Coffee Forum
frame

Howdy, Stranger!

It looks like you're new here. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons!

Sign In Register

Howdy, Stranger!

It looks like you're new here. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons!

Sign In Register

Quick Links

Categories

In this Discussion

› ›
After the old forum software breaking in a way that we were unable to fix, we've migrated the site to a new platform.

Some elements aren't working as we'd hoped - some avatars didn't survive the transition, and we're still having issues with attachments that weren't added as inline images, but we're hoping to have that all sorted out soon.

What greens to try?

KelseyKelsey
edited January 1970 in Home roasting - All about the culture
I was thinking of giving the sample pack from the other forum a try, but figured with such a wealth of knowledge here I might be able to craft something a little more to my tastes.

I'm an espresso drinker and particularly loved the Sumatran Kuda Mas from Pioneer. My wife likes a strong piccolo latte.

Because I'm using a popper and not getting long roast times I need beans that will be more tolerant of 'rough' treatment.

My wife and I are enjoying doing this together, tasting the beans as they come out of the popper and generally want to be able to roast a variety of beans to create blends that are palatable to her as well as allowing me to enjoy learning about single origins.

So, roasting veterans, what do you recommend?
Share on Facebook
«1

Comments

  • soloespressosoloespresso
    i recommend the ethiopian djimmah and sidamo from bean green. The columbian el cafe, kenyan doman AA is also very nice, but for me those have been a bit more fickle. I take them all to the start of 2nd crack and pull the roast. i also tried the bali god mountain, brazil daterra sweets, indian MM, sumatran madhelang, all too variable for my tastes.
    Share on Facebook
  • shape_shiftershape_shifter
    I'd still go with the starter pack, you never know what you'll end up with, it's a great way to start blending as well, although I've never got the hang of it  ;D
    Share on Facebook
  • KelseyKelsey
    I think I will have to get the hang of blending - if Justine and I are to both enjoy our morning espresso!
    Share on Facebook
  • Koffee_KosmoKoffee_Kosmo
    There is nothing wrong with a sample pack from CS However you will get through it very quickly (trust me as I speak from experience  ::)) Remember that if you roast 1 kg of green beans you need to factor in shrinkage of 20% after roasting due to moisture loss during roasting So your 1kg of green beans is 800 grams of drinking beans  ;D KK
    Share on Facebook
  • UNMUNM
    Not keen on the CS starter pack because 1.you don't know what you will get (could be a plus for some people) 2. shipping cost is quite high relative to total cost (you can order a bag of something else to offset, but that kinda defeats the purpose). 3. If you like one, you run out just as you want more (500g is small). In mine I got one I really didn't like, one OK, two pretty good. I'd rather order 4x1KG from somebody else either with no shipping, or cheap shipping. Of course for me, it is easier in that I drink espresso. Kids drink coffee flavoured milk (single shot flat whites mainly) and aren't fussy. My first beans were all from CS and I found the Peru Ceja De Selva, Mexico Yeni Navan and Costa Rica San isidro good. The first bean I roasted was Monsoon Malabar - not a favourite - could take it or leave it really. Recently I have got my beans  from mycuppa, partly for prompt friendly service, partly because I can collect, partly just because the beans sounded good.  Tiger Mountain has been a good one for blending, as has Brazil Monte Alegre. The last roast of Jeff's Harrar was awesome. Beangreen seem to have a good choice, but every time I get close to ordering Jeff (mycuppa) has another new arrival that tempts me.
    Share on Facebook
  • KelseyKelsey
    In that case, what beans have you found to be tolerant of popper-style roasting? Any recommended 'popper blends'?
    Share on Facebook
  • beanflyingbeanflying
    Couple that got me started initially was Indian Tiger Mountain and a PNG Wahgi. Both nice and easy to get an even roast out of. Best to avoid the really hard dense beans for a quick popper too. On blending get used to some single origins and a rough idea of there attributes (not the notes but choc or spicy or boring or zingy) then go a little of what you like with maybe a little something zingy or spicy for kick.
    Share on Facebook
  • KelseyKelsey
    That ITM seems like a hard one to find - and one that everyone loves.
    Share on Facebook
  • beanflyingbeanflying
    Not sure but I think mycuppa was roasting it so if your ordering anything else from Jeff you might be able to twist his arm into some green in the same parcel.
    Share on Facebook
  • coffeehorsecoffeehorse
    I'd avoid the CS starter pack. Some of Andy's offerings are good but some are so-so, and while that's true for all bean suppliers, I'd say other retailers are currently a bit more transparent in terms of cupping scores, tasting notes and the whole price paid + normal markup = retail price. BeanGreen and MinistryGrounds are the two retailers I'm buying from at the moment, because most of the best beans in Australia are imported by Melbourne Coffee Merchants (Mercanta) and MTC Group (including Trabocca offerings), and they both (and both) do a lot of direct trade with growers instead of middlemen, and have a focus on quality offerings. Key: ~ for beans I think might not be particularly suitable for popper roasting. * for beans I've tried and think you might enjoy ** for specific recommendations (i.e. I've roasted this and it was excellent both ways you like) ^ is for more 'commodity' orientated beans that may save a few $$ at checkout ! is expensive Everything I've suggested has been stuff I've drunk in milk and/or espresso from a quality roaster, or roasted and drunk both ways. I've gone for stuff that that might roast up well both in milk and espresso and which should cut through milk and be enjoyable on their own, without risking nasty sour milk drinks (eg. avoiding tropical and grapefruit/big citrus flavours) From MinistryGrounds: Bolivia Colonia San Juan 8 Estrellas** Brazil Fazenda Rainha** Colombia Santa Rita La Chapperal (not tried current crop) Costa Rica Finca Las Lajas Organic 'Black Pearl'*! Costa Rica Finca Las Lajas Honey Prep* Costa Rica Zamorana Estate** El Salvador Finca La Fany** Ethiopia MAO 'Blue Horse Harrar (not tried this year)^ Guatemala Finca La Perla** Guatemala Finca Liquidambar*^ Kenya Gethumbwini Estate AB**! Kenya Karani~~ Kenya Tinganga Estate AA~~ The Kenyans are an odd bunch - lovely and winey, good cocoa body, but possibly too hard for the popper. From BeanGreen: Costa Rica Finca De Licho Honey Prep Costa Rica Herbazu Estate** Costa Rica Finca La Candelilla Geisha!!!!~ Costa Rica Las Pavas Lot No. 3 El Salvador Finca El Carmen** Ethiopian Sidamo DP Haile Selassie* Ethiopian Yirgacheffe Grade 2 Washed*~ Ethiopian Harrar Long Berry Mao Blue Horse^ Guatemala Finca Santa Clara Bourboncillo** Hawaiian Kona - Captain Cook!* Kenyan Gethumbwini Estate Peaberry~** Kenyan AA Dorman Estate~ Panama Casa Ruiz Boquette^ Hope that helps! Essentially my understanding is that you want beans that will generally roast evenly and can take a bit too much heat - but the problem I think isn't so much the drying phase as the roasting phase. Not being able to stretch out the roast between first and second crack stops some flavour development, so I've tried to pick stuff which will give you a good end cup if you stop somewhere even in the right ballpark. I've avoided coffees I think are 'one-dimensional' or 'boring' and I'm not a massive nut fan, so you'll see some of that coming out in my selections. I totally agree with the 500g issue - I'm on a KKTO and made the mistake of ordering 1KGx6 from MG in my last order. 7kg+4+3kg this order from BG makes a lot more sense. I suspect with the fast roast, large maragotype beans will end up uneven as you'll have less agitation less easily, so I've gone for medium sized beans. 1kg of each should be plenty. I'd order: 1kg x Bolivia San Juan 8 Estrellas (1kg x Costa Rica Zamorana Estate) 1kg x El Salvador Finca La Fany 1kg x Guatamala Finca Liquidambar 1kg x Ethiopia MAO Blue Horse as a fairly decent starter pack - 2 lovely single origins, 2 more pricey but much more rewarding beans, the bolivian being closer to your stated current favourite when taken close to or even to second crack, and the la fany being a crowd-pleaser. The Zamorana Estate is one of my favourite beans of the year, but both that and the La Fany are great in milk but balanced and clean rather than strong, earth, bold and dominant. If you've got any negative feedback on that list, I can cut some out!
    Share on Facebook
  • coffeehorsecoffeehorse
    on 1319173059:
    That ITM seems like a hard one to find - and one that everyone loves.
    I totally agree with what BF says - easy to get an even roast and very forgiving, but not very complex. Just 'bold earthy tones' don't do it for me - I can get that eating a spot of good english loam!
    Share on Facebook
  • KelseyKelsey
    Wow! Thanks Coffeehorse, that's massively comprehensive! Now to get my SO to read that post so we can make a purchase..... :D
    Share on Facebook
  • soloespressosoloespresso
    second those thanks to CH... Now I know what my next beans from beangreen are going to be :P
    Share on Facebook
  • Brett HBrett H
    Third thanks to CH for such a great list and I'll throw in a fouth thanks for the Brazil Daterra Opus 1 low caff suggestion of which Bean Green so generously supplied me a large sample.
    Share on Facebook
  • KelseyKelsey
    Why the low Caff? So you can have that many more coffees a day?
    Share on Facebook
  • coffeehorsecoffeehorse
    Just changing my mind about the Kenya Karini - this is slightly better suited to single origin / espresso-without-milk use than with milk (after finishing off 3 roasts). I'll put together 'what I'd order' lists from any source any time - I  don't have the funds to try everything & so it's really helped that a few roasters give me samples (and sometimes pay) for feedback/cupping anyhow. Drinking a heap of random coffee has really helped me know what I'm buying - but seeing how Hazel de los Reyes roasts a few of them (in terms of roast colour + even a bit of profile) has helped even more :) J
    Share on Facebook
  • mycuppamycuppa
    on 1319173059:
    That ITM seems like a hard one to find - and one that everyone loves.
    I've got just a small amount left and basically closing down sales - there is none in the country until the next box arrives mid next month.
    Share on Facebook
  • shape_shiftershape_shifter
    Bit like the bloody good Tanzanians, I don't want the cheap ones and 'normal' people can't buy the great ones, you've ruined me Jeff :P Thanks for that list, lots to look at as that is what I roast for, I like long blacks and caps and the OH only drinks caps. Oh just on the Kenyans, I have the Kagongo Peaberry and that roasts really well in the popper, maybe I just got lucky because of the mods.
    Share on Facebook
  • KelseyKelsey
    I'm about to finish up building my KKTO this week, so really should get around to ordering some greens. Given that my roasting platform has changed, I wonder how much of a change you'd recommend from the original list above? I've got two 'wishlists' going now. BeanGreen: Costa Rica - Herbazu Estate El Salvador Finca El Carmen Guatemala Finca Santa Clara Bourboncillo Kenyan Gethumbwini Estate Peaberry Ethiopian Yirgacheffe Grade 2 Washed Panama Casa Ruiz Boquette I'm also considering replacing one of the Finca's with the Indonesian Sumatran Mandheling ' Kuda Mas', an SO I really enjoyed when Pioneer roasted it. That comes to about $100, free shipping MinistryGrounds: Bolivia Colonia San Juan 8 Estrellas (Green) Costa Rica Zamorana Estate (Green) El Salvador Finca La Fany (Green) Guatemala Finca La Perla (Green) Kenya Gethumbwini Estate AB (Green) Ethiopian MAO 'Blue Horse' Harar (Green) That's around $110 and shipping will be extra. I really like the idea of trying the Peaberry that everyone seems to rave about and apart from the Kuda Mas, I'm not familiar with the roasted version of any of these. Do you think either of these is a reasonable list?
    Share on Facebook
  • RichardMRichardM
    on 1323138594:
    Do you think either of these is a reasonable list?
    Just need some indonesians if you don't already have some. Java/Sumatra.
    Share on Facebook
  • KelseyKelsey
    I think you're right. I've changed the list a fair bit (also needed to add a decaf): Colombian Supremo Decaf Organic Rainforest Alliance Ethiopian Yirgacheffe Grade 2 Washed - 1kg Tanzania Burka Estate Grade AA Kenyan Gethumbwini Estate Peaberry Indonesian Sumatran Mandheling ' Kuda Mas' Guatemala Finca Liquidambar Costa Rica - Herbazu Estate Anything in there that's too hard for a newbie to roasting (and the KKTO)?
    Share on Facebook
  • LacehimLacehim
    maybe try a brazil too.  good for blends.
    Share on Facebook
  • KelseyKelsey
    Instead of or in addition to the above?
    Share on Facebook
  • Brett HBrett H
    Looks good Kel... I' d be loosing the Kenyan and adding a Brazilian (recoils from the collective gasp).  But that's just me.  I've had lots of Kenyan Peaberries in the early days and never had anything to write home about.  Perhaps I need to just try them again... What do we think peeps?
    Share on Facebook
  • KelseyKelsey
    I did hesitate over the Brazilian, but I'd certainly consider adding one onto the list. The Peaberry made it due to the collective sighs of delight.... Also heard from Muscles that this is nice: Dominican Republic - Cibao Altura de Constanza AA
    Share on Facebook
  • MusclesMuscles
    on 1323144661:
    Also heard from Muscles that this is nice: Dominican Republic - Cibao Altura de Constanza AA
    This is a pleasant change from my usual haunts. I scored a bag of this roasted by UNM for the swap and am enjoying it quite a bit!
    Share on Facebook
  • UNMUNM
    on 1323144661:
    I did hesitate over the Brazilian, but I'd certainly consider adding one onto the list. The Peaberry made it due to the collective sighs of delight.... Also heard from Muscles that this is nice: Dominican Republic - Cibao Altura de Constanza AA
    I've made my views on Brazilians known before but I always find: Great mouthfeel, smooth and silky, but I always feel something is missing. Not very enjoyable alone, good for blending. The Cibao Altura de Constanza is nice, got some more resting right now - roasted latest batch very slightly lighter than I did for Muscles but with smidgen faster ROR to FC I think. Only bought a kilo and I may well buy more next time. Glad my attempt at roasting it is being appreciated.
    Share on Facebook
  • KelseyKelsey
    Brett, since you seem to be the authority on Brazilians ;) which do you suggest? I was looking at this one: Brazil Daterra Estate - Opus 1 Exotic http://www.beangreen.com.au/product-info.php?pid172.html
    Share on Facebook
  • Brett HBrett H
    on 1323391317:
    Brett, since you seem to be the authority on Brazilians ;) which do you suggest? I was looking at this one: Brazil Daterra Estate - Opus 1 Exotic http://www.beangreen.com.au/product-info.php?pid172.html
    As far as I know those photos never made it onto the Internet. The Opus1 is sweet and chocolatey and I'd be inclined to save it as a decaf alternative.  As a base for blends try the Brazil Santos... Others with more experience may like to chime in here especially if they've not seen those photos!
    Share on Facebook
  • KelseyKelsey
    on 1323398171:
    As far as I know those photos never made it onto the Internet.
    Keeping them for later coffee-related blackmail purposes. ;)
    Share on Facebook
Sign In or Register to comment.

Coffee Forum

@ 2026 The Coffee Forum, All rights reserved.

Policies

Privacy Policy

Social