They look pretty dark and shiny though, eh?

I've noticed that many beans seem to have what looks like an oily substance with them in the bag. Mine are completely dry. The bag you've got there looks like it has a bit of the juice too. Thoughts on that?

 

Honestly the more I read about it the more I conclude that the actual look of the beans is nearly meaningless in regards to freshness or taste.

 

How did you get a clear aeropress you lucky bastard? They told me they only come in the shitty smoke color which makes the numbers meaningless so I dont even pay attention to the numbers anymore.

 

now that Ive watched the vid, few observations:

1) you use a TON of coffee. I tried that at first, and didn't really notice any improvement in quality, now I use WAY less, like 3 times less. it results in much more "coffee" and needs way less water into the cup after, and I go through beans much slower. No sense in wasting (IMO)
2) I "airate it" or whatever it's called with just a bit of water. just enough to wet the beans. you seem to just pour the whole thing at once, then top off after it settles. your way is also a lot messier, because I use a spoon to stir it, then pour hot water off the spoon while topping it off to clean spoon (because science)
3) you don't cap it until the end. nothing wrong with that, just weird to me lol
4) yes I've also never seen a clear one, though I do believe they started with those, and then moved onto the smoked ones later which is what we all got

 

I didn't get to pick beans. Wife ran out, grabbed, brought home. She said the dudes at the stand didn't know jack. Next time I will go I guess. It does taste pretty roasted. I don't get a lot of earthy coffee flavor from this bag.

My clear Aeropress is vintage. I'm not sure when I got it (my sister gave as present at least 10 years ago? maybe?)

My way was only messy this time because I was doing it one handed for y'all.

I dont always use that much coffee. Sometimes 1.5 scoops. That was 2. I'll try less just to see how it works. Strong is delicious though. Quick googling suggests one scoop is right. I also sometimes pre-wet the filter. It makes it sit in there better. My grind was a little too fine too and I've since dialed it back.

 

I gotta start grinding coarser. Mine is usually way finer than even yours was, so I guess way too fine

for some reason, in my head, I can't comprehend how coarser might be better than finer. I dunno

 

As far as I can tell, the finer the better, up to the point where you start to get a noticeable amount in your cup.

 

or you overextract but over too short a time.

 

It is time.




Anyone know anything about this manual burr grinder? Or can recommend a specific grinder? I want something that I can set and then produce consistent grounds without having to fiddle with it.

 

I went to BedBathnBeyond and checked that one out. Not a fan, because it's awkward to hold in your hand.

There are a metric BILLION of manual ones to choose from, all 10-30 bux. I think I posted the one I got earlier in this thread. Happy with it so far. Been a few months now, still works great

*edit:

this

but again, theres like 20 different "brands" and literally the same item just re-branded

what I like about it is that its TINY, so perfect work, and easy to hold when grinding

 

Glad I'm not the only weird one using an Aeropress upside down.

I have a $30 burr grinder from Aldi, it was completely useless in standard form (way too course) but with some 0.5mm shims it's awesome!

 

Bought a second Aeropress for work last night. World Market was running a 30% off all coffee gear sale. Almost snagged a Chemex. Instead, I spent the Chemex money on a programmable electric kettle. Best buy had them on a Flash sale for $50 off the normal price. I'm pretty much the only coffee drinker in my buildings, so this will be better than making a half-pot when all I want is a cup

 

Unrelated coffee geekery which I happened across while not searching for it. His conclusion is that the way I was taught to make Cuban-style coffee as a child is wrong, and will result in a "watery, underextracted drink."

 

Chefmate electric kettle is pretty nice. The only thing I wish was that the heat increments should be in 5s not 10s. But very few people can really tell the difference. It holds way more water than I'll ever use. Heats up super-fast!

I ran some Counter Culture "Hologram" through the Aeropress this morning. That is a very interesting flavor profile; dark fruit and semisweet chocolate, mmmm.

 

With the office Keurig machine degrading steadily in capacity, I'm starting to become tempted to pick up one of those cheap electric kettles and an aeropress.

I just don't want to become known as "that guy" in the office. Being from CA, owning many Hawaiian shirts, and commuting by bike every day means I already have to play down the hipster image...

 

Do eeet

 

ready
set
JOE

 

That's brilliant.

Wonder how it compares to an aeropress...

 

less controllable and a fraction of the price.

There are drippers with release valves, but they are closer to the aeropress price.

that said, I made myself a single cup of coffee in a dripper this afternoon because I differed in opinion on the type of beans to use for the everybody pot of coffee and the guy who got there 2 minutes prior to make coffee.

It was good but weak because it could have use a couple minutes to brew before draining. I'm sure I could have held a finger over it or something, but I did not.

The aeropress lets you dwell and press at your lesiure.

Oh it also helps that we have a water cooler that also heats water.
Denali | MOJO Water

No idea what temp it's at but I used that.

 

Ah here it is: