Coffee Select Blog

January blog post

2011-01-04T19:02:00.006+11:00

here we are! it's now a year since I moved the roaster back to bendigo into our shop.
so now I'm back into it with the following changes to the company to assist with getting orders out as fast as in the past. the minimum order will now be a kg bag - sorry to all who like the option of smaller retail size bags but I'm not a retailer anymore. all orders will go out in either express post or prepaid bags so they come to you asap. i would love to maintain a delivery to the door run but I'm really tied up as a result of changes to the partnership and can't do as much as I'd like to until further notice. have a great year all and say hi on either facebook or here. Rog

Coffee Select Training - Every thurs 1-3pm (DAY) OR 6-8pm (NIGHT)

2010-07-07T18:35:00.005+10:00

To join our training classes send us your email address

Covering grinder design and operation, coffee machine design and development, espresso formula, coffee types and milk texturing.

TRUGO - The Bendigo Club. Join up today!

2010-06-20T15:15:00.045+10:00

You all know how I come up with crazy ideas! (don't agree that quickly). Well here's another ripper. You'll need to concentrate for a bit cause there's a bit of history here and you might nod off.

Ever heard of Trugo? Call yourself an Oorstaaalian. Born in the Newport Workshops in Melbourne by the train and tram builders during smoko. Pretty simple concept. Take a puck off the workbench and a big wooden mallet. Place it on the ground and stand over the top of it with the goals behind you at the 50 metre mark. Hit the crap out of it and hope to blazes it goes through the goals.

If you miss you can fine tune your aim with quick mouthful of your beer. The requirements for the sport were based on what the railway workers could find: the length of the pitch was the length of a carriage, the goalpost width was the distance between seats, the mallet was a sledge hammer, and the black rings were an internal component of buffers.

Over the years it's been played around old Melbourne clubs on a green similar to lawn bowl. see Trugo on the ABC

Coffee Select are proud to announce the launch of Australia's first and to this date only indoor Trugo Club, to be based in Bendigo, Australia. As many of the classic W class Melbourne trams were made in Bendigo and can still be seen running up Pall Mall we see it as a fitting tribute to the cities manufacturing heritage. The pitch will run the length of our shop at 236 Hargreaves Street in the middle of the city. The hit off will be at the pizza oven end, run through the kitchen bar then the bar, roasthouse with the goals at the front door which will have a purpose built net to protect pedestrians from being hit by flying pucks. Hit off will be at 3pm every Sunday afternoon with preparatory drinks commencing at midday. Teams will be made of four people each. Every week the winning team will share a meat platter (is there a better prize).

Any team found to be practicing in any form before the day will be penalised.

New blends for the world to enjoy!!!!!!!!!

2010-06-16T08:41:00.001+10:00

I've always believed with my simple marketing brain that Guinness was created by accident. One day one of the brewers was looking the other way and burnt the barley. Instead of throwing out tonnes of blackened barley the brewery decided to proceed with the brew - walah Guinness - a worldwide success. It was going to make a great lead into today's blog which is about the creation of new blends. Because we've come up with a beauty. Using mainly the superb Indian Monsooned which is an aged sweet, low acid coffee blended with a smaller percentage of higher acid South American coffee and another Indian to add body. It's a simple blend which works really well. We created last Friday and have been enjoying it all week. Now for a name to be really clever. What about Indian Summer? Not bad.This coffee roastings too easy really. Give it a try and tell us what us think.

Tarrawarra Winery, Yarra Valley

2010-06-13T14:17:00.007+10:00

Everyone loves a good winery experience especially on a chilly Vic winter day. This is the arresting entrance to Tarrawarra Winery in the Yarra Valley. Through the kind referral by the winemaker, Clare Halloran we have been fortunate enough to supply the winery cafe for the past 2 years. I'm sure you'll have an experience to remember if you book a table in the cafe. When I do get a chance to deliver personally I feel inclined to take up residence on one of the tables overlooking the vines and pretend I own the place. I could phone down to the vineyard staff and give them directions. Darren and Lucy work in the cafe and will look after you I'm sure if you pay them a visit.

Indian Malobar Monsooned

2010-06-09T10:08:00.004+10:00

Centuries ago, when coffee beans were transported from Asia to Europe in sailing ships, purely by accident a new coffee taste was discovered. Monsoon winds and high moisture levels below deck caused the beans to swell during their voyages across the sea, causing them to change colour and acquire a uniquely distinctive flavour.

Today, a handful of producers on the West Coast of Southern India with special open sided warehouses for ‘monsooning’ recreate the atmosphere of sending the beans across the sea. Raw, green beans harvested from December to February are spread across the floor of these special warehouses where moisture laden winds circulate around the coffee beans as the storms roll in from June to Sep.

This process dramatically increases the aging process - the beans turn pale yellow in color and swell in size, reducing their acidity. As the acidity levels drop, the beans take on a mellowed but consistent, musty flavour and impart a heavy syrupy flatness reminiscent of aged coffees. These ‘speciality’ coffees are predominantly used in blends to impart richness and body to fresher, more acidic full flavoured coffees.

Both Arabica and Robusta cherries (unwashed coffees) are used for the preparation of monsooned coffees. However, better quality beans make a significant difference to the final product. Monsooned beans are traditionally only available for shipment from September to March. The annual production in India ranges between 3,500 and 5,000 tonnes depending on that year’s general coffee production.

International demand for monsooned coffee has increased dramatically over the last few years. The monsooned style of coffee is extremely popular in Scandinavian countries, Norway, Switzerland, Germany, USA and Japan.

Wikipedia

Monsooned Malabar is a variety of dry processed coffee beans. The harvested and processed beans are exposed to the monsoon winds for a period of about three to four months, causing the beans to swell and lose the original acidity, resulting in a sweet and syrupy brew.^[1] The coffee is unique to the Malabar Karnataka and Kerala and has protected status under the Geographical Indications of Goods Act.^[2]^[3] The name Monsooned Malabar is derived from exposure to the monsoon winds of the Malabar coast.^[4] coast of India. The blend is heavy bodied, pungent and of monotone quality and is considered to be dry with a chocolatey aroma and a slightly sharp taste.^[5]^[6] The blend has its origins from the times of the British Raj, when, during the months that the beans were transported by sea from India to Europe, the humidity and the sea winds combined to cause the coffee to ripen from the fresh green to a more aged pale yellow.^[7]

Bacchi Espresso

2010-06-07T11:20:00.000+10:00

Agents for Nectre Wood Ovens

2010-06-03T20:53:00.009+10:00

Nectre Pizza Ovens are the best! You know Im a foodie and love spending time at cooking and enjoying company. I first saw these ovens four years ago and had the have one. My partner at the time thought it a waste of money and that we'd never use it. Wrong. Any season of the year you'll enjoy using this oven. In Winter it gets you outside to enjoy the fire and of course every other season you just want to cook in it and enjoy the flavours and gastronomic therapy.

If your wondering about weight and base type required for the Nectre Oven we can help. They weigh about 300kg and therefore need to be lifted by experience people with the right equipment. You will need space to do so and a solid ground to work on. The oven can be stripped of it's steel and bricks but is still super heavy. Once on the ground it is easy to move on a flat bed trolley. Your base can be any design or structural material providing it will carry the weight to an Australian Standard. The installation instructions require the oven to sit 100mm away from any flammable material to the side and rear and 100mm off a flammable base. In the pics below you can see us constructing a 100mm hearth contained in steel and made with stone set in colored mortar.

Email us for any information regarding the Nectre

Piccola Elegant & the Piccola Travel Bag

2010-06-02T10:55:00.004+10:00

Paper pods coffee espresso machines

PICCOLA PICCOLA

Currently the quality espresso machine with the smallest  footprint on the market. Ideal to take with you when travelling. Instead of a drip-tray it has a trough under the grille  which is easy to clean by simply wiping it with a sponge. The espresso coffee extracted has the same quality as with our other  professional pod machines. It has very low energy consumption. It can be connected to a tank, even a large one, for water intake, and  to a drainage tank, so as to be able to prepare coffee non-stop with the  smallest possible footprint. 

Recommended for boats, campers, motor  homes, domestic use, offices and hotel rooms.

Kenya - Giraffe

2010-05-31T10:36:00.005+10:00

One of my favourite images in the world. Drawn by a four year old I know well as a first draft! Why only three legs. I don't know but it works perfectly. Available on a t-shirt if you'd like. Email us to place an order. Black or White $37.50

LOGORAMA

2010-05-28T17:39:00.004+10:00

Check out his really cool French animation We laughed our heads off.

It was presented at the Cannes Film Festival 2009. It opened the 2010 Sundance Film Festival and won a 2010 academy award under the category of animated short.

La Cimbali DOMUS coffee machine $350

2010-05-28T14:27:00.004+10:00

We have for sale a white La Cimbali Domus espresso coffee machine. That’s right not some brand that also sell jugs and mixmasters but a real La Cimbali who also make big commercial machines for cafes.

Their approach to quality is seen in this little domestic.

It is on display in our window in Bendigo as well as seen on the blog. Call me on 0143 120 382 for more information.

There's a nice video on YOUTUBE

Manual pour over drip brewing

2010-05-24T14:36:00.005+10:00

Manual pour-over drip brewing is one of the cheapest, easiest ways to make great coffee. All you need is a pack of good quality paper filters, a filter cone holder and heated water. With a manual method you can be assured of the water temperature (unlike most auto-drip machines) and that the grounds are thoroughly wet. The more holes a filter cone has the more you need to take care in how you add the water. Essentially add water slowly and carefully to maintain the thermal mass of the coffee and draw out the infusion time.

This porcelain wedge shaped coffee filter cone holder sits nicely atop most coffee cups and thermoses for a direct brew-in cup experience.

Contact us for availability.

Using the 'Bellman CX-25p'

2010-05-18T08:59:00.013+10:00

Here is a quick video demonstrating how to use the BellmanCX25p.The Bellman CX25p Espresso & Cappuccino maker is a stove top model for household use. This machine makes espresso style coffee using the steam pressure method.With the Bellman you can easily make 3, 6,or 9 cups by using the brew basket 'reducer'. In addition the CX25p features a pressure gauge, so you can repeat your preferred brewing method time after time, also ensuring you to have enough pressure to froth your milk.This is a fantastic way to get the coffee you love, whether you are at home, camping or away on a caravan trip

ECM Veneziano A3 For Sale

2010-05-14T10:44:00.013+10:00

ed since brand new. Only 6 years old. Perfect for home! but better for cafe if you want to make money with it. $4500 ONO plus gst. 0413 120 382

Coffee Select rewards home delivery customers

2010-05-08T12:24:00.011+10:00

Our home delivery has taken off since we launched the program 18 months ago in Melbourne. This weekend we commence the same program for Bendigo households through our new roasthouse. To recognise and reward customer loyalty we are giving away a prestigious Pullman tamper to all customers who reach the goal of 10 deliveries.

learn more about thes e premium Australian made tampers at the website, Pullman Tampers

Coffee Select Home Delivery. Fresh roasted delivered to the door at trade price.

Getting it to you

2010-04-29T13:01:00.008+10:00

For mail deliveries we've made the switch! For years we've used normal postage packs to send order but this week have been trialling Express Post. Orders we sent last night arrived in Melbourne suburbs btn 10 and 11 so from now on all orders will sent in Express Post satchels. No more lost or slow orders.

Home deliveries will still be sent around Melbourne and Bendigo for the nominal $3

Cool coffee from China

2010-04-28T13:19:00.007+10:00

hey there, Leon the youngest face at Coffee Select Bendigo bought into the shop these way cool coffee gift packs just back from the People's Republic. check out the beautiful design and packaging. Mao would be proud. We can only dream of doing these as they would cost around A$10.

Saeco Royale Professional

2010-04-20T17:17:00.005+10:00

hi guys, I've got a great little Saeco twin boiler for sale second hand. It's been in stock as a stand in machine for when the big autos need repairing. As a result the usage is rather low - 5000 cups. So it has a lot of life left in it. Say another 6-8'000 cups of good coffee making. Asking price is only $500 plus gst. Be good for an office.

Discounted Stock and Specials from Coffee Select

2010-04-09T08:09:00.008+10:00

we're getting more organised in the roasthouse and planning to send out the blog weekly again so you know what's going on up here and when you can expect to see your orders. All orders received this week were delivered yesterday and those which arrived today will be delivered on Monday. We've been non-stop over the past few months with the move but this will be the last as I own the Bendigo shop and can only argue with myself about the rent!

In the move some stock was water damaged (packaging only) and is now on special to you guys only. I have also listed second hand and surplus stock. It's a bit time consuming describing each item so google if interested or you need info email me and Ill take a pic and provide a description. until next time enjoy your coffee Rog.

Coffee Accessories
5; Sets of 6 brown and white espresso cups $10 rrp$20
2; Sets of 6 Black Cappuccino cups $10 rrp$20

Coffee Makers
1; Presso damaged box only $150 rrp $220
3; Sorrentina (Atomic espreso maker) $395 rrp $445
1; Pepito Stainless steel with bakelite handle
1; Aroma Stainless steel stovetop $95 rrp $125
2: Belman Stovetop Coffee makers with gauge CX - 25P $125 rrp$165

Espresso Machines
1: KS Coffee grinder $450 rrp $650
1; Saeco Royal Professional Silver ex rental $750 rrp $1950
1: KitchenAid Red $850 rrp $1450

March Update

2010-03-13T18:20:00.005+11:00

Hi Coffee Selectors,

I know it's been ages since I tapped the keyboard with news. The latest is that we have decided to close the Northcote shop as a result of the landlord playing funny buggers with the lease. So I've relocated the roaster to our vacant shop in our favorite regional Bendigo and will revisit a new Melbourne shop in a little while. In Westgarth we have negotiated with Paul Deeming who owns "From the Vine" a little up the road to retail our coffee bean range and use our coffee through a machine we have installed so if you like buying at retail he's your man and can also introduce you to some great bottles of red and/or white.

Since it's introduction over a year ago many of our time poor customers have chosen to join our "home delivery program" which offers a 30% discount on retail (min 1kg) and delivery to the door. Moving the roaster has slowed some of our deliveries down (sorry Mr Brunton) but we are back up to speed after a few visits from the Bendigo CFA. Smoke doesn't always mean fire but it does mean I should have cleaned the flu a bit more regularly!

In addition to benefits of Home Delivery I've decided to reward you guys with a little coffee related gift everytime a milestone is reached. I'll work it out and send you details in the next news (which won't be so long in coming). The value of the prize will be higher at each level so stand by for some detail.

PS I've got some Honduras coffee in but haven't roasted it yet. Will do this week and release some tasting notes for you to peruse (love that word).

cheers, Rog

Mint KitchenAid for Sale - Red (goes fast)

2010-01-17T16:08:00.004+11:00

Hi Coffee Selectors, This machine has become available via one of our home delivery customers who found it a little to big for their trnedy inner city townhouse with views of the city so traded down in size to a Isomac Maverick and ask me to flog the old fire engine. It is in mint condition and has no leaks or drips. It features two boilers which are the bell shaped features on the front of the machine. If you'd like to see it in person come into the shop and have a touch and feel. I believe at $850 the value is good. Brnd new rrp is A$1500. Rog

Die cast metal construction
Quick-heating dual boilers
Chrome-plated brass brew group and 58mm portafilter
Rotating frothing arm & steam dial to froth milk, steam water
Drip-Free system
Brew temperature stability and abundant steam
15 Bar Pump
Stainless steel filter baskets & rail
Cup Warmer
Dual pressure gauges
2-liter water reservoir
Drip tray full indicator with a water-level sensor
Stainless steel drip plate & frothing pitcher
Dimensions: 16" H x 12.375" W x 12.5" D

What do mean there's no Santa!

2009-12-24T15:46:00.006+11:00

I don't just roast and deliver coffee!

2009-12-23T15:44:00.005+11:00

Christmas is a time to rediscover Joy

2009-12-18T10:51:00.004+11:00

Hi guys, Only a week to Christmas! With this post I wanted to share this wonderful image of a little Colombian boy full of JOY after receiving his presents. My wish this Christmas is that your family experience the same pure emotion for the season. All the best for the day and New Year. Rog

PLEASE FEEL CONFIDENT TO PLACE ORDERS AS PER USUAL AS WE WILL AROUND HOME OVER CHRISTMAS AND CAN COURIER OR PAST AS PER NORMAL

Camping with your kin this Christmas

2009-11-29T11:07:00.006+11:00

If your planning a road trip with your kin over the Christmas break you might be interested in this here Presso coffee maker.

The Presso espresso maker is able to produce the pressure needed for making great café-style coffee at home. The espresso shot you will make with your Presso can be enjoyed on its own or transformed into a flat white, latte or cappuccino with our milk frother. rrp $220

New Coffee Machine for under $1000!

2009-09-16T06:00:00.005+10:00

Many of our customers have been requesting a machine for around the $1000 mark.

Above is the Isomac Maverick. If you can ignore the poorly chosen name the Maverick is a very stylish little machine made by a serious manufacturer. (www.isomac.it) est 1977.

The Maverick is the successor to the extremely successful Giada, with a larger boiler, new portafilter holder, twin coffee spouts and a twin position grill plate. This machine produces excellent steam quickly and with ease. To trial the Maverick send us email to melbourne@coffeeselect.com.au

Height: 320 mm
Width: 240 mm
Depth: 310 mm
Weight: 9 kg
Pump: 12–14 Atm
Tank: 3 l
Power: 1000 W
Voltage: 230 V - 50 Hz

For Aug and Sep we're giving away a Belman Coffee Maker!

2009-09-09T14:07:00.007+10:00

For all registered home delivery customers this month we giving awa y a Belman CX25 coffee maker.

The Bellman CX25 is a classic Italian designed high quality 18/10 stainless steel stove top coffee maker. It comes new in the factory box with full instruction manual. Made by Bellman Company this machine works on the same principle as the famous Giordano Robbiati atomic type coffee machine. The Bellman’s Retro styling derives from a long line of stovetop coffee makers- once known as the Vesubio or Vesuviana and made in Milan it has undergone slight transformations over time and appeared as Elebak, Via Veneto and Benjamin & Medwin branded machines. The new Bellman model is improved -with an improved filter basket design, but still employs the same functional styling and quality Bakelite and Stainless Steel construction. It produces strong espresso shots just like a regular Italian stovetop ‘Moka’ pot, but most importantly, it also produces a strong jet of steam to froth and heat milk.

The Bellman will produce great cappuccinos, lattes, hot chocolates, etc. The stainless steel construction guarantee’s a long life and the removable top makes cleaning the unit very simple. The included reducer enables the user to easily make from 3-9 demitasse serves of coffee at a time, making it one of the most versatile stovetop units available.

This coffee maker has a superb industrial eames/atomic era design and will be an excellent addition to any modern kitchen.

Ideal for the home, boats, camping and travel.

Your Bellman machine is covered by a 12 months manufacturers warranty with Ikon Exports and Sorrentina Coffee Online stocks the full range of spare parts should they be required.

The replacement parts are fully compatible with vintage Italian and English made coffee makers of the same type. The seals are of an identical size but made of improved food grade silicon for a longer life.

The Bellman CX25 will work well on gas and electric stoves. This machine will not work on an induction stoves unless you have an adaptor plate.

New Vibiemma Replica Sydney Installation

2009-08-16T10:27:00.006+10:00

This month we installed a new Vibiemme Replica 3 group for our long time customer M&C Saatchi (Advertising). This is the third time we've supplied machines to their office and their new address, a beautifully restored Art Deco building at 99 Macquarie Street Sydney demanded a stunning machine. If you need a 3 group for your office or cafe we can rent one for only $70 pw. Call us to discuss your needs.

July 2009. And the Winner is........

2009-08-12T17:00:00.004+10:00

Congratulations to P Bartley from Thornbury who has won our Jul prize of a Coffee Select Pan Forte rrp $30. These classic italian cakes (?) are a perfect blend of 6 spices, our almonds and hazelnuts and mixed fruit all compressed with honey. They last forever and the perfect companion with coffee. PS: We'd be happy share the recipe with anyone but in return you have to promise to make a batch of 40!! The staff complain bitterly about having to crush 2kg's of star annise to retrieve 25g of seed. It's tough being the boss, believe me.

Ps We can deliver with your next order Pete.

Show your neighbours you care

2009-07-16T16:40:00.009+10:00

Have you been out of sorts with your neighbours lately?
Maybe you know them by face but rarely speak. Or maybe they're doing it tough or can't get out. Whatever the reason, when we connect, a suburb becomes a community. Our care for one another creates a sense of home. Throughout history coffee has become the social lubricant of many towns, cities and cultures so we've come up with a modern approach. Next time you place an order for coffee beans you can also nominate a neighbour in your street or even across town. We'll deliver a bag on their doorstep with a message from you to them. You never know you might find yourself sharing a cup around their kitchen table.

To place an order this week click through to our order page

June 2009 And the Winner is......

2009-07-15T11:38:00.006+10:00

Congratulations to S Bowden from Clifton Hill who is June's winner of a set of our Big Black & White Cappucino Cups valued at $20. These babies are industry standard which means thick and tough. Look forward to seeing you in the shop to claim your prize or we can deliver with your next household order. PSS If you prefer a set of Big Red cups we would be only to pleased to accomodate.

The lucky prize for July is a 500gm Pan Forte freshly made last week in our own kitchen. The perfect accompaniment with espresso coffee. We've spent many an hour perfecting the balance of spices and fruit in this recipe so you will not be disappointed. It also includes some of our awesome cocoa from Ivory Coast.

see you soon, Roger

New - Eureka Coffee Grinders for Home

2009-05-12T10:06:00.014+10:00

In recent weeks I've had many enquiries regarding GOOD and affordable coffee grinders for home. I've done some research into hand grinders and found that Zazzenhaus are currently unavailable, there is a lot of cheap and nasty product which won't last and the cost of electric grinders has been steadily increasing. The best product currently on the market is the Eureka Mignon. A beautifully built and designed domestic grinder under $500.

Since the 20's Eureka has been a leader in design and manufacturing of coffee grinders for shops and coffee roasters internationally. Their products are high quality, precise and reliable. We have used two of their deli grinders in our Bendigo shop for over 5 years and love their performance. The Eureka mini electronic coffee grinder is ideal for the home user and will last for many years. It features a 500 gr hopper with automatic grinding. Thanks to the patented micrometric adjustment system, only a simple turn is needed to find the perfect grind setting to suit your coffee machine. The burrs are made of 50mm hardened steel.

$495rrp. If you are a Coffee Select member you qualify for a 15% discount ($420.75). Call me to inspect or come into the shop.

10 yr old entrepeneur expands empire!

2009-05-05T14:34:00.005+10:00

The little girl you've seen at the top of our order page since she was 2 is now 10 and for the past year has been making biscuits for sale in the Melbourne shop using dry roasted almonds and Australian currants. Her business advisor has recommended she forge into wholesale production with the aid of her new commercial dough mixer so production has been ramped up to weekly runs (as opposed to when she remembers). Every Thursday after school is baking night. With a traitional recipe and good ingredients the feedback through the shop has been very positive. If interested in placing an order for your business, workplace or home they are currently available in packs of 20/$20.

Sorrentina Coffee Makers

2008-11-12T09:57:00.004+11:00

How cool! Atomics have been reborn as Sorrentina Coffee Makers and are now available for immediate purchase. Can you think of a better Christmas present for yourself? Cheaper than any other espresso machine. The wait is finally over! For more info visit their site http://sorrentinacoffee.com/index.html.

RRP is $450 less a 15% discount for Coffee Select Members

Big Black Cups

2008-11-11T14:31:00.005+11:00

JUST ARRIVED. I've been waiting for these for a long time and I reckon you'll like them too. Black and white cappuccino cups. Very retro with industry standard thick rims. They come as four in a pack with saucers. Only $20.

Coffee Calender

2007-10-02T07:21:00.000+10:00

Have a look at this beautifully designed coffee calender. Perfect for a coffee lover's christmas.

http://www.thecoffeecalendar.com/

The coffee's in the back seat!

2007-09-26T09:55:00.000+10:00

Can you believe my wife got upset when I used her beloved 1968 Mercedes to transport a few bags of green coffee?! (Land Rover off the road). I thought what was her's was mine!

Big Red Cups

2007-08-20T17:54:00.000+10:00

It's almost a month since I posted as I've been focussed on planning for a new retail opportunitites for Melbourne. We've just installed a machine in at a new Spanish takeaway outlet called SOL in Collins Street Melbourne. Naturally they required cups so I paid a visit to our supplier and discovered he had brilliant tomato red cappuccino cups in stock. These have never been available before today and are the thick walled cafe cups. Let me know if you'd like a set of 6 for your machine while stock lasts.

Best mail delivery times for coffee

2007-05-28T12:57:00.000+10:00

Recently some customers have given some honest comment on the inconsistency of delivery times so I'd thought I'd give some feedback. In the past we used to give end of Tuesday as the cut-off time for next day or day after arrival of your order. As I've got a little slack in my old age I've neglected to explain that any orders after Tuesday end bring us closer to the weekend which may hold up an order and also require newly roasted coffee to fill the order. If prompt and consitent delivery is important to you could I suggest you try and place your order on a Monday or before Tuesday end. Naturally we will always endevour to get mid and late week orders out as quickly as possible but the odds will be greater of the time stretching out.

Cocoa and chocolate - the real thing

2007-05-15T09:34:00.000+10:00

The weathers gone cold which means hot chocolate sales will start to the rise. We carry three different cocoas - Brazil, Ivory Coast and French which are mixed with pure icing sugar to make drinking chocolate. If you've never compared drinking chocolate from the supermarket you'll be amazed by the difference. We supply in 400g and 2kg bags and you can use for chocolate in the cup or to make magnicent chocolate sauce by simply adding hot water to your consistancy and stiring. Beware you will want to eat straight from the cup!

Water quality and coffee machines

2007-04-16T14:50:00.000+10:00

As I service machines for customers I'm noticing the quality of water declining. Probably as a result of the drought and increased chemical load in the water supply. Particularly in the older inner areas of Melbourne I'm seeing copper stain in water tanks. My recommendation is to buy a Brita filter jug and filter your tap water. They cost approx $25 for jug and $12 for filter. If the investment keeps your machine free of nasties it can only save you money over time.

Find the man between the coffee beans.

2007-03-27T12:15:00.000+10:00

Doctors have concluded that if you find the man in 3 seconds that your right half of your brain is better developed than most people. If you find the man between 3 seconds and one minute, then your right half of the brain is developed normally. If you find the man between one minute and 3 minutes, then the right half of your brain is functioning slowly and you need to eat more protein. If you have not found the man after 3 minutes your right half of your brain is a mess, and the only advice is to look more for these types of exercises to make that part of the brainstronger. The man really is there.

In fact, once you find him, you cannot miss him afterwards!

New Product - Presso

2007-03-21T12:03:00.000+11:00

Espresso coffee without a machine. Have a look....you'll be amazed. Stock arriving soon.

http://www.pressoaustralia.com/coffee-tips.html

here's some video from youtube...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fntodFgah9Q&mode=related&search=

Water filters

2007-03-20T18:22:00.000+11:00

If you've ever wondered whether a water filter between your coffee machine and the main supply was worth it have look at the filter above. The green sediment on the outside is copper! The water in the cartridge was the same green colour which suggested the filter was definately worth the installation but we needed to change it more often. With water restrictions in place in our city (Melbourne) and low catchment levels one can only imagine what chemicals are being added to supply "clean" water from the tap. I hope the water in your home is cleaner that the supply in this building! If you're worried I would recommend filtering the whole house and not just the coffee machine.

Ethiopia - Espresso machines from Mortar shells

2007-03-20T11:13:00.000+11:00

Here's a great story from Reuters of an Ethiopian inventor who builds espresso machines from spent mortar shells found in the field.

http://www.reuters.com/article/email/idUSL1443239220070315

Atomic web link

2007-03-18T08:36:00.001+11:00

If Atomics drive you crazy with desire here's a great website from one of our NZ cousins.....

http://www.wave.co.nz/~atomic/index.html

Bodum Antigua Grinder

2007-03-02T09:55:00.000+11:00

We been selling the Bodum Antigua through our retail outlet for over a year. This is a grinder which offers all the features that many haven't over the years. I ran timed espresso tests with the ECM Giotto and was satisfied with it's ability to grind at a demanding fineness.

Stainless steel body
Timer switch to avoid

Good sized clear plastic hopper holding approx 300gms
Removable grounds cannister to transfer to dispense into machine or Plunger
Simple to adjust hopper

This grinder has been out of stock for the past 6 months which has disappointed many. I have just been informed by Bodum's distributor that stock is now available. Grab one while you can.

Coffee Review - Costa Rica Terrazu

2007-02-27T11:32:00.000+11:00

When God stops for a coffee he drinks Costa Rica!

Costa Ricans drink more than twice the amount of coffee consumed in Italy!

When coffee lovers die they want to wake up in Costa Rica.

A tiny country inhabited by only 3 million people of which about fifty tend more than one hundred thousand hectares of coffee. Over seventy per cent of production comes from the mountains whose altitudes range from one thousand to seventeen hundred meters above sea level.
Costa Rica enjoys the best possible growing conditions for growing superb coffee. High altitude, temperate climate, cool nights and rich volcanic soil. Access to two ocean ports and support from a commercial orientated government has helped position Costa Rica as one of the worlds premium coffee countries where, by edict, only the Arabica varieties may be planted.

Of the seven regions where coffee is grown at altitude we sell Terrazu - grown between 1200 and 1700 meters above sea level this origin can be best described (by me) as malty, clean and pure, tangy, winey, balanced but full flavour with light body and density, exquisite.
Some coffee lovers recoil at the thought of Cost Rica being drunk as anything but black but the complexity of the flavour is enhanced by a touch of milk or cream.

Guatemala Antigua

2007-02-20T08:37:00.000+11:00

Guatemalan coffees are some of the most amazing fragrant and aromatic coffees in the world. The natural shade and jungle of the Guatemalan highlands are the perfect environment for the bourbon botanical variety of arabica.
The highlands produce several of the world’s finest and most distinctive coffees including Antigua. Named after the austerely beautiful colonial city: Guatemala Antigua, this is a coffee that offers a complex flavour including smoke, spice, occasionally chocolate with acidity ranging from bright to powerful.
Antigua is Guatemala’s oldest and most famous coffee, grown by peasants organised into mill cooperatives producing meticulous quality. The Lake Atitlan cooperatives practice coffee production at the ultimate end of environmental correctness: organically grown in a dense, bird-friendly shade** canopy of native forest.
Antigua is one of the highest grade of Guatemala coffee classified as Strictly Hard Bean (SHB). The regionally designated coffees (Antigua, Atitlan, Cobán, etc) are tasted and approved as meeting flavor profile criteria established for these regions by ANACAFE, the Guatemalan coffee association.
The overiding aroma of Guatamalan coffee when ground is roast lamb! Even with as little as ten percent in a blend the distinctive aroma can be detected. The start to the palate is full not very complex but quickly moves into the aromatic and exceptional body of this coffee. The acidity is medium and balanced at the darker roast colours and the finish is mouth filling and it has a rich syrup-like chocolate character to it, the finish leaves the palate full, satisfied and creamy. As a drip and plunger coffee it develops a stronger acidity and a cleaner finish but the body character is not as pronounced.
It is also very well suited to blend and create an outstanding plunge/filter
coffee on its own.
ENJOY!

credits to Scott Bennett , HA Bennett
"Shade-grown" coffee is a method by which coffee is grown. It can apply to commercial or specialty coffee, but is found more frequently in specialty coffee production. Shade grown coffee is grown under a canopy of shade trees, which provide habitat for birds and other species, enrich and conserve soil, and in many cases decrease the need for chemical inputs. Shade-grown coffee thereby contributes to protection of natural habitats and tropical forest conservation in countries where coffee is produced.

Cafe Cubano (for ECM Giotto owners)

2007-02-14T11:10:00.000+11:00

One fine day a lady (originally from Argentina) came into the roasthouse and requested a Cafe Cubano. We had Cuban coffee roasted so she showed me how to make one. In Cuba the barista will add half a tspn of sugar to the ground coffee when loading the portafilter. The extraction gives a deep, sweet and intense espresso as a result of the sugar caramelising and blending with the coffee.

You could try this with any coffee type and achieve the same enjoyable experience.

Coffee Select Review - Indian Monsooned Malobar

2007-02-13T10:53:00.002+11:00

Today, a handful of producers on the West Coast of Southern India with special open sided warehouses for ‘monsooning’ recreate the atmosphere of sending the beans across the sea. Raw, green beans harvested from December to February are spread across the floor of these special warehouses, where moisture laden monsoon winds circulate around the coffee beans as the storms roll in from June to September.

This process dramatically increases the aging process - the beans turn pale yellow in color and swell in size, reducing their acidity. As the acidity levels drop, the beans take on a mellowed but consistent, musty flavour and impart a heavy syrupy flatness reminiscent of aged coffees.
These ‘speciality’ coffees are predominantly used in blends to impart richness and body to fresher, more acidic full flavoured coffees.

Pan Forte

2007-02-13T09:42:00.000+11:00

Baby Pan Forte. For those who are unfamiliar with Pan Forte it's a long life bread/cake full of nuts/fruit spice all mixed and baked to give an intense taste combination perfect to eat with a coffee. (that's the short description). Anyway the best way to experience is to buy, taste and enjoy. You know we've always been driven by a pursuit of the highest quality and this product is made inhouse. It contains many of the products sold through our shop including Almonds, hazelnuts, figs, raisins ...............

Perfect for Christmas or all year around. Price $11.95ea (12cm).

Coffee Select Reviews - Timor Maubesse

2007-02-13T09:15:00.000+11:00

East Timor (newly named Timor-Leste) Maubesse
Timor Maubesse is a sweet coffee with remarkable complexity. Starting with the aroma which has distinct leathery and winey notes to the cup, where the wine tones deepen and give a smoky edge. Certified as organic, Maubesse is considered to be full-bodied with subtle spice. A natural acid helps to provide a smooth balance.
This beautiful jade green coffee is grown by small holding growers in central Timor who bring their crop down from mountain gardens to be processed in the town of Maubesse (3000ft above sea level). Maubesse is the higher-altitude coffee and the brighter of the other Timorese coffee, Aifu so most prefer it. Since independence the co-operatively owned Timorese coffee processing plants have invested in new facilities, wet-processing equipment and improved standards of receiving and sorting only red, ripe cherry. Maubese coffee is also a favourite as a dark roast. You’ll find velvety, syrupy smooth body and smokey toasted nut sweetness in the cup. If you like dark roasted Sumatra coffee, this coffee will most likely become one of your favourites.