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struth
05-08-2023, 15:42
Cheers Grant, just ordered 500g of each: legacy, riposo and kiln - will let you know how i get onGood hope you like them

struth
06-08-2023, 16:05
Flat whitehttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230806/5f2dfb5acb5b131cb1d309c8cea70a17.jpg

struth
07-08-2023, 10:58
Delishhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230807/36b713bcb06a922af8d29a635bd6ea07.jpg

struth
08-08-2023, 10:35
Coffee with new beans
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230808/caafc1078db576c91122b7bb054b79b1.jpg

struth
09-08-2023, 10:22
Another new bean dayhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230809/0b7f9426c1c5f16a59f0d44ec6ee2990.jpg

struth
11-08-2023, 15:01
A large flat white

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230811/54cd0c25a03b0b113dde8325fe0debbd.jpg

struth
12-08-2023, 09:27
Another big unhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230812/cb6197b19d0afe13693ac6a57a68e532.jpg

struth
14-08-2023, 09:20
Coffee time

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230814/5ba800916bf76033c0aed250e0576793.jpg

struth
20-08-2023, 09:19
Sundayhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230820/25279cbfae1c47c08a4b27e9f518b994.jpg

struth
22-08-2023, 09:24
Tuesday already
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230822/745718650825e210a7f2340073d250bb.jpg

struth
27-08-2023, 10:38
Sunday again and new bean day too

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230827/3a383ed76512d5ef3aeb169e391c7302.jpg

struth
02-09-2023, 08:50
Coffee, a great start

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230902/7373ea9b67a205649410be8fd1c73d0f.jpg

struth
05-09-2023, 09:27
Struggling with this coffee. Not it's usual grind level.
I've new stuff to open so this might get chop
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230905/c5d33dcedc8805e66dee16b60b5bdf50.jpg

struth
08-09-2023, 14:16
New beans, reset to 25.

Much better.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230908/ed17e60dcf937d824911c6a66e99e987.jpg

User211
10-09-2023, 10:39
Struggling with this coffee. Not it's usual grind level.
I've new stuff to open so this might get chop
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230905/c5d33dcedc8805e66dee16b60b5bdf50.jpgWas it Columbia Finca La Laguna Reserva from Wogan by any chance?

Tastes great but it is way off the usual Wogan grind level.

struth
10-09-2023, 10:46
Was it Columbia Finca La Laguna Reserva from Wogan by any chance?

Tastes great but it is way off the usual Wogan grind level.

it was a blend called legacy. ive had it before and normally its fine. either they were old beans or an idiot roasted them

struth
10-09-2023, 13:24
Deffo back on song now

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230910/2e110c9a11267d9128671c69c9dc5dd3.jpg

struth
15-09-2023, 12:54
Friday coffee time https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230915/dbae261aeb427e5f469604580f97bacf.jpg

struth
21-09-2023, 09:20
Thursday refreshment
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230921/0c3e21c1c4f2de8c86affc2de0abfbb2.jpg

struth
26-09-2023, 09:48
Coffee time
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230926/189e9c4db00d65ae1d505efb4782f12c.jpg

struth
01-10-2023, 10:20
Octoberfest
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20231001/f21fe0327932ac204df79def53c06de7.jpg

Jimbo
01-10-2023, 10:49
Octoberfest
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20231001/f21fe0327932ac204df79def53c06de7.jpg

You keep tempting me to buy one of those machines!:)

struth
05-10-2023, 14:30
You keep tempting me to buy one of those machines!:)Yes they are superb

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20231005/0a7115691360022eae86fbc07302a4ae.jpg

struth
07-10-2023, 09:39
Coffee time againhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20231007/a9a1ce02d0f2a9f71c1d4061d8873558.jpg

struth
09-10-2023, 15:56
...https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20231009/9f070802db0e1f08674209e7424b626b.jpg

struth
16-10-2023, 10:43
Monday coffeetimehttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20231016/d25a1988e54f100527bed88307eff57a.jpg

struth
22-10-2023, 09:17
Coffee Sunday
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20231022/3d7b85a6c11056738aa7fce6f738e364.jpg

struth
23-10-2023, 07:54
Monday, Monday

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20231023/0cb52e4b4e7563bb221d94219b000570.jpg

struth
25-10-2023, 15:08
Cleaned out machinehttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20231025/cce289bb75c83da075fff1f4de15b3a7.jpg

struth
26-10-2023, 08:12
Forgot to clean the tank so did that today.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20231026/6fe890e33b78845c92b28e364290b449.jpg


i think i need to wind up the grind a notch..

struth
29-10-2023, 08:13
Sunday again
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20231029/82b780dafcb90678183878e193833bda.jpg

struth
31-10-2023, 09:12
Tuesday coffee timehttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20231031/57a87026e9e9545c32a715a798a11e62.jpg

struth
03-11-2023, 10:06
Friday again

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20231103/572ee25b22ad832f22411eae4e68d0c0.jpg

struth
09-11-2023, 16:22
Coffee timehttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20231109/99a073a98c4a918dca9858d0d994acd5.jpg

struth
11-11-2023, 09:12
Yumhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20231111/b1c5b99eb93283fd28c802cb5cc39f67.jpg

struth
24-11-2023, 10:49
Coffee for me

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20231124/315032740abde1b08fa3c86761bc446b.jpg

struth
28-11-2023, 10:46
Coffee time again https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20231128/d5c1591667b8828a9de7f2e7529a57c2.jpg

struth
30-11-2023, 09:29
New coffee day
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20231130/f2e08e93e85afbda594f6551e6dbac95.jpg

struth
03-12-2023, 10:50
Sunday coffeehttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20231203/03fe3c7c287f8cc7db51ad1f77e3b54e.jpg

struth
04-12-2023, 08:56
The righttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20231204/591b5ba000e2a75edcdd69a2c77efcba.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20231204/12de407126e33583602d6c5b66caebe0.jpg

Audio Al 2
04-12-2023, 10:21
Grant , What is the white jug on top of you machine ?

I got bored with my ECM Syncronica not used it for a few months now , need to get it up and running again with a full de scale .

struth
04-12-2023, 10:25
Grant , What is the white jug on top of you machine ?

I got bored with my ECM Syncronica not used it for a few months now , need to get it up and running again with a full de scale .

its a
Villeroy & Boch New Wave Coffee au Lait Cup


quite a bit larger, for when i want a bigger mug. nice thing.

struth
04-12-2023, 10:31
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0001Y6Q3A/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

they do different sizes etc. nice stuff and i have a few of their plates/bowls too

Barry
04-12-2023, 12:17
Looks very stylish, but designed for right-handed drinkers.

Would buy one, though £20 is a bit steep for a cup - and a bit too classy for someone who is quite happy to drink coffee made in a Mokka pot. ;)

Audio Al 2
04-12-2023, 16:05
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0001Y6Q3A/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

they do different sizes etc. nice stuff and i have a few of their plates/bowls too

Very nice , I may get one to try out :)

struth
07-12-2023, 08:33
Looks good. Yumhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20231207/6025db3a388a8f62cfba61d5de399aeb.jpg

struth
12-12-2023, 08:12
Early coffeehttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20231212/9e1ce96cb1830b464d155fad09846a73.jpg

struth
18-12-2023, 13:22
Home coffee shop timehttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20231218/d85890045cc383a3440d432c6a792232.jpg

struth
27-12-2023, 12:23
Coffee timehttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20231227/d1bf6399b00d96e5b71ded380f9f6e0d.jpg

struth
06-01-2024, 15:58
Coffee time again. First for a day or two
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240106/c229fae76d02dcfa64d6e0c787a0f9eb.jpg

struth
07-01-2024, 14:26
Coffee time again
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240107/626d3195a6c7373e4db80afb13a5cfc1.jpg

Roy S
12-01-2024, 09:53
Not many New York Dolls mugs about I’ll bet.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240112/3a8e6b2aac9efde342646a80e3606c53.jpg

struth
12-01-2024, 09:59
Not many New York Dolls mugs about I’ll bet.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240112/3a8e6b2aac9efde342646a80e3606c53.jpg

thats a golden oldie... might have value

Barry
12-01-2024, 21:51
Not as rare as the stoneware mugs made for me by a colleague at work, who was an amateur potter in his spare time.

I commissioned him to make several items for me: a table lamp; a flower vase; a fruit bowl, and two soup/pudding bowls. :)

Sadly he passed away many years ago - but I still think of him when I use the above mentioned items.

Roy S
12-01-2024, 21:58
Don't even know where that mug came from?

They weren't a band I followed or, indeed, even liked :scratch:

struth
13-01-2024, 11:27
Saturdays brew
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240113/657897f34bb51ec73a724a78adb95964.jpg

struth
14-01-2024, 09:22
End of week brew

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240114/c806170d9734a7b04e9d18da652df8f2.jpg

Jimbo
14-01-2024, 09:28
End of week brew

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240114/c806170d9734a7b04e9d18da652df8f2.jpg

What setting do you make that on with your Barista Touch?

struth
14-01-2024, 09:33
its an oracle touch. grinder varies depending on bean age etc usually 24 to 28. milk is set to 64/6. dunno if barrista is similar tho james. very good machine this as it should be lol... at 28 at mo as beans are at end of optimal. ive fresh ones to start shortly.
time of pour varies too but usually about 28 secs

Jimbo
14-01-2024, 10:51
its an oracle touch. grinder varies depending on bean age etc usually 24 to 28. milk is set to 64/6. dunno if barrista is similar tho james. very good machine this as it should be lol... at 28 at mo as beans are at end of optimal. ive fresh ones to start shortly.
time of pour varies too but usually about 28 secs

I have not bought a machine yes but have been looking at the one below yours. 28 sec pour is roughly where we set machines up in the industry.
Temperature of milk in the coffee shops is usually set at 140 Fahrenheit ( 60 Celsius) - 160 Fahrenheit (70 Celsius) just in case you are interested?


Have you heard that adding a little water when you grind your beans helps with flavour?


https://www.sciencealert.com/scientists-have-discovered-a-way-to-actually-make-coffee-taste-better

struth
14-01-2024, 11:22
I have not bought a machine yes but have been looking at the one below yours. 28 sec pour is roughly where we set machines up in the industry.
Temperature of milk in the coffee shops is usually set at 140 Fahrenheit ( 60 Celsius) - 160 Fahrenheit (70 Celsius) just in case you are interested?


Have you heard that adding a little water when you grind your beans helps with flavour?


https://www.sciencealert.com/scientists-have-discovered-a-way-to-actually-make-coffee-taste-better

mine grinds and tamps all at same time into porta. with several tries i found milk setting for good microfoam. inclined to think 60c would be too cold for my likes. the oracle is certainly superb. all set up for you, but you can adjust it to suit you etc.. build is great; mine is very heavy

Jimbo
14-01-2024, 11:30
mine grinds and tamps all at same time into porta. with several tries i found milk setting for good microfoam. inclined to think 60c would be too cold for my likes. the oracle is certainly superb. all set up for you, but you can adjust it to suit you etc.. build is great; mine is very heavy

Yeah I agree 60 is too low - I recon 65-70 sweet spot obviously depending on how hot your cups are? You have a great coffee machine there Grant - wish I had the cash to buy one.:(

struth
18-01-2024, 09:50
New beanshttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240118/b2502983edaf5f66df61634cf7ebf533.jpg

struth
19-01-2024, 08:47
Yummy

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240119/44550168f08d237545ce40e1a35447d9.jpg

struth
20-01-2024, 09:12
Double yummy

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240120/6ddc8bfe2ede832398060779558673fd.jpg

struth
05-02-2024, 11:33
Coffee todayhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240205/07495c20072ec0dff04bff166ae632a3.jpg

struth
09-02-2024, 13:38
Later than usualhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240209/e145387d0112805729d7a69e3239bb9f.jpg

struth
19-02-2024, 11:56
Coffee timehttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240219/a009b213f282055cfc24050ef9953ac0.jpg

struth
26-02-2024, 11:26
Coffeehttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240226/797ba8b0efb930fe6300e33d2812751f.jpg

struth
29-02-2024, 09:51
Thursdays effort. Soon to be new coffee day lol
This one is a tad passed it's best, not that it's oldhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240229/6d07ce23a1d06d5d7a84a65c35ad6041.jpg

struth
06-03-2024, 13:03
Wed and coffee time
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240306/de71ddda5d1d6e251a833e97f45f0eae.jpg

struth
09-03-2024, 10:18
Saturday coffeehttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240309/c7e6be55798f416ed0fe957a6a0e8273.jpg

struth
17-03-2024, 13:17
Try a coffee today.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240317/2c7a91ac8032b0c53762b625cc74a837.jpg

Alex_UK
11-05-2024, 12:05
Thread has sadly stopped since we lost Grant. [emoji853]

Slightly random anniversary present from my wife was a selection of coffee beans - these are the first to try - never even knew Japanese coffee was a thing!

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240511/5d211092b8f6c0ffbd82737b18edb272.jpg

Not sure, supposed to be 5/5 strength, but certainly doesn’t taste it, and no bitterness. Will need a couple more cups to decide if I like it or not.

Barry
11-05-2024, 12:35
Good to see this thread continuing.

Afraid I won't be able to contribute much, as I'm quite content with Illy ground coffee made in a Mokka pot.

rmcin626
11-05-2024, 16:07
Yes, good to see the thread continue, Marco and Grant were always big users in the past, as I use a Nespresso machine, as it suits me , I have never really posted.

Barry
11-05-2024, 16:32
I boycott all Nestlé products - an awful unethical company.

Alex_UK
18-05-2024, 12:16
Time to try another of my anniversary coffees - this time from India, Monsooned Malabar.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240518/88b0f449782d838d2892ed4d520ad46d.jpg

Definitely earthy, as it says on the label, like the Japanese one, it will take a few cups to decide if it is to my taste (I will definitely get the Japanese one again, though.)

guy
30-05-2024, 06:55
I have just finished trying/comparing a couple of selection boxes (8 different blends) from Drury coffee:

https://www.shopdrury.com/

Excellent range, fast service - my favourite from the selection is their “ espresso riserva”.
My notes : “coffee/dark chocolate, smooth, sweet, good depth of flavour, good (quite dark) crema -slight bitterness at end of mouthful, but not “off putting”.

I think it will become my standard/“go to” blend.

I wont be submitting a photo of my attempts - never could match Grant in that respect; always in awe of his barista skills.

Jimbo
30-05-2024, 09:16
I miss Grants coffee pics, they always cheered me up and reminded me that good coffee is one of life's great pleasures.

Gazjam
07-06-2024, 17:34
Good on ya Alex for keeping the thread going.

Will contribute here too, Ive enjoyed many of Grants coffee Posts, as well as his coffees in real life.
Kept telling him not to put the fancy syrups in but he kept insisting :lol:


Thread has sadly stopped since we lost Grant. [emoji853]

Slightly random anniversary present from my wife was a selection of coffee beans - these are the first to try - never even knew Japanese coffee was a thing!
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240511/5d211092b8f6c0ffbd82737b18edb272.jpg

Not sure, supposed to be 5/5 strength, but certainly doesn’t taste it, and no bitterness. Will need a couple more cups to decide if I like it or not.

Alex_UK
07-06-2024, 20:53
Well, the Fuji Mountain is a definite repeat purchase, I think my Krups grinder is on the way out so manual may be needed! (Probably 80+ years old, inherited from my grandmother)

Gazjam
07-06-2024, 21:08
Japanese Coffee’s a thing

Wee coffee place in Perth, The Bean Shop
does their version, Roasted By date and all that good stuff, they give a damn.

Personal favourite?
Monsoon Malibar’s my go-to

guy
04-07-2024, 08:25
Coffee was becoming flat/bitter/bad tasting, little crema to coffee, poor froth to milk - I decided to “decalk” my Delonghi.

What a difference :) it got me thinking though - given the number of variables in making an espresso, it is surprising that it ever took off as a method of making a drink.

Ok its not up to Grant’s standards but (i have had a couple of mouthfuls)
https://i.postimg.cc/L5tWKTQR/IMG-0349.jpg (https://postimg.cc/1VzBDpZY)

rmcin626
05-10-2024, 11:36
A wee pic , another thread that Grant enjoyed

https://i.ibb.co/g3SB7PD/IMG-2931.jpg (https://ibb.co/7Xn6zRG)

Barry
05-10-2024, 22:52
I make my coffee in a Mokka pot using Illy ground coffee. I make it strong with only a splash of milk. Tastes good to me - but the result is not particularly photogenic.

Probably the best coffee I have ever drunk was in Laos, but I never found out the coffee variety used.
Jamaican 'Blue Mountain' is good, but IMO is not really worth the expense.

Roy S
05-10-2024, 23:02
Got one of these, only use kenco americano grande pods. You can choose strength/temperature/size of mug and there are presets.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20241005/1e02f72ae3b5c8c74ecd2180c09f5780.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

rmcin626
06-10-2024, 09:17
I enjoy coffee but can’t be bothered some of the ritual of making it , so Nespresso is what I use, plenty of choice with minimum effort.

Barry
06-10-2024, 09:39
I boycott anything by Nestle.

Mikeandvan
11-10-2024, 19:44
A cafe I go in regularly served me bad coffee today 'what's wrong with it', 'dunno, it's just bitter, it doesn't have that nice deep brown crema stuff on top', you know as soon as the fuckers hand you a coffee without crema its gonna taste shit, c**ts!!!

Barry
11-10-2024, 19:56
Do we really need to know? :doh:

But look on the bright side, given your description of the taste the coffee could be made from kopi luwak beans, which is some of the most expensive coffee you can buy.

Mikeandvan
11-10-2024, 20:28
Do we really need to know? :doh:

But look on the bright side, given your description of the taste the coffee could be made from kopi luwak beans, which is some of the most expensive coffee you can buy.

I don't see the bright side of bad tasting coffee

Barry
11-10-2024, 20:45
Then make your own and stop complaining, or we shall have to change your user name to "Mikeandmoan".

Mikeandvan
11-10-2024, 20:52
Then make your own and stop complaining, or we shall have to change your user name to "Mikeandmoan".

My profile photo depicts my general horror at the world. But you know you can't make your own when you're out and about, besides I like sitting in cafes.

Barry
11-10-2024, 21:35
So change the café you normally frequent. That way you won't have to insult those who work there with four-letter names.

Mikeandvan
11-10-2024, 21:48
So change the café you normally frequent. That way you won't have to insult those who work there with four-letter names.

That's not the cafe I normally frequent, the cafe I normally go to makes the tea too cold, I had to tell them about 10 times before they took action. I tell you what I should run a cafe, it would be absolutely fucking banging.

Mikeandvan
11-10-2024, 21:49
Beware the tea room fiend, cafe owners shudder at my appearance!

Lawrence001
12-10-2024, 09:41
Then make your own and stop complaining, or we shall have to change your user name to "Mikeandmoan".Are you an admin Barry could you do this?

Sent from my PCT-L29 using Tapatalk

Barry
12-10-2024, 12:21
No, I'm a mere Moderator and do not have the necessary permissions to do that sort of thing. Not that I would anyway. ;)

Mikeandvan
14-10-2024, 20:55
Bad coffee is too traumatic for me now, so I've gone back to drinking tea in cafes.

Barry
14-10-2024, 20:59
What kind of tea do you like to drink?

Alex_UK
14-10-2024, 22:30
Very strange, but I’ve gone off coffee the past few months. I still have the occasional one, but it’s probably only 2 or 3 cups a week, whereas it used to be 3 or 4 a day. I have started having an Earl Grey as my morning drink, then maybe another in the afternoon, otherwise just water.

Mikeandvan
14-10-2024, 23:42
What kind of tea do you like to drink?

i'm no aficionado, but usually Assam, english breakfast or earl grey.

Lawrence001
17-10-2024, 23:11
I do like a robust Assam around 10am, it sets me up for the day.

Sent from my PCT-L29 using Tapatalk

Alex_UK
18-04-2025, 09:24
New double espresso cup, can you guess where I bought it? [emoji4]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250418/94df4b79810ec8023dbd09a25e36e329.jpg

Alex_UK
02-05-2025, 17:38
My espresso machine blew up, a week or so ago (not actually blew up but did make a bang and steam coming out where it shouldn’t).

Replacement just arrived - seems just as good as the old one which I got 4 years out of for £100, let’s hope it lasts a bit longer.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20250502/84dce55f941e76733b09c5708e79badb.jpg

Barry
03-05-2025, 06:50
I'll stick with my stove-top Mokka pot.
Not as sophisticated as an espresso machine, but I'm not fussed by the creama on a frothy coffee. :sofa:

rmcin626
20-08-2026, 15:14
https://i.ibb.co/nMZPJzmr/IMG-0207.jpg

Still looking a bit short on Grant’s efforts.

CageyH
20-08-2026, 15:27
Yes, but not too shabby looking.
The important thing, how did it taste?

I have finally found a local roaster that does a coffee very much to my taste.
A 100% arabica "Italian" blend.

rmcin626
20-08-2026, 15:50
Yes, but not too shabby looking.
The important thing, how did it taste?

I have finally found a local roaster that does a coffee very much to my taste.
A 100% arabica "Italian" blend.

Thanks Kevin, very new to this , but tasted fine, certainly a lot better than my earlier efforts.

Marco
20-08-2026, 17:00
Not bad at all, Robin - a wee bit pale and lacking in depth, but that could be down to the beans you've used, if they're a light roast. I'd play around with the grind/dosage and see what results you get.

Cappuccino alert...

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/924/EMxRIm.jpg

Marco.

CageyH
20-08-2026, 17:06
The black cup won't help the appearance.

rmcin626
20-08-2026, 17:14
Not bad at all, Robin - a wee bit pale and lacking in depth, but that could be down to the beans you've used, if they're a light roast. I'd play around with the grind/dosage and see what results you get.

Cappuccino alert...

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/924/EMxRIm.jpg

Marco.

The beans are med/dark roast, will be paying about with the grind to hopefully improve the results.

Marco
20-08-2026, 17:14
True, but that's not why Robin's got those results.

Are you happy with 100% Arabica, Kevin? I always use that as a base coffee and finish off with something African or Brazilian.

Marco.

rmcin626
20-08-2026, 17:15
The black cup won't help the appearance.

Was looking today for new cups but didn’t see anything I liked.

Marco
20-08-2026, 17:16
The beans are med/dark roast, will be paying about with the grind to hopefully improve the results.

No worries. The grind makes a big difference, and also tamping pressure:)

Marco.

CageyH
20-08-2026, 17:33
And also the amount of ground coffee in the portafilter.

Only change one thing at a time.

CageyH
20-08-2026, 17:34
Are you happy with 100% Arabica, Kevin? I always use that as a base coffee and finish off with something African or Brazilian.

Marco.

Yes. Very happy with it.

The blend contains Indian, Ethiopian and Brazilian beans.

Marco
20-08-2026, 17:59
Cool... Took me ages to find a blend I was 100% happy with:)

Another cappuccino... This one shows the colour of the coffee better:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/924/0zHmQI.jpg

Note how the crema sticks to the edges of the cup.

Marco.

CageyH
21-08-2026, 07:38
Another good tool for a consistent coffee is a pressure regulated tamper.
This helps quite a lot.

rmcin626
21-08-2026, 08:37
A few weeks ago I decided that after years of using pod coffee machines at home, I would try and improve my coffee at home experience, I was never going to thrown thousands of pounds at this but decided that this Ninja machine would suit my needs as it can used manual or automatic.
https://www.johnlewis.com/ninja-luxe-cafe-premier-series-coffee-machine/stainless-steel/p112574711

At first I wasn’t impressed with the results, but things seem to be improving to my taste buds anyway. I usually will have either espresso, americano or a latte depending on the time of day and my mood.

I have also missed the posts of Grant on this thread in the last couple of years and thought I would post my attempts to try resurrect a thread that was not seeing much traffic.

User211
21-08-2026, 09:23
I did some upgrades to my 10 year old Rocket Giotto a few months ago.

Vibration pump with silencer installed. Plus car noise insulation. Runs much more quietly now.

Whilst Rocket machines are expensive initially, they are user serviceable with half a brain applied to the problem.

I think this will easily last another decade if not more.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260821/05469997f3b64ba298d1ec85bda45678.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260821/f6cac2b8417ddc86e0f4c37c30b4b01f.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260821/7efb21aebfe9d8885117c21eaf988298.jpg

rmcin626
21-08-2026, 10:31
I did some upgrades to my 10 year old Rocket Giotto a few months ago.

Vibration pump with silencer installed. Plus car noise insulation. Runs much more quietly now.

Whilst Rocket machines are expensive initially, they are user serviceable with half a brain applied to the problem.

I think this will easily last another decade if not more.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260821/05469997f3b64ba298d1ec85bda45678.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260821/f6cac2b8417ddc86e0f4c37c30b4b01f.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260821/7efb21aebfe9d8885117c21eaf988298.jpg

Looks very nice probably a bit complicated for a beginner like me


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

rmcin626
21-08-2026, 10:34
Today’s effort although I think the small cup is much too small for my big fingers https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260821/ecfd7bb9561ff38f181c6de87d37ff05.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Marco
21-08-2026, 10:46
Much better, mate - the white cup helps, too:thumbsup:

Justers, show us some of your legendary espressos with ya fancy machine...

Marco.

User211
21-08-2026, 13:15
Much better, mate - the white cup helps, too[emoji106]

Justers, show us some of your legendary espressos with ya fancy machine...

Marco.There's a zillion in this thread somewhere up above, Marco. Think I have lost the will to post more.

That was Grant's job, bless him:)

User211
21-08-2026, 13:18
Today’s effort although I think the small cup is much too small for my big fingers https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260821/ecfd7bb9561ff38f181c6de87d37ff05.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkTry Wogan Coffee on the web for decent beans. That's a really top recommendation IMHO try not to ignore it.

I told Grant about them and he got hooked.

rmcin626
21-08-2026, 13:31
Try Wogan Coffee on the web for decent beans. That's a really top recommendation IMHO try not to ignore it.

I told Grant about them and he got hooked.

Thanks Justin, saw that recommendation when I was looking through this thread, will check them out.

CageyH
21-08-2026, 14:51
Today’s effort although I think the small cup is much too small for my big fingers https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260821/ecfd7bb9561ff38f181c6de87d37ff05.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Looking good Robin.

CageyH
21-08-2026, 14:58
And to second the recommendation for Wogan coffee.
I have spent years "suffering" the smell of freshly roasted coffee as I went past on my into work.

They are very good.

CageyH
21-08-2026, 15:15
This is my coffee corner in the kitchen.

31726

Marco
21-08-2026, 15:28
Looks very scientific, Kevin:)

Robin, see post 250 on the weather thread, regarding bean suppliers.

Marco.

CageyH
22-08-2026, 07:30
31727

My morning coffee
Not the best as the beans were left in the grinder when I went on holiday for three weeks

rmcin626
22-08-2026, 11:07
This morning’s latte
https://i.ibb.co/Wv4YDXn8/IMG-0211.jpg

Marco
22-08-2026, 12:03
Good efforts, guys:thumbsup:

Robin, what kind of milk are you using - whole milk or semi-skimmed?

Marco.

Marco
22-08-2026, 20:37
Robin, what kind of milk are you using - whole milk or semi-skimmed?


:popcorn::)

Marco.

rmcin626
23-08-2026, 07:43
Good efforts, guys:thumbsup:

Robin, what kind of milk are you using - whole milk or semi-skimmed?

Marco.

Semi-skimmed

Marco
23-08-2026, 09:20
Okies... Trust me, mate, for the purposes of Barista-style coffee, whole milk is better, especially as you like (milk-heavy) lattes. It improves the milk finish.

Marco.

rmcin626
23-08-2026, 09:35
Okies... Trust me, mate, for the purposes of Barista-style coffee, whole milk is better, especially as you like (milk-heavy) lattes. It improves the milk finish.

Marco.


I was aware of that, but will be sticking with the semi-skimmed, its been a long time since we had full fat milk in the fridge.

Marco
23-08-2026, 09:41
Ok, but you could get a small carton and just keep it for your coffees - that won't kill anyone, lol.

How many lattes do you have per day?

Marco.

CageyH
23-08-2026, 09:51
I also use semi. No issues achieving a tight foam.
I have also used barrista style oat milk, which worked well.

I do agree that full fat is the gold standard though.

rmcin626
23-08-2026, 09:52
Ok, but you could get a small carton and just keep it for your coffees - that won't kill anyone, lol.

How many lattes do you have per day?

Marco.

One at the most, I prefer an espresso or americano but might pick up a small carton and see which I prefer.

Marco
23-08-2026, 09:58
One at the most, I prefer an espresso or americano but might pick up a small carton and see which I prefer.

No worries, mate. I'd do that, as you might be surprised at the difference. It's not as if you're having 20 lattes a day, so any increase in fat intake will be minimal.

We get our (whole) milk delivered direct from a local dairy [ https://edwardsdairies.com/ ] and it's lovely and creamy - perfect for lattes and cappuccinos:)

Marco.

rmcin626
23-08-2026, 10:07
No worries, mate. I'd do that, as you might be surprised at the difference, and it's not as if you're having 20 lattes a day, so any increase in fat intake will be minimal.

We get our (whole) milk delivered direct from a local dairy [ https://edwardsdairies.com/ ] and it's lovely and creamy - perfect for lattes and cappuccinos:)

Marco.

We actually had someone at the door recently looking to deliver milk, but as my wife drinks lots of tea in a day, we are usually buying a couple litres every other day.

Marco
23-08-2026, 10:16
That was a bit of a coincidence, eh? You defo don't want whole milk in tea - UGH! But you could get all of your milk delivered; one less thing to carry home from the supermarket...

Edwards kept us going during Covid, as they sell and deliver all manner of things, not just milk.

Oh, and you can guarantee that the Bluebird Cafe uses whole milk in their ice-cream!:D;)

Marco.

Marco
23-08-2026, 10:29
My morning coffee earlier, this time without chocolate:

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/924/garL0c.jpg

Marco.

rmcin626
23-08-2026, 10:34
That was a bit of a coincidence, eh? You defo don't want whole milk in tea - UGH! But you could get all of your milk delivered; one less thing to carry home from the supermarket...

Edwards kept us going during Covid, as they sell and deliver all manner of things, not just milk.

Oh, and you can guarantee that the Bluebird Cafe uses whole milk in their ice-cream!:D;)

Marco.

My grandson is a big fan of the ice cream from the Bluebird, a very popular cafe still.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Marco
23-08-2026, 10:45
It was top-notch when I was there - good to see that standards are being maintained!:)

Marco.

rmcin626
23-08-2026, 11:25
It was top-notch when I was there - good to see that standards are being maintained!:)

Marco.

There was a change of ownership a few years ago but the ice cream recipe was part of deal, seems to be quite busy with breakfasts as well. Used to get sent every Sunday for ice cream.

Marco
23-08-2026, 13:31
It's just one of those 'propa' cafes/small businesses that does what it says on the tin!

From memory, there's also a few good coffee shops near you, selling homemade cakes, etc.

Marco.

rmcin626
23-08-2026, 14:43
It's just one of those 'propa' cafes/small businesses that does what it says on the tin!

From memory, there's also a few good coffee shops near you, selling homemade cakes, etc.

Marco.

We moved house 3 years ago , so now on the main road from Greenock into Gourock, one thing we are not short of now is coffee shops, with another one just opened the other day.

Marco
23-08-2026, 15:36
I mean good coffee shops though, with proper home baking, not yer greasy spoon pish.

Marco.

rmcin626
23-08-2026, 15:46
I mean good coffee shops though, with proper home baking, not yer greasy spoon pish.

Marco.

I don’t do greasy spoon pish , although there are a couple in the area, but there are several good coffee places not all do decent cakes though.

Marco
23-08-2026, 16:01
Lol, didn't think you did. Proper home-baking is what defines a coffee shop. Good cakes = good coffee; the two go hand in hand:)

Marco.

Marco
26-08-2026, 12:08
Have you got your whole milk yet, Robin?:)

Marco.

rmcin626
26-08-2026, 12:24
Have you got your whole milk yet, Robin?:)

Marco.

Not yet Marco, tomorrow is a shopping day.

Barry
26-08-2026, 14:38
An Americano, made in our favourite Turkish café, so more like a Turkish coffee and with more flavour than your standard Americano.

Drunk "brown", that is black with just a splash of cold 'full' milk.

Marco
26-08-2026, 16:23
Not yet Marco, tomorrow is a shopping day.

Cool:)

Marco.

Marco
26-08-2026, 16:25
An Americano, made in our favourite Turkish café, so more like a Turkish coffee and with more flavour than your standard Americano.

Drunk "brown", that is black with just a splash of cold 'full' milk.

Exactly as I have it - Turkish coffee is great. Love the fancy pot and cup it comes in.

Marco.

Marco
27-08-2026, 22:06
Just fancied a wee espresso...

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q70/923/UzhIBS.jpg

Marco.

CageyH
28-08-2026, 07:23
The size of that cup :D

You will lose half of it on the wall, as it looks like a really good crema.
Just as well it is not a ristretto, as you would have nothing to drink. ;)

Marco
29-08-2026, 10:31
Lol, points taken... I like a big cup with an espresso, as it releases the aroma of the coffee, much like a large, bulbous glass does with wine:)

Yes, the crema was nice and rich, with good depth to it.

Marco.

CageyH
29-08-2026, 12:38
I use a double wall espresso glass.
When you pull a shot, it looks like you have poured a Guinness. :cool:

Marco
29-08-2026, 13:32
Cool... Pull one now and let us see:)

Marco.

CageyH
29-08-2026, 14:36
I'll take a picture next time I pull one.

Marco
29-08-2026, 15:59
Okies...

Marco.

Puffin
29-08-2026, 17:24
I had been using an Aeropress (have had 3 actually) for some years but recently felt that I had had enough of the "manual" faff so got the same coffee machine as my son has a DeLonghi Dedica machine. It has taken me a couple of weeks to get a brew to my liking but I have now cracked it.....a 2 shot followed by a 1 shot into frothed milk.

One of the best hacks I have ever used was one to froth milk. Get a caffetiere put as much (full fat) milk as you require and then uses the plunger and pump it up and down until the milk has doubled and put it in the microwave on full power for 1 minute. I will get to grips with the milk frother on the machine in time....

Marco
29-08-2026, 19:22
I had been using an Aeropress (have had 3 actually) for some years but recently felt that I had had enough of the "manual" faff so got the same coffee machine as my son has a DeLonghi Dedica machine. It has taken me a couple of weeks to get a brew to my liking but I have now cracked it.....a 2 shot followed by a 1 shot into frothed milk.

One of the best hacks I have ever used was one to froth milk. Get a caffetiere put as much (full fat) milk as you require and then uses the plunger and pump it up and down until the milk has doubled and put it in the microwave on full power for 1 minute. I will get to grips with the milk frother on the machine in time....

Got any pics of your creations? You can't really get a handle on where someone's coming from with just words:)

Marco.