| Life is good ... with fresh coffee. As you may or may not know, I'm in one of the towns without a good coffee shop (Orange County, CA). I was taking my eldest to acting class the other evening, and decided to take my 2 younger ones to a chain store (not $bucks) to try a cappucino while we waited. They served me probably a 16 oz cup. All I could say was ugggh. The milk felt like soap bubbles and burnt, way too hot. I was about half foam on top of the coffee and then below was a weak excuse for a coffee elixir. Reminded myself how bad coffee can be. The next morning I woke up as usual around 4 or 4:30. My latest batch of Colombian (Colombia Platos Fuertes de Huila Microlot Mix) roasted just to the end of 1st crack was on it's 3rd day rest. I whipped up a cup in the CCD, and all I can say was I hit the roast and brew perfect. My experience with Colombians in the past has been less than stellar, so I was using this as an experimental roast. This coffee turned out perfect. Even my wife, who doesn't obsess about these things, noticed what a clean cup this was. A nice quiet early morning enjoying a perfect cup of coffee. Ahhhhh! Then, I decided to make 2 cappucinos out of my first blend ("Dr.'s Rx No. 1"). It is a post-roast blend of 2 parts Brazil, 1 part Costa Rica, 1 part Ethiopian Yirga Cheffe. Brazil & Costa Rican roasted individually just over the edge of 2nd crack. The Yirga Cheffe taken to before second, and probably a bit too far, but I still got the lemony fruit flavors out of the drip cup (I'm calling it C+). The blend was about 5 days post roast. Wow! I really succeeded on this blend. Nice syrupy shots with a good color crema and tiger striping. Also made the microfoam just right and had 2 wonderful cups. This was quite the eye opening experience about how far I have grown in my coffee tasting, quest, and roasting/pulling skills, especially compared to the chain from the night before. Honestly, night and day difference. I was in a good mood for the morning revelry with the troops. I was so impressed with myself (LoL), that a few hours later, I pulled a shot of the Dr.'s Rx to see if it really stood up to the challenge. Again, perfect for me. A nice buttery caramelly shot with hints of chocolate sweetness and fruity brightness. I was a little concerned the Costa Rican might not work well, and that the combination being 50% Costa Rican/Ethiopian might shift the flavor off, but it worked. I've got a half a pound left, and I've been enjoying each and every shot like the previous. I've got 12 oz of Workshop #7 resting for Tues/Wed, I can only hope that I continue with my success when I transition to this blend. If not, I may go see the Dr. again. :-) Enjoy your Sunday morning cup, I know I will. Now to contemplate what to roast for a trip to England, the home of instant coffee, at least where I'm going. Cheers! Greg Homeroast mailing list Homeroasthttp://www.sweetmariascoffee.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemIdx20">http://host.sweetmariascoffee.com/mailman/listinfo/homeroast_lists.sweetmariascoffee.comHomeroast community pictures -upload yours!) :http://www.sweetmariascoffee.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemIdx20 |