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Life is too short for bad coffee - The Off Topic thread

13567…25

Comments

  • #102
    Krusty_Clown
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,533 ✭✭✭✭Krusty_Clown


    adrian522 wrote: »
    I always find it strange how countries I associate with excellent coffee don't really have great coffee setups locally, especially outside the major cities. Thinking Colombia, Brazil, Cuba etc.

    Always pack an Aeropress and a bag of beans.
    I know, I know... Meant to pack the Aeropress and a bag of pre-ground (better than nothing), but in the end, the extra pair of runners won out the luggage-space battle. Lots of Kenyan coffee for sale in the Nairobi duty-free, but it was all long-life stuff with 12 month old roast dates, at prices similar to home, so didn't make any sense to pick any up. Came across this article, which describes Kenyan coffee culture pretty well.


  • #103
    mossym
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 8,766 Mod ✭✭✭✭mossym


    Krusty_Clown wrote: »
    I know, I know... Meant to pack the Aeropress and a bag of pre-ground (better than nothing), but in the end, the extra pair of runners won out the luggage-space battle. Lots of Kenyan coffee for sale in the Nairobi duty-free, but it was all long-life stuff with 12 month old roast dates, at prices similar to home, so didn't make any sense to pick any up. Came across this article, which describes Kenyan coffee culture pretty well.

    enjoyed that article, thanks for posting


  • #104
    pwurple
    Closed Accounts Posts: 12,449 ✭✭✭✭pwurple


    adrian522 wrote: »
    I always find it strange how countries I associate with excellent coffee don't really have great coffee setups locally, especially outside the major cities. Thinking Colombia, Brazil, Cuba etc.

    Always pack an Aeropress and a bag of beans.

    No aeropress needed for Ethiopia. The coffee ceremony is unbelievable. They roast the coffee beans on pans in front of you, grind it, the whole thing.

    http://archive.seattleweekly.com/food/961947-129/the-ethiopian-coffee-ceremonyan-ancient-practice

    http://www.epicurean.com/articles/ethiopian-coffee-ceremony.html


  • #105
    uck51js9zml2yt
    Closed Accounts Posts: 18,268 ✭✭✭✭uck51js9zml2yt


    Bought coffee from boabab and was unimpressed.


  • #106
    caviardreams
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,607 ✭✭✭caviardreams


    Merrick Gorgeous Gynecologist wrote: »
    Bought coffee from boabab and was unimpressed.

    Good to know as it is pricey enough - one off the list to try! Thanks :)


  • #107
    Mr Magnolia
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators Posts: 10,436 Mod ✭✭✭✭Mr Magnolia


    Merrick Gorgeous Gynecologist wrote: »
    Bought coffee from boabab and was unimpressed.

    Ah no, I'm awaiting a delivery. Will report back...


  • #108
    Mr Magnolia
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators Posts: 10,436 Mod ✭✭✭✭Mr Magnolia


    I've been nothing but impressed by boabab so far. I went for their tasting kit and am delighted with the offerings, I'll post up further details when I get a chance. The roast date was June 3rd which is fine, I think too many roasteries are now obsessed with sending out the beans on the day of roasting or the day after. It's too soon imo, coffee needs to degas for a week or so before brewing, a lot of the flavours aren't developed by the time the bag is empty!


  • #109
    uck51js9zml2yt
    Closed Accounts Posts: 18,268 ✭✭✭✭uck51js9zml2yt


    Mr Magnolia wrote: »
    I've been nothing but impressed by boabab so far. I went for their tasting kit and am delighted with the offerings, I'll post up further details when I get a chance. The roast date was June 3rd which is fine, I think too many roasteries are now obsessed with sending out the beans on the day of roasting or the day after. It's too soon imo, coffee needs to degas for a week or so before brewing, a lot of the flavours aren't developed by the time the bag is empty!

    Maybe I was spoiled by Pact.;)
    Bought from Ponaire this week and waiting on my delivery.


  • #110
    J_E
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,734 ✭✭✭J_E


    Merrick Gorgeous Gynecologist wrote: »
    Maybe I was spoiled by Pact.;)
    Bought from Ponaire this week and waiting on my delivery.
    Weird, I've always received from them the day after. I usually buy on a Thursday morning and get it Friday.

    I've been enjoying a Kg of Craic Coffee, a local roaster in Laois. My steam wand has been annoying me recently with a lack of pressure but it's still a great espresso and brew.


  • #111
    caviardreams
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,607 ✭✭✭caviardreams


    Me too - always find ponaire super quick! Maybe drop them an email if you don't get it soon - it may have gone astray.


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  • #112
    uck51js9zml2yt
    Closed Accounts Posts: 18,268 ✭✭✭✭uck51js9zml2yt


    caviardreams wrote: »
    Me too - always find ponaire super quick! Maybe drop them an email if you don't get it soon - it may have gone astray.

    Ordered Wednesday night!
    Will email them, thx


  • #113
    quadrifoglio verde
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,670 ✭✭✭quadrifoglio verde


    Merrick Gorgeous Gynecologist wrote: »
    Bought coffee from boabab and was unimpressed.

    I'd get in touch with them. I've been given a free coffee once because the owner felt he didn't do a great job on it

    Personally speaking I've always got very good coffee from them and it's became my go to place as its around the corner from me. That being said they are on the expensive side and I'm questioning if 16 Euro for a bag of beans is good value


  • #114
    J_E
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,734 ✭✭✭J_E


    Mmm, nice coffee day today.

    w3Sp7S1.jpg


  • #115
    MiskyBoyy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,799 ✭✭✭MiskyBoyy


    J_E wrote: »
    Mmm, nice coffee day today.

    :eek: Every day is a good day for coffee! :D


  • #116
    uck51js9zml2yt
    Closed Accounts Posts: 18,268 ✭✭✭✭uck51js9zml2yt


    update.
    I emailed ponaire on sunday evening expecting a reply monday and heard nothing.
    I then called them this morning. It appears it was shipped last thursday without a label and returned to them.
    It was sent out again yesterday and delivered this morning .

    Frankly, I'm not too impressed with their level of customer service. Lets hope the coffee is better :)


  • #117
    J_E
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,734 ✭✭✭J_E


    Merrick Gorgeous Gynecologist wrote: »
    update.
    I emailed ponaire on sunday evening expecting a reply monday and heard nothing.
    I then called them this morning. It appears it was shipped last thursday without a label and returned to them.
    It was sent out again yesterday and delivered this morning .

    Frankly, I'm not too impressed with their level of customer service. Lets hope the coffee is better :)

    That's definitely not the usual experience - I'm sure it wouldn't happen again! Shame you didn't get a free bag :pac:


  • #118
    caviardreams
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,607 ✭✭✭caviardreams


    J_E wrote: »
    That's definitely not the usual experience - I'm sure it wouldn't happen again! Shame you didn't get a free bag :pac:

    Yeah I have ordered 4 or 5 times now, no problems, so I am sure it was a one-off. That's very unfortunate but I would have expected a discount code for your next order or something as a gesture. Always easier to keep a customer than get a new one!


  • #119
    uck51js9zml2yt
    Closed Accounts Posts: 18,268 ✭✭✭✭uck51js9zml2yt


    caviardreams wrote: »
    Yeah I have ordered 4 or 5 times now, no problems, so I am sure it was a one-off. That's very unfortunate but I would have expected a discount code for your next order or something as a gesture. Always easier to keep a customer than get a new one!

    Sadly got nothing, just an explanation as to what happened.ive just to take his word on that!

    On the other hand the coffee is nice.
    I opened the Nicaraguan and am impressed.
    It even looks creamy in the filter when I add water.
    Far superior to boabab.


  • #120
    caviardreams
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,607 ✭✭✭caviardreams


    I am a big fan of their European blend - never tried the Nicaraguan. Their prices are definitely decent for the quality imo.


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  • #121
    J_E
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,734 ✭✭✭J_E


    I find their shop somewhat confusing, like it needs updating - Burundi has been out of stock for ages, Nicaraguan is available to purchase but the description claims it isn't!


  • #122
    pajor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,573 ✭✭✭pajor


    You walk into a normal supermarket to buy coffee, for a normal filter machine. What do you buy? Lavazza? Segafredo? Douwe Egberts?

    My gf and myself wouldn't be big coffee drinkers at home, despite the fact she is Dutch. All we have atm is a bag of Aldi Red roast. I thought it was weird first how the Dutch drink coffee (times and stuff) but I've slowly come to like it.

    Also.. a website I really like.
    http://en.ilovecoffee.jp/


  • #123
    J_E
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,734 ✭✭✭J_E


    pajor wrote: »
    You walk into a normal supermarket to buy coffee, for a normal filter machine. What do you buy? Lavazza? Segafredo? Douwe Egberts?

    My gf and myself wouldn't be big coffee drinkers at home, despite the fact she is Dutch. All we have atm is a bag of Aldi Red roast. I thought it was weird first how the Dutch drink coffee (times and stuff) but I've slowly come to like it.

    Also.. a website I really like.
    http://en.ilovecoffee.jp/

    Are you talking beans or preground? I'm not big into getting supermarket coffee (although some brands like M&S and Tesco do have roast dates if you look under barcode), but if you're around a city or somewhere with a good cafe, getting them to grind a batch for you fresh will make a world of difference in taste as well as supporting a local business.


  • #124
    flangemeistro
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,695 ✭✭✭flangemeistro


    pajor wrote: »
    I thought it was weird first how the Dutch drink coffee (times and stuff) but I've slowly come to like it.

    Sorry I haven't heard of the "weird" coffee drinking rituals of the Dutch, could you enlighten me please.

    I'm fairly normal I think, every weekday I have a double shot cappuccino at 8am, 3:30pm and again at 11pm.


  • #125
    pajor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,573 ✭✭✭pajor


    flangemeistro wrote: »
    Sorry I haven't heard of the "weird" coffee drinking rituals of the Dutch, could you enlighten me please.

    I'm fairly normal I think, every weekday I have a double shot cappuccino at 8am, 3:30pm and again at 11pm.

    Well never mind that then. :pac: 10am and 8pm is 'koffie tijd' - coffee time. I could never drink coffee at 8pm before. Would leave me wired all evening. But that must just be me then.

    One other thing is putting very warm milk in coffee. We go to my gf's grandparents on Sunday mornings for coffee. They put a pan of milk on the cooker and just leave it there all morning. When all the milk is used up, my gf's aunt likes to actually eat the milk skin stuck to the pan. Makes my stomach turn thinking about it.

    I do mean preground. I just don't have the money to be spending on expensive coffee atm unfortunately. Have had a pack of Colombian own blend from this place before and it was amazing. Though I did send a pack of it and a Costan Rican blend to my mum for her birthday recently.


  • #126
    J_E
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,734 ✭✭✭J_E


    There are too many third-wave cafes in Dublin with a boring white/birch/scandinavian aesthetic! I wish places would be a bit more bold with their style choices, even if the coffee is great. It's just a tired look at this stage, Irish cafes should try create their own aesthetic. The same goes for the food choices, the open counter food presentation just seems strange and unhygenic, stuff surely gets stale faster.


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  • #127
    Bawnmore
    Registered Users Posts: 1,786 ✭✭✭Bawnmore


    Shot in the dark - looking to upgrade grinder to pair with a Gaggia Classic. Would prefer to keep under 200 (a good bit under if possible) and definitely open to 2nd hand. Would I be best to keep an eye on Adverts/Donedeal or is there anything worth considering new that'd be on the lower scale? Or alternatively, am I crazy to think it's possible?


  • #128
    adrian522
    Moderators, Computer Games Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 16,139 Mod ✭✭✭✭adrian522


    Keep an eye on adverts etc for sure. What are you using currently?


  • #129
    Bawnmore
    Registered Users Posts: 1,786 ✭✭✭Bawnmore


    adrian522 wrote: »
    Keep an eye on adverts etc for sure. What are you using currently?

    For my sins, a Delonghi KG79 that I've modified to grind fine enough for espresso. It's been my faithful temp grinder for quite a while now and it's got me to here, but I'm losing interest fast at not being able to improve shots past where I am now.


  • #130
    adrian522
    Moderators, Computer Games Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 16,139 Mod ✭✭✭✭adrian522


    Probably better value to be had second hand, but a good one will still be hard to find as you will want to see it in action before purchasing.

    I wouldn't fancy any of the new grinders in that price range when trying to make espresso unless you want a hand grinder. Coffeeangel used to do the baratza grinders, but now all they seem to have is the entry level "Encore" which is not suitable and the Sage pro which is over budget and I've no experience of it so cant really comment.

    The Baratza precisio or virtuoso usually get good reviews, as does the rancillio rocky, if you can find any for that price.


  • #131
    Bawnmore
    Registered Users Posts: 1,786 ✭✭✭Bawnmore


    adrian522 wrote: »
    Probably better value to be had second hand, but a good one will still be hard to find as you will want to see it in action before purchasing.

    I wouldn't fancy any of the new grinders in that price range when trying to make espresso unless you want a hand grinder. Coffeeangel used to do the baratza grinders, but now all they seem to have is the entry level "Encore" which is not suitable and the Sage pro which is over budget and I've no experience of it so cant really comment.

    The Baratza precisio or virtuoso usually get good reviews, as does the rancillio rocky, if you can find any for that price.

    Cheers Adrian - will keep an eye out so.


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  • #132
    donnacha
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,259 ✭✭✭donnacha


    Bawnmore wrote: »
    Shot in the dark - looking to upgrade grinder to pair with a Gaggia Classic. Would prefer to keep under 200 (a good bit under if possible) and definitely open to 2nd hand. Would I be best to keep an eye on Adverts/Donedeal or is there anything worth considering new that'd be on the lower scale? Or alternatively, am I crazy to think it's possible?

    I know this isn't within your budget but after buying so many grinders myself over the years I still swear that this is one of the best. It is so versatile, simple to dial in and so easy to both clean and replace parts(by ordering from Baratza in the US). With the exchange rate the way it is right now it's worth the investment:
    https://www.bellabarista.co.uk/mahlkonig-vario-coffee-grinder.html

    I have bought from bellabarista myself previously and rate them highly in terms of the customer service [snipped]

    I have previously sold machines and grinders on adverts so if that is all your budget can reach then do keep an eye out but you'd probably be lucky to pick up a second hand Vario for €350.


  • #133
    adrian522
    Moderators, Computer Games Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 16,139 Mod ✭✭✭✭adrian522


    Agree on the vario, bought one in 2010 and it is still going strong and I've no need to upgrade it, though I may need to replace the burrs soon.

    Paid 375 for this then and I reckon I'd get a good chunk of that back in the morning if I wanted to sell it. I bought it from coffee angel who I'd recommned dealing with it if they are any way compeititive on price as I'd an issue with mine and was able to drop it back and Karl had the Malkahonig rep take a look at it for me, gave me a bag of beans for the trouble.


  • #134
    J_E
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,734 ✭✭✭J_E


    On the look for a grinder upgrade too - my poor arms could use a break from the Mini Mill, and the steps are just too far apart for a perfect grind. I'd still use it for filter grind though. Kicking myself I didn't jump for the Silvia/Rocky combo on Adverts before.


  • #135
    mossym
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 8,766 Mod ✭✭✭✭mossym


    for a decent value solution, i bought one of these last year and i'm happy with it, never owned the units mentioned above so can't comment how it compares

    https://www.amazon.de/Graef-CM800-Kaffeem%C3%BChle-CM-800/dp/B00CS2DAEG/ref=sr_1_1?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1467791175&sr=1-1


  • #136
    Bawnmore
    Registered Users Posts: 1,786 ✭✭✭Bawnmore


    mossym wrote: »
    for a decent value solution, i bought one of these last year and i'm happy with it, never owned the units mentioned above so can't comment how it compares

    https://www.amazon.de/Graef-CM800-Kaffeem%C3%BChle-CM-800/dp/B00CS2DAEG/ref=sr_1_1?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1467791175&sr=1-1

    I've been looking at this also as an option based on a thread I saw here (could definitely have been yours).

    Would love a Vario, but I think it's probably a bit down the line - can totally see why it would be worth investing in, but we've a new baba in the house which means investments are being kept to a minimum :)


  • #137
    mossym
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 8,766 Mod ✭✭✭✭mossym


    not mine i'd say, don't think i ever posted about it, think it's Muahahaha who has been talking it up


  • #138
    Bawnmore
    Registered Users Posts: 1,786 ✭✭✭Bawnmore


    mossym wrote: »
    not mine i'd say, don't think i ever posted about it, think it's Muahahaha who has been talking it up

    Cheers - did you buy from Amazon? I'm trying to find out what shipping would be to Ireland - have contacted the seller, so may just need to be patient!


  • #139
    mossym
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 8,766 Mod ✭✭✭✭mossym


    yup, Amazon DE. total cost 144 euros to ireland


  • #140
    J_E
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,734 ✭✭✭J_E


    Looks like today is sour shots day :( can I blame the humidity?


  • #141
    uck51js9zml2yt
    Closed Accounts Posts: 18,268 ✭✭✭✭uck51js9zml2yt


    Really liked the ponaire Nicaraguan. Just opened the Ethiopian and not too impressed.

    I've 500gr to get through ;)


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  • #142
    flangemeistro
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,695 ✭✭✭flangemeistro


    Merrick Gorgeous Gynecologist wrote: »
    Really liked the ponaire Nicaraguan. Just opened the Ethiopian and not too impressed.

    I've 500gr to get through ;)

    I got the European espresso and I think it was Nicaraguan and I couldn't even finish them.
    I found them completely underwhelming and bland.
    I ran straight back to badger & Dodo and 3FE.


  • #143
    uck51js9zml2yt
    Closed Accounts Posts: 18,268 ✭✭✭✭uck51js9zml2yt


    flangemeistro wrote: »
    I got the European espresso and I think it was Nicaraguan and I couldn't even finish them.
    I found them completely underwhelming and bland.
    I ran straight back to badger & Dodo and 3FE.

    Went into 3fe last year for a coffee and didn't like it. Will try b&d


  • #144
    caviardreams
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,607 ✭✭✭caviardreams


    flangemeistro wrote: »
    I got the European espresso and I think it was Nicaraguan and I couldn't even finish them.
    I found them completely underwhelming and bland.
    I ran straight back to badger & Dodo and 3FE.

    I do like the European espresso - but these things are probably subjective (or I have no taste :o)

    Might try a few from badger & dodo - anyone recommend anything? Am definitely going for the jam jar espresso. Dellivery seems very reasonable at €3.50


  • #145
    J_E
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,734 ✭✭✭J_E


    Merrick Gorgeous Gynecologist wrote: »
    Really liked the ponaire Nicaraguan. Just opened the Ethiopian and not too impressed.

    I've 500gr to get through ;)

    Seconded on the Nicaraguan and their Bobolink, getting this really nice praline flavour out of it.

    I have the Ethiopian but as they suggest, it only works well as a filter coffee. Couldn't get anything out of it as espresso but it had pleasant flavours through an Aeropress.

    Got European as well, it was my first time getting 250g bags from them and I was a little disappointed that it didn't have the roast date, only the month. I get the feeling Nicaraguan was the freshest of them from the crunch of the beans. I'd say I'll buy a kilo of either the Nicaraguan or Bobolink, enjoying both of those.


  • #146
    adrian522
    Moderators, Computer Games Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 16,139 Mod ✭✭✭✭adrian522


    Just ordered from bailies, delivery is £4.50 for Ireland but free for UK. Seems to be a bit of disincentive for people in the Republic. Went with Parcel Motel, but I'd prefer if they could offer a better rate for us, even if it was just surface mail


  • #147
    caviardreams
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,607 ✭✭✭caviardreams


    Bailies used to do 2 bags with free delivery to Ireland I think - is that gone? :(

    Might go with them again now that sterling has fallen though.


  • #148
    adrian522
    Moderators, Computer Games Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 16,139 Mod ✭✭✭✭adrian522


    Seems to be gone yes.


  • #149
    Krusty_Clown
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,533 ✭✭✭✭Krusty_Clown


    adrian522 wrote: »
    Seems to be gone yes.
    It's still free shipping on their starter packs (or at least it is on their single origin starter pack). The site mentions 'Free UK delivery', but once you get to the shipping method page, standard delivery is free.
    Speciality Starter Pack - Free UK Delivery
    Whole Roasted Beans
    1 £13.99 GBP
    Cost summary
    Description Price
    Subtotal £13.99 GBP
    Shipping Free
    Total GBP £13.99 GBP


  • #150
    caviardreams
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,607 ✭✭✭caviardreams


    Just ordered 2 x 250g bags from Bailies and didn't get charged for shipping to Ireland - happy days!


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  • #151
    uck51js9zml2yt
    Closed Accounts Posts: 18,268 ✭✭✭✭uck51js9zml2yt


    caviardreams wrote: »
    Just ordered 2 x 250g bags from Bailies and didn't get charged for shipping to Ireland - happy days!

    What did you order.?


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