Lwowiak wrote:
Every time I read through the passage, I try to understand the reasoning behind it. To put it simply, there is none. He just states that if you want to taste specialty coffee, then ditch the milk (and other additives). He has not defined specialty coffee in any way, nor has he given any reason as to why milk should not be added. His reference to milk shakes, obviously shows his lack of knowledge of the Australian market, and what the consumer seeks. He has not talked about a preparation method either. While lightly roasted coffees are not suitable for espresso, they are wonderful as pour over, syphon etc. Some blends are expertly crafted to shine in a flat white (latte, cappa), but are not the best as espresso. And yes, the blend can come from a mix of expensive "specialty coffee". The same goes for blends that are designed to be drunk as espresso, without milk. I fondly remember an Ethiopian Aricha (14 I think) that I bought from Seven Seeds a few years ago. I enjoyed it via syphon, plunger, espresso and latte. All were very nice. As a latte, it had a delicious strawberry flavour that everyone in my family thoroughly enjoyed. Next, he will probably say that the only true way to enjoy espresso, is via a lever. Well to be perfectly honest, some blends and SO's can actually taste better if prepared on a pump machine. There are too many variables in coffee. Looking at his site, I do not think that his range of roasted coffees, now (and in the past) are what you would classify as specialty, and if mixed with milk would be very disappointing. While on the topic of diluting espresso, I personally find the addition of hot water (eg a long black) to destroy and thin out the experience. Milk can enhance espresso, try it Reiss, you might like it, it may take a few weeks for your palette to adjust. And by the way, I mean the addition of artisan milk, produced by dairy farmers with an enormous amount of care.
See... Now this is a post worth reading. Reasoned, thoughtful and not arrogantly provocative with minimal substantiation. I keep coming back to 'click-bait' as the pejorative Modus Operandi for the post. I can't help but admire the guy for his pluck and candour but there's too little substance for him to be taken seriously. I'd buy a machine from Fresh Coffee any day knowing that the class and dignity with which he operates, flows through his entire business to his loyal customers. The other guys, not so much!
