Played around with the OPV the other day giving it a 180 degree turn anticlockwise. The results are clear: a creamier mouth feel with more body. The drips are more syrupy which is great. I tried a 270 degree turn but it tasted more watery again which I found odd. I would like to build one of those pressure gauges that can attach to a portafilter to test how many bars I'm at. Something to think about?
Really learning the necessity of a decent grinder. I don't feel there's a lot of point buying any freshly roasted coffee until I get one as there aren't enough steps with the MM. I would like to buy a stepless grinder, preferably a Mazzer, but this does mean quite a bit of money. It's annoying because I really want to have a play but I know that it's just money down the drain until I get a real grinder.
Home-Barista has lots of great stuff on it to help the budding barista. I want to get into coffee cupping. I had a go last night using some stale pre-ground rubbish and a Le Creuset ramekin. It just smelt like coffee with no obvious notes. I need some nasal training and some freshly roasted coffee so I can get to know my beans. Looking forward to doing this once I get my grinder.
Anyway, coffee making is on hold for the moment. Fortunately I have Nespresso at the moment which is pretty good and good bench mark for when I do brew. I have my eye on a second-hand Mazzer at the moment so we'll see how that goes.
