Siliconslave's how to make espresso thread

mid_gen · 3 Apr 2020 at 15:46

Eureka arrived today. Lovely bit of kit, smaller than I imagined, but weighs an absolute ton, like a lead brick

Just put a grind through of the old java, very oily bean, came out nice a loose. Sadly only brewed in a moka express until the machine arrives, but it was much better than the sadness that was the coffee smashed up in the blade grinder

Flibster · 4 Apr 2020 at 14:25

Had 3kg of coffee arrive from 2 roasters today.

1kg from Hasbean - 4x250g bags, assorted things.
1kg from Origin - Just a 1kg bag of their San Fermin. One of the best coffee's I've had over the last couple of years, to the point that for the last 2 Third Wave Wichtelns that happened (still waiting for 2019' to happen) it's been one of the coffee's I've sent.
1kg from a friend's little roaster. Can't say much yet, but they're really small lots. I think they're going to be about £15-20 each... :eek:

Grimley · 4 Apr 2020 at 15:36

The postie delivered my 2 Kg order from Rave coffee today, that's the most I've ever ordered from one roaster at any time. Makes up for my intended bulk buy for #LCF20, I bought 1.5 Kg there last year.

Siliconslave · 4 Apr 2020 at 20:41

Flibster said:
1kg from Origin - Just a 1kg bag of their San Fermin. One of the best coffee's I've had over the last couple of years...

Been to their British Library shop a few times, not sure I've had the San Fermin but got a full loyalty card to use if we're ever let out again, might have to pause my square mile subscription and try some

Dj_Jestar · 4 Apr 2020 at 21:34

Origin is near to my office. Best coffee in Shoreditch, imo. Ozone are really good, too.

Flibster · 4 Apr 2020 at 22:24

Grimley said:
The postie delivered my 2 Kg order from Rave coffee today, that's the most I've ever ordered from one roaster at any time. Makes up for my intended bulk buy for #LCF20, I bought 1.5 Kg there last year.

I usually end up with a backpack full of coffee from the LCF. I know many of the roasters and baristas, so I usually get given samples or new beans to try out... Generally don't have to buy anything unless it's something I really want to try. I don't think the LCF is going to happen this year though. Shame. I enjoy getting together the caffeine obsessed bunch of idiots.

Siliconslave said:
Been to their British Library shop a few times, not sure I've had the San Fermin but got a full loyalty card to use if we're ever let out again, might have to pause my square mile subscription and try some

It's normally my first stop when I get into London. Kings Cross is my station. It's a nice place to unwind after having to deal with Thameslink or Great Northern ******* trains. Add to that I used to go in when the market was outside most, so Crosstown Donuts was my next stop.

Dj_Jestar said:
Origin is near to my office. Best coffee in Shoreditch, imo. Ozone are really good, too.

I also like Shoreditch Grind, Attendant and Bulldog at Ace Hotel. Ozone, I found they roasted too dark for my tastes but that may have changed since (and they have bought Hasbean), but their food was superb the last time I was there.

That reminds me, must go back to Blues Kitchen if London is ever open again.

jpaul · 5 Apr 2020 at 08:09

Grimley said:
The postie delivered my 2 Kg order from Rave coffee today, that's the most I've ever ordered from one roaster at any time.

I usually buy enough for notional free postage, preferably when Rave had(still have?) offers, and, freeze that which I wont use over a month, after off-gassing.

Local roasters (cambridge) probably supply some workplaces ... so I should probably investigate whether they will drop off at my workplace,
since never have time to visit them .. otherwise little distinction with folks like Rave -
although there is some artisanal aspect to locals, it's offset by the bigger folks have more consistant quality with better equipment ?

Grimley · 5 Apr 2020 at 10:38

/\/\/\ there's a few fairly close to Cambridge I can think of that either follow me on Twitter, or I'm aware of them:

Coffee Officina (Espresso Library serves their coffee)
Silver Oak in Ely (they frequent Ely Market but not right now)
TakiTaki in Saffron Walden.

I only ordered that much because I got a 25% email from them!

Flibster said:
I don't think the LCF is going to happen this year though. Shame.

I think you're right. I think I can skip a year though. I'm glad I'm NOT going today though, on a warm & Sunny spring day (Last year was Freezing!) The brewery will be like a SAUNA. I remember going on days like this & leaving, feeling I'd been roasted like a coffee bean myself!

Dj_Jestar · 5 Apr 2020 at 10:51

Flibster said:
I also like Shoreditch Grind, Attendant and Bulldog at Ace Hotel. Ozone, I found they roasted too dark for my tastes but that may have changed since (and they have bought Hasbean), but their food was superb the last time I was there.

That reminds me, must go back to Blues Kitchen if London is ever open again.

Used to work in Ace Hotel (Hoi Polloi) - by that I mean I was a remote worker that would set up camp in hoi polloi as a customer - and whilst the coffee was certainly passable I didn't think it compared to origin.

Blues Kitchen is a top choice, too

jpaul · 5 Apr 2020 at 11:59

Grimley said:
I only ordered that much because I got a 25% email from them!

checks coffeeforums deals, zilch for Rave .. very personalized ?

Flibster · 5 Apr 2020 at 12:03

jpaul said:
Local roasters (cambridge) probably supply some workplaces ... so I should probably investigate whether they will drop off at my workplace,
since never have time to visit them .. otherwise little distinction with folks like Rave -
although there is some artisanal aspect to locals, it's offset by the bigger folks have more consistant quality with better equipment ?

Hot Numbers in Cambridge is still roasting and selling online. Really enjoyed visiting one of their cafes.

Grimley · 5 Apr 2020 at 13:59

jpaul said:
checks coffeeforums deals, zilch for Rave .. very personalized ?

I presume so. My last order from them was 6 months ago.

Flibster said:
Hot Numbers in Cambridge is still roasting and selling online. Really enjoyed visiting one of their cafes.

I forgot about them. Been in both places in Cambridge a couple of times now. Good Coffee. I want to visit their New Roastery in Sherpeth at some point hopefully.

mid_gen · 5 Apr 2020 at 18:19

Just ordered a few bits from Rave. Hope this Gaggia Classic turns up soon as I'm already looking at Lelit machines that are in stock and wondering about cancelling

Grimley · 5 Apr 2020 at 18:32

/\/\/\ do it. Modern Gaggia Classics (post 2015) are nowhere near as well made as the older models. I looked at the latest one (out of curiosity) & its a fair bit shorter than said older models. It looked as though you would not be able to place a standard height espresso shot glass under the portafilter. The Mara range is the smallest E61 machine I've seen, I think they are cheap considering what they are & what you get for your money.

mid_gen · 6 Apr 2020 at 08:39

Grimley said:
/\/\/\ do it. Modern Gaggia Classics (post 2015) are nowhere near as well made as the older models. I looked at the latest one (out of curiosity) & its a fair bit shorter than said older models. It looked as though you would not be able to place a standard height espresso shot glass under the portafilter. The Mara range is the smallest E61 machine I've seen, I think they are cheap considering what they are & what you get for your money.

You're a bad man

I was looking at the Grace, but now I'm looking at the Mara. More than I was planning to spend, but I've got a Leica lens sat here I've not used in years and now I'm thinking I'll sell it and use the money for something I'll use every day

There's a Rocket Apartamento on coffeeforums that's quite tempting too...

Ayahuasca · 6 Apr 2020 at 09:25

You can definitely end up down the rabbit hole with the number of machines on the market.

jpaul · 6 Apr 2020 at 10:34

I might be patriotic too V but, have never looked for interior shots on Lelit build quality.

jpaul said:
just remembered (UK based) Fracino too, they have not be mentioned recently, but they have an oscar & silvia competitor bambino/piccino.

So does anyone have a Rave voucher ? I looked payed £28/2kg signature 2 years back ...now it's £40
... they seem to have rejigged their packaging, but maybe everyone has post box compliancy now.

Ayahuasca · 6 Apr 2020 at 10:52

Every time I've checked Rave there's been no vouchers available. Their prices are a joke nowadays.

Anyone know a good alternative to their fudge blend?

jpaul · 6 Apr 2020 at 11:14

I'm heading towards this, based on coffeforums comment from a signature drinker ..I want it darker
https://www.anothercoffee.co.uk/products/item503102.aspx

Siliconslave · 6 Apr 2020 at 11:24

i'm sort of waiting for the ECM Puristika price to get confirmed, i'm the only one drinking espresso here and can't stand milky coffee. In the mean time my classic is still going strong