Today's Brew (May 2005)

[stogies&hoagies]

Started with yemen mocha ismaili something,
now a pot of Kenya AA Mariene.

Live well, laugh often

[Black Dog]

It must be a Yemeni day. I'm having one of my favorites. Yemen Mokha - Bany Matar.

[stogies&hoagies]

Kona da'Kine Estate Mix today. A low budget kona with all the taste and flavor of it's higher priced relatives. Great way to start the week.

Live well, laugh often

[Black Dog]

Costa Rican Tarrazu - La Minita
Nice slow start to a busy day.

[tripp]

Hey,
This is my first time doing this.
Thanks to Stogies and hoagies and am going to enjoy some Rawanda masaka.
I will give you a report on it in about an hour, after I enjoy it.

This stuff smells wonderful in the bag, and I cant wait till I drink it.
Something to get me going today. I have to go run some errands and then take mom to the doctor.

[stogies&hoagies]

I hope you like it. I keep that one in stock. As a matter of fact, our babysitter gets a mason jar full of the rawanda as part of her pay. She gets money, coffee beans, and a sub sandwich, plus our kids go to bed at 8. We don't have any trouble getting her to sit when we need her to. LOL

I'm having the Kenya AA Mariene this morning.

Live well, laugh often

[tripp]

Wow, this stuff smelled great in the grinder.
I just sniffed it while the coffee was brewing.

Ding,coffee is done.

Just a smooth coffee flavor, no sharp acid or stale taste.
It is a nice way to start this day. My intentions were to sit out on the deck and smoke a gifted R&J cedros with this brew, but it is 34 degrees here today.

Maybe tomorrow.

[Black Dog]

Yep, the Rwanda Masaka is fantastic coffee. S&H got me hooked on it too when he sent some along with my birthday club package. He's a pusher-man! Have you ordered your roaster yet John?! Don't worry, you will soon!

I had the morning off so I enjoyed some Cuban Caracolillo with a QdO Corona. Perfect pairing!

[stogies&hoagies]

Brian, how is that cuban coffee? I haven't had any of that one yet. That's what's on order.

[Black Dog]

It's great! I really like it. It has a very unique flavor which I wish I was better at describing. Very earthy and nutty and oh so smoooooth! I'll be interested to hear your take on it.

[stogies&hoagies]

Colombian Peaberry carocol....something or other. Way too long a name to deal with remembering this morning.
Long night last night celebrating a favorite aunt's 84th b'day. Her and her husband both 84, still sharp as tacks and full of life. Great examples of living life to the fullest.

Live well, laugh often

[Black Dog]

Mauna Loa Makai

[stogies&hoagies]

Should have gone with the Mexican Chiapas, but did the Bolivian organic.
This afternoon will be the Chiapas.

Live well, laugh often

[Black Dog]

Amazingly, I as yet have no Mexican coffee among the 28 varieties of beans from 18 countries that I've acquired so far.

So, Yemen Mokha - Bany Matar for me this morning. Excellent coffee.

I'm finally working my way through the coffee from my last bout of roasting madness so I can get out and roast some of the newer beans that have come in. I'm especially looking forward to the Ethiopian Harar - Horse and Australian Mountain Top.

[Wasch_24]

Tried my first cup of Killer Beans today, some Medellin Mad Man. It was very gooda.

[Black Dog]

Jerry at Killer Beans puts out awesome coffee. I was drinking that exclusively before I started roasting my own (sorry Jerry!). His customer service is absolutely top notch as well. Try the Caribbean Cutthroat and the African Asassin. Those are my personal favorites.

[stogies&hoagies]

The Horse and Aussie are two good ones to look forward to.
Look for the hints of blueberry in the Horse.

[tripp]

I am a Mr.Jerry customer, but that stuff S&H sent me rocks.

Just trying to decide if I need another hobby/obsession.

[smokem94]

The Horse and Aussie are two good ones to look forward to.
Look for the hints of blueberry in the Horse.
That sounds good! How do I get some?

[chipslave]

Having some chicory and coffee from Cafe du Monde.

[stogies&hoagies]

That sounds good! How do I get some?

I'll send you some of the Ethiopian Harar - Horse on Monday.

I've got your snailer.

[smokem94]

I'll send you some of the Ethiopian Harar - Horse on Monday.

I've got your snailer.
That would be great! Do you do this as a hobby or do you sell coffee?

[stogies&hoagies]

That would be great! Do you do this as a hobby or do you sell coffee?


More of an obsession than a hobby,LOL. Like cigars.

I don't sell it. I enjoy sharing it with folks who enjoy a good cup of coffee.

I had really been dissatisfied with the quality / taste of commercially available coffees for about two years. I could not find anything that suited my tastes, until I found out about fresh roasting my own. For around $80. to $100 you can get a setup.

[smokem94]

Awesome! I really appreciate the gesture and it sounds like fun. I too don't like the taste of the coffees my wife brings home.

[Black Dog]

First Class move there S&H!

[stogies&hoagies]

Kona Pearlamn Estates, I think. I don't feel like going and checking. Whatever it is, it's great.

Been roasting some Ethiopian Harar Horse to ship on Monday.

Going to the Wacovia open in a little while, Tiger 's off at about 9, I'll go about noon after the weather clears.

Live well, laugh often

[Wasch_24]

Medellin Madman adain for me.

Have fun at the tourney S&H.

[Black Dog]

Yemen Mokha - Bany Matar again today. This is one I don't mind repeating!

I'll be roasting some Ethiopian Harar - Horse this weekend. May I continue the HomeRoast Goodwill and Brotherhood and send you some Todd?

[Wasch_24]

Sure Brian, I'll try some. Not too much though I only drink one cup in the moning on weekdays.

[Black Dog]

Cool! I'll send some out on Monday.

[stogies&hoagies]

Cool! I'll send some out on Monday.

Nice move, Brian. Todd, you're in for a treat.

[Jwrussell]

You bastage S&H! Have fun at that Tourney bro'! I've yet to see Tiger in person. He needs to start playing the Chrysler event in Tampa (fat chance! LOL).

[Wasch_24]

Cool! I'll send some out on Monday.Thanks Brian. :thumbsup:

[stogies&hoagies]

Cuban Peaberry thanks to Windowrx.

Nice mellow round cup. Smoooooth

Live well, laugh often

[Wasch_24]

I tired my first cup of Nicauraguan Knife Fight from Mr. Jerry.

That is some damn good coffee.

[Black Dog]

Rwanda Masaka this morning.
I'll probably do at least one French Press of the Ethiopian Harar - Horse before the day is out. I just roasted it last night and it should rest more but that stuff smells gooooood! I can't keep myself from going into the kitchen just to open the jar and inhale. I'm weak....very weak.

[Mad Dawg]

Bolivian Organic Cenaproc Peaberry courtesy of mshade. Good stuff!

[stogies&hoagies]

Cuban peaberry again for me,

and when the wife gets up, Kenya AA Tegu, her favorite.

Live well, laugh often

[tripp]

I am having some rwandan from S&H.

This is some tasty stuff.
Watching the birds at the bird feeder, looking at the fish in the new fish pond my son put in for his mother's day gift.
drinking coffee, getting ready to smoke a cohiba lancero.

[Black Dog]

Ethiopian Harar - Horse
Fantastic!

[Mad Dawg]

Ahhhh, great minds....Cuban Turquino Peaberry for me as well. Excellent coffee!

[Wasch_24]

Killer Beans Brazillian Bombshell. I like the other two I have better.

[stogies&hoagies]

A new one today snagged from a box pass

Ethiopian Organic Sidamo. A good coffee, wish I had more.

Live well, laugh often

[Black Dog]

Australian Mountain Top
Very Good!
(Todd, coffee is going out today)

[Wasch_24]

Cool, thanks Brian.

I'm gonna give that Brazillian Bombshell another try today.

[Mad Dawg]

Indian Mysore "Nuggets" from the dwindling supply I got from CBC. Man, I LOVE this coffee! :starrylov

[stogies&hoagies]

kenya AA Tegu at casa S&H this morning.

Live well, laugh often

[Black Dog]

JBM
This is a great coffee but at the price I don't think I'll be stocking up on it. IMO there are many other's out there that I enjoy every bit as much but cost WAY less, such as the Yemens, Ethiopians and even some of the Kona's.

On another note, I think once I get through my current batch of roasted beans, I'm going to roast a larger quantity of a smaller variety of beans each week. My plan is to drink the same coffee for 3-4 days before switching to another. I've been changing coffees nearly every day and they've mostly all been good, but I'm hoping that sticking with one for a few days will help me recognize and appreciate the different flavor profiles better. I'm also planning an informal cupping with a couple of my neighbors. Again, my hope is to learn to break down the various flavors and nuances better.

[Wasch_24]

I gave the Brazillian Bombshell another try again today. It is definitely my least favorite of the three killer beans varieties I have on hand.

[stogies&hoagies]

Kenya AA tegu again today. The wife's favorite.

Live well, laugh often

[Black Dog]

Ethiopian Harar - Horse
Very good stuff.

[Wasch_24]

Cuban Carcolillo

A little acidic for my tastes but good non the less.

Thanks Brian.

[WFZone]

Just got into this stuff myself. Love it and alot cheaper than cigars. Today is Ethopian MAO. Gotta put a plug in for Sweet Marie's what a great online site.

[stogies&hoagies]

Yup, Sweet Maria's and Coffee bean Corral are my go to vendors. Glad to see another home roaster.

Welcome

[stogies&hoagies]

Kona da'Kine Estate Mix.

Live well, laugh often

[tripp]

Grey Goose and Major Peters "the works" bloody mary with a slice of lime.

I hope today is better than yesterday. :cursing:

[Black Dog]

Good Lord John! Yesterday must have really sucked!
Just Ethiopian Harar for me today.

[tripp]

And now for number two!!!!

Going to have pizza and beer for lunch about 11:30.

It was a bad day yesterday, Worked on the fish pond until midnight.

[stogies&hoagies]

Holy Toledo JT

If today IS worse than yesterday, I'm sure you won't care AS MUCH with the menu you have planned. LOL

[Wasch_24]

I tried the lighter roast Ethiopian Harar from Brian today.

I prefer the darker roast. :thumbsup:

[tripp]

Had a french dip and 2 teeth cracking cold Bud Selects while sitting on a patio overlooking lake cumberland .

http://www.picassosbistro.com/pages/1/index.htm

[Black Dog]

I tried the lighter roast Ethiopian Harar from Brian today.

I prefer the darker roast. :thumbsup:
Thanks for the feedback Todd. I tend toward darker roasts myself. Some of the folks who've been at this a while feel that the lighter (city, full city) roasts reveal more of the origin flavors of the coffee and that it gets lost in the darker (city+, vienna) roasts. I've been experimenting with light vs. dark and am still coming up with a dark preference. There's a quality in the city roast that I think is called brightness or acidity that is prized by some but that I just haven't been able to develop a taste for. It reminds me of Folgers or something. In the end, it's just like cigars. It's all about what each of us likes. :yes:

[Wasch_24]

Bright is how I would describe it over acidic.

I prefer the full body richness of the darker roasts.

[stogies&hoagies]

I agree with the darker roast being more to my liking. I roast most everything to the start of second crack.

Cubans to the end of second crack

Jamaican and Konas midway between first and second crack.

[stogies&hoagies]

Zimbabwe AAA to start, then we'll do some Cuban Caracolillo. We had some special friends spend the night last night. We stayed up very late enjoying some fine sticks and telling lies.
This is the last night Lt. Commander Nik will spend in the Carolina's (after a 2 yr. tour here) as he heads off to do his XO tour on the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln.
It's been a pleasure to know Nik and his family and they will be sorely missed by the folks here.
I know nobody here knows Nik, but he is a great guy and a lover of fine cigars. He loves our country and has served in the Navy 20+ yrs. With folks like him serving our country and protecting us, we can all sleep better at night.


GOD bless pal, and thanks for letting me know you.

Live well, laugh often

[Wasch_24]

Sounds like he had a nice send off last night.

Ethiopian Harar Horse from Brian again today, the darker roast. I like this coffee.

[Black Dog]

Nik, Thank you for your Service.

Indian Mysore Nuggets today.
Odd name but damn good coffee.

[Mad Dawg]

No coffee for me since Tuesday. Do a Google search on "Norwalk virus" and you'll get a sense of what I've been through this week. Not even sure when I'll be able to enjoy my next cup.....:sadstare:

[stogies&hoagies]

Dawg, that sucks. Hope you get "right" soon.

[Wasch_24]

Dayumm! Get better soon Dawg.

[smokem94]

My Friday the 13th coffee was also Ethiopian Harar Horse so kindly provided to me by S&H!!!!!!! Good Stuff! :drool:

[smokem94]

Heal up quick Dawg!

[Black Dog]

Man, long time without coffee Mad Dawg! Get well soon!

[stogies&hoagies]

Monkey mix.

In case you don't know, that's when you have a variety of beans leftover that are thrown together to give you enough to make a pot. It also refers to when you do a roast with the leftover beans that you do not have enough of for a whole roast by itself. The results are always interesting. Some combos work better than others. The problem is when it works, it really isn't duplicatable. Today's is a winner.

Live well, laugh often

[Black Dog]

More Mysore Nuggets today.

[Wasch_24]

Same as yesterday...Ethiopian Harar Horse...it's all gone now.

Thanks again Brian, that was some good coffee.

[Black Dog]

You're welcome Todd. I'm glad you liked it.

After having been out and about doing some stuff, I'm just now sitting down to try my first cup of another Ethiopian. This time Yergacheffe. I'll report back on that one later.

[stogies&hoagies]

Started with Cuban Caracolillo

Mexican Organic Chiapas after that.

[Black Dog]

Costa Rican Tarazu La Minita.
This is getting a little old since I roasted it about three weeks ago but it's still good.

[Wasch_24]

I haven't even gotten out of my pajamas yet, let alone had some cofee! :hysterica


I think I'll make some of your lighter roast Ethiopina Harar Horse Bbrian.

[tripp]

Had the last of the coffee today.
And boy was it tasty.....

Kona da'kine estate.

[stogies&hoagies]

Rawanda Masaka today. I haven't had this one in a while, damn it's good.

[tripp]

I loved that stuff. :jitb:

[Wasch_24]

I left my mug on the damn counter!!!

[Black Dog]

I left my mug on the damn counter!!!
I HATE when that happens.
Cuban Caracolillo for me today. I like it!

[stogies&hoagies]

The last of some Mexican Organic Chiapas I was gifted. Good stuff.

[Black Dog]

More Cuban Caracolillo for me today.

[Wasch_24]

Killer Beans Medellin Madman today...I remembered my mug this time.

[Eric]

KB Carribean Cut-Throat :P

[smokem94]

Some crap my wife bought at Safeway! :frownno:

[stogies&hoagies]

Kenya AA Mariene.

Live well, laugh often

[Black Dog]

Kenya AA Ichimara

[Wasch_24]

Medellin Madman again...ground it real fine and it was too strong...live and learn I guess.

[Black Dog]

What kind of grinder do you use Todd?

[Wasch_24]

A little cheapy blade grinder like this...Link (http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=APPL&pid=00867231000)

[Black Dog]

After you get your roaster you'll probably upgrade to a burr grinder. :devil:

[Wasch_24]

Nope, I must resist...$400 a week worth of day care coming in January.

[bfreebe]

$400/week? Good GOD! You better get the sticks now b/c when that happens....buh bye cigar money.

I thought $600/month was bad. I feel for ya man.

[Black Dog]

Nope, I must resist...$400 a week worth of day care coming in January.
I don't know man, with coffees from the well known commercial roasters going for $9-$16 per pound and green beans from $2-$6 per pound.................

[Wasch_24]

$400/week? Good GOD! You better get the sticks now b/c when that happens....buh bye cigar money.

I thought $600/month was bad. I feel for ya man.Check out my recent splits...I'm already in the process brother.

[Wasch_24]

I don't know man, with coffees from the well known commercial roasters going for $9-$16 per pound and green beans from $2-$6 per pound.................Well, I may have to go back to the Chock Full 'O Nuts :hysterica

[Black Dog]

Hope everything's OK with Stogies&Hoagies.

Back to Ethiopian Harar after a few days of other coffees. The sweet, fruity, blueberry hint was really evident today!

[stogies&hoagies]

Thanks Brian, no problems, just home computer issues (fixed hopefully, but thunderstorms last night knocked out the cable) and lots of stuff at work.

This morning I did Cuban Caracolillo at home, and forgot to bring some to work. AARRRGGGHHH.

[Wasch_24]

I had the same S&H. Thanks Brian.

It went well with the '98 Sancho Panza Non Plus I had on the way in today.

[Black Dog]

You're welcome Todd. Although I like just about any coffee and cigar pairing there is just something special about a Cuban cigar AND Cuban coffee together.

[Wasch_24]

Yep, they went well together. :thumbsup:

[Black Dog]

Columbian Peaberry - Caracol de Narino
Just plain good coffee!

[stogies&hoagies]

Cuban caracolillo again today. i've been using a french press instead of my Capresso maker lately. Wow, a huge difference. I'm loving it.

I won't be around for about a month. I'm taking an extended vacation. I leave wed. morning, so I won't be posting much until then. You know how it is when you go on vacation and how much stuff you have to do before leaving. I'm also having a bit of a situation on the home computer. something wrong with the modem. Hopefully someone will come out and fix it tomorrow.

[Black Dog]

Have a great vacation Charlie!

[Black Dog]

Panama Estate - Rainforest Alliance Certified
First time for this one. Pretty good stuff.

[Wasch_24]

Bolivian Organic

Kinda tart.

Not a favorite.

[Black Dog]

Bolivian Organic

Kinda tart.

Not a favorite.
I have some of that and preferred it at a darker roast than what most seem to recommed for it. To me it was very "bright".

[Wasch_24]

The beans were some of the lightest I've seen. I think it was City + :dunno:

[stogies&hoagies]

Todd, I think I know where you got those beans!!!!!!!!!!!!! Am I right?

Today was Bolivian Organic here, no brightness though.

[Black Dog]

I put a sticky up with a link to a photo guide showing the different levels of roast. Check it out and see where your Bolivian Organic falls Todd.

[Wasch_24]

City+

At least I think, the beans are gone.

[Black Dog]

Yemen Mocca - Sanani
I haven't had this in a while. Now I remember why it's a favorite!
:skew: (p.s. vipe us coffee guys need the coffee drinking smiley)

[Wasch_24]

Bolivian Organic from S&H

Went well with the Lusi I smoked while driving today.

This is one unique coffee..still not sure if I like it.

[Black Dog]

Papua New Guinea
This is a new one for me.
Mild, mellow and complex at the same time. Quite enjoyable. I give it a Gold Star.

[Wasch_24]

No coffee for me this morning.

[Black Dog]

Tonight I had some Monsooned Malabar Coehlo's Gold.
This is a very unique coffee that according to the reviews is a "love it" or "hate it" kind of thing. I love it. I think it's mostly used in blends for espresso. I don't have an espresso machine (yet) but have been wanting to try it. The processing of these beans is pretty unique. After picking, the beans are layed out in open sided warehouses until and through the Monsoon season in India, exposing them to the monsoon wind and moisture. The whole process can take over a year. The resulting bean is pretty large, light in weight and a yellowish color instead of the usual green.
I roasted them to Full City and let them rest for several days before brewing in a drip machine. The flavor is very earthy and musty. Very different but I like it.

[Wasch_24]

Wow, sounds neat Brian. Gonna have to try some if I ever get out your way.

[Black Dog]

Yeah man, come on out and visit or I can send you some to try. I'd be interested in other opinions to see if it really is any good or if I just have bad taste in coffee!

[Wasch_24]

LOL. Some day my friend.

[Black Dog]

Well, if you do make it out here maybe we can get David out of his house and check out the races at Summit Point (1 mile from here) and then take you over to the Isaac Walton League range (5 miles from here) to get you a little hands on experience with Glocks. Oh yeah, and drink home roasted coffee and smoke cigars of course.

[Wasch_24]

That would be awesome...tell me when and I'll be there (if the boss approves of course).

[David]

Well, if you do make it out here maybe we can get David out of his house and check out the races at Summit Point (1 mile from here) and then take you over to the Isaac Walton League range (5 miles from here) to get you a little hands on experience with Glocks. Oh yeah, and drink home roasted coffee and smoke cigars of course.

Screw that...let's play the slots at Charles Town!!

[Black Dog]

Can we shoot there?

[David]

No, but you may win enough to buy another weapon of your choice!!

[Black Dog]

Cool! I'm in. Besides, I need to win back the money I lost last time.

[Black Dog]

Guatamala Antigua
Very Good!

[Black Dog]

Oops. Missed this for a couple days.
Columbian Caracol de Narino this morning. Who knows what this afternoon.

[Wasch_24]

Cuban Caracillio again today.

[chipslave]

Mmmm... Nic. Laguna Verde for me.

[Black Dog]

Sumatra Mandelhing GR1 DP
First time for this. This stuff will get your day started right. Pretty bold and complex with an almost spicy aftertaste.

[Eric]

Cuban Caracolillo (Peaberry)

Thanks again for this delicious brew Brian :thumbsup:

[Wasch_24]

Killer Beans African Asassin from john Tripp. Different in a good way, thanks again John.

[Black Dog]

Not a good coffee morning for me. I've been thinking about trying some blending lately and realized this morning that I had some Java and some Yemen Mocca Sanani roasted so I decided to try the classic Mocca/Java blend. What I realized too late was that the Java was a little old and stale. I brewed it anyway thinking the Yemen would balance it out. Wrong. All I could taste was the rancid flavor of the stale Java. I rinsed everything out and cleaned the grinder and went for one of my never-fail favs, Indian Mysore Nuggets. I don't know why but still all I could taste was the flavor of the stale beans.
Heavy Sigh!