Sleep is a symptom of caffeine deprivation - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

LordEden · 12-09-2008, 01:10 PM

Ok, I now have to be at a office at 8AM every morning. My boss is never here and I am the only one in the office. Here is my problem, I drink coffee now. There is a unused coffee maker in the corner of the kitchen that hasn't been used in 2 years. It still works and after I cleaned it, is ready to make me some liquid energy.

Here is the problem; I don't know jack about coffee. I stayed away from the stuff for years because when I put something warm in my stomach and I go into a hot environment (ie a Kitchen where I worked) I get sick. I want to drink good coffee, but I know coffee is like beer or wine; there is every flavor under the rainbow and the best way to find out what I like is to try it. I don't want to spend a crap ton of money buying beans at the grocery store/expensive food store (I can grind them myself btw) and not like the coffee. So I'm looking for input, should I buy small amounts of beans and try it that way or grab sampler packs? What's the best path for my coffee enlightenment?

Baraka_Guru · 12-09-2008, 01:19 PM

Like wine or spirits, the trick is to sample, sample, sample. Buy small amounts (bulk is a good way to do this) and sample different roasts and regions. You'll soon find things you like. Most people make choices based on roast: mild, medium, dark, extra-dark (generally). But when you develop your palate, you will note differences in regions and estates.

Tips:

Drink it black—it's a refined taste, but sweetener and dairy adulterates what would otherwise be a fine and complex beverage.
Make sure the beans you buy were recently roasted, if you can. (Grocery stores might not be the way to go.)
G.I.Y. (grind-it-yourself) is good—be sure to grind just before brewing. Ground beans sitting around lose their character rather quickly, not unlike an open bottle of wine. Be sure to grind right for your brew type: the grounds shouldn't be too small or too large.
Don't let whole roasted beans sit around for much longer than a week.
There is some debate, but keep your beans either at room temperature or in the refrigerator. (Never freeze your beans! It ruins the oils.)
Brewing strength is an art in itself. Some like it strong, some like it light, some like it balanced. Experiment. Strong is as much as a scoop of grounds (e.g. heaping tablespoon or more) per cup.
Don't let your cup get cold—cold coffee isn't that enjoyable, and reheating is out of the question.
Periodically (maybe every month) clean your maker with a vinegar/water solution brewed a couple of times, then rinse (brew a cycle or two) with straight water. Do not use soap on anything; it can negatively influence the oils in the coffee.
Always looks for that beautiful, subtle oil patch that should float on top of your coffee after you've poured it. If you see that, and all smells well, you've done all right.

There's a start. I might have more later. Good luck seeking your perfect cup.

roachboy · 12-09-2008, 01:32 PM

what baraka said.

all i'll add is that a french press is a better way to brew than an electric coffee maker. for example, with one of these fine devices, you get to decide how long you want the coffee to brew before you push down the plunger--with an electric, it is assumed that you cannot make such fine decisions. which may be true at the ghastly hour of the morning that enframes your first cup or three.

Baraka_Guru · 12-09-2008, 01:35 PM

I agree.

I have a drip maker at work, and a French press and espresso machine at home.

By far, the best way to make a cup of coffee is by using a French press.

Drip makers are for convenience, and espresso is a specialty coffee that has its place.

snowy · 12-09-2008, 01:50 PM

Yum, French press coffee. We have a French press and a drip coffee maker at home, mostly because we drink so much coffee (3-4 people drinking coffee every morning), but we have a really nice programmable drip coffee maker. It even grinds the beans for you--this is good as my SO is incapable of reaching an ideal medium grind, yet the coffee maker seems to do it perfectly. I like it because I can set it up the night before, program it, and my coffee will be ready by the time I'm out of the shower.

Baraka gave a lot of good advice on how to attain the perfect cup. I'd follow it, except for the part about not adding dairy--I like a dash of half and half; I think it's a matter of personal preference.

Lately my favorite coffee has been a breakfast blend from a local roastery that consists of French and Italian roasts. Yum. We generally prefer to choose conscientious coffee--meaning coffee that is organic, shade-grown, and Fair Trade. Some coffee sellers have their own independent programs that work similarly to Fair Trade. Look for this label on the package:

Look around your town and find out if there are any artisanal coffee roasters in the area. Generally, that's the easiest way to get fresh coffee.

Baraka_Guru · 12-09-2008, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onesnowyowl

Baraka gave a lot of good advice on how to attain the perfect cup. I'd follow it, except for the part about not adding dairy--I like a dash of half and half; I think it's a matter of personal preference.

That's reasonable.

I would, however, recommend feeling out one's taste before going that route. There is a distinct change to the flavour when adding even just a bit of dairy. I think it would be best to find out what coffees you like before finding out whether you'd prefer to add fixings to them. I know I was the better for it. Mind you, I do sometimes add things to my cup to change things up a bit—certainly when it comes to espresso...if I want a latte, for example. I will always stick to my advice of experimenting.

Good advice on the ethical approach to coffee, snowy.

SabrinaFair · 12-10-2008, 04:28 AM

I'm probably not the best person to answer this question--I've developed my cop dad's taste for crappy coffee. Of course I can appreciate high-end organic in a French press....but I don't mind drinking gas station brew, either. The only coffee I can't stand is weak coffee. Yuck. I also drink massive amounts of coffee, and am on a law student's budget.

That being said....I really like to buy locally-roasted coffee. Not only is it fresher, but it's putting money back into the local economy. Here in Louisville, we have a couple of microroasteries--Heine Brothers is the most famous. I'd recommend trying something local to your area. If you don't live in a large city, you may have to order from a bigger community nearby.

Enjoy the joe!

LordEden · 12-10-2008, 05:36 AM

Thanks for the responses, I sit here drinking my gas-sation coffee loaded down with sugar you guys have given me a starting point for my journey into the coffee world. As SabrinaFair put it, I can handle crappy coffee from the gas station if I have too. I'm going to look up to see if there are any regingal brews around here (I work in a decent sized city).

Few questions for Baraka tho:
1. What's the difference in the grinds? Is it like a grind of peppercorn, do you get different strengths out of it?

2. Should I go to a coffee house and ask around there? Am I just going to get those elitists stares when I ask for coffee flavored coffee (Great Denis Leary skit)?

3. Starbucks? Is it worth the $5000 you have to pay to buy a cup of coffee there and are the beans worth it? I think not, but I'll ask.

Leto · 12-10-2008, 06:53 AM

I just want to throw my vote behind the French press method, with an anecdote as to how a arrived at liking it. One day my wife and myself were driving along, and she wanted a coffee, but for her a couple of sips would keep her awake all night.

As it was around 9 PM, we were thinking decaf. So I pulled into a Starbucks, and told them about our conundrum. We wanted a good tasting coffee, but no caffeine. The barista (?) came up with a suggestion that she would grind some bold beans, and put them in a French press.

I took back this decaf French pressed coffee to my wife, who thought it was the best tasting coffee that she has had. period. So off we went to the hardware store (Canadian Tire for you locals) and purchases a rather decent press for $14.00 and one year later we are still using it.

The only thing that you should be careful about is that when using a press, you need to grind your beans to be course as if they are fine, you get a sludge in the bottom of your cup.

I have found that Starbuck beans cost the same as other coffee places. About $14.99 for French Roast. You can buy grocery store beans for less (around $10/lb) and using the press will mask any issues around quality. I rarely purchase a cup at Starbucks as it is usually 50 cents more than anywhere else, but there are the odd occasions when I would like a stronger flavour, and am willing to pay for it.

When you buy your beans, look for Fair Trade as Onesnowyowl said. I like to buy Just Us coffee, espresso beans:

Just Us! Coffee Roasters Co-op

vanblah · 12-10-2008, 10:21 AM

Here's the coffee maker I like to use: www.bodumusa.com - the Bodum online shop

I also like lighter roasts rather than dark roasts; I like to taste the bean when I'm drinking good coffee. If I'm drinking crappy coffee (gas station coffee) then I prefer it burned black. But most dark roasts are too dark for regular coffee; they make good espresso and espresso-based drinks.

Baraka_Guru · 12-10-2008, 11:08 AM

Leto handled some of this, but....

Quote:

Originally Posted by LordEden

1. What's the difference in the grinds? Is it like a grind of peppercorn, do you get different strengths out of it?

Grind right for the type of brewing process. Espresso is extra fine because water is forced through packed coffee grounds. Drip makers require grind sizes depending on whether it's a cone or basket filter. And as Leto pointed out, French press grinds should be really course, but not too course. The wrong grind will result in one of two things: Too weak/watery or too strong/sludgy.

Quote:

2. Should I go to a coffee house and ask around there? Am I just going to get those elitists stares when I ask for coffee flavored coffee (Great Denis Leary skit)?

I love that Leary skit. Never be afraid to ask questions at a coffee house; this could be your best place to learn. If they know their business, they know that coffee isn't just a simple matter of adding water to beans. The right place will have staff who absolutely love coffee and love talking about making it and teaching others the ins and outs. If ever you become a target of snuffery or baboon-elitism, find another coffee house.

Quote:

3. Starbucks? Is it worth the $5000 you have to pay to buy a cup of coffee there and are the beans worth it? I think not, but I'll ask.

You might find that Starbucks "overroasts" their beans. I buy there when I'm in a bind and just want to get some beans, but I think you'd be better off finding a good independent house that offers everything as snowy suggested. Starbucks will always be overpriced and overstandardized.

guyy · 12-10-2008, 07:34 PM

I'm a coffee fanatic, but i don't like french press coffee. However, french presses give the best caffeine buzz, so if that's your goal, that's your brewing method.

I like the simplicity of a moka pot (those things Italians make coffee in at home.) Moka pots aren't too fussy about the grind. I use a grind a bit coarser than espresso, but almost anything in the ballpark will work. Don't fill past the safety!

I also like turkish coffee, which is 2 tsp coffee ground to the consistency of cocoa powder brewed in an ibrik with an espresso cupful of water. One of my Lebanese friends insists that it must have at least a touch of sugar because "only junkies drink it without sugar". Chemically minded folk of a different stripe insist that the sugar makes it foam properly. Lots of people spike it with cardamom. The Lebanese let the coffee foam 3 times, most others just foam it once. Greek coffee is pretty much the same thing.

Espresso is nice, but it's rather doubtful that anyone is going to be springing for espresso machines in a depression. Ours is kaput, and there's no money for a new one. But maybe you work for a collection agency or a bankruptcy lawyer and things are different.

My advice would be to find a local roaster and ask what they've roasted most recently. Buy that.

There are good roasters who do mail order, but that gets expensive. You also lose a few days of freshness during transit. I roast my own and i prefer that to what i buy -- it's cheaper too! -- but if i had to buy roasted coffee and couldn't get any locally, i would it get it from Intelligentsia.
-----Added 10/12/2008 at 10 : 57 : 13-----

Quote:

I love that Leary skit. Never be afraid to ask questions at a coffee house; this could be your best place to learn. If they know their business, they know that coffee isn't just a simple matter of adding water to beans. The right place will have staff who absolutely love coffee and love talking about making it and teaching others the ins and outs. If ever you become a target of snuffery or baboon-elitism, find another coffee house.

I know you have some good places in Toronto (i like the Moon Beam), but that's the exception. Around here the staff are the people who put the peppermint, mayonnaise, and peanut butter in your non-fat soy latte. The coffee is an afterthought. And they're not even open past fucking 3pm! The idea is that you stop in the drive thru on your way to work and order a high value added drink then get your ass out of the way for the next customer.

12-09-2008, 01:19 PM	#2 (permalink)
Baraka_Guru warrior bodhisattva Super Moderator Location: East-central Canada	Like wine or spirits, the trick is to sample, sample, sample. Buy small amounts (bulk is a good way to do this) and sample different roasts and regions. You'll soon find things you like. Most people make choices based on roast: mild, medium, dark, extra-dark (generally). But when you develop your palate, you will note differences in regions and estates. Tips: Drink it black—it's a refined taste, but sweetener and dairy adulterates what would otherwise be a fine and complex beverage. Make sure the beans you buy were recently roasted, if you can. (Grocery stores might not be the way to go.) G.I.Y. (grind-it-yourself) is good—be sure to grind just before brewing. Ground beans sitting around lose their character rather quickly, not unlike an open bottle of wine. Be sure to grind right for your brew type: the grounds shouldn't be too small or too large. Don't let whole roasted beans sit around for much longer than a week. There is some debate, but keep your beans either at room temperature or in the refrigerator. (Never freeze your beans! It ruins the oils.) Brewing strength is an art in itself. Some like it strong, some like it light, some like it balanced. Experiment. Strong is as much as a scoop of grounds (e.g. heaping tablespoon or more) per cup. Don't let your cup get cold—cold coffee isn't that enjoyable, and reheating is out of the question. Periodically (maybe every month) clean your maker with a vinegar/water solution brewed a couple of times, then rinse (brew a cycle or two) with straight water. Do not use soap on anything; it can negatively influence the oils in the coffee. Always looks for that beautiful, subtle oil patch that should float on top of your coffee after you've poured it. If you see that, and all smells well, you've done all right. There's a start. I might have more later. Good luck seeking your perfect cup. __________________ Knowing that death is certain and that the time of death is uncertain, what's the most important thing? —Bhikkhuni Pema Chödrön Humankind cannot bear very much reality. —From "Burnt Norton," Four Quartets (1936), T. S. Eliot Last edited by Baraka_Guru; 12-09-2008 at 01:45 PM..

12-09-2008, 01:32 PM	#3 (permalink)
roachboy Super Moderator Location: essex ma	what baraka said. all i'll add is that a french press is a better way to brew than an electric coffee maker. for example, with one of these fine devices, you get to decide how long you want the coffee to brew before you push down the plunger--with an electric, it is assumed that you cannot make such fine decisions. which may be true at the ghastly hour of the morning that enframes your first cup or three. __________________ a gramophone its corrugated trumpet silver handle spinning dog. such faithfulness it hear it make you sick. -kamau brathwaite

12-09-2008, 01:35 PM	#4 (permalink)
Baraka_Guru warrior bodhisattva Super Moderator Location: East-central Canada	I agree. I have a drip maker at work, and a French press and espresso machine at home. By far, the best way to make a cup of coffee is by using a French press. Drip makers are for convenience, and espresso is a specialty coffee that has its place. __________________ Knowing that death is certain and that the time of death is uncertain, what's the most important thing? —Bhikkhuni Pema Chödrön Humankind cannot bear very much reality. —From "Burnt Norton," Four Quartets (1936), T. S. Eliot

12-09-2008, 01:50 PM	#5 (permalink)
snowy Kick Ass Kunoichi Location: Oregon	Yum, French press coffee. We have a French press and a drip coffee maker at home, mostly because we drink so much coffee (3-4 people drinking coffee every morning), but we have a really nice programmable drip coffee maker. It even grinds the beans for you--this is good as my SO is incapable of reaching an ideal medium grind, yet the coffee maker seems to do it perfectly. I like it because I can set it up the night before, program it, and my coffee will be ready by the time I'm out of the shower. Baraka gave a lot of good advice on how to attain the perfect cup. I'd follow it, except for the part about not adding dairy--I like a dash of half and half; I think it's a matter of personal preference. Lately my favorite coffee has been a breakfast blend from a local roastery that consists of French and Italian roasts. Yum. We generally prefer to choose conscientious coffee--meaning coffee that is organic, shade-grown, and Fair Trade. Some coffee sellers have their own independent programs that work similarly to Fair Trade. Look for this label on the package: Look around your town and find out if there are any artisanal coffee roasters in the area. Generally, that's the easiest way to get fresh coffee. __________________ If I am not better, at least I am different. --Jean-Jacques Rousseau

12-10-2008, 04:28 AM	#7 (permalink)
SabrinaFair Junkie Location: Louisville, KY	I'm probably not the best person to answer this question--I've developed my cop dad's taste for crappy coffee. Of course I can appreciate high-end organic in a French press....but I don't mind drinking gas station brew, either. The only coffee I can't stand is weak coffee. Yuck. I also drink massive amounts of coffee, and am on a law student's budget. That being said....I really like to buy locally-roasted coffee. Not only is it fresher, but it's putting money back into the local economy. Here in Louisville, we have a couple of microroasteries--Heine Brothers is the most famous. I'd recommend trying something local to your area. If you don't live in a large city, you may have to order from a bigger community nearby. Enjoy the joe! __________________ "With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy." -Desiderata

12-10-2008, 06:53 AM	#9 (permalink)
Leto Junkie Location: The Danforth	I just want to throw my vote behind the French press method, with an anecdote as to how a arrived at liking it. One day my wife and myself were driving along, and she wanted a coffee, but for her a couple of sips would keep her awake all night. As it was around 9 PM, we were thinking decaf. So I pulled into a Starbucks, and told them about our conundrum. We wanted a good tasting coffee, but no caffeine. The barista (?) came up with a suggestion that she would grind some bold beans, and put them in a French press. I took back this decaf French pressed coffee to my wife, who thought it was the best tasting coffee that she has had. period. So off we went to the hardware store (Canadian Tire for you locals) and purchases a rather decent press for $14.00 and one year later we are still using it. The only thing that you should be careful about is that when using a press, you need to grind your beans to be course as if they are fine, you get a sludge in the bottom of your cup. I have found that Starbuck beans cost the same as other coffee places. About $14.99 for French Roast. You can buy grocery store beans for less (around $10/lb) and using the press will mask any issues around quality. I rarely purchase a cup at Starbucks as it is usually 50 cents more than anywhere else, but there are the odd occasions when I would like a stronger flavour, and am willing to pay for it. When you buy your beans, look for Fair Trade as Onesnowyowl said. I like to buy Just Us coffee, espresso beans: Just Us! Coffee Roasters Co-op __________________ You said you didn't give a fuck about hockey And I never saw someone say that before You held my hand and we walked home the long way You were loosening my grip on Bobby Orr http://dune.wikia.com/wiki/Leto_Atreides_I

12-10-2008, 10:21 AM	#10 (permalink)
vanblah Junkie	Here's the coffee maker I like to use: www.bodumusa.com - the Bodum online shop I also like lighter roasts rather than dark roasts; I like to taste the bean when I'm drinking good coffee. If I'm drinking crappy coffee (gas station coffee) then I prefer it burned black. But most dark roasts are too dark for regular coffee; they make good espresso and espresso-based drinks.