Posted Tue Oct 12, 2004, 2:51am Subject: Which espresso beans should I begin with ???
I just bought a Gaggia Classic with a rocky grinder from WLL. I have been making espresso for some time with a saeco and a preassurized portafiller, but wanted something better . I am somewhat spoiled when it comes to espresso because I spent this summer in central Italy. The coffee there was incredible,never bitter like many places in North America.
My question concerns beans. where should I look for decent espresso beans which might come close to the coffee that I drank this summer in Italy.(and won't break the bank) Is there anything that WLL carries that may come close ?? or are there other place that I should be looking. I live in Southern Ontario,Canada. Thanks
Posted Wed Oct 13, 2004, 8:00am Subject: Re: Which espresso beans should I begin with ???
Well if you don't have a good local roaster then your best bet to buy great beans is probably on the internet. Intelligentsia is not too far away, and they charge about $10 US / lb of black cat which is competitive with the low quality beans you get in stores here.
If you really want great beans at a low price then you should experiement with home roasting. It's cheap like the budgie, fun and great coffee. Check out the roasting forum.
onoscafe Senior Member Joined: 26 Feb 2003 Posts: 55 Location: Toronto Expertise: Professional
Espresso: Gaggia Classic Grinder: Gaggia MDF Drip: Pyrex percolator from '50's Roaster: buy vac pac beans from Italy
Posted Sat Oct 30, 2004, 5:34pm Subject: Re: Which espresso beans should I begin with ???
I would buy espresso beans roasted and packaged in Italy. Lavazza, Mauro Deluxe, Ionia Gran Crema, Kimbo gold bag, or other well known brands. To guarantee freshness go to a store that sells a lot. No Frills has some of these brands, Grande Cheese (if there is one in your area) or any Italian Supermarket.
Another tip is to go to a local cafe (an independently owned) and ask for a sample.
A good local roaster is Lambada Coffee in Woodbridge. The owner has been in the business of espresso coffee and espresso coffee machines for about 50 years.
A good importer is Alfa Cappuccino Imports. in Concord, they carry many espresso beans.
Posted Sat Oct 30, 2004, 6:20pm Subject: Re: Which espresso beans should I begin with ???
onoscafe Said:
I would buy espresso beans roasted and packaged in Italy. Lavazza, Mauro Deluxe, Ionia Gran Crema, Kimbo gold bag, or other well known brands. To guarantee freshness go to a store that sells a lot.
While I love Italian coffee, it's extremely rare to find it anywhere near "fresh" on this side of the Ocean. Anything that was roasted in Italy would take at least a week to make it into a store here in the West. I subscribe to the view that espresso is best when made from beans that are 2-8 days old after roasting.
IMO it's best to find a local roaster or even better roast at home.
Stewart Senior Member Joined: 20 Jun 2003 Posts: 414 Location: North of Toronto Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Rancilio Silvia Grinder: Mazzer Mini,*$ Barista/Solis... Vac Pot: E Santos,Vintage... Drip: not Roaster: 4 lb RK drum,SC/GG combo,WB...
Posted Tue Nov 9, 2004, 1:05pm Subject: Re: Which espresso beans should I begin with ???
Jon:
You are so right there man. When you don't roast your beans you are in the dark as to the staleness factor. After you have roasted your own when you smell the fresh volatile oils etc from the bean you know what it is to have 'freshly roasted'. Is dat why dey dont put dat expiry date on dem bags?
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