Coffee Noob

Is this coffee?

2009-06-06T11:36:00.002-05:00

Work coffee is hard to get right. Most offices just have drip brew that sits all day getting stale and burnt but some are lucky to have these fancy Keurig machines like mine. They make fast drinks and its very easy to use.

Buuut.... the question is, is it really coffee? Well to most people it probably is.

I haven't made any coffee on this machine, I just use it to make hot chocolate and the occasional green tea or something.

The pic shows some Kona blend coffee that I'm sure tastes like Kona...

So I bring my press pot to work and hand grinder and make my own. But I need some more coffee! I'll have to order some DoubleShot or swing by Murky because I live sorta close (just a few metro stops away) to it.

I'll drink to that.

2008-07-14T11:51:00.002-05:00

Brian over at DoubleShot Coffee Company is doing something amazing. So amazing, it will blow your socks off! Actually, he'll probably blow his own socks off (when he's done).

Have you ever run 100 miles in a race? Well, Brian is going to do it. This is his fourth attempt and while he's never completed this specific race, he's completed other 100 mile races on two other occasions.

Well, Brian is running this race for himself. He even talks about his lack of interest in racing! Which I can understand. I'm not a podium whore but completion is certainly my measure of personal accomplishment.

But Brian is doing this for a bigger cause than just his own satisfaction, he's doing this to raise money for Coffee Kids. I recommend just heading over to the Coffee Kids site to read all that they do, but basically, they help in many areas from health care, education and micro-credit.

You can help Brian raise money for Coffee Kids too. Head on over to Coffee Illuminati and make a pledge. You pick an amount per mile and Brian will email you when it's all done to tell you how much you owe.

His previous best for Leadville was 70 miles before the time cutoff and hopefully he'll make the whole 100 this year.

As a side note, Brian will be doing some audio recordings of his run which are very entertaining and enlightening (really? yeah, I guess they are).

I highly recommend listening to the last "jogcast" (see link below) Brian did at Leadville, and you will see how difficult this race can be. If you are a runner, I think you will really enjoy it. Following along and hearing how hard it gets, then gets better, then gets hard again... it's a "roller coaster thrill ride" (Ebert)!

Well, go ahead and check out the links below and wish him luck. After all, he does make some killer coffee!

Keep on brewing!

[old DoubleShot Leadville post]

[CoffeeKids]

[Coffee Illuminati]

[Jogcast]

A Taste of Familiarity

2008-06-20T14:10:00.002-05:00

Since moving to Alexandria Virginia, I haven't been able to find any good coffee. Actually, I haven't found any coffee. I haven't searched very hard but after going up and down King Street (the big popular street) and not seeing anything, I feel that it's a bit disheartening.

So I ordered some Costa Rican La Magnolia from DoubleShot. Oh boy, one of the first coffees that I've ever had!

The coffee arrived last night but I decided to wait till this morning to make some. Well, I got to work, opened that bag and brewed a full press of that black gold. The smell brought me right back to hanging out at the DoubleShot.

I think that this coffee is going to ease the transition of this sudden move. Probably because it's messing with my head and smelling that coffee and staring at my computer makes me feel like I'm back at my old desk!

Well, I'm going to make another press, so I better get going.

Keep on brewing!

DoubleShot Green Initiative

2008-06-18T11:50:00.001-05:00

DoubleShot Green Initiative
Originally uploaded by doubleshotcoffee

Back to the DoubleShot

2008-05-26T12:32:00.002-05:00

Yep, it's been some time, but I'm back at the DoubleShot. Lack of disposable income is the culprit, but I think it should be fine now!

So, I'm drinking the Brazil Poco Fundo.

This is what Brian had to say about it:

"We only have two 132 pound bags of this coffee because I had to buy it before it arrived in the US, and I didn't know it was going to be so great. It's rich with a medium-heavy body. Sweet, cherry and cinnamon aromas. Buttery-peppery flavors back a mildly-sweet, but prominent fruit taste. Somewhere in the melon family, I think. Cocoa tones also pushed through, and it only got better as it cooled."

It's certainly really good. I also tried the Panama Boquete Classico. I think I like that one better... although I only had a small sample of it.

It's just really good to have good coffee again. I hate to say it, but some days, at work, I had to... yes... drink work coffee. Ouch!

Dripping there onto that burning carafe... sitting for hours... adding sugar and creamer... luckily I didn't have to do it much but that's the kind of torture I had to resort to.

What I need is a roaster. Does anyone want to buy me a small roaster? I guess I could do a yard sale popcorn popper... but I'd like to learn for real.

Alright, I have to go because I'm enjoying this coffee. Mmmm...

Keep on brewing!

Late Night Post [repost]

2008-04-10T09:53:00.000-05:00

DoubleShot (Coffee Company) had some Kona Coffee in, and you had to pre-order, so I had to get some. I've heard great things about it.

Brian, at DoubleShot describes it as this:
"Traditionally, since Kona is an island coffee, it is very bright, clean, fruity, and delicious. You can definitely expect it to come alive in your mouth, especially if you drink it while it's still really fresh."

So, I thought I'd try some. I made a cup tonight and I really enjoyed it! Also, Jenni isn't used to (and doesn't really plan on) drinking coffee "black;" but I make her try one sip of every new coffee I get.

She usually grimaces and grabs for a cup of soda or water or something, but when I had her try this Kona, she didn't make any faces or anything! She said that she actually liked it. Now, I don't think she will always drink it that way, but is this a start of another coffee snob in the family? Perhaps!

So, if anyone wants to try a cup of excellent coffee, come on over! I'll make you a cup. But you can't add sugar or milk and you have to drink the whole thing. Don't worry, it won't be much (I don't want to waste it on you!).

Keep on brewing!

How addicted to coffee are you?

2008-04-03T16:21:00.001-05:00

I am 75% Addicted to Coffee

Keep on brewing!

Coffee Thoughts [repost]

2008-03-18T09:52:00.000-05:00

I'm reading a book right now. Yup, a real book. Not a magazine but a real book.

It's called “Coffee - A Dark History” by Antony Wild.
I got it on Amazon dirt cheap, used. But it looks as if it's new.

Anyway, there is a paragraph that I really enjoyed, I'll just type it here.

“ Coffee had become universally consume in the nations of Europe and in the USA, much of it in coffee houses that became meeting places for men of commerce, politics, and culture. The effect of caffeine itself insured that there were always likely to be lively, well-informed debates and intense, original exchanges, in contrast to the only other public meeting places of the time, the tavern or church. The coffee house played a pivotal role in the creation of many of the financial institutions that in turn supported the expansionist trading empires that had led to the growth of coffee consumption in the first place.”

That paragraph made me think of what people believe coffee houses are these days.

Before I dove into this whole new world of coffee, this is what I thought of coffee houses. I thought they all were more or less like Starbucks. Whatever that means. I thought that coffee houses were places for college students to come and do homework or study. I thought coffee houses were supposed to have outlets all near the tables/chairs so people could bring their laptops and surf the net.

What are coffee houses to you?

Josh:
I find it a good place for conversation. Great for talking about serious issues even though you may not usually talk about such things. But it's certainly a place to socialize. It's quiet like a library but not stuffy. It's interesting because people don't go to “donut shops” or “soda shops” to talk about things like they do at coffee shops.

Joanna:
I don't drink coffee but I see it as mostly a social place. It used to be a date place for me and it was a major student hangout. But I don't like the pressure to buy something. I'm either forced to buy iced tea or chai. I think they should have more non coffee drinks.

Margaret:
They are for lonely people who just want to read their US Weekly magazine,

Jenni:
I think of it as a place for people to hang out and talk.

Ok, so it looks as if coffee houses are certainly a place to hangout. I can say that with my short time at a real coffee house (I don't think Starbucks counts and I'll tell you why in a minute) that coffee houses to me are a place for two or more people who are totally different in age and social status can share a beverage and just talk. I've talked to more people at DoubleShot than I have at any other coffee shop.

Ok, why I don't think Starbucks is a real coffee house. First let me say that I am not a part of the “I Hate Starbucks” movement. I have friends that hate Starbucks and I have friends that love Starbucks. I'm fairly indifferent but mostly because I haven't done my homework yet to have a truly valid opinion.

A reason I don't like Starbucks is that they won't acknowledge that they are fast food. They are nothing more than the McDonalds of the coffee world.

A reason I like Starbucks is that if you are somewhere totally unfamiliar then you can always count on Starbucks being the same, because they are on every corner. But that's also why I don't like Starbucks...

I also think that the local coffee shop is like your local bike shop. I think you should support both. But only if you like their products and services obviously. Gosh, I'm certainly not the kind of person who goes to the local farmers market and only buys locally grown produce but I really enjoy my bike shop, T-Town Bicycles and I want to keep them in business. They have been good to me, they always give me a discount, and I trust them working on my bike.

Same thing with the coffee shop. Brian and Isaiah at DoubleShot have taught me a lot about coffee and I appreciate their time and the pride they put in their work. So naturally I would rather buy and support what they do.

Starbucks employee vs. Real Barista

I see the Starbucks employee as someone who just knows how to pull some levers and squirt the right amount of syrup. But I want someone who knows about coffee and who pulls real shots of espresso. The other day, I was just watching Isaiah. He poured some espresso grounds, which was ground seconds before, into the portafilter and started to tamp it. Is that the correct term? I know it's called a tamper... Anyway, while he was “tamping” it, he noticed it was uneven. Instead of just pulling a shot like that, he duped the grounds out and tried again. I love that!

Ok, that's enough coffee thoughts for now. Peace out!

Keep on brewing!

Labor Day [re] Post

2008-03-17T09:44:00.000-05:00

Labor Day! What does that mean? If you don't know, you should look it up so you don't look like an idiot!

Jenni and I had a great weekend. It was pretty unusual too. We were going to go to this coffee shop downtown, DoubleShot. I just heard of it. I wonder how long they have been here... Anyway, it's really cool. Great atmosphere, awesome coffee, and just neat stuff. Nick, I wish you could be here.

The owner and operator, Brian, seems like a nice guy too. They have a website and blog and while I was searching around on both I saw that he's into mountain biking. That's cool! He has a Trek Top Fuel and he also just did the Leadville 100 (100 mile running race)! When I talked to him he handed me a flyer of their 2nd annual DoubleShot Duathlon.

I don't know if you know what a Duathlon is, and it's commonly confused with a Biathlon... I've always remembered what a Biathlon is because its the one where they cross country ski and shoot rifles. Yep, that something most people to everyday!

A Duathlon though is a an event where you run, bike, run. In this case, trail run 3 miles, mountain bike 8, and trail run 3. That's nothing to scoff at! It sounds like a ton of fun because they have a lot of free stuff and mountain biking is just fun in general but its kind of a big thing. I talked to the guy that helped put it on last year and told him, well, I'm kinda nervous. He said that they have everyone from pro level racers to people that just learned to bike.

I think I'm going to have to sign up! It's on a Saturday. October 6th or 7th, whichever of those is a Saturday. I'll be sure to have Jenni take some pictures and video.

** The rest has been cut out because it's not really relevant to coffee... just search "coffee" in my scrappaper blog**

Keep on brewing!

Re: Real Coffee [repost]

2008-03-03T21:51:00.000-06:00

An excerpt from an email from my mom:

"re your coffee musings, don't worry, no one really cares if you are a purist or not, life's too short to not drink coffee with sugar and cream.... nothing like caffe con leche in spain.. or cappuchino in rome... or espresso in isreal.. . its all good. so drink up whatever you like, and don't forget you have many years to evolve your preferences...

personally, i can't get into flavors added, but years ago, i liked them... still want the sweetner and cream... i don't see why suffer without the extras, myself.

but standing behind the teenieboppers at starbucks who order a triple vente doubleshot mocha-caramel frappachuno with double whipped cream and jimmies.... i just wanna say, just buy a snickers bar, will ya! they are so not coffee drinkers, and they're gonna be 300 pounds by the time they graduate..."

So that's where I get it from...

Keep on brewing!

Aeropress

2008-02-08T12:16:00.001-06:00

Keep on brewing!

Real Coffee [repost]

2008-02-06T09:50:00.000-06:00

The one thing I really really hate are posers. This is pretty much anyone who is not true to what they say or do. Some examples...
- “Outdoorsey” people who buy all the North Face gear, Nalgene bottles, and titanium cookware, but never go 1 mile into the woods.
- Coffee connoisseurs who just buy mochas and frappuccinos (Ok, I like mochas, but I'm trying to expand my palate, is that spelled right?) and hang out at the coffee shops with their Mac computers.
- I know there's another example, I just can't remember it.

I bring this up to say that I don't want to be a poser. I know that I'm not, but the thing I'm afraid of is being perceived as a poser. But, at the same time, I really don't care what people think about me, especially if I know they are wrong. Ok. well maybe a little.
Here are some examples of reasons I may feel like a poser...
- I bought a really nice cross country race mountain bike and I wear spandex (most of the time) and I haven't raced yet. In my own defense, I do plan on racing. I mean, I don't think I'll make podium but I just want to try it and have fun. I used to run cross country in high school and I really enjoy that feeling of racing even though I was always nervous!
- I love Nalgene bottles, fork/knife/spoon combos, and Suunto watches, but I don't go hiking or camping every weekend. I wish I did, but I don't really have the time.
- I have a Timbuk2 messenger bag, but I don't act like I'm a bike messenger. Although that seems like fun, I just don't think I could do it.
- I really enjoy coffee (although some would say that mochas aren't coffee) but I don't know the difference between an Ethiopian _______ and a Costa Rican _______.

What I think the difference is, is that I know that I'm not “posing” but I just enjoy these things, and I do use them as much as possible.

Ok, I had to give all that background info and examples to go to my real topic. “Real” coffee.

If you read some of my most recent posts, then you'll know that I found this coffee shop that is just awesome! Something has inspired me to take my knowledge of coffee to a new level. But see, I don't want to pose, so I'm not trying to say I can taste all he notes or tell what day the bean was roasted or whatever. I just want to appreciate coffee for what it is.

So, with a background of drinking mochas, my taste buds are a little tainted to say the least. I went to DoubleShot and explained my dilemma.
Isaiah, the barista at DoubleShot, understood what I was saying and hooked me up with some beans from Costa Rica, Monte Crisol I believe. I also bought a french press and a hand grinder. Basically, this is something I can take camping, or make my own coffee anywhere there is hot water.

I had two cups last night and I don't recommend doing that late in the evening unless you wanted to stay up till 3. Then I made some in the morning and had another two cups. I think one thing I really enjoy, is the process of making the coffee. I put the beans in the grinder, cranked that thing till they were all ground up, then put them in the french press. I added the water, waited 4 minutes, then pressed down slowly pushing the grounds to the bottom. Ok, if that sound like manual labor to you, then this isn't for you at all. But if you love the feeling of doing something yourself and doing things with your hands, then you would totally get a kick out of this! It's so much fun that if you want a cup of coffee, come on over and I'll make you a cup!

Alright, I'm new to this coffee thing and to really appreciate coffee, I have found that you shouldn't “tarnish” the drink with milk or sugar. Brian, owner and barista of DoubleShot believes that adding anything is a way of covering up bad coffee. He roasts all of his own stuff and I think that it really tastes great!

What scared me when starting this new adventure was that all the memories I have of drinking coffee plain, I was about 10 years old and it probably Folgers or something. I remember it sort of because when my Dad was in Ecuador or Nicaragua my Mom told me I was the man of the house. What does the man of the house do? He drink coffee, like Daddy does. Wow, I hated it! So I never tried it again. That's probably the first and last memory I have of drinking straight coffee.

But the coffee I had last night, didn't make me cringe or make a funny face. I enjoyed it. Now, I won't deny that I did want it a little sweeter but that's just because I wasn't used to it.

Jenni is gone for the day, taking her teaching exams so I have to find a way to occupy myself. I decided to go to DoubleShot, just to hang out. Well, I got thirsty so I asked for a mocha. They didn't give it to me. They wouldn't let me take it. They used some jedi mind trick to make me think I wanted a latte. No, just kidding, it's not like that. I guess Isaiah and Brian are my coffee “accountability partners!” Anyway, the latte was good, actually really good!

Thanks for reading! This blog post was brought to you by DoubleShot Coffee; increasing your jitteriness to blog for hours!

Keep on brewing!

Rainy Tulsa [repost]

2008-02-05T09:47:00.000-06:00

I love Tulsa when it rains! I don't know why. It's probably just because it is usually hot but the rain knocks the heat down... but it does add humidity... Oh well.

I was planning on mountain biking today. It just felt so good when I was riding the other day. When the weather is nice, it makes mountain biking so much better! Although, I really enjoy mountain biking whenever (except in mud).

This lunch break was spent at DoubleShot coffee. I really love this place! It has a great environment and excellent coffee. I also decided I'm going to do the DoubleShot Duathlon. Remember? The run 3, bike 8, run 3? Yeah, it's a lot, but I can do it. My goal is to just complete it. What I really want to do is to do a test one. Just to see what my time is and see what its like.

Although I think the MTB route goes “up” lipbuster. Hmmm... I've never gone that way before. I need to really start getting these legs in working order...

Nick has always been good at the climbs. Thats what I really need to work on. Usually, the big stuff get to me, or if I make it up and over, I still get hung up while trying to keep the pace.

Bob (mountain bike Bob from church...) has been helping me prepare myself both physically and mentally for racing. He has raced for years and just recently retired from it (but still rides like a demon!). He really knows his stuff! The only thing is that our schedules have conflicted with each other and I haven't ridden with him for a while. He is planning a trip to Osage State Park, that should be a lot of fun.

I'm still amazed at how much Jenni loves to mountain bike. I think she is too! She just has a blast when we're out there! And she's really good! I think that her skills on a dirt bike transferred pretty easily over into mountain biking. So, if you dirt bike, mountain biking should be easy! You just have to work up your legs a little.

That's about it for now, I better get going! Take care!

Keep on brewing!

CoffeeGeek!

2008-02-02T00:51:00.000-06:00

Wow! I was on a CoffeeGeek podcast! Well, not me but my letter. Just go to the link below.
My letter goes in about 6 minutes in.

http://cdn.libsyn.com/coffeegeek/cgristrettopodcast02.mp3

Keep on brewing!

Two Shots of Crazy Goodness.

2008-01-31T20:53:00.000-06:00

(photo from flickr.com/doubleshotcoffee)

You probably won't believe it, but I just had my first double shot espresso from DoubleShot. Not to be confused with a premade canned drink...

I was talking to Isaiah and Jason about what makes good espresso...
How they know when to stop the pull...

It should be a "punch in the face" but in a good way. It certainly shouldn't be bitter.

The quality of the cup... er, I mean "demitasse," is almost nothing (until you try it) compared to the preparation.

Watching Jason catch the freshly ground espresso into the portafilters basket, then gently rounding off the top of the grounds. You can already tell that the process of making this 2 oz. drink is very intricate.

Then the tamp, initial press, tape the basket, and then really apply some pressure and spin.

Lock that portafilter in place and let that water work it's way through. If you know how to do well tamps, you can practically walk away for the next 15-20 seconds.

Then Jason showed me what blonding was and how to tell when to stop the extraction.

I've seen Isaiah dump out some espresso when the shot was tamped wrong. He could have made it. It would have tasted like espresso. Add some milk and most people may not have noticed it.

Integrity and Pride
(synonymous with DoubleShot Coffee)

Keep on brewing!

Day 2 of the Yemen Mocca

2008-01-22T14:32:00.001-06:00

It was just so good I didn't want it go without having at least another cup. I also thought I would take a picture of it so you can enjoy almost as much as I have.

There is something about hanging out in DoubleShot that is just relaxing. It's not that it is anything really special or magical but it is special to some people.

It goes back to that "third place" I talked about.

Oh, and it's really funny to be sitting down at a table, enjoying some coffee and seeing the owner of the shop napping on the couch. Actually, I think I saw Howard Schultz do that once.... maybe it was someone else...

Do you have a "third place?" Everyone should have a place to relax, that's not your home. See, I'm totally content with staying at home and playing video games or playing on the computer all day, but Jenni has to get out, which has made me have to get out as well.

It's changing my chemistry! Just like work changed my hunger schedule. I now go to lunch around 2 pm. 2pm! Yeah, my body is all out of wack.

I'm getting off topic...

This coffee is just really good. In a way, when I'm at DoubleShot drinking coffee and just sitting back, it's a similar feeling to the way I feel when I mountain bike or run (which I haven't done in a while). It's just relaxing!

There's no pressure, just sit back and relax. I know that you are physically standing when you run but there is a time when you find that groove and you can "sit back."

I think that's good for now.

Keep on brewing!

Yemen Mocca Sanani

2008-01-22T12:22:00.000-06:00

I had some great coffee yesterday!

Oh baby!

It was the Yemen Mocca Sanani. Brian told me about it and said there wasn't much left so I had to stop by. It was great, he made me a small press pot of it and it was just really awesome.

I don't know why, but I thought that Yemen coffees were harsh but they aren't! Why did I think that? I don't know.

This is Brian's take on the coffee:
"Yemen coffees are unique. And delicious. This coffee is beautiful from its dry fragrance all the way to the aftertaste. Big, fermented fruit fragrance, apricots, and maybe smoke and banana in the wet aroma. The tastes are a little milder than the fragrance, but it is a complex coffee. Caramelized sugars, garlic and more of that fruity (apricot?) taste that pleases my palate so much. The aftertaste is a bit more of the ashy, vanilla-y taste. It's a touchy coffee to roast, and when it drops out into the cooling bin, it sounds as smooth as a blanket tumbling out of a dryer. Mmm."
To order some, take the jump.

If you are near Tulsa, hurry up and order a press of it! It's gonna go fast!

Keep on brewing!

Ambergris

2008-01-19T15:29:00.000-06:00

-DoubleSho Pic o the week

I didn't get a chance to have any coffee yesterday. I know!

That made me feel weird. But today, I woke up made myself a nice Americano with some amazing DoubleShot espresso in the Aeropress.

Have you still not gotten the Aeropress? You should!

Oh! It was just amazing! But no one makes it like DoubleShot. If you are in Tulsa, I would love to buy you an Americano or Latte or just an espresso if you wish. Let me know!

Keep on brewing!

New podcast!

2008-01-16T11:03:00.000-06:00

I started listening to a new podcast, to get me through till Mark Price or Brian Franklin do their next one.

It's called Bellisimo Coffee Podcast.

It's not too bad. I've only heard two episodes, and it's ok. To me, they are a little short and a little dry. I like a little bit more excitement I guess.

The longer podcasts are better for me because I enjoy listening to them at work while I'm doing stuff I don't need my hearing for.

I also find that I'm really productive because I don't have nearly as many distractions!

But if you are looking for some podcasts on coffee, go ahead and check this one out. I can't vouch 100% for it yet but it's not terrible at all.

I'll be putting my podcast picks up on here soon. I'm just going through iTunes and seeing what ones are good.

Keep on brewing!

La Minita 1

2008-01-14T08:47:00.001-06:00

From DoubleShot Coffee Company:

I took some video a year ago when I was in Costa Rica. It's taken me this long to put something together, and still it's not very good. It doesn't do justice to the people, the farm or the coffee of La Minita, but it's the best I can do right now. I hope it's at least good enough for you to see the work that the people do for your coffee and the quality standards that La Minita holds to.

2 of my "favorite" things!

2008-01-11T15:24:00.000-06:00

Wow. I thought it would never happen. Ok, maybe I did. But it's still funny to me.

Order your Starbucks from your iPhone...

I think it's funny because I really like the idea. But I also don't like the idea.

I like it from a technology standpoint. I mean, integration and all... cell phones with cameras... keyboards.... windows.... why not order Starbucks on a phone!

But the one reason I don't like it, is from the coffee snobs point of view. It makes it totally impersonal.

When I go to DoubleShot, I like to sit at the bar, and talk to Brian and Isaiah or Jason. But what would it be like if I could order DoubleShot from my phone?

First off, it would be only one button.

"Americano"

Then the size.

But I like being able to talk to my barista while they make my drink. I like watching them tamp it exactly perfect and dump it out if they mess up. I like watching the espresso sneak it's way out of the portafilter.

But if I'm sitting in my chair at Starbucks listening to Kenny G and just waiting for my drink (cake in a cup)... that's boring.

Starbucks/Howard Schultz wants to become your third place. I don't see how they will if they make it possible to order from your phone. I'll post that info later, I have to find it.

Here's to real baristas.

Keep on brewing!

2008-01-10T19:42:00.000-06:00

Coffee Tasting
Coffee Illuminati
DoubleShot Coffee Company
1/9/08

Coffee: Sumatra

harsh

1. 4 - Good dry scent but wet a little strong
2. 3 - Not very bright
3. 2 - Bitter
4. 5 - Medium body
5. 6 - Tasted much better when I held it on my tongue
6. 2 - Could be a good camp coffee

Misc.
- I thought I tasted chocolate...

_________________

Coffee: Bali

7 - Smoky, campy..
2 -
4 - Bitter, but mellows out
6 - Medium/Heavy body
6 - I really enjoy the finish, despite a bit rough
2 - Good, but I don’t want the roughness all the time

It tasted like a “work coffee.” Not something that you would find at work, but I mean a coffee I could drink at work. Like... it was good, but not so bright and cheery that it distracted me.

As Brian said when I said that: “full flavor without the bitterness”

_________________

Coffee: Columbia

8 - Nice sweet dry smell // Very nice wet smell
5 - Bright, but not Kona bright
4 - Sweet
6 - Feels fairly light
4 - Not so big on the finish
3 - Columbian is just good, good overall.

Misc:
Leaves my mouth feeling roasted... not hot... like, ashes maybe... barely though.

_________________

Coffee: Kenya

- Dry smell is really interesting, good interesting // Good dry smell

Misc:
Good all around coffee.
Tastes semi bold but not overpowering

(Sorry, I got to talking and didn’t type much)

_________________

Coffee: Aruba Organic (Peru)

1.

It tastes “generic”
Sweetish at the beginning

Misc:
Very generic

_________________

Coffee: Flores

Dirty... Dusty...

Not so great but got better as I drank.

First Official Coffee Tasting

2008-01-09T22:34:00.001-06:00

If you are in Tulsa, and you enjoy coffee, you need to join the Coffee Illuminati.

We had our first tasting tonight, and we tasted and discussed the following:

- Sumatra

- Bali

- Columbia

- Kenya

- Peru

- Flores

I am very, very new to this but maybe I'll post my notes, even though I'm a little embarrassed! I guess I can at least share my opinion and preference!

Well, I gotta get to bed, but I just wanted to tell you what I did tonight, and support the Coffee Illuminati!

Keep on brewing!

A weekend of good coffee.

2008-01-07T12:06:00.000-06:00

Wow, the weekend is over but it felt long, which is awesome!

I didn't do much but run some errands, organize the house, that sort of thing.

Oh, but I did play with my new Aeropress. Tons of fun!

I made a mocha for my wife, had a few latte's myself and I drove to work today with a decent americano.

I'll have to post some pics of the Aeropress in action.

Did you have any special coffee this weekend?

Keep on brewing!

Finally back to my "third" place...

2008-01-03T14:20:00.000-06:00

I don't think I've talked about it on this blog before, but I think I mentioned the whole "Third Place" thing. I don't want to talk about it right now because there is a book I want to get before I really get into it but the idea is this:

Your first place: Home

Your second place: Work

Your third place: A place where you feel comfortable or frequent outside both the other places.

Obviously, mine is DoubleShot.

For those of you that don't know, DoubleShot Coffee Company is a shop in Tulsa, Oklahoma. They gained their fame in a few different ways. One being their great coffee, the other way was being bossed around by Starbucks. Just Google them and you'll find the story.

I haven't been in DoubleShot for a while and though I do have the Kona I've been making at home, I missed their espresso.

So during my lunch break today, I got a large Americano. I forgot how relaxing it is to just sit there and relax with a nice __________ from DoubleShot (you fill in the blank with anything on their menu).

I also had some more Christmas money so I bought the Aeropress. Check that link to read more. I have to tell you this. If you enjoy coffee at all, especially espresso, you have to get this. Look, it's only $30 and it's worth it!

I just made a latte at home and it tastes very, very close to DoubleShots! It should at least because it is their espresso... but it is mind blowing!

So easy too! Please, please try it! But you have to have a good grinder. My Dad sent me that one burr grinder and it does a good job at getting really fine so that's why my espresso turned out so well.

I'm looking forward to making americanos, lattes, mochas for the wife, and just espresso too!

I'll post some pics but I just want to get this post online. Amazing. Really. But there is one secret I need to let you in on. If you want amazing espresso and coffee you have to do one thing...

pssstt! down here!

You have to start with DoubleShot!

Oh, and a crazy device made by a frisbee company doesn't hurt either!

Keep on brewing!

New Reads

2008-01-02T12:17:00.001-06:00

With some of my extra Christmas cash, I decided to get a book that looked interesting to me... It's called "Starbucked."

I got it on Amazon.com for a decent price, so props to Amazon, and no, they don't sponsor me...

Anyway, I only read the first chapter but it's interesting so far.

I'm not a fan of Starbucks Coffee, but I enjoy the logo and the cups... the history... stuff like that.

I also don't hate Starbucks, I just don't like them for some reasons.

Anyway, I'll post some of my findings on this blog as soon as I get a little deeper.

Have you read it? What are your thoughts?

Keep on brewing!

Kona through Hand Grinder 2

2007-12-31T20:49:00.001-06:00

Kona through Hand Grinder 2
Originally uploaded by scrappapervlog

Closeup of my GSI hand grinder.

Kona Coffee Bean Closeup 2

2007-12-31T20:48:00.003-06:00

Kona Coffee Bean Closeup 2
Originally uploaded by scrappapervlog

Closeup of Kona Extra Fancy from Greenwell Farms. Roasted at DoubleShot Coffee Company.

Kona Extra Fancy

2007-12-31T20:48:00.001-06:00

Kona Extra Fancy
Originally uploaded by scrappapervlog

Kona Coffee from DoubleShot Coffee Company

Technorati!

2007-12-31T11:55:00.000-06:00

I'm on Technorati now...

Release the spiders!

Keep on brewing!

Technorati Profile

So many to try!

2007-12-31T11:20:00.000-06:00

My mother in law came in to town this weekend, so that means that my family pretty much packed her suitcase with stuff they wanted to send to me.

Hey, it beats UPS!

Anyway, this time, my Dad send me a grinder (whoa?!) and an assortment of coffee.

I'm actually at work at this moment (break blogging) so I don't have specifics on the forementioned items. But I will later!

I'll post some pics as well. Maybe I'll get creative with them... who knows!

Keep on brewing!

Why does work coffee suck?

2007-12-27T12:50:00.000-06:00

I need to clarify that for you. Work coffee doesn't really suck, I'm talking about my work coffee.

I brought some of the Kona in to make and share with some co-workers. I got some hot water ready, ground the beans, steeped for four minutes, and yuck!

There must be something different with the water or something, because I didn't change my grind. It just didn't taste as good as when I made it at home.

When I made it at home, it had a great berry taste to it... a taste that I've never had before (and great!) but when I made it here at work, it tasted bland. Well, not bland, but normal, and I've been drinking Costa Rican and similiar.

What do I do?!

I think it may be the water.

Here's what I will did wrong:

- I used the coffee machine water

* You know that generic 3 pot office coffee machine? I just pulled the red tab for hot water

* The water is filtered I'm sure, but was different.

- I only rinsed the carafe instead of cleaning it thorougly.

* Usually, it's used only for water but I think I saw some coffee residue from the preground Sbux we have been known to use but don't take part in.

Things I will do differently next time:

- Bring in some bottled water, distilled if possible

- Heat my water on the stove

I'll give that a whirl and see what happens then.

Has anyone else encountered weird coffee changes in location to location? I know that coffee is variable by nature ad many factors influence it's taste, but let me know what you think.

Keep on brewing!

Wow!

2007-12-23T23:51:00.000-06:00

Who ever thought you could have an actual lively and interesting conversation with your Dad? I know, that's what I said!

Dad's usually don't know anything, but I guess when I moved out, got married, and a real job, he learned some things himself!

We talked on the phone today, mostly about coffee too. Which was really cool. I always knew that he "needed" coffee and I knew that he enjoyed it, but I'm not at the point of addiction.

Example?

One time, my brother and I were messing around, I really don't remember how, and we broke one of the two coffee pots on the counter. Smashed! Broken glass! Just a handle...

Crap!

"Was that moms or dads?!" Quick! Think!

We had a good chance of living to see the next glorious day in this perfect world if it were my moms, but for the life of us, we couldn't remember!

My mom came home first and confirmed it was hers. Then she pointed out that they always keep a spare in the basement.

Now my parents just have IV drips. It's more convenient for them.

Anyway, we talked on the phone and my dad surprised me a few times. He knew what a burr grinder was compared to a blade grinder... talking about different coffees around the world...

Just surprising! I guess I think it's so amazing because the coffee world is new to me and I just assume that everyone I have ever known is the same way.

So, he is sending me some coffee and a very slightly used burr grinder. Nice! I've just been using my hand grinder so this will be a treat.

Nothing new to report on the coffee front... As I've been trying coffee, I've been keeping a basic journal of my thoughts in my Moleskine. I'm thinking about transcribing those so you can see my thoughts.

But it's getting late.

Keep on brewing!

[Insert Witty First Post Title Here]

2007-12-23T03:29:00.000-06:00

What do you say in the first post? Everyone else just says:

"Hey guys. This is my first post. Woohoo!"

So I guess mine won't be much different.

A little background info on me.
- I'm new to the world of coffee.
- I'm new to drinking "real" coffee.
- Yes, I used to go to Starbucks.
- No, I don't want to burn Starbucks to the ground.
- I use (daily) an inexpensive GSI press pot and hand grinder.
- I'm quickly becoming a "Coffee Snob."

More personal non coffee related stuff...

I'm 22 and I just got married a few months ago to my high school sweetheart. I am a video editor and living in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

I'm also not terribly amazing at "real" blogging. I know that there are those who have blogs that are great daily bloggers that have interesting topics and witty writing, but I'm just your average joe in that sense. So bear with me and let me know what you think. Feedback is appreciated!

The main purpose of this blog? I guess it's to share my discoveries of my new quest to find and enjoy good coffee.

Since I have a personal blog, I'll try to keep this one very strictly just coffee related. If you want to check out my personal blog, click here. No! Here! You're not getting it.... just click here please. Thanks! (Geez, my audience sure isn't too bright...) Oh, did I say that outloud?!

Ok, I think that's good enough for now. What do you think? Let me know! Catch you later!

Remember. Everyone can enjoy good coffee. Just follow these three things. C'mon, it's not that expensive!
1. 1 lb. of good coffee
2. Press pot (french press)
3. Hand Grinder