Inspired by the "Beer!" thread on here, any other coffee geeks/aficionados?
I used to be an automatic drip coffee maker and generic Starbucks/Peets kind of guy, but within the past several months I've been looking into alternative brew methods. With that, I've also been trying out some of the coffee from local roasters.
My go-to brew methods right now are the Aeropress and Chemex, with the Aeropress on lazy days and Chemex on the weekends (or when I want to brew a larger amount).
I know super coffee guys will kill me but I am a Starbucks fan. I brew it at home and only get it in a store if I am out and about and coffee sounds good. The reason I am a fan is I like consistency and they nail it. Black coffee for me and if I am feeling frisky I may add some flavor but it is rare.
Recently I have tried branching out to local roasters but have not found anything worth drinking. I am an Indonesian coffee fan due to the earthy notes and mild acidity. I try to stay away from Latin American coffees due to the acidity but it is hard to escape as those seem to be go to's for a lot of people. African coffees are a wild card and I will drink them as a one time deal but not on a daily basis. Some Ethiopian Harrar with some sort of blueberry breakfast treat and I am a happy man.
I use a cone single serve pour over set up. Water heated to just off a boil and 2T per 6oz of water. I've tried using different waters to see if there is a difference but not worth the extra cost or hassle that a Brita couldn't solve. I used to be a hardcore French Press guy but it started taking a toll on my stomach. Can't wait to hear from more guys whom love coffee and like nothing more than a comfy chair, a sunrise, and the was spring/summer air to get their day started.
I just started responding and realized how much some of my traveling has influenced my coffee drinking...
Good call on Indonesian coffee. I brought a few kilos of coffee back from Jakarta a couple years ago, and it was excellent. I haven't had that much luck finding a readily available roast at my store, and consistency is important to me. I think that was the first coffee I've had that I really noticed a difference in quality (beyond the obvious good pot vs bad pot at various restaurants).
I use a French Press most of the time. I got turned on to it while in Nairobi, staying a hotel that would bring you a small French Press when you ordered coffee. You let it steep, then pressed it, and served yourself. I also have a single serve - which I use depends on how much I want to clean up, since the French Press is marginally more work.
I developed a taste for stronger coffee flavor (as opposed to loaded with cream and sugar) while in Jordan, where they boil the water with coffee grounds in a small pot, and then pour it into a cup. It's similar in size to a double espresso, but stronger, and loaded with sludge like you get in a French Press. Good stuff. As a result, I've started drinking my coffees a bit stronger in general, which I think is, overall, a good thing. I've been buying nothing but darker roasts.
I think I own 5 different coffee making machines, from a Keurig to a stove top espresso maker. If you're branching out in your coffee experience, especially with local places, I'd recommend both Alterra and Anodyne brand coffees. They are Milwuakee based roasters with coffee shops all over the city. I live in Chicago and when I'm up visiting friends in MKE I load up. Just a thought
I'm curious as to how well your chemex is working. Do you find that you get those nice oils in your cup with that method?
What sort of burr grinders are you guys using? I've got a manual Hario canister that is wonderful for fine grinds, and have come to love the morning ritual of hand cranking.
Fortunately, I live in the SF Bay Area and we have some great local roasters such as Four Barrel, Blue Bottle, Ritual, Sightglass, and more. I'm willing to try out ones from other cities though!Originally Posted by Doug Chalkey
My Chemex works great. There is definitely lots of weighing and making sure the pour technique is decent.
I still grind my beans using a blade grinder and brew with a French press. I'm getting a burr grinder for Christmas and I'm pretty stoked...
I think Intelligentsia has Indonesia from time to time, when it's in season. I love them. They're big in Chicago (and LA and NYC, I hear) but you can also order their beans online.
interesting roundup of low cost minimalist brewing tools (chemex, incred a brew, aeropress, press) in a local paper recently that might be of interest to you all. http://www.twincities.com/technology...roved-machines
I still have extremely fond memories of a pastry shop I would frequent during college. Scones and a cup of french press brings a certain level of civility to early morning study sessions.
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