Obsessive Compulsive Coffee Disorder » coffee

How to Brew for French Press

admin — Tue, 18 May 2010 15:03:24 +0000

Here’s a great video by James Hoffman of Square Mile Roasters on how to brew for French Press. This is the method that I have been using for quite awhile and it greatly improves the cup. It’s easy to “over brew” with the French Press and end up with a bitter cup. Follow these steps and you should be good.

Videocast #2 – French Press Technique from James Hoffmann on Vimeo.

Intelligentsia Demonstrates Syphon Brewing

admin — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 14:17:39 +0000

Intelligentsia is really cranking out some nice vids. Here’s another one about syphon brewing.

Syphon, Intelligentsia from Department of the 4th Dimension on Vimeo.

Kyle Glanville of Intelligentsia on Espresso

admin — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 05:31:29 +0000

Kyle Glanville of Intelligentsia Coffee and Tea does an interesting piece on Espresso. Great vid!

Espresso, Intelligentsia from Department of the 4th Dimension on Vimeo.

James Hoffman follow up re: Espresso and Crema

admin — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:19:59 +0000

James offers a response to his first video regarding his opinion about espresso and crema. I have to admit that I never thought of it this way and it’s a very interesting discussion. If you missed the first video, click here, then watch his response below.

James Hoffman on crema

admin — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:49:53 +0000

James Hoffman explains why crema is overrated. Would love to hear what others think about this! *UPDATE* His followup to this first video can be viewed here.

El Machete, Panama via Chemex

admin — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 16:01:15 +0000

This morning’s brew – El Machete, Panama from Intelligentsia brewed via Chemex. Very fruity, very delicious!

Very delicious brew. Received from Intelly's brewed coffee tasting class at their lab.

El Machete Panama brewing in the chemex.

Top view of El Machete in the Chemex.

Coffee can make your breath smell good

admin — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:12:30 +0000

A recent study shows that an extract from coffee can inhibit the bacteria that causes bad breath. However, where one gets into trouble is when they put milk and sugar in coffee, which can ferment into smelly substances.

For the full article, follow this link.

Dropping the Autodrip in favor of Manual brewing

admin — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 04:24:43 +0000

Dropping the Autodrip in favor of Manual brewing.

Brewing at home lets coffee lovers control many variables that affect flavor is a great article for those wanting to make the switch from autodrip makers to manual coffee brewing. Manual brewing allows for more control over the process, which can result in a much better tasting cup of coffee. This article provides a basic summary of the variables that manual brewing allows you to control.

One note regarding the grinding section. The time description for grinding implies that one is using a whirly-blade type grinder. If at all possible, a burr grinder will provide the best grind. Whirly-blade grinders are the type where you dump in the beans, push a button, the blade spins like a helicopter blade, and essentially chops the beans in little bits. The longer you hold the button the smaller it chops the pieces. This type of grinder produces inconsistencies in the grind size, which leads to underextraction and overextraction and ultimately affects the taste of coffee. To acheive really good tasting coffee, a burr grinder is essential.

Brewing at home lets coffee lovers control many variables that affect flavor is a great article for those wanting to improve the taste of coffee they prepare in the home by switching to manual brewing. Manual brewing allows for more control over the process, which can result in a better tasting cup of coffee. This article provides a basic summary of the variables that manual brewing allows you to control.

One note regarding the grinding section of this article. The time description for grinding implies that one is using a whirly-blade type grinder. If at all possible, use a burr grinder. A burr grinder will provide the best grind. Whirly-blade grinders are the type where a blade spins like helicopter blade and essentially chops the beans in little bits. The longer you hold the button the smaller it chops the pieces. This type of grinder produces inconsistencies in the grind size, which leads to underextraction and overextraction and ultimately affects the taste of coffee. To acheive really good tasting coffee, a burr grinder is essential. For more information on grinding, follow this link.

Coffee ok for diabetic men

admin — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 17:04:54 +0000

According to a recent article on Reuters.com, coffee does not raise the risk of heart disease for men with type 2 diabetes. Even for those who consume a large amount of coffee daily. Type 2 diabetic men can drink up!

http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSTRE5515AV20090602

NY Coffee Wars

admin — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 14:41:19 +0000

It’s an interesting time to be a coffee geek in Brooklyn and Manhattan. The third wave of coffee is spreading as we see the proliferation of higher end coffee shops. Intelligentsia has set up a coffee lab in Soho and we are seeing the beginnings of coffee education to the public. Stumptown is setting up a roasterie in Red Hook, Brooklyn. Cafe Grumpy is coming to the Park Slope, South Side is in full effect in the South Slope, Cafe Pedlar is set up in the Cobble Hill section of Brooklyn, Ninth Street Espresso is now serving Intelligentsia, City Girl upgraded to Stumptown. The list goes on. The press has taken note and apparently taken sides as is evidenced in the most recent showdown between the NY Press and NY Magazine. It will definitely be interesting to see how this all plays out.