Yeah I know we have a "Coffee" thread but figured there might be a few espresso hounds here besides myself. I think espresso enthusiasts here is a similar size group to 100-Series trail rollers 
Anyway...I started enjoying espresso at a friend's Italian restaurant in Omaha around 1987 and its been a problem ever since
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For mobile/camp espresso I've run the gamut from aluminum moka pots, to nicer stainless moka pots, Presso, Handpresso and various incarnation/retrofits of the mypressi TWIST Vx
Stephen O'Brien, CEO of mypressi, had some product growing pains but to his credit he persevered, kept refining the product upping the quality/reliability and stood behind his product with solid warranty...the kind of treatment you'd expect as a consumer but rarely seems to manifest itself in most categories today. Yes...even 4x4/LC stuff
After futzing around with different grinders I discovered a very nice couple team, Doug and Barb Garrott (Orphan Espresso) in Boise, designed, engineered and successfully launched a quite revolutionary grinder within the past 2-years: The Pharos burr grinder.
Although to non-espresso freaks the grinder seems spendy but in espresso world context its a true bargain for what it offers in grind quality and consistency at $245. You'd have to almost 4X that to get what it offers in the cup for the HG One and well over 1 large for anything electric with similar results. The Pharos was added to my mobile set-up last year and did not disappoint. Heck...it now serves full time counter duty at home!
And then there's the beans. I enjoy a wide variety of beans and roasting styles but lately Redbird Coffee Roasters, Bozeman Montana has been wowing me. Their Blue Jaguar blend is get'n it done for me! Roasted almond, pasty jam...not citrusy...great for espresso and strong capps. Scott's Adventure Roasting, Tucson Arizona, Sunrise Breakfast Blend is another stalwart for us. SBB is a chocolate bomb with balanced citrus high notes too...never a disappointment.
I recently added a lever machine to our home counter and its quite amazing how different the same beans I've been using taste. Fun stuff.
On the trail, even with groups of 7-8 guys, we start each day with morning cappuccinos. And mid-day trail wake-ups with espresso most afternoons. Its become, at least for me, a must have...and I think at least a few of my trail partners who might have been reluctant in the beginning look forward to fresh espresso on the trail these days.
Anyway...just a more refined coffee thread
Anyway...I started enjoying espresso at a friend's Italian restaurant in Omaha around 1987 and its been a problem ever since
.For mobile/camp espresso I've run the gamut from aluminum moka pots, to nicer stainless moka pots, Presso, Handpresso and various incarnation/retrofits of the mypressi TWIST Vx
Stephen O'Brien, CEO of mypressi, had some product growing pains but to his credit he persevered, kept refining the product upping the quality/reliability and stood behind his product with solid warranty...the kind of treatment you'd expect as a consumer but rarely seems to manifest itself in most categories today. Yes...even 4x4/LC stuff
After futzing around with different grinders I discovered a very nice couple team, Doug and Barb Garrott (Orphan Espresso) in Boise, designed, engineered and successfully launched a quite revolutionary grinder within the past 2-years: The Pharos burr grinder.
Although to non-espresso freaks the grinder seems spendy but in espresso world context its a true bargain for what it offers in grind quality and consistency at $245. You'd have to almost 4X that to get what it offers in the cup for the HG One and well over 1 large for anything electric with similar results. The Pharos was added to my mobile set-up last year and did not disappoint. Heck...it now serves full time counter duty at home!
And then there's the beans. I enjoy a wide variety of beans and roasting styles but lately Redbird Coffee Roasters, Bozeman Montana has been wowing me. Their Blue Jaguar blend is get'n it done for me! Roasted almond, pasty jam...not citrusy...great for espresso and strong capps. Scott's Adventure Roasting, Tucson Arizona, Sunrise Breakfast Blend is another stalwart for us. SBB is a chocolate bomb with balanced citrus high notes too...never a disappointment.
I recently added a lever machine to our home counter and its quite amazing how different the same beans I've been using taste. Fun stuff.
On the trail, even with groups of 7-8 guys, we start each day with morning cappuccinos. And mid-day trail wake-ups with espresso most afternoons. Its become, at least for me, a must have...and I think at least a few of my trail partners who might have been reluctant in the beginning look forward to fresh espresso on the trail these days.
Anyway...just a more refined coffee thread
