what sort of beans should I get

heggie · 28-06-2008 7:21pm #1

hey, got a baby dose today, just wondering what type of beans are best with this, also any good shops around dublin that sell em? Are espresso varieties of coffee different to other beans or is it down to how you ground it? thanks

RE*AC*TOR · 28-06-2008 7:45pm

what kind of grinder have you?

heggie · 28-06-2008 8:27pm

none yet but will probably get the ibirital mc2 , or gaggia mdf

RE*AC*TOR · 28-06-2008 8:35pm

I see, make sure you do, because the pre-ground stuff isn't going to hold a candle to doing it on demand yourself.

Anyway, to beans. To answer your question there are some beans or blends of beans that are suitable for espresso, there are some beans that are suited to filter, and there are some that are great for both. Some high acidity coffee will produce an espresso that tastes distinctly of lemon. I've never come across anyone who likes this (I certainly don't).

Initially you will be best off going with something that's defined as an espresso blend. Probably one of the handiest to come across is the Java Republic Monkey Espresso blend. They sell in Superquinn and (maybe) Tescos. The roast date is on the bag. Ideally you'll get some roasted as near to the current date as possible. 1 week ago would be amazing, but you're unlikely to find them that fresh, 2-3 weeks would still be great. 1-2 months not great but probably the ones you will most likely come across. Will still beat the pants off the tins of Illy beans on the freshness front.

heggie · 28-06-2008 9:37pm

ok cool thanks

eclectichoney · 28-06-2008 9:52pm

If you buy the java republic online it tends to only be 2 weeks or so after the roasting date when it arrives so the stock is pretty fresh.

hshortt · 29-06-2008 8:05am

Bewleys in Grafton St. And Blackrock have fresh beans too and a good selection. I like their Espresso Beans and my favourite is the French Roast. I'm trying some of their Guatemalan Antigua fair trade at the moment and its similar in taste to the cuban beans. Nice, but just doesn't do it for me.

Cheers
Howard

heggie · 29-06-2008 10:24am

Thanks Howard will look into it, they're all suitable for an espresso machine?

Khannie · 29-06-2008 10:26am

Yeah, any bean is suitable for an espresso machine. It's the grind that's important.

heggie · 29-06-2008 11:55am

great, cant wait to get started

hshortt · 29-06-2008 5:00pm

In Bewleys or anywhere else that sells beans they'll grind them for you too. If you've no grinder yet, then get them to grind up the beans and split the results over a few bags.

I went through so much coffee when I got started that I was actually sick from it!

Cheerio

what sort of beans should I get

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