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Hey guys. I finally got some beans from Intelligentsia (el otono blend, 3-4 days off roast) and I can't seem to brew the coffee right. I'm using a Solis Maestro Plus and Bodum French Press. Here's what I've done so far:
1. Boil the water.
2. Grind 2 Tablespoons of coffee for 8oz of water. Then put it in the press. (I've tried grinding slightly coarse, then fine, then in b/w fine and drip, so far)
3. Pour the water in (it's at about 190F when it hits), then stir a few seconds. Place the lid on. After a minute, I stir again. Then I let it steep for 2 more minutes.
4. Plunge. I use a small press with only little water, but there seems to be very little resistance, even with a fine grind.
The coffee comes out the right color... and it's even a got a little crema. I've removed some of the bitterness, but it doesn't taste good. In fact, it's no different that the stale beans from the market. I must be doing something wrong.
(Also, is it me do all whole beans smell almost the same?)
EDIT: I'm wondering if I should the water cool down a bit more before pouring, my thermometer may not be correct.
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I think you may not be waiting long enough for extraction.
Does it taste sour? That was my problem for a while and is a result of too cold of water or not enough time for extraction. Try going for 3 minutes or being a little quicker about pouring the water in off of the boil.
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I think you may not be waiting long enough for extraction.
Does it taste sour? That was my problem for a while and is a result of too cold of water or not enough time for extraction. Try going for 3 minutes or being a little quicker about pouring the water in off of the boil.
I think it does. The water is actually five or so seconds off the boil, and I've tried steeping for 3 minutes. (one minute, then stir, then two more minutes) The kettle's coming off a gas flame, is possible that it's TOO hot?
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I put random stuff and/or equipment in my sig, so all the signature elitists should go find something else to make themselves not feel like pathetic losers.
kirosia, why are you stirring mid-steep? the only time you really need to stir is at the very beginning just to make sure all the grounds are in contact with the water.
it could be the case that you have bad beans...or that you just don't like the roast you got from intelligentsia. i've not tried their beans so can't comment, but that's a likely possibility.
no, not all roasted beans smell alike. my beans smell different depending on roast level and sometimes depending on origin.
it seems like you're doing everything else properly...i steep for 4 minutes with water that's cooled about 15 seconds off the boil. my errors are usually in the water too hot dept.
try some other beans...and let us know.
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Intelly roasts their beans to a bit lighter than Full City. (at least that's what they say) I do have some el cuervo (abeit a limited amount), so I'll try that. I really hope it isn't the beans, or else I'll just have just wasted $15+...
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I put random stuff and/or equipment in my sig, so all the signature elitists should go find something else to make themselves not feel like pathetic losers.
Intelly roasts their beans to a bit lighter than Full City. (at least that's what they say) I do have some el cuervo (abeit a limited amount), so I'll try that. I really hope it isn't the beans, or else I'll just have just wasted $15+...
$15/lb?! that's a good reason to get into home roasting...
anyway, what origin is the beans you got? one thing to remember is that when you roast lighter, anything up til FC or sometimes FC+, you get a lot more of the origin rather than the roast-flavor. when cupping, people will roast to city to get a flavor of the beans rather than the roast.
i'm fairly certain that two things are going on: you don't like the origin you bought and you don't like the roast level you got. the other thing i just thought of is the water you're using. how fresh, how clean, does it have a taste of its own, etc?
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that's a good reason to get into home roasting...
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