I have a french press, so that is one thing down. I need to get a 'burr grinder' to upgrade my current grinder -- that would probably be my next purchase. But those are about $100 right?

Next would be actually buying decent beans. However, I will *not* buy green beans to roast at home. I can be a coffee geek, but not *that* much of a coffee geek -- at least not to start.

Ideally, what I'd really like to do is get a nice and proper espresso machine, but I know the kind to get would probably set me back $600 to $1,000, right?

Too rich for my blood right now.

Well, now, espresso is the dark side of the hobby.


$600-1000 is a fair range for a good machine. But, espresso also requires a higher quality burr grinder because it demands a fine, even grind.


For press or drip, you can get a serviceable burr grinder for $50-60. With espresso, you move up into the $200-300+ class.

For espresso, don't discount the Nespresso.

I got a grinder and french press for Christmas too (and an espresso machine) but I don't plan to get a roaster.

My wife got a Capresso Burr Grinder from a friend who was upgrading. It retails for $50 and works fine for my French press needs. I don't know if this is the best thing out there in this price range, but evidently you don't have to pay a lot for this purpose.

Cafe Britt from Costa Rica:

Cafe Britt

and Cafe Palo Alto from Panama

Kona
Big Ben's (Roethlisberger) Beans - some kind of dark roasted elephant bean that was brought out locally during the playoff craze - actually, it is not bad.

When you pour the Big Ben, does it go into the wrong cup?

Only if you wear a glove, wiseguy!

Cuban Turquino Grade 1 with Lindt Excellence Dark Chocolate Extra Fine 70% Cocoa

I've really been enjoying Sweet Maria's Liquid Amber blend, my favorite of their espresso blends.

Etheopian Harrar from the Batlimore Coffee and Tea Co.

Back to my old standby -Sumatran......


DBW

Just finished off Caribou Coffee's Costa Rican La Magnolia

Back to my fave though, Starbuck's (eeck!) Arabian Mocha Sanani

I know. I'm not that in to it yet. One day, I'll graduate to bigger things.

Organic Timor Mauriss: A friend shared with me. Great! I mean just missing the WOW-level. Impressive, lovely cup of coffee. A joy to drink.

I brought back a half kilo of Mexican Echo Mountain. Anybody know anything about it? I'm going to try it tomorrow morning.

Board_O, I don't know much about this coffee, but Mexico is one of my fav coffee-producing regions.

Tonight: again courtesy of a friend, Brazil Traditional Dry. Very nice, enjoyable cup. Though, lacked some body, acidity, & depth. Still, very nice...

lcc, I had the Echo Mountain coffee this morning and it was outstanding. I wish I had bought more. Rich, full-bodied, and flavorful.

Were currently drinking the Costco Summatra. Have really been impressed by the freshness of the Coscto beans in general - this last bag of Summatra was oily as all! - and our whole house is smelling of coffe. Occasionaly they have some specialty beans - we just finshe dup some nice New Guinee cofee of some type and a few months ago the Suilese (sp) was just heavenly (I'm on the lookout for more)

Roasted some Zimbabwe coffee from sweet Maria's last week. A bit bright for espresso, but makes a really nice french press.