Posted Tue Jul 1, 2008, 8:28pm Subject: Re: New Black Cat Blend
I got my last order of 2 pounds last wednesday, roasted on Monday. I made a cup on Thursday and wasn't quite as tickled as I have been in the past, but yesterday with 7 days on the roast, it knocked my socks off as usual.
mitchellb Senior Member Joined: 20 Jul 2007 Posts: 593 Location: Houston, TX Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Astra Pro, SAMA Lever Grinder: Mazzer Major Vac Pot: Cory DKG-S Drip: Bodum French Press Roaster: HGDB
Posted Tue Jul 1, 2008, 10:26pm Subject: Re: New Black Cat Blend
I have had a few good shots from my pound of black cat so far.. (7 days post rost today.. had really good shots yesterday too).. i am going to get into the Kid-o now that it's in its prime too.. I was not impressed 3-4 days post roast.
Posted Thu Jul 3, 2008, 6:32am Subject: Re: New Black Cat Blend
Hi Guys,
Just an update its day two with my BC roasted on 6-27-08. So far I've not had a lot of luck getting it dialed in. I'm close. The shots are okay, but I've not got the profile dialed in the way I want. I've come close to the fruited notes with chocolate finish. This is the first commercially roasted blend I've worked with for a while so I'm sure that's most of it.
So far I'm finding a little warmer to be key. I know what you're saying "Gee Tim what does that mean?" and you're right those are pretty generic terms, but what I do with my set-up will most likely differ from yours. But I'm curious if any of you have tried something a little warmer and seen what it does for your tastes?
I'm going to keep chipping away at it and I'll post a follow up. I think once I get it I'll like it. I'm finding myself enjoying the fruited notes here lately (I blame the summer heat). I still appreciate the chocolate finish though...
JVBorella Senior Member Joined: 29 Oct 2007 Posts: 405 Location: northeastern CT. Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: LaSpaziale S1 Vivaldi 2 Grinder: Macap M4,KA Pro,Zassenhaus... Vac Pot: Press Pots/Finum Filters Drip: Melitta BCM-4c Roaster: Before Long
Posted Thu Jul 3, 2008, 6:28pm Subject: Re: New Black Cat Blend
TimEggers Said:
Hi Guys,
So far I'm finding a little warmer to be key. I know what you're saying "Gee Tim what does that mean?" and you're right those are pretty generic terms, but what I do with my set-up will most likely differ from yours. But I'm curious if any of you have tried something a little warmer and seen what it does for your tastes? .
I was getting my best tasting shots at 94C & 95C when I first got the B/C whereas with the older blend I used 92C-93C. I'm also having to grind finer with the new B/C.
7/4- Tried a 17g double at 94C & 93C this morning & I'd have to give the edge to the 93C now although I'm still not impressed with either one compared to the previous batch(12/07) or the Toscano I just finished.
Posted Thu Jul 3, 2008, 7:38pm Subject: Re: New Black Cat Blend
I don't know if I should be in this discussion as I'm using a total immersion method for making my coffee. But I will share the fact that I did brew mine a little hotter the last couple of days. By that, I don't know exactly as I have a cheap candy type therm. But it is somewhere between 200 and I'd say 208. I just got a digital therm today in the mail and it is quite a bit different than my old one. I'm also concluding that this new Black Cat needs a week on the roast before it shines.
Posted Sat Jul 5, 2008, 1:25pm Subject: Re: New Black Cat Blend
Well guys I've made some progress with ol' Black. I'm not sure on the complaints about not finding the chocolate. I've been pulling pretty smooth chocolate shots. I'm finding the chocolate with a Normale double pulled a little warm and little long. I'm going to try a little cooler and see if I can capture some of the fruit notes I was seeing earlier. I can understand the other observations about the changes, ol' Black does seem to have a little different character. But I'm still really enjoying this blend.
Posted Sun Jul 6, 2008, 6:20pm Subject: Re: New Black Cat Blend
Well I'm at a loss for words here. I just can't get anything more out of this batch of Black Cat. I've found some nice chocolate on the back end and a few shots with a hint of cherry on the front side and chocolate finish. But that's it. I just can't pull anything more out of this blend. I've been all over the temperature ranges, tried several doses everything I could think of.
I'm still getting pleasant shots but I'll admit I'm a little under whelmed.
JVBorella Senior Member Joined: 29 Oct 2007 Posts: 405 Location: northeastern CT. Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: LaSpaziale S1 Vivaldi 2 Grinder: Macap M4,KA Pro,Zassenhaus... Vac Pot: Press Pots/Finum Filters Drip: Melitta BCM-4c Roaster: Before Long
Posted Sun Jul 6, 2008, 7:36pm Subject: Re: New Black Cat Blend
TimEggers Said:
Well I'm at a loss for words here. I just can't get anything more out of this batch of Black Cat. I've found some nice chocolate on the back end and a few shots with a hint of cherry on the front side and chocolate finish. But that's it. I just can't pull anything more out of this blend. I've been all over the temperature ranges, tried several doses everything I could think of.
I'm still getting pleasant shots but I'll admit I'm a little under whelmed.
Same here, its certainly drinkable but nothing special. Its gone from one of my favorites to something I won't buy again unless they give it a serious overhaul & bring it back to its former glory.
Posted Sun Jul 6, 2008, 7:46pm Subject: Re: New Black Cat Blend
JVBorella Said:
Same here, its certainly drinkable but nothing special. Its gone from one of my favorites to something I won't buy again unless they give it a serious overhaul & bring it back to its former glory.
It took me a while to dial it in (if it can be called that) and when I got close I became excited but then I couldn't take it any further despite my best efforts. Its like I hit a wall. I just can't explain it myself. Seems like Mark is perplexed as well by his latest Twitter post:
is wondering what the hell happened to Black Cat from Intelly. Where's the caramel? Where's the chocolate? Where's the stout? Whats goin on?
Same here, its certainly drinkable but nothing special. Its gone from one of my favorites to something I won't buy again unless they give it a serious overhaul & bring it back to its former glory.
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