last long but the genuine Gaggia ones last a lot longer. Might look at that silicone one if I can’t find one.

Anyone keen on some Wogan beans. Bristol roasted Costa Rican? 900g left of a 1kg bag.
Bought on a whim and not enjoying.
£12 posted

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It's an upgrade, do it!

My Rancilio Silvia needs a service. Used drury coffee a few years ago. They were great but it was hard work lugging that machine on a bike to central London! I’m in SW9 - any local recommendations?

Have been experimenting with the Aeropress Espresso....was sceptical at first but actually pretty impressed....

25g coffee grind on mocca setting in a Wilfa
60g water
stir then plunge straight away

Its not a true espresso but short black quick strong drink which brings out the flavours. Anyone else on this? Was thinking of getting a proper espresso machine but not sure I will be dedicated enough with all the maintenance etc...

Anyone else on this?

No, but I’ve got so much of that aluminium extrusion construction kit stuff at work, I do constantly think about knocking up an Aeropress-based manual lever machine!

Sounds like a good challenge! I guess if you can get the lever working would end up pretty similar to the recent manual espresso machines....