Markarian Senior Member Joined: 27 Jun 2012 Posts: 474 Location: Seattle Area Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Modded Nuova Simonelli Oscar Grinder: Vario-W, Mazzer Super Jolly Drip: Moka, Aeropress, Melitta 102 Roaster: Wear-Ever Popcorn Pumper
Posted Thu Feb 21, 2013, 4:03am Subject: Single Origin a Pain?
I started my espresso adventures buying every kind of coffee I could get my hands on and trying to pump them through my Saeco. Along the way, I discovered some single origin coffees I really loved, such as Tanzanian Peaberry. However, I've recently noticed that getting them to grind right and produce a decent espresso is incredibly difficult and time consuming compared to some of my favorite blends. I have a Kona Blend I've been playing with from Panache in Portland that produces lovely shots with tons of crema, a pretty extraction, and a really even flavor. But my Peaberries are hit or miss, even when I roast my own (though make an incredibly vibrant shot when they work) and I've noticed some coffees just don't work at all (I'm looking at you Columbia Supremo). So I'm curious, are single origins "Hard Mode" for lack of a better term?
hollyan Junior Member Joined: 20 Feb 2013 Posts: 19 Location: Grand Rapids Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Thu Feb 21, 2013, 6:49am Subject: Re: Single Origin a Pain?
Single origin espresso can be a pain, or it can be a really rewarding experience- it's truly hit or miss in my experience. I've had killer SO shots of Sumatran coffees( an origin I don't usually like), and some great Guats. But I've also had some SO shots that are terrible, even at established places like Intelligentsia. I really think it's all about trying things out, playing with your roast levels, and being willing to fail. Keep in mind that the characteristics of a brewed coffee are amplified in espresso, e.g. an acidic, lightly roasted coffee might be unbearable in espresso form. I don't know if there's a clear answer to your question, but I hope this helps!
Jmanespresso Senior Member Joined: 18 Jan 2009 Posts: 2,108 Location: Westchester NY Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Alex Duetto II Grinder: Compak K10 - Vario Vac Pot: Yama-SY5/SY8/TCA5 Drip: V60, Beehouse, CCD Roaster: Hottop B
Posted Thu Feb 21, 2013, 10:42am Subject: Re: Single Origin a Pain?
Check out these two articles written by Mark Prince.. Most notably, the sections on single origin espresso in both of the articles.
His thoughts and opinions on single origin espresso, are spot on, and I really couldn't agree more. I will say where I disagree, is I have probably found more SO that I really like than hes found, but otherwise, his points are SPOT on.
Coffee makes your constantly overcome your prejudices and re-evaluate your own "received wisdoms" when it comes to judging cup flavors. -Tom Owen, SweetMarias
Symbols: = New Posts since your last visit = No New Posts since last visit = Newest post
Forum Rules: No profanity, illegal acts or personal attacks will be tolerated in these discussion boards. No commercial posting of any nature will be tolerated; only private sales by private individuals, in the "Buy and Sell" forum. No cross posting allowed - do not post your topic to more than one forum, nor repost a topic to the same forum. Who Can Read The Forum? Anyone can read posts in these discussion boards. Who Can Post New Topics? Any registered CoffeeGeek member can post new topics. Who Can Post Replies? Any registered CoffeeGeek member can post replies. Can Photos be posted? Anyone can post photos in their new topics or replies. Who can change or delete posts? Any CoffeeGeek member can edit their own posts. Only moderators can delete posts. Probationary Period: If you are a new signup for CoffeeGeek, you cannot promote, endorse, criticise or otherwise post an unsolicited endorsement for any company, product or service in your first five postings.
= No New Posts since last visit 