Recent content by alsterling

If you're really ready, then you should be on the phone to a coffee consultant....... This is not advice, but more sharing what I've learned along the way....... I'm not going to sugar coat this. As I get frustrated when someone comes to a forum thinking they will actually get "advice."...

I appreciate your input, and would like to restate some very important points, and clarify some things.......... Yes, moisture would ruin the coffee. But this is about storage temperatures; both refrigeration and freezer. We can agree that moisture has to be taken out of the equation up front...

With respect to those who may not know this, and are browsing the forum and reading this thread ........ and I'll gladly stand corrected if someone can add to this. Randy's comment was timely, and critically important when discussing coffee. It's common for many to think of "Espresso" as...

Canyon.... thanks for your input. Since I posted to this thread, I've offered my younger daughter and son in law our Capresso. I'm ready to order the Zorisushi from Amazon and take my chances. However, and as I noted, the Amazon reviews average 4 of 5, which is pretty good. The bad reviews were...

Carmine, thanks for bringing this home; science aside. I speak from experience when I say that when I start with chocolate covered coffee beans, I don't just eat "a few!" I'll end up going through a couple handfuls, especially if they're "covered in dark chocolate!" While I've been around...

CJ...... I'm a product of the Los Angeles School District, circa just after that "theater incident with the Lincolns..." :-) And back then, communication skills were a huge thing. We even had classes dedicated to creative writing that we were picked for in place of general English. And of...

CJ....... I feel like I've abandoned my roots! How could I forget the absolute best ever thing that goes with a rich cup of Joe?! And as a note, the "Key" thing to remember about "Locks?" It's in spelling it "LOX." (it's easier to find it labeled that way at the deli or market! ....... unless...

Chuck (?)...... I roast and store my beans in one-quart, screw top tupperware type devices. I get them at the super market. I also store all of my beans in a refrigerator unit right next to my coffee counter. Cool and dry is critical. But for home roasting and storage, or even buying...

I firmly believe we all need to travel that road of learning...well, at least I did? Bruce..... thanks for the response. Just so you can appreciate my respect for "learning through trial and tribulation", know that I went through at least 4 years of basic training in coffee. I pulled a 20 year...

Fausto.... thanks for the update. My wishes for many great extractions on your newly acquired machine! Best, Al

"Best Lifetime Coffeemaker?" and that "Coffee-cart before the horse coffee thing?" Bruce, I'm going to say up front, that I appreciate your question. Selfishly, I'm going to use this opportunity to "soapbox" a bit. As legitimate as asking for "Best Anything" may be, I've always believed that it...

Best carafe drip machine? Go Japanese For as long as I've been involved in specialty coffee, even I "drank the Kool-Aid" on this one! :coffee1:Knowing enough coffee science, in theory, three years ago I purchased the Capresso TM500. The Capresso and Technivorm brands are $160-$200 machines that...

Randy....... you took the words out of my mouth! (great minds run in the same gutter!?) There's a number of reasons one wouldn't want to drink coffee, or any beverage, out of a metal container. But right out of the box, Randy and I were thinking the same thing; there are many cheap stainless...

Tony... very interesting reading... especially the formula you're using. I was hopeing that the poster would give some city location info?

You may know Mike McGinness of Compass Coffee Roasting in Vancouver, WA. He went from Kona-Coffeegeek to retail shop owner, to evidently partner in a roastery/retailing company. I believe he has several HI coffee trips under his belt, and as I remember, was understandably "all about Kona." I'd...