I just finished a blend of Yemen Mattari and Aged Sumatra (from 98) roasted to the beginning of second crack. It was a really excellent combination and one of the best dark roasts I've had.

Now I've moved on to a Panama Lerida Estate with a roast stopped just before second crack. I love coffee's from Panama....to bad they're hard to come by. Ah well, SweetMaria's has a new crop of Mexican coffees in, so that's a good thing.

I roasted and blended Indian Pearl Mountain (2 parts) and Yemen Mokha (1 part) yesterday. Tasty brew this morning!

Ahhhhh ..... another Killer Beans fan doohnibor? I just ordered another three pounds from Jerry, some darn great deals he keeps sending my way.

Welcome aboard! are you a cigar smoker as well?

Only expresso. I'm off everything else.

Over the last 2-3 months:

Organic Dark Sumatran Gaoyland
Brazil Traditional Dry Process
Sulawesi Celebes Toraja
Ethiopian Sidamo Wet Process

All kicked a$$ with the Organic Dark Sumatran Gaoyland really kicking some a$$ - WOW!

I just found a place locally that had sold roasted beans only (as far as I knew) and opened a storefront. Asked for some green though and he was more than happy to supply me. Very generously in fact.

Nothing like my own roasted beans. Gotta love it! Stocked up some on quite a few different bans.

Just got in a new shipment of the organic mountain Mexican beans. This is the best coffee I've ever had. Previously, I'd have said Jamaican Blue Mountain.

I broke down today & had a relapse. It’s been years, I bet, since I bought/had a cup of coffee outside of my house (& only a couple of other friends’ houses). Knowing that I will be working late today, I bought a cup of coffee that they call Mexican Java blend. That’s what they call it @ least in the shop next to my work.

Mexico being one of my fav coffee growing regions, let me tell you that this is no Mexican coffee or any blend of it whatsoever. There is not even a hint of Mexican coffee/beans in this cup.

A lovely burnt, watery taste followed by a bitter, unpleasant, even sour-like aftertaste. I had to put 3 packs of sugar just to make this cup somewhat drinkable. Otherwise, I dump it & I wasted $2.00 or so & a long evening @ work…

Like I said in another thread, g-d I miss the coffee in Amsterdam.

Sweet Maria's Liquid Amber Espresso Blend: WOW!

Sweet Maria's Ethiopian Harar Horse - Lot 532: Awesome, almost a WOW!

I am going to downgrade the Sweet Maria's Liquid Amber Espresso Blend from a WOW (above) to really good. I guess I had 1 or 2 cups that stood out on that level. The rest not as impressive but still a really good cup.

the gratefull palate - the majella blend. i know nothing about it, except that it arrived with no invoice, and i didn't order it. but i'm drinking it! oppppsssssss

the majella blend

that is about all i can find on it...

so, i am about as virgin to coffee as they come. never even had the desire. <don't hang me yet!>

i now have the desire! the above mentioned and a bag of peet's "major dickinson's" has been my first crash course. so far, i am coming up with too much of a bitter flavour. i am drinking it black. grinding for 10-12 seconds. fresh, cold, purified water. today i mixed the beans before grinding, and that resulted in a bit more mellow taste. should i be hung for that?

and a little research has led me into thinking blending 1/4% of chicory in can be beneficial(less caffeine<a few times i have completely turned into the great cornholio>, liver health benefits, blood cleanser, etc), without harming the taste??

Ok, I have decided to take the home roaster route as soon as the Gene Cafe roaster is released. Until then, I am going to live off ofM.E. Swing Coffee Roasters

I recently discovered Blue Bottle Coffee Company and drink their 'Hayes Valley' coffee at their kiosk in San Francisco. I have their 'Bella Donovan' (Ethiopian / Sumatran) blend at home. Both are organic. They are a tiny company but apparently their coffee is served at Slanted Door now. I guess they must be growing.

WD

Ok, I am going to giveIntelligentsia a try before going the home roasting route (I've been down that road before with mixed results). The only advantage to home roasting that I see is cost savings. If I need to let my beans rest for a couple of days after roasting, then the freshness advantage almost completely disappears. Intelligentsia takes the order and adds it to the next day's roasting schedule. I am certain, beyond a shadow of doubt, that I can never learn to roast beans as well as the folks at the premier roasting places. It is possible to make pretty good wine at home, but I'll put my money on Mark Aubert.

I am trying out some Peet's Sumatran right now. Pretty good.

Pegu Cooperative Kenyan AA Auction Lot from Murky Coffee. Really good stuf.

drinking the lavazza crema e gusto currently. wife got a new cappucino maker, so i had to buy some good italian stuff.