Espresso beans

Burble · 02-02-2009, 20:09

Since I got my shiny new Espresso machine over the festive period I've been using Illy beans which give me a nigh on perfect espresso. Nice.

I bought some own brand Costco beans because they were about 1/3 the price of the Illy beans but that turned out to be a false economy as they taste awful! The espresso tastes burnt so they went in the bin.

Today I got some Starbucks espresso beans and they're perhaps slightly worse than the Costco beans! They're jet black in colour and so glossy that it looks like they've been varnished. Hmm, maybe the varnish explains the flavour?

So then BD. What beans do you use? I'm not interested in ones that have been shat out of an animal but I do want a nice espresso.

Flibster · 02-02-2009, 20:20

www.hasbean.co.uk - Steve is a great bloke.

Starbucks beans are crap. Really crap.

From Hasbean:
Australian Skyberry - I realaly like this one.
Four Bean Blend
The Breakfast Bomb
Brazil Fazenda Cachoeira Bourbon
Costa Rican El Portillo CoE
Bolivia Machacamarca

But, just order anything that takes your fancy.

Open one, leave the others sealed and stick them in the freezer. Grind only when needed and keep the unground ones in an airtight tub in the fridge, yadda yadda yadda.... Before opening the next, leave to defrost for 6 hours or so.

Burble · 02-02-2009, 20:22

I do freeze then defrost beans for the filter machine but the espresso machine is a bean to cup machine so I can't be bothered with it for that.

Ta for the link, I shall take a look.

divine · 02-02-2009, 21:02

I need to get round to ordering some tbh, I keep pestering Mondo on IRC about hasbean then getting distracted and forgetting to order

Mondo · 02-02-2009, 21:25

It is well known that Starbucks over roast/burn their beans, they are not that good, they are however useful to dial in the grinder

Flibster · 02-02-2009, 22:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mondo

It is well known that Starbucks over roast/burn their beans, they are not that good, they are however useful to dial in the grinder

I find them too oily even for that.

Have to clean the grinder after using them to prevent clogging.

Mondo · 02-02-2009, 22:57

You are right, it's been so long since i bought a bag from them i forgot that they are more oily than most. I do remember that for the same weight of beans, You get a lot more, probably less water content in the bean.

Joe 90 · 03-02-2009, 02:13

nice thread. My mum got me an espresso machine for christmas - used it pretty much everyday since.

where'd u guys get a grinder from? i'm still using the standard coffee you pick up off the supermarket shelf.

Flibster · 03-02-2009, 02:40

Grinder - I used to have an Iberital MC2 from www.happydonkey.co.uk
Moved up to a Mazzer Mini.

You can get some very good Zassenhaus hand grinder for something like £40. The MC2 is £100ish.

For £60ish there is one from starbucks - rebadged Solis 166 - once modded is pretty good for the price.

Joe 90 · 03-02-2009, 02:42

thanks

02-02-2009, 20:09	#1
Burble Rocket Fuel Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 7,826	Espresso beans Since I got my shiny new Espresso machine over the festive period I've been using Illy beans which give me a nigh on perfect espresso. Nice. I bought some own brand Costco beans because they were about 1/3 the price of the Illy beans but that turned out to be a false economy as they taste awful! The espresso tastes burnt so they went in the bin. Today I got some Starbucks espresso beans and they're perhaps slightly worse than the Costco beans! They're jet black in colour and so glossy that it looks like they've been varnished. Hmm, maybe the varnish explains the flavour? So then BD. What beans do you use? I'm not interested in ones that have been shat out of an animal but I do want a nice espresso.

02-02-2009, 20:20	#2
Flibster Moonshine Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 3,388	www.hasbean.co.uk - Steve is a great bloke. Starbucks beans are crap. Really crap. From Hasbean: Australian Skyberry - I realaly like this one. Four Bean Blend The Breakfast Bomb Brazil Fazenda Cachoeira Bourbon Costa Rican El Portillo CoE Bolivia Machacamarca But, just order anything that takes your fancy. Open one, leave the others sealed and stick them in the freezer. Grind only when needed and keep the unground ones in an airtight tub in the fridge, yadda yadda yadda.... Before opening the next, leave to defrost for 6 hours or so. __________________

02-02-2009, 21:02	#4
divine Moonshine Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Southampton Posts: 3,201	I need to get round to ordering some tbh, I keep pestering Mondo on IRC about hasbean then getting distracted and forgetting to order __________________

02-02-2009, 21:25	#5
Mondo Absinthe Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 2,174	It is well known that Starbucks over roast/burn their beans, they are not that good, they are however useful to dial in the grinder __________________ My Website / MSN / Email / Flickr / Blog

02-02-2009, 22:57	#7
Mondo Absinthe Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 2,174	You are right, it's been so long since i bought a bag from them i forgot that they are more oily than most. I do remember that for the same weight of beans, You get a lot more, probably less water content in the bean. __________________ My Website / MSN / Email / Flickr / Blog

02-02-2009, 20:22	#3
Burble Rocket Fuel Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 7,826	I do freeze then defrost beans for the filter machine but the espresso machine is a bean to cup machine so I can't be bothered with it for that. Ta for the link, I shall take a look.

03-02-2009, 02:13	#8
Joe 90 Absinthe Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Chester Posts: 2,345	nice thread. My mum got me an espresso machine for christmas - used it pretty much everyday since. where'd u guys get a grinder from? i'm still using the standard coffee you pick up off the supermarket shelf. __________________ 360 Blog \| Join GiffGaff \| Twitter

03-02-2009, 02:40	#9
Flibster Moonshine Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 3,388	Grinder - I used to have an Iberital MC2 from www.happydonkey.co.uk Moved up to a Mazzer Mini. You can get some very good Zassenhaus hand grinder for something like £40. The MC2 is £100ish. For £60ish there is one from starbucks - rebadged Solis 166 - once modded is pretty good for the price. __________________

03-02-2009, 02:42	#10
Joe 90 Absinthe Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Chester Posts: 2,345	thanks __________________ 360 Blog \| Join GiffGaff \| Twitter

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