Siliconslave's how to make espresso thread

hasbean monsoon malabar

Went to do a repeat order of hasbean's toba sulawesi but unfortunatley after emailing steve appears they no longer do that and have replaced it with blake

After reading up on the new description I decided it was maybe time to try somthing else and went for the 4 bean blend and monsoon malabar.

The four bean blend is a good everyday filter coffee but I am really impressed with the MM, but it did take a bit of getting used too.

Firstly it's great with the MM to see the name of the grower on the packet....a mr fiaz mossakutty.

When the beans first arrived (on a very cold morning) i was initially put off by the unusual aroma and my first cup (hurried) through the aerobie made me think that this was a bean that i was not going to be getting on with.

However..... after a day de-gassing and after decanting beans to an airtight canister I am now greeted with a marvelous sweet strong aroma from the canister and after grinding through the zass. I'm drinking it now black americano.

A superb but unusual indian coffee but did take some getting used too. Also interesting how it gets its name.

http://www.hasbean.co.uk/products/Indian-Monsoon-Malabar-2009%2d2010.html

Anyone else with experience of this coffee?
 
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Monsoon Malabar, it's certainly unique. Not my favourite coffee, not a huge fan of naturally processed coffees tbh. More of a pulped natural and washed person tbh.

I do like the 4 bean blend though. It's a good, basic everyday coffee.

Youstolemyname said:
How do people clean their Iberital MC2 grinders? Mine seems to collect a lot of grinds in the 'spout' area and the spout cannot be removed...right fiddle!
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The chute can be removed.

First off, remove the hopper.
Press in one of the black tabs on the side and gently lever the top up, it will come off.
Chute just lifts out then.

To get the majority of the grinds out of the chute without pulling it apart, I had a cheap teaspoon that I put a bend into the handle and used that to scrape most of it clean. Other than that, I've got a 1/2" paintbrush with long bristles that I can used to clean more out. Also have a stiff brush for the burrs.
 
I have ordered my Andreja Premium from Bella Barista and it should be arriving tomorrow :D

Two bags of the Autumn Espresso Blend from Square Mile are also on order. Now I just need a bottomless portafilter :)
 
Flibster said:
Should be able to get a Rancillio Silvia for that of the bay.

Last time I checked they go for around £200-250
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looked on Fleabay, there was a couple there but getting on for nigh on £300.
May opt for a Gaggia RI8155. Size wise it fits under the units a bit better and in a "SWMBO friendly colour".
 
Are these automatic bean to cup coffee machines any good other than being expensive and convenient will they make a good cup?

Currently using a cafetiere but its tedious I know all good things comes to those who wait :)
 
beermonster said:
Are these automatic bean to cup coffee machines any good other than being expensive and convenient will they make a good cup?

Currently using a cafetiere but its tedious I know all good things comes to those who wait :)
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Have you tried the Aeropres? I've been using that more and more lately. It makes BETTER coffee than a cafetiere and a million times easier to clean.
 
Raymond Lin said:
Have you tried the Aeropres? I've been using that more and more lately. It makes BETTER coffee than a cafetiere and a million times easier to clean.
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Just checked a video out of one in action, seems a lot more hassle than a cafetiere save for the brewing time. I don't mind paying for bean to cup jobby just wondered if they were any good. Some of them are quite configurable in the amount of coffee, water and temperature settings etc and can store your favourite settings. I like that idea.
 
I've been asked what I want for Xmas from the family and i've gone for an aeropress with a Hario Skerton grinder from Hasbean with the free coffee. Are these decent choices on a budget?
 
beermonster said:
Just checked a video out of one in action, seems a lot more hassle than a cafetiere save for the brewing time. I don't mind paying for bean to cup jobby just wondered if they were any good. Some of them are quite configurable in the amount of coffee, water and temperature settings etc and can store your favourite settings. I like that idea.
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Much easier to clean.
No grounds in the resultant brew.
Produces a beautifully clean cup.
Seriously flexible. Can produce something close to espresso, all the way through to french press style.

Hamster said:
I've been asked what I want for Xmas from the family and i've gone for an aeropress with a Hario Skerton grinder from Hasbean with the free coffee. Are these decent choices on a budget?
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Yup. The El Salvador La Ilusion is a stonking coffe.http://www.hasbean.co.uk/products/El-Salvador-La-Ilusion-Bourbon-2010%2d2011.html
 
Flibster said:
Yup. Skerton and Aeropress are a great combo.

And the La Ilusion is still a stonking coffee. :D
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Thanks! Looking forward to my first decent home made cup of the stuff now :)

That 52 week subscription from Hasbean looks rather tempting. If i find I'm really enjoying coffee regularly I may have to go for that later.
 
Siliconslave,
I'm having some second thoughts about the grinder. I see from this thread that you have a Skerton grinder for work. How are you finding it? I don't really want to be spending £100 on a grinder and I'm wondering whether it's worth paying a bit more for an electric one like the Dualit for £70. Then again I don't want to spend £70 if the Skerton produces equally good results, albeit with a little more elbowgrease! Would appreciate your input :)
 
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Espresso machine ordered.
That large high street catalog company has an offer on until the 14th.
Gaggia classic for £199 new.
It meets SWMBO approval for new kitchen as well.
 
Im in the market for an espresso machine folks. I've had a taste of espresso from the Nespresso Citiz and Milk and thought it was quite nifty.
Anyone have any comments or personal recommendations for an Espresso machine of around the same price level? i.e. 170 quid.
 
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