Category Archives: Highly Caffeinated

Brewing, Equipment, Highly Caffeinated

Timemore 64s

My Timemore Sculptor 64s. Ah, the Timemore Sculptor 64s. I succumbed to FOMO. You know, you buy these things, you think, “Is this just another contraption, another gadget promising nirvana in a cup, only to deliver… well, coffee, but with an added layer of existential dread?” But with this one, it’s different. It’s actually good.

The Grind: A Metaphor for Life, Only Consistent and Reliably Repeatable

The grind. That’s the thing, isn’t it? The consistency. You get up in the morning, you’re already bracing yourself for the day’s inherent inconsistencies, the inevitable disappointments. But then, the Sculptor 64s delivers this uniform grind. And the best part? The reliability of going back and forth on grind settings. This is a crucial point, really. I can be grinding some exquisite Panama Geisha for a pour-over, dialing it in precisely at, say, 10.8. And then, without skipping a beat, I can swing it all the way down to 3.2 for an espresso. And it works. It actually works. No fuss, no recalibration anxiety. It remembers. It’s like a very consistent, understanding therapist for your coffee beans.

For pour-over, I slow it down. Like a quiet conversation, you know? You want to extract every nuance, every subtle hint of flavor, without rushing it. It’s almost… delicate. And the cup? It’s clean, sweet. It’s like the coffee bean finally gets to express itself, without all the static, literally and figuratively, of life.

Now, espresso. That’s a whole other neurotic beast. I tried the slow thing, thinking, “More contact, more flavor, more…something profound.” But no. Faster. It’s like the universe telling you, “Some things are better quick, buddy. Just get in there, get out, and enjoy the jolt.” The faster speed, for me, it just…works. A more vibrant shot. I don’t know why. I’m not a physicist, I just roast the coffee and drink it. It’s probably some cosmic irony I haven’t yet figured out.

The Aesthetics and the Agony of Static

And the look of it. It’s solid. Substantial. Not flimsy, like some of the people I’ve dated. It has a magnetic grinds cup, which is a nice touch. Keeps things from flying around, mostly. It looks good on the counter, too. Sleek. Modern. You know, trying to maintain some semblance of order in a chaotic world.

But then, the static. Oh, the static. It’s like a clingy ex, you just can’t shake it. If you try to grind directly into the portafilter, it’s a disaster. Grounds everywhere. Clinging to the sides, like my anxieties clinging to me in a crowded room. It’s a mess. A beautiful, delicious mess, but a mess nonetheless. My solution? Even with a little spritz of water on the beans, the static is substantial. So, use the magnetic catch cup AND a spritz. And, yes, I do the hipster WDT too. It’s a small ritual, a little dance you do to appease the coffee gods and their electrical charges. It’s not ideal, no. But then, what in life ever is?

Conclusion: Flawed, Like Us All

So, despite the static, which, let’s be honest, is a minor neurosis compared to the grander existential quandaries, the Timemore Sculptor 64s has been a major upgrade to my coffee routine. My Macap is now sitting sadly in my garage next to a power drill. The grind quality, the robust build, the sheer, unshakeable reliability of changing settings, and the ability to control the speed for different moods of coffee… it elevates the whole morning ritual. It’s transformed my home brewing, given me consistently delicious cups. And, in a world filled with disappointments, that’s something. t’s got its flaws, like us all. But, if you’re looking for a grinder that mostly gets it right, despite its own little quirks, then yes, I’d recommend it. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need another cup. I have to go confront the day.

Cafes & Shops, Highly Caffeinated

Berliner Kaffeerösterei, Berlin

If you are looking for afternoon Kaffee und Kuchen in the Uhlandstraße area near Kudamm in Berlin, check this place out. The coffee is not earth-shattering, but the cake selection and the attached chocolate store are worth a stop. And, it is air conditioned (a rarity in Germany.) Our server had a wonderful sense of humor and insisted that the milk I selected for my flat white should come only from a “happy cow.” I stopped here twice and the cake selections were different each time.

A definite recommendation for a warm Berlin summer afternoon.

Cafes & Shops, Highly Caffeinated

Coffee Drink Your Monkey, Berlin

Coffee Drink Your Monkey in Berlin Germany front patio and entrance.
Coffee Drink Your Monkey in Berlin Germany

Coffee Drink Your Monkey has a very funny name. I’m not sure if there is a local German phrase which is a play on words that this name comes from or not, but it certainly caught my attention when looking for a place to have afternoon Kaffee und Kuchen. I had a flat white. It was o.k. They close at 7pm and I arrived at 5:30, so the workers seemed to already have closing on their minds, so the service was “short”…not rude, just to the point and quick.

I also tried their freshly made lemonade. This was interesting. A combination of noise and my poor German pronunciation resulted in the Ginger version. What this drink turned out to be was literally fresh squeezed lemon juice, concentrated ginger syrup, muddled Mint, and sparkling water. So, really this turned out to be an oversized sparkling ginger shot. If you like that sort of thing, which I do, it was good.

If you are in the Savignyplatz area of Berlin, and need a rest and a snack, this is a reasonable place to stop.

Highly Caffeinated

FinalPress – A Kickstarter Fail

I have only ever backed two things on Kickstarter. The first was PuckPuck. It is an Aeropress gadget that turns your Aeropress into a slow drip cold brew system. It works…in fact, it’s plain awesome. The second item is the most recent, the FinalPress. The promise is a single cup brewing system that combines the immersion style of a French Press with the convenience of a single cup brewed right in the mug you are going to drink out of.

FEB 2025 – Original Review Below – I stand by the review, but I will note that the product has been updated and the instructions shipped with it have changed A LOT since the original Kickstarter release.

It does not work. Check out my video review below.

Cafes & Shops, Highly Caffeinated

Mostra Coffee 4S Ranch

Counter at Mostra

I spent the morning at Mostra Coffee’s 4S Ranch Location. Mostra has been around in San Diego for a while now, and has added a few cafe locations in the Rancho Bernardo area. The coffee is very good. It’s pretty typically 3rd wave, but I did not find it to be overly acidic or tart as is sometimes the case. The flat white I had was creamy and flavorful. They have free WiFi and the location has indoor and outdoor seating. The location is in a corner of the 4S Ranch Commons .

Brewing, Highly Caffeinated

ChatGPT and Espresso vs Coffee

I have seen way too many coffee related “articles” recently about the “difference” between Espresso and Coffee. It’s clear that generative AI is behind most of them. So, I asked ChatGPT to tell me about it. When it started to spew the same crap, I corrected it. Here is the result.

New chat

Write a blog post on the difference between espresso and coffee

Coffee is a beloved beverage that is enjoyed by millions of people around the world. It comes in various forms, ranging from drip coffee to espresso, and each has its unique taste and brewing method. Two of the most popular forms of coffee are espresso and coffee. Although they share some similarities, there are significant differences between them. In this blog post, we will discuss the difference between espresso and coffee.

What is Espresso?

Espresso is a concentrated form of coffee that is brewed using high-pressure extraction. It is made by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee beans using an espresso machine. Espresso is typically served in small, shot-sized cups and has a thick, creamy layer of foam on top known as crema. It is a popular choice for those who want a quick, strong caffeine boost or a rich, intense flavor.

What is Coffee?

Coffee, on the other hand, is a brewed beverage made from roasted coffee beans. It is typically brewed using a drip coffee maker or a French press. The brewing process involves steeping ground coffee beans in hot water for a period of time, usually several minutes, to extract the flavor and caffeine. Coffee is typically served in larger cups and can be enjoyed with milk, sugar, or other flavorings.

The Differences Between Espresso and Coffee

Now that we have a basic understanding of what espresso and coffee are, let’s take a look at the key differences between them:

  1. Brewing method: The most significant difference between espresso and coffee is the brewing method. Espresso is brewed using high-pressure extraction, while coffee is brewed using a variety of methods, including drip brewing and French press.
  2. Concentration: Espresso is much more concentrated than coffee, with a much higher caffeine content per ounce. A typical shot of espresso contains around 60-70 milligrams of caffeine, while a cup of coffee contains around 95 milligrams of caffeine.
  3. Taste: Espresso has a strong, bold flavor that is often described as bitter or intense, while coffee has a milder flavor profile that can vary depending on the beans and brewing method.
  4. Crema: Espresso has a layer of crema on top, which is a frothy, creamy layer of foam that forms during the brewing process. Coffee does not have crema.
  5. Serving size: Espresso is typically served in small, shot-sized cups, while coffee is served in larger cups.

Which One Should You Choose?

The choice between espresso and coffee ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a strong, concentrated flavor and a quick caffeine boost, then espresso is the way to go. If you prefer a milder flavor and a larger serving size, then coffee is the better

Espresso IS Coffee. They are not separate things. Espresso is simply a brewing method. So, re-write that post with that information.

You are correct, Espresso is a type of coffee, not a separate beverage. Espresso is made using a specific brewing method that involves high-pressure extraction of finely ground coffee beans, which results in a concentrated shot of coffee. While there are some differences between traditional drip coffee and espresso, they are both derived from the same source – coffee beans.

Despite being a type of coffee, espresso does have some unique characteristics that differentiate it from regular drip coffee. These include:

  1. Brewing method: As mentioned earlier, espresso is made using high-pressure extraction, while drip coffee is typically brewed using a filter or French press.
  2. Concentration: Espresso is a highly concentrated shot of coffee, while drip coffee is usually less concentrated.
  3. Crema: Espresso has a layer of crema on top, which is a frothy, creamy layer of foam that forms during the brewing process. Drip coffee does not have crema.
  4. Serving size: Espresso is typically served in small, shot-sized cups, while drip coffee is usually served in larger cups or mugs.

When it comes down to it, the choice between espresso and drip coffee ultimately comes down to personal preference. Some people enjoy the bold, concentrated flavor of espresso, while others prefer the milder taste of drip coffee. Additionally, some people appreciate the convenience and speed of making a quick shot of espresso.

Equipment, Highly Caffeinated

Bezzera BZ10 – 6 Years Later

After 6 years, I finally had to make a repair to my Bezzera BZ10.  The head gasket needed to be replaced.  The repair was very simple, taking only 15 minutes.  But, I figured this would also be a great time to talk about my experience with the machine after owning it for 6 years.