CoffeeGeek Podcast

CoffeeGeek Podcast 066 - Vacpot History, Part 1

Thu, 5 Feb 2009 13:04:00 GMT

New podcast is online (and it's barely been a week since 065 went up!)

Questions or comments podcast@coffeegeek.com or call the voicemail line at 1-206-965-8185, or Skype to Skype - search for the CoffeeGeek username.

Take your pick on how to listen:
RSS MP3 Feed;
RSS Enhanced Audio Feed (NEW! iTunes / iPod only)
Choose your links for subscribing. Or if you prefer a direct download, here it is:
CG Podcast 065 MP3 File.
Apple iTunes direct link (this is the enhanced feed)

Show Notes
A first of two parts looking into the history of the vacuum coffee brewer. Part One covers the invention of the vacpot and the development and popularity in Europe and America through the 1940s.

00:00:36 49th Parallel Coffee is the show sponsor
00:01:08 Getting in touch with us - podcast@coffeegeek.com or look for CoffeeGeek on Skype
00:01:34 Introduction to the VacPot History Episode
00:02:20 Research Notes and Background - Ian Bersten, Edward Bramah, B.A. Harris website, more
00:08:06 Different Terminology for Vacpots
00:08:31 Prehistory of Vacpots - Brewing History
00:09:58 Filtration Attempts in 1700s
00:12:07 Boiling Coffee as it Brews = Bad
00:12:47 Steam as a Method for Brewing
00:13:38 1835 - Earliest Vac Pot Designs
00:14:31 Madame Vassieux's Patented French Balloon
00:15:35 The Vacuum Coffee Maker Process
00:19:56 Problems with Filtration and Glass
00:21:24 The Balancing Siphon Coffee Brewer - First Automatic Coffee Maker!
00:24:43 How Balancing Siphon Coffee Brewers Were "Automatic"
00:28:27 1855-1895 - Mostly Balancing Siphons in Europe
00:29:21 Siphon Coffee Comes to the US
00:29:35 Pyrex is Introduced
00:31:30 Spring Tension Filters = Foolproof Coffee
00:33:21 Automating Household Appliances
00:35:03 Farber's Coffee Robot - First Successful Electric Automatic Coffee Maker
00:37:14 Sunbeam's Rise in Vacpot Designs
00:39:12 Cory - Their Role in Vacpot Designs
00:39:48 Silex Continues Market Dominance
00:40:33 More Innovations in Filtration
00:41:53 Wrapup for Part 1, Teaser for Part II
00:43:26 49th Parallel Coffee is the show sponsor - buying from them helps support this podcast.

Enjoy folks!

CoffeeGeek Podcast 065 - The Vario Grinder

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 13:02:00 GMT

New podcast is online:

Questions or comments podcast@coffeegeek.com or call the voicemail line at 1-206-965-8185, or Skype to Skype - search for the CoffeeGeek username.

Take your pick on how to listen:
RSS MP3 Feed;
RSS Enhanced Audio Feed (NEW! iTunes / iPod only)
Choose your links for subscribing. Or if you prefer a direct download, here it is:
CG Podcast 065 MP3 File.
Apple iTunes direct link (this is the enhanced feed)

Show Notes
In episode 65, we talk a bit about CoffeeGeek on Twitter, revisions to the CoffeeGeek website, and have a feature interview with Kyle Anderson of Baratza, makers of the new Vario grinder.

00:00 Start
00:39 49th Parallel Coffee is the show sponsor
03:09 Vario Grinder
04:18 CoffeeGeek Twitter Feed
06:26 Square Mile Twitter Feed
06:40 James Hoffmann on Twitter
06:56 Jeff Taylor of PTs Coffee on Twitter
07:41 CoffeeGeek Redesign
18:00 49th Parallel Coffee commercial
18:26 Feature length interview with Kyle Anderson about the Vario Grinder
1:05:20 49th Parallel Coffee is the show sponsor - buying from them helps support this podcast.

Enjoy folks (sorry this shownote update is late!)

CoffeeGeek Podcast 064 (Enhanced) - Carl Sara Rocks

Sat, 9 Aug 2008 08:05:00 GMT

Questions or comments podcast@coffeegeek.com or call the voicemail line at 1-206-965-8185, or Skype to Skype - search for the CoffeeGeek username.

Take your pick on how to listen:
RSS MP3 Feed;
RSS Enhanced Audio Feed (NEW! iTunes / iPod only)
Choose your links for subscribing. Or if you prefer a direct download, here it is:
CG Podcast 064 MP3 File.
Apple iTunes direct link (this is the enhanced feed)

Show Notes
This episode talks about some great coffees available this summer, a new Barista outreach program from the Cup of Excellence, and a feature interview with Carl Sara.

00:00 Start
00:45 Sponsored by 49th Parallel Roasters
03:29 World Barista Championship Recorded Streams
05:58 Great Coffees in the Summer Intro
06:37 Mainstream Media backlash against "culinary" coffee
07:41 Fox Business Video of Matt Milletto handling dump talking heads well
09:12 Chicago Tribune Article about Intelligentsia ending 20oz coffee sizes
12:29 Commodity / Utility Coffee and Culinary Coffee can co-exist
16:38 Consumers who like culinary coffee - less than 20%?
19:51 Breaking down the top 20% of coffee drinkers
25:38 The iced espresso debate
30:10 Commodity coffee and culinary coffee have their place.
32:27 Cup of Excellence Barista Program
37:43 Great Coffees for July and August!
38:08 Esmeralda Microlot Batch 8 from Counter Culture Coffee
39:40 Summer Solstace Blend and Kenya Gauriri Auction lot from Intelligentsia Coffee
41:17 Kenya AA Ruiru Auction Lot from Batdorf and Bronson
42:23 Sumatra Blue Batak Peaberry from Great Plains Coffee Roasters
43:55 Sponsored by 49th Parallel Roasters
44:16 Next episode - exclusive reviews of 49th Parallel Coffees
45:07 Interview with Carl Sara
1:22:29 Show Wrapup

Enjoy!

CoffeeGeek Podcast 064 - Carl Sara Rocks

Sat, 9 Aug 2008 08:04:00 GMT

Questions or comments podcast@coffeegeek.com or call the voicemail line at 1-206-965-8185, or Skype to Skype - search for the CoffeeGeek username. Take your pick on how to listen: RSS MP3 Feed; RSS Enhanced Audio Feed (NEW! iTunes / iPod only) Choose your links for subscribing. Or if you prefer a direct download, here it is: CG Podcast 064 MP3 File. Apple iTunes direct link (this is the enhanced feed) Show Notes This episode talks about some great coffees available this summer, a new Barista outreach program from the Cup of Excellence, and a feature interview with Carl Sara. 00:00 Start 00:45 Sponsored by 49th Parallel Roasters 03:29 World Barista Championship Recorded Streams 05:58 Great Coffees in the Summer Intro 06:37 Mainstream Media backlash against "culinary" coffee 07:41 Fox Business Video of Matt Milletto handling dump talking heads well 09:12 Chicago Tribune Article about Intelligentsia ending 20oz coffee sizes 12:29 Commodity / Utility Coffee and Culinary Coffee can co-exist 16:38 Consumers who like culinary coffee - less than 20%? 19:51 Breaking down the top 20% of coffee drinkers 25:38 The iced espresso debate 30:10 Commodity coffee and culinary coffee have their place. 32:27 Cup of Excellence Barista Program 37:43 Great Coffees for July and August! 38:08 Esmeralda Microlot Batch 8 from Counter Culture Coffee 39:40 Summer Solstace Blend and Kenya Gauriri Auction lot from Intelligentsia Coffee 41:17 Kenya AA Ruiru Auction Lot from Batdorf and Bronson 42:23 Sumatra Blue Batak Peaberry from Great Plains Coffee Roasters 43:55 Sponsored by 49th Parallel Roasters 44:16 Next episode - exclusive reviews of 49th Parallel Coffees 45:07 Interview with Carl Sara 1:22:29 Show Wrapup

CG Podcast 063 (Enhanced) Post SCAA Show and George Howell

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 09:59:00 GMT

New podcast is online:

Questions or comments podcast@coffeegeek.com or call the voicemail line at 1-206-965-8185, or Skype to Skype - search for the CoffeeGeek username.

Take your pick on how to listen:
RSS MP3 Feed;
RSS Enhanced Audio Feed (NEW! iTunes / iPod only)
Choose your links for subscribing. Or if you prefer a direct download, here it is:
CG Podcast 063 MP3 File.
Apple iTunes direct link (this is the enhanced feed)

Show Notes

00:00 Intro
00:40 Sponsored by 49th Parallel Roasters
02:09 SCAA Minneapolis Post Show Report
02:28 Show Reports on CoffeeGeek
03:39 Elektra Nino at SCAA
05:04 Baratza Vario Grinder at SCAA
12:18 Great grinder for restaurants
13:22 Hottop Coffee Roaster
16:14 Ascaso Espresso Machines
19:32 Whole Latte Love at the SCAA
20:57 Handpresso Manual Espresso Maker
22:34 Mark goes on a USBC RANT!
28:45 SCAA Wrapup
29:03 49th Parallel Roasters
29:34 Connecting Worlds: The Coffee Trail, a Photo Book
31:57 Interview with George Howell
32:42 George talks about Connecting Worlds: The Coffee Trail
39:14 Vacuum packing green coffee, a growing trend
43:50 Wine analogies with coffee
46:36 "Blends hide the farmer" - George explains
51:13 Can espresso blends ever celebrate the farmer as much as s/o does?
57:19 Cup of Excellence discussion
58:24 Trends in coffee - farm names vs. brand names
1:01:09 Terroir Coffee - New coffees
1:09:48 Show wrapup - did Mark get punked?

(I think he did).

CG Podcast 063 (MP3) Post SCAA Show and George Howell

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 09:57:00 GMT

New podcast is online:

Questions or comments podcast@coffeegeek.com or call the voicemail line at 1-206-965-8185, or Skype to Skype - search for the CoffeeGeek username.

Take your pick on how to listen:
RSS MP3 Feed;
RSS Enhanced Audio Feed (NEW! iTunes / iPod only)
Choose your links for subscribing. Or if you prefer a direct download, here it is:
CG Podcast 063 MP3 File.
Apple iTunes direct link (this is the enhanced feed)

Show Notes

00:00 Intro
00:40 Sponsored by 49th Parallel Roasters
02:09 SCAA Minneapolis Post Show Report
02:28 Show Reports on CoffeeGeek
03:39 Elektra Nino at SCAA
05:04 Baratza Vario Grinder at SCAA
12:18 Great grinder for restaurants
13:22 Hottop Coffee Roaster
16:14 Ascaso Espresso Machines
19:32 Whole Latte Love at the SCAA
20:57 Handpresso Manual Espresso Maker
22:34 Mark goes on a USBC RANT!
28:45 SCAA Wrapup
29:03 49th Parallel Roasters
29:34 Connecting Worlds: The Coffee Trail, a Photo Book
31:57 Interview with George Howell
32:42 George talks about Connecting Worlds: The Coffee Trail
39:14 Vacuum packing green coffee, a growing trend
43:50 Wine analogies with coffee
46:36 "Blends hide the farmer" - George explains
51:13 Can espresso blends ever celebrate the farmer as much as s/o does?
57:19 Cup of Excellence discussion
58:24 Trends in coffee - farm names vs. brand names
1:01:09 Terroir Coffee - New coffees
1:09:48 Show wrapup - did Mark get punked?

(I think he did).

CoffeeGeek Podcast 062 - God in a Cup

Wed, 28 May 2008 21:16:00 GMT

Mark interviews Michaele Weissman in this feature interview of the author of the book God in a Cup.

Michaele's blog is at http://michaeleweissmanwrites.com/godinacupofcoffee/

CoffeeGeek 060 MP3 - Getting Caught Up

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 11:13:00 GMT

Getting Caught Up - Mark talks about the last two months in the world of coffee, about Phuong Tran's visit to Vancouver, the January - February run to raise money for CoffeeKids, the upcoming WBC Machine certifications, and the continuing redesign of CoffeeGeek.com

00:00 Start
00:40 49th Parallel Roasters
01:22 CoffeeGeek.com
02:29 CoffeeFest
05:53 Phuong Tran visits Vancouver
07:16 Recording woes, switching to iMac and GarageBand
07:50 Enhanced Podcast Comments
08:42 Channel 4 Link
11:50 Italy vs. N. America - the Results
12:51 World Barista Championships
15:32 Other bodies already trying to set espresso and barista standards
16:24 49th Parellel Coffee Roasters
16:52 Contest - Tell us your favourite coffee moment!
18:35 Tell us about your favourite barista! Some emails.
19:16 Saluna Cafe, Paris
20:02 Intelligentsia
20:38 YouTube Video of Sean
21:10 Intelligentsia Coffee
21:40 Profile of Anthony at Terra Keramic website
22:16 BJava Coffee and Tea
23:02 Octane Espresso Blog
24:06 Cafe de Troit - RIP
25:39 Trans Canada Adventures
27:00 Rebuilding the Faema
28:25 Coffee at the Moment
31:13 World Barista Championship Espresso and Machine Grinder Certification
36:25 49th Parallel Coffee Roasters
37:20 Further information about the Enhanced version of this podcast (compatible with iTunes / iPods / Apple TV only)

CoffeeGeek 060 Enhanced - Getting Caught Up

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 11:09:00 GMT

CoffeeGeek Podcast 059 - Freezing Green, Great Coffees and More

Tue, 16 Oct 2007 23:47:00 GMT

Show Notes coming soon!

Brought to you by 49th Parallel Roasters

CG Podcast 058 - Post WBC, Radio and Esmeralda

Mon, 27 Aug 2007 03:48:00 GMT

Podcast 058, brought to you by 49th Parallel Coffee Roasters

Show Notes coming soon.

CoffeeGeek Podcast 057 - Grab Bag and WBC

Mon, 23 Jul 2007 22:37:00 GMT

WBC Preview with interview with Tim Wendelboe
Show notes coming soon.

CoffeeGeek Podcast 056 - Emails Answered

Thu, 5 Jul 2007 15:36:00 GMT

CoffeeGeek Podcast 055 - Aussie Coffee

Tue, 12 Jun 2007 02:15:00 GMT

CoffeeGeek Podcast 054 - SCAA and USBC Recaps

Wed, 16 May 2007 02:27:00 GMT

CoffeeGeek Podcast 053 - UKBC And SCAA Elections

Sun, 11 Mar 2007 04:00:00 GMT

CoffeeGeek Podcast 050 - the Big Five Oh

Mon, 12 Feb 2007 01:23:00 GMT

Show notes coming soon

CG Podcast 049 - XXL Sized Year End Show

Sat, 30 Dec 2006 03:28:00 GMT

Show notes coming soon.

CoffeeGeek Podcast 048 - Fundraiser and HGL Update!

Sun, 26 Nov 2006 04:42:00 GMT

A big update about the CoffeeGeek Holiday Gift List and Fund Raiser, including

- closing auctions
- encouraging direct donations
- sneak peak at upcoming auctions
- sneak peak at a major auction - a fully-expenses paid trip to origin!
- Brad Ford joins us to discuss some amazing coffees from Terroir Coffee and the HGL.

Detailed show Notes coming soon. Donate today!

CoffeeGeek Podcast 047 - HGL Preview!

Sun, 19 Nov 2006 05:46:00 GMT

CoffeeGeek Podcast 046 - Super Sized Imbibe Mag Show & More!

Fri, 22 Sep 2006 02:32:00 GMT

Questions or comments podcast@coffeegeek.com or call the voicemail line at 1-206-965-8185, or Skype to Skype - search for the CoffeeGeek username.

Take your pick on how to listen:

RSS Feed link for subscribing, or

CG Podcast 046 MP3 File for straight downloading.

Apple iTunes direct link.

Show Notes

Intro - Tomâs Diner, Suzanne Vega (0:06)

If youâre in town this weekend, be sure to visit the Canadian Coffee and Tea Expo and Canadian National Barista Competition, September 24 â 25. (1:25)

Interviews (2:03)
Tom Owen, Sweet Mariaâs (3:08)
Tom is profiled in the September/October issue of Imbibe Magazine.
- Sweet Mariaâs web site: unpretentious and all about whatâs in the cup, where thousands of home roasters got their start (3:23)
- Exotic coffees: the story of St. Helena coffee, the perception of coffee as culinary, and the growing demand for specialty coffee (5:50)
- Sweet Mariaâs purchase of Best of Panama 2006 coffees, including the Hacienda la Esmeralda Gesha at the record-breaking price of $50.25/lb (12:56)
- Sweet Mariaâs home roaster mailing list and the development of coffee communities (18:21)
- Coming soon to Sweet Mariaâs: Late harvest Esmeralda Gesha to be offered at about $16/lb and a fantastic dry processed Yirgacheffe Idido Misty Valley (28:22)
- Intelligentsia and Tres Santos microlots, Sweet Mariaâs tiered pricing, and development of direct relationships by small roasters (32:40)
- Be sure to read the September/October issue of Imbibe Magazine to find out why the web site is called Sweet Mariaâs (37:56)

Karen Foley, publisher of Imbibe Magazine (43:39)
- The Tom Owen profile (44:34)
- Imbibeâs coverage of coffee and readers' response to Markâs article on french press coffee (48:00)
- Markâs espresso article in the September/October issue and a contest for future articles (see entry rules below) (51:49)
- Coming up in the next issue: holiday drinks and gift guides; an article on Prague; coffee origins by Richard Reynolds (1:01:11)
- The response to the magazine from the coffee communities and other beverage-related communities (1:03:03)
- Comment on Imbibe at their new blog or order a subscription through their web site (1:08:14)

Contest!
Write in an original idea for an article you would like to see Mark write for Imbibe Magazine. One idea per email, but make them good - think feature article type ideas. Espresso's been done. ;) Send in your mailing address with the idea, we'll randomly pick three winners - one gets a year subscription to imbibe, the other two will get the first issue mailed to them (and signed if they want). Send to podcast@coffeegeek.com, and include the title "Imbibe magazine idea" in your subject line. Deadline is September 30, 2006.

Mystery Guest Interview! (1:12:26)
- CafÃs and coffeehouses in the â50s and â60s (1:13:45)
- Milk (1:19:25)
- Markâs secret shame exposed: Maxwell House instant, pre-ground Folgerâs, and blade grinders (1:23:23)
- âIf I want blueberries in my coffee, Iâll put blueberries in my coffee!â? (1:32:22)
- The 20 oz cup (1:33:56)

Outro â Tomâs Diner, Michigan and Smiley (1:46:02)

CG Podcast 045 - Black Gold, Super autos and Coffee tastings

Sun, 10 Sep 2006 06:20:00 GMT

CG Podcast 044 - Emails Galore!

Sun, 20 Aug 2006 00:01:00 GMT

Questions or comments podcast@coffeegeek.com or call the voicemail line at 1-206-965-8185, or Skype to Skype - search for the CoffeeGeek username.

Take your pick on how to listen:

RSS Feed link for subscribing, or

CG Podcast 044 MP3 File for straight downloading.

Apple iTunes direct link.

Show Notes

Massive Email Show with Beata, Live to Tape! Featuring two prize Giveaways!
Two prize giveaways are buried in the show - the excellent "Zoka Way" Instructional DVD for home baristas, and an autographed copy of "Cafe Haiku" â listen to the podcast for details on how to win! Deadline is August 31, 2006, and entries should be sent to beata.s at coffeegeek dotter com.

The questions:
- What is a âsweetâ? shot of espresso? (2:00)
Mark talks about supertasters, the characteristics of a sweet shot of espresso, and what might cause excessive bitterness.(4:03)

- I need a grinder for $100 to $120 US, can you recommend some options? (7:39)
Mark suggests a Solis Maestro Classic or Solis Maestro Plus for that price point, but his real recommendation is â donât skimp on a grinder! (8:31)

- I get iced coffee at Ritual Coffee, itâs everything I wish iced coffee could be! Could you explain how to make this? (10:30)
Mark describes two devices for cold brewing made by Hario and Toddy and gives his recipe for iced americanos. (11:22)

- Where can I get a replacement for the frothing tip on my Francis! Francis! X1? (16:11)
The frothing aid tip is proprietary and canât be removed easily, but Mark discovered that there is a way to produce latte art quality microfoam with the froth aider. (16:50)

- How can I develop my ability to accurately taste coffees and describe what we are tasting? (19:32)
Mark suggests the Le Nez du CafÃ kits from the SCAA, if price is no object, or a simpler method: visit a farmersâ market. (20:27)

- Do you have any ideas for home roasting single origin coffees for espresso? (23:40)
Mark, who is anti-single-origin espresso, suggests creating an espresso blend using different roast levels with the same coffee. (26:35)

- A suggestion for a future podcast â discuss coffee house culture in other cities, especially Montreal. (30:22)
Mark names streets in Montreal known for their really cool cafÃs and recommends one cafÃ in particular: Caffe Art Java. (31:20)

- Why use anything but a perfectly flat tamper? (33:10)
Mark discusses the theories behind convex bottoms, Euro curves, American curves and the C Flat, and his work with Reg Barber on a new tamper design. (33:49)

- Where does Kona stand in the world of specialty coffee? (37:51)
Mark buys Kona directly from Smith Farms, but cautions that the name Kona doesnât guarantee quality. Too delicate for an espresso blend, Kona can be memorable when brewed in a vac pot. Find a small farmer and buy green from them direct. (38:48)

- Currently I use a Melitta filter holder. Why should I start using a press pot? (43:26)
A manual filter is a great method for brewing! But if you want to try press pot coffee, itâs inexpensive; press pots can be had for as little as $15. See the Guides and How-to section of CG for Markâs guide on brewing press pot coffee. (44:14)

- When are you going to start doing your âregularâ? shows so beginners can relate too? (47:28)
Weâre doing it right now â partly because of this email! Weâll do more shows covering a wide range of topics for everyone from newbies to professionals. (47:56)

Speaking of professional issues â even if you are new to coffee, please consider reading the (somewhat controversial) article on the Cup of Excellence alliance with the National Coffee Association on the CG home page. It describes how the CoE program has introduced the consumer to the farmer and the lives behind the coffee. (48:56)

CG Podcast 041 - Live (to tape) from Firenze, a long time ago!

Mon, 14 Aug 2006 19:11:00 GMT

Live to tape from Firenze, Italia, recorded about 2 months ago now (lol!), it's the midnight session of the CoffeeGeek Podcast featuring Nick Cho of the Portafilter.net podcast and Andrew Barnett from Ecco Cafe

Thanks to our sponsors, including Rocket Coffee Roasters, Zaccardis, and Coffee and Kitchen.

Show notes coming soon.

CG Podcast 043 - More Irish! More Coffee!

Wed, 9 Aug 2006 02:27:00 GMT

Once again, huge, massive, big thanks to Cindy for doing these show notes. I was very late in posting them. I can't believe all the links she researched!

Questions or comments podcast@coffeegeek.com or call the voicemail line at 1-206-965-8185, or Skype to Skype - search for the CoffeeGeek username.

Take your pick on how to listen:

RSS Feed link for subscribing, or

CG Podcast 043 MP3 File for straight downloading.

Apple iTunes (updated!) direct link.

Show Notes

Todayâs Special Guests: Stephen Morrissey and Jen (0:33)
- Stephen is a barista trainer and apprentice roaster for Bewleyâs in Dublin and Jen is his lovely girlfriend! (2:56)
- Stephenâs assessment of Irelandâs current cafÃ culture and where itâs going (4:54)
- Stephen lists some good cafÃs in Ireland: Avoca CafÃ, Bewleyâs, Karl Purdyâs cart, Donnybrook Fair, and Dunne and Crescenzi; and Mark talks about Danny, an altie in England who operates a propane-run 3-group Gaggia lever machine on his coffee cart (8:40)
- Stephenâs first modeling job â for Markâs upcoming Imbibe Magazine article (12:50)
- Stephenâs reaction to home espresso machines and the Solis SL-70 in particular (13:42)
- Steaming milk, froth aiders, crema enhancers, and consumers today (14:52)
- Latte art and drink quality (17:46)
- Mark says Marzocco the dog can activate the steam wand on a La Marzocco!
- Places Stephenâs checking out while heâs here: Wicked CafÃ and Intelligentsia Coffee (22:37)
- Jenâs impressions of the cafÃ scene here as opposed to Ireland and wireless vs. non-wireless (24:25)

CoffeeGeek Podcast 042 - Arthur the Barista

Tue, 11 Jul 2006 05:47:00 GMT

Huge thanks to Cindy as always for putting together these show notes!

Details:

Questions or comments podcast@coffeegeek.com or call the voicemail line at 1-206-965-8185, or Skype to Skype - search for the CoffeeGeek username.

Take your pick on how to listen:

RSS Feed link for subscribing, or

CG Podcast 042 MP3 File for straight downloading.

Apple iTunes (updated!) direct link.

Show Notes

Intro (0:40)
- Where are episodes 40 and 41? (0:46)
- This episode sponsored by Whole Latte Love! (1:29)
- Leave us voicemails! (2:20)

Todayâs Special Guest:
Arthur Wynne (3:36)
- From carpentry to coffee, Sydney, 1997-1998 (4:23)
- The move to Ireland and Bewleyâs, 2004 (7:12)
- The coffee scene in Dublin today; how it compares to the rest of Europe and Australia (9:52)
- James Hoffmanâs WBC signature drink(14:59)
- Bern: WBC accreditation (16:55); the show floor, meeting coffee people (18:15); the city of Bern (22:25)
- Latte art championship: how Arthur learned, his first good pour, his strategy for Berne (23:25)
- What Mark loved about Bern â meeting people with a passion for all things coffee (30:09)
- Arthur and Markâs latte art tips for consumers â talk to your barista, texturing milk, the process step-by-step (31:29)
- Whole Latte Loveâs latte art contest (40:32)
- Is the double shot basket a crutch? Amp up your skillz with a single shot basket! (42:30)
- Alcohol and coffee: Nuts and Berries, Seduction di Mezzanotte, coffee and tequila, espresso martinis, Irish and Spanish coffees (46:52)

CG Podcast 039 - Live from Bern, Switzerland

Thu, 1 Jun 2006 17:17:00 GMT

Show notes coming soon!

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Rocket Coffee Roasters

Coffee and Kitchen

Zaccardis

CG Podcast 038 - Jam Packed with WBC News, Imbibe Mag, and more

Fri, 28 Apr 2006 02:07:00 GMT

Show notes coming soon!

CG Podcast 037 - SCAA Recap, Doug Zell, USBC, espresso machine giveaway!

Mon, 17 Apr 2006 00:46:00 GMT

Questions or comments podcast@coffeegeek.com or call the voicemail line at 1-206-965-8185, or Skype to Skype - search for the CoffeeGeek username.

Take your pick on how to listen:

RSS Feed link for subscribing, or

CG Podcast 037 MP3 File for straight downloading.

Apple iTunes (updated!) direct link.

Show Notes

Somewhere in this podcast, there's a trivia question that, if you answered correctly, you would have won a major prize. The contest is now closed, so please do not email; however, listen to future CG podcasts for more giveaways!

The prize this time around was a Krups XP4050 automatic espresso machine! Contest was open to residents of the US and Canada, 18 years of age and older, one entry per household is allowed - multiple entries will be disqualified. If you live in Canada, you may be subject to paying duties and taxes on the prize machine, and are subject to answering a further skill-testing question, should you win. This prize was offered "as is", no guarantees on the product's working state when it arrives, with no claims or monetary value. Huge props to Chris White of Alturra Coffee and Krups for providing the prize!

Intro: Beata and Mark â Live to tape once again! (3:39)

2006 SCAA Conference Recap (7:16)
- Rob Stephen, podcasts and forums, and the SCAA Town Hall meeting
- The Clover 1S: How Mark finally found body and pleasing aftertaste in a Clover cup, thanks to Oliver at Batdorf and Bronson's booth an their Colombian CoE coffee! (13:15)
- Social parties, Markâs "mission"; also lots of pulled pork and fried chicken (23:56)
- The USBC and Matt Riddle, the Renaissance man (Congrats, Matt!!!) (26:42)

Ambush Interview! â Doug Zell, Intelligentsia Coffee and Tea (28:07)
- Intelligentsiaâs presence in barista competitions in general and the 2006 USBC (29:20)
- About Matt Riddle (32:18)
- The Intelligentsia blends used at the competition (35:23)
- Mattâs media appearances (37:27)
- Next: the World Barista Championship (40:39)
- Major props to Billy Wilson! (42:26)
- About Intelligentsiaâs soon-to-be-opened third location (45:35)
- Elevating coffee, from seed to cup (47:26)
- Cool cupping spoons (50:13)

Mark explains the "Cobra Kai" references everyone's saying these days (53:51)

SCAA Financial Situation (55:21)
- Background of the situation (55:56)
- Town Hall meeting (58:09)
- Beata reads questions and answers from the meeting: how much money was lost; criminal/civil action; relationship of involved persons with the SCAA; financial position of guilds; donating specifically to the guilds; how "first responder" funds were used; how far back theft occurred; why more is not heard about actions taken by the board; the status of the criminal investigation (58:31)
- Markâs suggestions: guild donations being more direct and the SCAA doing regional events (1:08:07)

Changes on the CoffeeGeek web site (1:09:20)
- Hiring a new content editor (1:09:31)
- More new articles (3 or so a week) from industry folks and regular columnists (1:11:31)
- Beataâs suggestions for new content (1:14:34)

Dallis Coffee pre-ground pre-portioned coffee for French press (1:21:06)

BTW - those PF boys... thinking they can catch up with me. Muwahahahahahah!

CG Podcast 036 - Interview with Rob Stephen, SCAA Conference Chair

Sun, 9 Apr 2006 22:56:00 GMT

Interview with Rob Stephen, show notes coming soon!

CG Podcast 035 - Black Coffee, SCAA Charlotte and Emails

Tue, 4 Apr 2006 07:59:00 GMT

How did we manage to cram so much into a 40 minute show? Listen and find out!

Once again, massive, total, huge thanks to Cindy for these awesome show notes. She rocks!

Questions or comments podcast@coffeegeek.com or call the voicemail line at 1-206-965-8185, or Skype to Skype - search for the CoffeeGeek username.

Take your pick on how to listen:

RSS Feed link for subscribing, or

CG Podcast 035 MP3 File for straight downloading.

Apple iTunes (updated!) direct link.

Show Notes

Coffee on Television: Black Coffee
- Three-episode documentary series on coffee, produced in Canada, rated "best ever watched" by Mark and Beata (2:56)
- More about Franciszek Jerzy Kulczycki, who opened the first cafÃ in Vienna and contributed so much to coffee culture (4:13)

Brasil Cup of Excellence Cupping
- Brief recap of the cupping - $175 raised for Coffee Kids! (10:42)
- Susie Spindler will try to provide extra samples of the COE coffees to Mark so that more COE cuppings to benefit Coffee Kids can be held in the near future. Watch the Western Canada forum on CoffeeGeek for invitations near the end of April for the Colombian CoE cupping. (11:57)
- Four more cuppings planned for June/July (14:39)

Mark Answers Email! (15:48)
- Jeffrey, a Kansas CoffeeGeek-in-Training, asks for Markâs opinion on fluid-bed and drum roasters. Mark discusses home roasting technologies and how different types of roasters affect coffee. (15:58)
- Mike from San Francisco asks for Markâs thoughts on Starbucksâ Black Apron coffees. Mark talks a little about Starbucks vs Doubleshot CafÃ, then explains why Starbucks doesnât currently use CoE quality coffees for their Black Apron program. (22:56)
- Alexandra in Montreal asks about having a CG podcast episode devoted to a discussion of fair trade practices and related changes in the coffee industry. Mark suggests ways that consumers can help support farmers. (28:37)

Preview of the 2006 SCAA Conference (35:12)
- Cool things: More Italian equipment manufacturers; the topic, Quality Tools for the Specialty Trade, focusing on tools to make coffee profitable for retailers; and the Culinary Track, including pairing foods with coffee and french press brewing/coffee variety in restaurants (35:31)
- Huge show floor, lots of parties, discounts at restaurants in Charlotte, on-location recordings, and a dual podcast with the portafilter.net crew! (40:26)

Enjoy!

Mark

CG Podcast 034 - CoffeeGeekin Roundtable

Sun, 19 Mar 2006 09:28:00 GMT

Questions or comments podcast@coffeegeek.com or call the voicemail line at 1-206-965-8185, or Skype to Skype - search for the "CoffeeGeek" username.

Take your pick on how to listen:

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CG Podcast 034 MP3 File for straight downloading.

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Show Notes

Intro â Vancouver Coffee Scene Roundtable (1:31)
- Michael, Markâs neighbor and coffee enthusiast, (email him if you have an opening for a barista)
- jakethecoffeelover, CGer and author of http://coffeaarabica.blogspot.com
- Sean Strugnell aka strugs â CGer
- Matt, barista at Elysian Room, 5th and Burrard, Vancouver
- Peter, barista at Wicked CafÃ, 7th and Hemlock, Vancouver, and author of pullingshots.blogspot.com

Review of Aerobie Aeropress (2:57)
- Metal filter vs nylon filter vs paper filter (4:00)
- The engadget pvc do-it-yourself, the Depresso, and experimentation (5:36)
- Comparison with the Clover (8:42)

Review of the Clover (10:17)
- Discovery Coffee: newest Clover in Canada (10:30)
- The Cloverâs effect on body and adjusting the Clover for optimal brew (11:00)
- Use of the Clover in the cafÃ (18:08)

Back to the Aerobie: Future experimentation, blind cupping, and bloom (19:50)

Review of the Vibiemme Domobar (21:43)
- HX machine with E61 group and 2 liter boiler
- Fast steaming machine, very stable

Home Machines (24:57)
- Seanâs Wega Lyra; Peterâs Krups Novo; Michael and Jakeâs Gaggia Espressos

Fave Coffeehouses and the CafÃ Scene (32:45)
- The groupâs favorites include Prado, JJBean, Continental, Elysian Room, Wicked CafÃ, Victrola, 2% jazz

Wrap-Up (42:27)
- Thoughts on Chris Tacy leaving the coffee scene
- Funny stories about Jake
- A few comments about portafilter.net podcast .

CG Podcast 033 - Newbies in the house!

Mon, 13 Mar 2006 02:54:00 GMT

Again, thanks to Rock Star Cindy for doing these excellent show notes.

Questions or comments podcast@coffeegeek.com or call the voicemail line at 1-206-965-8185, or Skype to Skype - search for the "CoffeeGeek" username.

Take your pick on how to listen:

RSS Feed link for subscribing, or

CG Podcast 033 MP3 File for straight downloading.
12.7mb, 37:39 mm:ss. 48 kbps bitrate, 44.1Hz sample rate, mono channel. MP3 file.

Also, please subscribe and leave comments in Apple iTunes (updated!) direct link.

Show Notes

Newbie Show: Todayâs guests, Beata Siwinski and Julie! (1:52)
Beata and Julie ask Mark their coffee questions:

When did people first start drinking coffee? (3:29)
- A brief history of coffee: Mark describes the discovery of coffee and the rise of coffeeâs popularity throughout Arabia and Western Europe (3:50)
- A very brief history of espresso: Mark describes the development of modern espresso and the first spring-loaded piston espresso machine in 1947 by Achilles Gaggia (9:08)

When were cappuccinos and lattes first created? (12:13)
- History of the cappuccino: Mark traces the creation of the cappuccino from the French cafÃ au lait in the mid-1800s to the development of the steam wand in 1910. Some discussion about Caffe Reggio (NYC)'s claim to inventing the drink.

The Coffee Scene in Italy
- Espresso, cappuccino, lattes and cafe correcto: Julieâs coffee experiences in Italy (14:29)
- The Italian cafÃ scene: not so many laptops (16:31)
- Features that Mark, Julie and Beata would like to see in local cafes (18:11)

Why are some coffees stronger than others? Should you add salt to get rid of bitterness in coffee? (27:01)
- Different tastes reflect differences in coffees and differences in roasts

Will there be more newbie podcasts (perhaps about the importance of proper grind)? (31:30)
- Yes!

CG Podcast 032 - Brasil Cup of Excellence Part II

Tue, 7 Mar 2006 02:16:00 GMT

Once more, a huge thanks to Cindy for putting together these excellent show notes!

27.4mb, 79:54 mm:ss. 40 kbps bitrate, 44.1Hz sample rate, mono channel.

Questions or comments podcast@coffeegeek.com or call the voicemail line at 1-206-965-8185, or Skype to Skype - search for the "CoffeeGeek" username.

Take your pick on how to listen:

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CG Podcast 032 MP3 File for straight downloading.

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Show Notes

Intro - Christa Couture, "day 4"

Changes (0:50)
- Beata and Mark shack up!
- CoffeeGeek says thanks and goodbye to Jeanette.

New Audio Equipment courtesy of Samson (3:43)
- An amazing MDR6 Mixing Board
- A C03 Multi-Pattern Condenser Microphone to upgrade from the C01 - will make round tables easier to produce
- A Hardware Compressor - automatically evens out the audio as people move closer and farther away from the microphones
- Many thanks to Ira and the folks at Samson!

Cup of Excellence Brasil Auction, Part II (9:02)

Interview with Andrew Barnett of Ecco CaffÃ, Santa Rosa, California, international juror for Cup of Excellence (10:14)
- Andrew on what COE is all about and his involvement with it (11:42)
- The Brasil auction: what $50/lb may do for coffee; marketing to the consumer (15:48)
- Andrew's impressions of the winning coffee; how COE coffees are scored (19:49)
- Lot #1: Fazenda Santa InÃs; farmer, Francisco Dias Pereira. Highest scoring coffee in any COE with a score of 95.85; received Andrew's top score of 97; received two scores of 100. Purchased by Michel's Espresso, Instaurator and CaffÃ Artigiano. Mark and Andrew discuss the price of the coffee from the consumer perspective (21:14)
- Lot #2: Fazenda SÃo Benedito; farmer, AntÃnio JosÃ Junqueira Villela. Sold for $7.80 per pound; purchased by The Roasterie, Stumptown, Ecco CaffÃ, Kaffa, and Maruyama. (30:43)
- Lot #3: SÃtio SÃo JosÃ; farmer, Luiz Roberto Ribeiro. The farms that produced the top three coffees are neighbors. (33:02)
- Lot #23 purchased by Ecco CaffÃ, 49th Parallel Roasters, Intelligentsia, and Golden Coffee Box - Fazenda Santa Terezinha; farmer, Paulo SÃrgio de Almeida. (37:01)
- coffeegeek.com will join COE at the benefactor level (41:01)
- Coming soon to Ecco CaffÃ: a coffee purchased with the Small Axe Alliance from the Bolivian COE (41:41)

Susie Spindler, Executive Director, Cup of Excellence (45:40)
- Susie on what COE is all about and her involvement with it (46:58)
- How consumers can find local COE coffees; how to get their roasters involved in COE (50:08)
- Benefits of standard COE membership include access to the auction system, priority on international juries, and access to a searchable database of winning farms (51:24)
- Building bridges between roasters, farmers and cultures (53:06)
- The Brasil auction: what $50/lb may do for coffee; scoring of the first place coffee and the stigma of coffee from Brasil among specialty coffee roasters (57:51)
- Marketing coffees to the consumer as a culinary treat: raising the expectations of the consumer (1:04:38)
- Disparity between scores and prices of the first and second place coffees (1:11:52)
- Visit the COE web site to learn more. (1:15:00)

Outro - Christa Couture, "day 4"

CG Podcast 031 - Ethiopia and Brasil

podcast@coffeegeek.com — Fri, 20 Jan 2006 20:12:00 GMT

Yet again, a huge thanks to Cindy for putting together these excellent show notes!

17.2mb, 59:21 mm:ss. 40 kbps bitrate, 44.1Hz sample rate, mono channel.

Questions or comments podcast@coffeegeek.com or call the voicemail line at 1-206-965-8185, or Skype to Skype - search for the "CoffeeGeek" username.

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CG Podcast 031 MP3 File for straight downloading.

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Show Notes

A Barista in Ethiopia: Angie Lof, Head Trainer at JJBean (2:03)
- Ethiopia Trip: the Harrari; women in Ethiopia (2:37)
- Cultural highlights (5:13)
- Chat use in Ethiopia and coffee farming (8:37)
- Coffee: Ethiopian coffee ceremony (12:46); visit to coffee plantation in Harrar (21:51); coffee cherries (24:34)
- Kenya Trip and coffee (30:43)
- Results of the Cup of Excellence Brasil Auction and coffee prices (32:18)

New York Times Article on Grinders (42:11)

Guardian Article mentioning the CG Podcast (45:02)

Cup of Excellence Brasil Auction, Part I
- Interview with Instaurator, who in association with Michelâs Espresso and Caffe Artigiano, paid a record-breaking price ($49.75 US) for a Cup of Excellence coffee (45:21)
- Breaking down the cost per cup (49:00)
- The price of coffee and the wine analogy (52:53)
- Interview postscript â Cup of Excellence (56:47)
- To be continued in the next CG podcastâ

CoffeeGeek Podcast 030 - Phuong Tran, USBC Champ

podcast@coffeegeek.com — Tue, 10 Jan 2006 19:08:00 GMT

Once again, a huge thanks to Cindy for putting together these excellent show notes!

20.7mb, 72:28 mm:ss. 40 kbps bitrate, 44.1Hz sample rate, mono channel.

Questions or comments podcast@coffeegeek.com or call the voicemail line at 1-206-965-8185, or Skype to Skype - search for the "CoffeeGeek" username.

Take your pick on how to listen:

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CG Podcast 030 MP3 File for straight downloading.

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Show Notes

The News with Jeanette Chan (1:52)
- Kenyan coffee farmers in debt (2:00)
- New Orleans-based PJâs coffee reopening locations closed by Katrina (2:38)
- Coffee lowers risk of breast cancer in certain women (3:10)
- Starbucks wins trademark infringement suit in China (4:32)
- Lakewood, WA couple charged with forcing their niece to work as a slave at their espresso stand (5:25)
- Culprit in string of espresso stand robberies in Washington state apprehended (8:24)

Phuong Tran, 2005 US Barista Champion (9:29)
- Phuongâs cafÃ: Lava Java, Ridgefield, Washington (10:05)
- Phuongâs road to the USBC (10:43)
- What the competition consists of (14:47)
- What barista competitions are all about (19:21)
- How to improve barista competitions (22:03)
- Rumors of a competing body to the World Barista Championship (WBC) (26:59)
- Phuongâs experience at the Nordic Cup: cow milking; triangle tests; milk tasting tests; signature drink team competition; coffee brewing test (27:32)
- The 2005 WBC (34:50): Markâs view on Phuongâs finish (36:02); the finalists (congrats to Sammy Piccolo on his new baby boy!) (37:31); a behind the scenes look (38:42); Phuongâs training (43:53); Phuongâs signature drink, the Crimson Sage (47:23)
- Judging and the sensory skills test (54:38)
- The Great Lakes Regional Barista Competition (58:39)
- Vancouver cafÃ crawl: Caffe Artigiano, JJBean, Prado, Wicked CafÃ, Elysian Room (59:31)
- Mark and Phuong compare shots and discuss flair vs consistency (1:02:26)
- Phuongâs thoughts on what could be done differently at the USBC (1:07:57)

CG Podcast 029 - Post Christmas Show!

podcast@coffeegeek.com — Wed, 28 Dec 2005 02:09:00 GMT

So, we missed doing a Christmas Eve podcast, we were just too busy having fun in a very serene and relaxing environment up on the Sunshine Coast. But we did record on the 27th! The last podcast of 2005!

Once again, a monumental thanks to Cindy for doing the excellent show notes! I can't believe the detail and research she goes into! She's amazing!

9.8mb, 34:02 mm:ss. 40 kbps bitrate, 44.1Hz sample rate, mono channel.

Questions or comments podcast@coffeegeek.com or call the voicemail line at 1-206-965-8185, or Skype to Skype - search for the "CoffeeGeek" username.

Take your pick on how to listen:

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CG Podcast 029 MP3 File for straight downloading.

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Show Notes

Introduction (0:00)
- Hoops and Yoyo from Hallmark, Merry Christmas (to the tune of âFiniculi, Finiculaâ?)

Beata and Mark recorded this podcast from the beautiful Sunshine Coast in British Columbia, where they spent the Christmas holiday. (1:04)

Coffee on Holiday (2:27)
- Newbie Segment: Beata shares her real-world experience with making press pot coffee during the trip, demonstrating the importance of grind (3:41)
- Mark and Beata discuss the reasons that most coffees do not include âroasted onâ? dates on their packaging. Markâs tip for this podcast: demand coffees with roast dates! (5:33)

Podcasts Past and Future (13:35)
A quick look back at this yearâs podcasts and a glimpse of the future:
- Videos: possibly product walk-throughs and/or how-tos (but not video podcasts at this point). Anyone in Vancouver have good video editing skills and equipment? (14:16)
- Improved podcast audio quality (thanks to the incredible generosity of Ira at Samson) (20:09)
- More podcasts with Beata! Potential topics include press pot coffee, Vietnamese coffee and Viennese coffee how-tos; summer drink recipes; etching; trade show reports (23:28)
- If you received any really unusual coffee-based holiday gifts, Mark wants to hear about it â send him an email, and he may read it on the podcast. (29:08)

CG Podcast Giveaways! (29:35)
- Please send suggestions for contests that will be super easy and not time consuming for Mark to administer, but at least a little difficult for listeners. Prizes include Grindenstein knockboxes, an Aerobie Aeropress, and possibly a Baratza Virtuoso grinder!

Outro (31:58)
Thanks to everyone for listening! We hope everyone had a great Christmas/holiday -- happy Hanukkah, happy Kwanzaa, happy Festivus, and joy, happiness and prosperity in the New Year!

Hoops and Yoyo, Jingle Bells

CG Podcast 028 - Holiday Top Espresso and Coffee Picks

podcast@coffeegeek.com — Sat, 17 Dec 2005 01:21:00 GMT

It's something I get asked for all the time - so I finally did it - Mark's top picks in espresso, coffee maker, grinder and accessories categories!

A HUGE thanks to Cindy for doing the excellent show notes!

11.8mb, >40:00 mm:ss. 40 kbps bitrate, 44.1Hz sample rate, mono channel.

Questions or comments podcast@coffeegeek.com or call the voicemail line at 1-206-965-8185, or Skype to Skype - search for the "CoffeeGeek" username.

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CG Podcast 028 MP3 File for straight downloading.

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Show Notes

This is the first of two pre-Christmas shows. In this podcast, Mark lists his top recommendations in all things coffee and espresso for the folks on your gift-giving list!

Information on the following products and more can be found in the Coffeegeek review and consumer review sections of the web site. If youâd like to support the Coffeegeek web site, please use Coffeegeekâs amazon.com affiliate link.

Introduction
Eartha Kitt - Santa Baby, Alexkid Remix - from the Merry Mixmas - Christmas Classics Remixed CD (0:13)

Coffee Makers (3:53)
- Krups Moka Brew: A hybrid between a drip coffee maker and a moka pot. Unfortunately discontinued, but that means it can be found at a good price. Available at: amazon.com, ~$60; and zaccardis.com, $50. (4:12)
- Capresso Drip Coffee Machines: The best series out there. (5:26)
- The Capresso MT500 is beautiful. Nice filtration system, efficient thermal carafe. Brews at the proper temperature. $170-180. (6:04) The Capresso CoffeeTEC is essentially the MT500 with an auto-frothing system. $200. (6:43) The Capresso CoffeeTEAM is the only grind and brew system Mark recommends due to its conical burr grinder. All available at 1stincoffee.com. (7:09)

Grinders - The Central Core of Good Coffee (8:11)
- Bodum Antigua: Decent grinder, the lowest priced one that Mark recommends. Available at: amazon.com; zaccardis.com; 1stincoffee.com. $50-$70. (9:22)
- Solis Maestro Classic/Solis Maestro Plus: Well designed; the Plus has better features. Grinds into a bin or portafilter. Classic, $100-$110; Plus, $150. (9:59)
- Baratza Virtuoso: Just released 12/15. Beefy burr group design; no float in burrs. Powerful DC motor. $200. (10:32)
- KitchenAid Proline: Extremely even grind; perfect as cupping grinder for this price range. Looks great, although Beata thinks itâs a bit industrial. $150 (on sale) to $200 at amazon.com. (12:03)
- Rancilio Rocky: Fantastic grinder. Well built, very quiet, doserless model also available. $270 (black or white) to $300 (stainless steel). (12:59)
- Mazzer Mini: Full-blown (albeit slow) commercial grinder, fantastic build quality, infinite adjustable grind, the ultimate grinder for the home espresso enthusiast. $400. (13:27)

Home Espresso Machines (14:09)
- White Gaggia Carezza: All-brass portafilter, nice grouphead design, same internal parts as more expensive Gaggias. Sure, it has a cheap plastic exterior, froth aider and no cup warmer, but combined with a good quality grinder makes a great intro setup. Available at wholelattelove.com, $180.(14:19)
- Krups XP4000 Series: Quite capable for espresso, for brewing pod coffee on par with Solis SL70. Down side is no hot water ability, pressurized filter baskets, and Krups autofroth system. Looks good, heats up properly. Available at zaccardis.com, $200. (15:58)
- Saeco Gran Crema: Heats up fast to steam mode. Compatible with Panarello frothing system. Visible water reservoir level; holds a lot of water. Good starter machine. $250. (19:06)
- Espressione Retro: Insider tip â If youâd like to own the famous retro-looking Francis Francis! X1 seen on âWill and Graceâ? and âSex and the Cityâ? but donât want to pay $650-$700, buy the Espressione Retro. Same cool retro look and 70-80% of the internal parts are identical to the FF!. Available at zaccardis.com, $379. (19:59)
- Solis SL70 Crema: Amazing steaming, brews great espresso. Does pod and standard coffee; good hot water ability. Recommend an unpressurized basket for the portafilter. $380-$400. (22:42)
- Rancilio Silvia: A perennial favorite. ~$500. (24:31)
- Pasquini Livia 90 Semiautomatic: Markâs first uber-serious machine. Not E61-based. Take off the froth aider, put on a standard froth tip, and itâs a great machine. $1250. (25:02)
- Expobar Brewtus II: Mark has never used it, but thereâs a lot of positive talk about this impressive dual-boiler E61 machine. Available at wholelattelove.com, $1700. (26:11)
- Innova (Ascaso) Arc: Specifically for Canadians - the Ascaso Arc sells for $500-$600 in the US, but is substantially less in Canada. Contact morala.com, and ask for Hamid to get the price. (27:21)
- La Pavoni Professional: A manual, direct piston machine. $750. (28:34)
- Elektra Microcasa a Leva: Beautiful spring piston lever machine. Some temp surfing is necessary to achieve the right water temperature for brewing, but if you can master it, you may be blown away by the quality of the coffee. $900 (29:12)

Coffee-Related Things
- Bodum Pavina Line: Double walled glass cups. So good at thermal insulation, they donât need preheating. 2 oz espresso cups, 2 per box, $11 at amazon.com; 8 oz. cappuccino cups, $14 at amazon.com. (30:50)
- Caffeine molecule t-shirt: This t-shirt and other caffeine molecule merchandise will definitely make you out to be a coffeegeek. Available at thinkgeek.com. T-shirt, $15. (31:52)
- Ghirardelli sweet chocolate powder: Markâs recommendation for chocolate lovers, available in bulk at coffeewholesalers.com, $5/lb. (32:22)
- Cupping wheel mousepad: For those who want to learn more about cupping. Available at the Specialty Coffee Association of America, scaa.org, $10 for non-members. (32:38)
- Aerobie Aeropress: Not quite an espresso machine, not quite an inverse press pot. Fun for the experimental espresso fanatic. $30. (33:01)
- Illy cups: Limited edition collector cups decorated by famous artists, a fantastic gift. Available in espresso and cappuccino sizes at 1stincoffee.com. (34:08)
- Capresso H2O glass kettle: Mark and Beataâs favorite kettle. Made from Schott glass. Plastic base, cordless, 48oz. Efficient, fast, looks gorgeous. Available at zaccardis.com, $60-$70. (35:23)

Outro (36:19)
The second pre-Christmas show should be recorded on the 23rd or 24th (featuring Mark and Beata sending out their holiday messages and reflecting on the past year), but in case you donât tune in, a very merry Christmas, very happy holidays, and a prosperous and fun-filled new year to all of you!

Reprise: Eartha Kitt - Santa Baby, Alexkid Remix - from the Merry Mixmas - Christmas Classics Remixed CD.

CG Podcast 027 - Tasting Intelly, SCAA and Restaurants

podcast@coffeegeek.com — Mon, 12 Dec 2005 23:17:00 GMT

Here it is folks - thanks VERY much to Cindy for doing the excellent show notes!

20.8mb, 78:13 mm:ss. 40 kbps bitrate, 44.1Hz sample rate, mono channel.

Questions or comments podcast@coffeegeek.com or call the voicemail line at 1-206-965-8185, or Skype to Skype - search for the "CoffeeGeek" username.

Take your pick on how to listen:

RSS Feed link for subscribing, or

CG Podcast 027 MP3 File for straight downloading.

Apple iTunes direct link.

Show Notes

Introduction (2:45)
- Co-Host Brad Ford, Co-owner of Wicked CafÃ, Vancouver, distributor of Intelligentsia Coffee in Canada

Nick Cho (5:17)
- Will he run as for a position on the SCAA Board?

SCAA Talk â Retailers and the SCAA (8:37)
- Mark gives a primer on the SCAA and describes the components of the organization. (8:37)
- Brad and Mark talk about what retailers want and need from trade organizations like the SCAA. (15:16)
- Mark details four things the SCAA could do to stop the churn of retailer membership: increase communication; provide retailers with continually updated consumer education tools; offer training/informational products to retailers on the business side of coffee; and organize small regional events. (18:57)
- Mark and Brad discuss how the SCAA could interact with SCAA consumer members. (25:44)
- Mark announces that the CG podcast may host a debate in January between the candidates for SCAA second vice-president (should someone choose to run against Mark Inman). (29:40)

Ambush Interview! (33:17)
- Doug Zell of Intelligentsia Coffee briefs Mark and Brad on the coffees they will be tasting later in the show. Doug also talks about how they acquired the Tres Santos Micro-Lots and about restaurants that are now offering customers a menu of Intelligentsia micro-lot/Cup of Excellence coffees to choose from.

Coffee Tasting
- Rwandan Musasa (45:23): Medium body with an initial kick, berry notes, a bit of acidity and smooth finish. Markâs first pick among the three when served with cream.
- Cruz del Sur, Peru (48:20): Intelligentsiaâs new exclusive coffee. The Peru buying trip with Geoff Watts is described on the Intelligentsia web site. Sweet juicy tomatoey flavor; cream brings out chocolate notes.
- Tres Santos Micro-Lot, Almaguer, Colombia (50:26): First pick for both Brad and Mark as black coffee. Sweet with a red licorice aftertaste and a lot of intensity. With cream, Mark describes it as a cacophony of fruit.

Restaurant Coffee (56:15)
- Mark offers to record a how-to podcast on amping up restaurant coffee service on location at the fabulous Aurora Bistro, Vancouver. Mark and Brad look at ways restaurants can elevate coffee service, including offering press pot service, offering a selection of four or five quality coffees paired to desserts, and expanding the job of the sommelier to include coffee. Equipment and cost issues are discussed and Mark lays out his dream setup for restaurant coffee service.

Thanks again to Cindy for writing this up - very detailed!

CG Podcast 026 - LM Open House, Emails and a Rant!

podcast@coffeegeek.com — Wed, 30 Nov 2005 07:18:00 GMT

Here it is, barely a week and a day after the last one (picking up speed!

Details:

13.9mb, 48:43 mm:ss. 40 kbps bitrate, 44.1Hz sample rate, mono channel.

Questions or comments podcast@coffeegeek.com or call the voicemail line at 1-206-965-8185, or Skype to Skype - search for the "CoffeeGeek" username.

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CG Podcast 026 MP3 File for straight downloading.

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Show Notes

Mark talks briefly about the new mics he's been using, from Samson, which are really good quality. Mics used are the CO1 and the CO1U (USB condenser mic).

Details about the La Marzocco "Open House event featuring the GS3 prototype machine with amazing temperature profile control.
- held at Elysian Coffee and Tea
- Used coffee supplied by Intelligentsia (thanks Doug!
- Also, Mark pulled a "barista" shift at a charity event the day before, for the Starlight Foundation.
- GS3 really held up. 70+ drinks made at the charity event in 3 hours, and many at the open house.
- Mark details a speed test he did on the GS3, building 18 espressos (9 double shots) in 10 mins - 16 were serve-able.
- Feedback was awesome.
- Mark declares that "the machine is no longer a variable to worry about" when it comes to the GS3

Second segment - a Rant on Quality vs. Labels in coffee.
- Mark talks about how way too many cafes are bandying about terms like "shade grown", "bird friendly", "relationship coffee" and "fairly traded" without much to back it up.
- Suggests that the top 10 or 15 quality roasters in the US should start up a new council of ethics and quality for coffee, modeled loosely on the 1950's Comics Authority Code.
- Mark suggests that shade grown, fairly traded, etc, is being used to imply quality tasting coffee, when it's not - it's becoming the new "gourmet" coffee term.

Third segment -Emails!
- Mark reads some ridiculous claims on a Canadian website claiming coffee needs to be aged at least 15-30 days (after roasted), but ideally 4-6 months after roasted before drinking. Suggests trying it yourself to see if it's true or not.
- Email asking about what ratios of ground coffee to water. Mark suggests starting with 7g of coffee per 120ml of water (4oz), then experiment.
- Question about rating grinders purely by the specifications. Mark suggests finding out about the usability and real life production of grinders - reading some of CoffeeGeek's 753 Consumer Reviews of Grinders is a good start.
- Question about temperature curve (cooling water) used in brewing press pot coffee.
- Mark gets his pronunciation corrected.
- An email suggesting coffee "recipes" (ie, blending, but with a twist).

Enjoy!

CG Podcast 025 - Huge Show!

podcast@coffeegeek.com — Mon, 21 Nov 2005 06:09:00 GMT

Latest and greatest is now online... it's late again, sorries!

Details:

21.1mb, 77:17 mm:ss. 40 kbps bitrate, 44.1Hz sample rate, mono channel.

Questions or comments podcast@coffeegeek.com or call the voicemail line at 1-206-965-8185, or Skype to Skype - search for the "CoffeeGeek" username.

Take your pick on how to listen:

RSS Feed link for subscribing, or

CG Podcast 025 MP3 File for straight downloading.

Apple iTunes direct link.

Show Notes

Coffees and Machines in the CG Lab!

- Coffee from Double Shot Coffee, who also have a podcast, which can be subcribed through iTunes. Great coffee.
- On the test bench - the Vibiemme Domobar Super, the Krups XP4020, and finishing up the Detailed Review on the Isomac Super Giada
- The La Marzocco GS3 has arrived. Mark babbles, because he's so excited. Several threads on CoffeeGeek (thread one, thread two) talk about the machine.

Tasting Batdorf and Bronson Coffee with Mark and Beata.

- Three limited edition blends, called latitudes.
- Ethiopian Yirgacheffe "Kello" was Beata's first pick as a black coffee, and it shows massive blueberry as it cools down and a tiny bit of cream is added.
- Panama Esmerelda Jaramillo was Beata's first choice with milk. It is a very acidic coffee that gets better as it cools, finishes with "table red wine" acidity. With a bit of milk, brings out big caramel, or a combo of vanilla and spice. Putting sugar in this (if you use milk) would be a criminal act.

- El Salvador Siberia is a surprise - Mark, who doesn't normally like acidic coffees, picks this one as his first choice. Amazing finish, very complex, pecan really starts to jump out. With milk, it goes chocolate spice.

News and updates with Jeanette Chan
- Jeanette and Mark talk about the CoffeeFest trade show, dink booth operators (some rude dude selling artsy coffeehouse tables), all the trinkets and stuff at the show.
- Some talk about the Clover espresso machine
- More talk about the La Marzocco GS3
- News, including beer coffee, (yikes), cancer fund raising in coffee, and much more.

Enjoy!

CG Podcast 024 - NWRBC, CoffeeFest and Tastings

podcast@coffeegeek.com — Mon, 7 Nov 2005 08:24:00 GMT

Hiya Folks - again sorry for the delays. Here's the latest!

Details:

17.6mb, 58:29 mm:ss. 40 kbps bitrate, 44.1Hz sample rate, mono channel.

Questions or comments podcast@coffeegeek.com or call the voicemail line at 1-206-965-8185, or Skype to Skype - search for the "CoffeeGeek" username.

Take your pick on how to listen:

RSS Feed link for subscribing, or

CG Podcast 024MP3 File for straight downloading.

Apple iTunes direct link.

Show Notes
Brief, cuz I want to get to bed. ;)

- Lots of discussion about CoffeeFest, including some reports from some seminars.
- Discussion about the North West Regional Barista Championships
- Talk about the Clover!
- Talk about Nick and his lost podcasts (which really sucks)
- Talk about Mark's shift away from Latte Art
- No talk about the La Marzocco GS3 yet, cuz I didn't have it when these were recorded

Then a tasting of Victrola Coffees stolen from the show!

Enjoy folks.

CG Podcast 023 - The Mega Email Episode

podcast@coffeegeek.com — Mon, 24 Oct 2005 08:01:00 GMT

A massive email answering session, with Beata reading the emails, and Mark attempting to answer them!

CG Podcast 021 - SCAA, Email and News

podcast@coffeegeek.com — Sun, 25 Sep 2005 00:17:00 GMT

Details:

17.2mb, 60:07 mm:ss. 40 kbps bitrate, 44.1Hz sample rate, mono channel.

Questions or comments podcast@coffeegeek.com or call the voicemail line at 1-206-965-8185, or Skype to Skype - search for the "CoffeeGeek" username.

Take your pick on how to listen:

RSS Feed link for subscribing, or

CG Podcast 021 MP3 File for straight downloading.

Apple iTunes direct link.

Show Notes
Reading of the SCAA Bulletin from the Board, and the followup Notice
- SCAA is broke due to "financial irregularities" supposedly due to the previous financial officer's conduct.
- Mark Prince talks about how the SCAA can evolve and actually benefit and become more viable from this crisis.
- The SCAA has three problems that need to be addressed
- Needs to be completely transparent, and evolve into a 21rst century trade organization and stop being mired in the 1970s and 1980s "corporate mentality" that currently plagues it. And start sending out a monthly or bi-weekly electronic newsletter / networking letter to members via email.
- Needs to be a year round organization that isn't just about the annual trade show and conference.
- Needs to genuinely address why they have so many lapsed members. This organization probably has a lapsed membership roll of 7,500 or more members. Why? Fix it.
- Mark has problems with the SCAA using the term "first responders" - this should be reserved for those who take life-risks in aiding those who truly need help, ie, firefighters, hurricane relief workers, etc.

Mark answers emails
- Which is better to attend - Illy's Universita del caffe in Trieste, or the American Barista and Coffee School in Portland.
- What is the difference between doserless and doser espresso grinders and which is better
- Mention of the Espresso Glossary on CoffeeGeek
- A question on heat exchanger machines, why they may be too hot, and single boiler machines that don't have enough power.
- Reader would like a "quick tips" part of the podcast. Mark give a tip for good coffee: a good grinder.

News with Jeanette. You can contact Jeanette at news@coffeegeek.com
- Stolen cappuccino machine
- Tim Hortons stops the "Get Mugged" program
- Indonesia ramps up coffee production to create more instant Coffee
- Helping out Hurricane Katrina first responders
- IllyCafe opens in SoHo, NYC
- Email to the news editor, re Jura Capresso advertising super autos in Cargo Magazine
- Ramping up coffee stuff in NOLA - Mark mentions no specialty coffee comes in through New Orleans
- Pam Anderson and Espresso

Enjoy!

CG Podcast 020 - Emails and Radio!

podcast@coffeegeek.com — Thu, 15 Sep 2005 04:58:00 GMT

Details:

12.1mb, 42:35 mm:ss. 40 kbps bitrate, 44.1Hz sample rate, mono channel.

Questions or comments podcast@coffeegeek.com or call the voicemail line at 1-206-965-8185, or Skype to Skype - search for the "CoffeeGeek" username.

Take your pick on how to listen:

RSS Feed link for subscribing, or

CG Podcast 020 MP3 File for straight downloading.

Apple iTunes direct link.

Show Notes

Emails Answered

- What makes a good home blend. Mark talks about Brasil, Guatamala, Sumatra, and Yemen
- Corrections on cafe locations: Coffee Klatch is in San Dimas, CA, not San Diego. Ecco Caffe is in Santa Rosa, CA, not Santa Barbara
- Listener from Nepal! Woot!
- Writer from Oslo talks about his progression in espresso.

Radio Interviews
Surpise content for CG Podcast 020 - Some radio interviews I've done in the past that contain good info, and show a snapshot of my espresso knowledge 3+ years ago.
- CBC Radio interview, talking about coffee, the romance of coffee, while doing a cupping
- This was the impetus for creating the Beginner's Guide to Cupping
- CKNW Interview - general discussion about coffee, how to get good coffee at home, and where good cafes are in Vancouver. I even brought in a balance brewer for her to check out.

A slightly shorter one today, but hey, you get two podcasts in only 3 days! ;)

Enjoy folks!

CG Podcast 019

podcast@coffeegeek.com — Mon, 12 Sep 2005 23:03:00 GMT

The latest one - an awesome round table with Inny.

Details:

17.6mb, 61:45 mm:ss. 40 kbps bitrate, 44.1Hz sample rate, mono channel.

Questions or comments podcast@coffeegeek.com or call the voicemail line at 1-206-965-8185, or Skype to Skype - search for the "CoffeeGeek" username.

Take your pick on how to listen:

RSS Feed link for subscribing, or

CG Podcast 019 MP3 File for straight downloading.

Apple iTunes direct link.

Show Notes

- Shout outs to a bunch of people who've been really supportive this past few weeks (hey, it's better than ranting about someone who's been a dink! LOL!)
- We have a new DAP player to record remote shows with - the iAudio U2, thanks to Nick Cho!

Roundtable discussion with Instaurator!
- Discussion about WBC - where Inny hoped it would go
- Background on who owns WBC (SCAA and SCAE)
- Australian competitions, and how BMW is a major sponsor (we wish, over here!)
- Australia "thinks outside the box" on lots of foodie and coffee issues
- Discussion about the Nordic Barista Cup
- Illy - an enigma!
- Baristas should learn about roasting
- Roasters should learn how to pull shots
- Falling in love with coffee... in France!
- How Australia is almost 100% espresso (no drip coffee) in retail cafes and restaurants
- Australian terminology for espresso (short black, flat white, etc).
- Espresso for kids?
- All about Michel's Espresso (in Australia)
- George Sabados, Emily Oak (sorry Emily!), Paul Bassett.
- WBC winning espresso (2003) had a Cup of Excellence Guat in it.
- Signature drinks with kangaroo meat! (hint - it's a savoury drink, not sweet!)

Enjoy folks!

CG Podcast 018 - News, Tastings and More

podcast@coffeegeek.com — Thu, 8 Sep 2005 18:05:00 GMT

Here it is folks - jam packed, and includes a sneak peak at a future CG article that's taking some time to write.

Details:

22.3mb, 78:14 mm:ss. 40 kbps bitrate, 44.1Hz sample rate, mono channel.

Questions or comments podcast@coffeegeek.com or call the voicemail line (NEW!) at 1-206-965-8185, or Skype to Skype - search for the "CoffeeGeek" username.

Take your pick on how to listen:

RSS Feed link for subscribing, or

CG Podcast 018 MP3 File for straight downloading.

Apple iTunes direct link.

Show Notes

Listener Emails 2:38
- Big Kudos email, but talks about wifi in cafes
- Listener asks about espresso machine choice, Mark points her to the Consumer Reviews section for good info on machines.
- Email on Mark Inman and his take on single origin espresso.
- Email on Vietnamese Coffee (the brewing style, not the beans)
- Discussion about Adam Curry and his lust for the Philips Senseo.
- Listener asks for a recommendation on a good small roaster for a startup - Mark mentions Ambex Roasters and praises Terry Davis.

Five Principles of a Good Espresso Blend 23:15

The shot must look visually proper
The blend should be tolerant of a wide variety of brewing conditions
The espresso must taste good both straight and in as much as 1:3 ratio to milk.
The shot should not be excessively bitter or sour.
The espresso brewed must stand up to time, and age gracefully.

Mark says that only three espresso blends that he's tried in the last few years fit this profile. When the article is written, you'll find out which ones win, and which ones lose out.

News with Jeanette Chan 31:10
- Five news items, you can read them at "CoffeeGeek Resources"
- Discussion pieces mainly focus on Hurricane Katrina. Mark points out that one tiny silver lining is that small coffee farmers may benefit from as much as 1.5 million bags (over 200 million pounds) of coffee being damaged.
- Should CoffeeGeek put out press releases on important CG stuff? Email press@coffeegeek.com and let Jeanette know.

Tasting Notes, Victrola Coffee
- four coffees tasted
- Ethiopian Harrar Horse
- Panama Kotowa Finca Duncan
- Guatamala Hue Hue Tenango
- Brasil Fazenda Shalon, #4 in the Cerrado Cup, 2004.

Donate to the American Red Cross for Hurricane Katrina Relief today.

Enjoy folks!

CG Podcast 017 - The Hines Interviews

podcast@coffeegeek.com — Thu, 1 Sep 2005 00:18:00 GMT

Well, we didn't talk specifically about Hines Public Market Coffee as much as I wanted to, but we did get some discussion in ;)

Details:

16.7mb, 58:16 mm:ss. 40 kbps bitrate, 44.1Hz sample rate, mono channel.

Questions or comments podcast@coffeegeek.com or call the voicemail line (NEW!) at 1-206-965-8185, or Skype to Skype - search for the "CoffeeGeek" username.

Take your pick on how to listen:

RSS Feed link for subscribing, or

CG Podcast 017 MP3 File for straight downloading.

Apple iTunes direct link.

Show Notes

Intro, discussion about Hines Public Market Coffee, and their plans for the future
- includes a possible scoop on their new location

Roundtable with Kyle and Tony from Victrola Coffee
- www.victrolacoffee.net
- Tony's blog is at www.tonx.org
- discussion about Hines and John Sanders
- discussion about competing in barista competitions, training "on the street"
- discussion about collab efforts amongst small roasters to help promote farms and get good coffee to customers
- discussion about competitions and how what we learn at them can translate to shops
- discussion about what would be good things to see on a show about coffee on the Food Network.

Interview with Kent Bakke, President, ESI.
www.esi-online.com
- talk about the early days of espresso machines in Seattle
- how Bakke started selling machines to Starbucks
- how the 1990s were awesome for ESI and Starbucks
- talk about the Swift Grinder
- discussion about the new home machine from La Marzocco

Enjoy Folks!

CG Podcast 16 - Emails Galore and Phone Call

podcast@coffeegeek.com — Thu, 25 Aug 2005 01:33:00 GMT

19.8mb, 69:14 mm:ss. 40 kbps bitrate, 44.1Hz sample rate, mono channel.

Questions or comments podcast@coffeegeek.com or call the voicemail line (NEW!) at 1-206-965-8185, or Skype to Skype - search for the "CoffeeGeek" username.

Take your pick on how to listen:

RSS Feed link for subscribing, or

CG Podcast 016 MP3 File for straight downloading.

Apple iTunes direct link.

Show Notes
Mark Intros 16 of the CoffeeGeek Podcast, is joined by "Personal Assistant" Beata Siwinski for the show.

Show Sponsor: Kades Coffee who are offering Podcast listeners a 15% off discount and free shipping with every order, if you use coupon code "coffeegeek" (without the quotes).

- Discussion about how there's not going to be any kind of rivalry between the CG Podcast and the Portafilter Podcast.

- A coffeegeek member in our forums has lost everything in a fire. We're running a Paypal donation link until Friday to raise money for TwoMartinis.

- News Editor Jeanette Chan will be back very soon on the podcast

Emails!

- Question about how to measure an espresso shot. Mark talks about WBC Standards, personal prefs.
- Question asking about home roasters, including Mark's fave - the Hottop.
- Question about tampers, about their cost. Mark talks about artisan tools for woodworkers, and baristas.
- Question about finding good espresso in Kansas City and San Diego. Mark lists a bunch of good cafes to check out.
- Question about difference between semi-auto and automatic espresso machines. Mark gives a primer on the four classes of espresso machines - manual, semi automatic, automatic, and super automatic.
- Question about decaf and decaf espresso. Mark talks about caffeine levels (again!) and two decaf coffees he likes - a decaf Peru Organic (buy green here) and decaf Black Cat from Intelligentsia
- Beata reads a bunch of comments from Podcast Alley
- A email about the dark underside of the crappy beans that the Big Four buy from the world market - a primer on defects and "foreign objects" the coffees have. (visit the ICO Site for more info)
- Questions about CO2 levels in coffee differing around the world
- Question asking about how to get more "single estate" coffee recognition.

Audio Call from a surprise USBC Finalist.
Mark and Beata surprise-callback that same USBC Finalist!

Enjoy folks! Remember our sponsor, www.kadescoffee.com - they brought you this podcast. Visit them and try out their coffees - use coupon code "coffeegeek" to get 15% off your order and free shipping.

CG Podcast 015 - Ken Davids, Pt II

podcast@coffeegeek.com — Wed, 17 Aug 2005 19:34:00 GMT

Questions or comments podcast@coffeegeek.com or call the voicemail line (NEW!) at 1-206-965-8185, or Skype to Skype - search for the "CoffeeGeek" username.

Take your pick on how to listen:

RSS Feed link for subscribing, or

CG Podcast 015 MP3 File for straight downloading.

Apple iTunes direct link.

Show Notes

- Introduction, ref to "it's about the quality, not about the buzz" thread on CoffeeGeek.
- New editor for the content section on CoffeeGeek is starting up - more articles soon?
- Podcast Alley ranking rocks - 24th as of this podcast!
- No emails or audio mails this show, but don't worry, they will be back next episode.
- Shout out to EatFeed who promise a new show very soon!
- Portafilter.net has a new podcast out - bad audio quality, great content.
- Mark talks about respecting the heck out of Chris Tacy while almost never agreeing with him.
- Mark harps on Engadget promoting a Nespresso machine when a few weeks before they got plenty of advice that dissed said nespresso.
- Mark talks about getting coffee from Ecco Cafe in Santa Rosa, and talks up the coolness factor of Andrew Barnett.

Ken Davids Interview
- Home roasting discussion - how Ken started home roasting
- Discussion about the history of home roasting since 1976
- Discussion about a patent lawyer who stymies the development of consumer home roasting products (his name is Howard Gells)
- Ken remembers "prior instance" of popcorn poppers used for home roasting, (between 1976 and 1981), long before Gells' patents were filed.
- Talk about roasters available in the 1990s
- Ken tells us that the future may have some good new products
- Discussion about drum roasters - the Alpenrost, the Hottop, roasting with BBQs
- Mark talks about newest trend - using indoor rotisserie products (like the Showtime Rotisserie) to roast coffee
- Talk about cupping - how Ken started
- Cupping's purpose
- Cupping in the home for information purposes
- Cupping in the home for entertainment purposes. Mark talks about the Cupping Guides on CoffeeGeek.
- Ken gets some new ideas for the next editions of his books ;)

Closing song by Smallfish called Smoothie King, from the Podsafe Music Network.

Enjoy!

CG Podcast 014 - Emails and Instaurator!

podcast@coffeegeek.com — Fri, 12 Aug 2005 07:03:00 GMT

17.6mb, 60:29 mm:ss. 40 kbps bitrate, 44.1Hz sample rate, mono channel.

Questions or comments podcast@coffeegeek.com or call the voicemail line (NEW!) at 1-206-965-8185, or Skype to Skype - search for the "CoffeeGeek" username.

Take your pick on how to listen:

RSS Feed link for subscribing, or

CG Podcast 014 MP3 File for straight downloading.

Apple iTunes direct link.

Show Notes

Intro, song by Small Fish, called "Coffee Shop" from the Podsafe Music Network.

Emails
- Joe explains how Co2 transports oils, lipids and aromatics in ground coffee to your cup.
- Jason writes in about the OneSixtyBlue restaurant in Chicago doing coffee right.
- Mark explains why Intelligentsia Coffee Roasters is CoffeeGeek's official coffee supplier.
- Jason also asks about if its okay to freeze coffee, because George Howell said so. George only talked about freezing green coffee.
- Ottawa listener writes in about Le Cordon Bleu in Ottawa also doing good coffee.
- Donald writes in about vac pots. Mark tells a bit, and promises an entire podcast on vacpots.
- Liam from Belfast writes in about espresso being a "whole life experience"; Mark talks about God shots and the ever moving bar of quality.
- Drew writes in asking about refurb machines and the Capresso C3000.
- Email about Starbucks and super autos.
- Audio mail about finding a good tamper for a Krups combo machine. Mark talks about the Staub Tamp
- Audio Kudos, Mark talks about the role of the podcast

Mini Round Table with Instaurator.
- you'll have to tune in to find out what was talked about. It's good stuff! And more to come from Instaurator!

Wrap up, don't forget to vote for us at Podcast Alley!

Enjoy folks!

CG Podcast 013 - Heaps o' News, Tasting Coffees

podcast@coffeegeek.com — Mon, 8 Aug 2005 21:27:00 GMT

It's new. It's fun. It's got new audio equipment! It's the CoffeeGeek Podcast!

Details:

18.4mb, 65:35 mm:ss. 40 kbps bitrate, 44.1Hz sample rate, mono channel.

Questions or comments podcast@coffeegeek.com or call the voicemail line (NEW!) at 1-206-965-8185, or Skype to Skype - search for the "CoffeeGeek" username.

Take your pick on how to listen:

RSS Feed link for subscribing, or

CG Podcast 013 MP3 File for straight downloading.

Apple iTunes direct link.

Show Notes
Intro music: The Groove, by Audiopharm, from Podsafe Music Network

Introduction, props going out to the EatFeed podcast, and a plea from Mark for them to start doing the show again.

Comments on new audio setup for the CG Podcast (including what appears to be one bum microphone :( ). Let us know how you like the audio: podcast@coffeegeek.com.

We're on Sirius Radio this week! Thanks to Tim Henson of the Distorted View show for featuring our podcast in his guest appearance, taking over for Adam Curry on Sirius!

News with Jeanette Chan. Heaps of it! ;)
- contact Jeanette at news@coffeegeek.com or visit the Resources section at CoffeeGeek.

- Too much news to list - go to the Resources section to see it all.
- Nice discussion by a professor on equating a jar full of stuff (incl. coffee) with life.
- Discussion on Maxwell House "lowering prices for consumers" and how Kraft Foods should instead keep prices level, pay farmers more, and increase the quality of their drink.
- Discussion on Starbucks not going into black neighbourhoods, but Mark talks about how Starbucks is becoming McDonalds, and how the Washington Post parroted coffee blogs and CoffeeGeek.com by saying so.
- 90 second rant on premade, prepackaged coffee beverages

Coffee Evaluation
- Coffees evaluated from CoffeeEmergency: the CBX Dark Espresso and the Panama Berlina Organic.
- Evaluation with Beata and Mark
- Jeanette phones in comments on the Panama
- Instaurator (Inny from Australia) and Mark evaluate the Panama.

Wrap up, reminder to go to Podcast Alley to vote for us, or to subscribe to the show in iTunes.

Enjoy!

CG Podcast 012 - OpEd, Emails and Ken Davids Interview Pt1

podcast@coffeegeek.com — Thu, 4 Aug 2005 00:14:00 GMT

Show Notes
Vote for us at Podcast Alley! New Month, New Votes!
New number to contact us: 1-206-965-8185, or Skype to Skype - search for the "CoffeeGeek" username.

Opinion / Editorial
- Hines Public Market Coffee - closing? Not closing? Wolf!
- KitchenAid Proline Grinder controversy followup.

Emails:
- Murky Coffee not offering espresso blends for sale? (update: apparently not - maybe Nick will answer why); wants to know what beans are "espresso" and what are "coffee". Mark explains all.
- What is the difference between steam driven and pump driven espresso machines.
- What coffee brewers brew coffee at proper temperatures. Answer, not many, but Mark mentions some specifics, including the Capresso MT500, the Capresso CoffeeTec, and the Technivorm coffee maker.
- What is the proper way to drink espresso. Mark mentions Chris Tacy's segment in the Portafilter Podcast; discusses that there is not just one proper way to drink espresso.

Interview with Ken Davids
- Discussion about Ken's early involvement in the business of coffee
- Discussion about Ken's books, Coffee, a Guide to Buying, Brewing and Enjoying, and Espresso: Ultimate Coffee, and Home Coffee Roasting.
- Discussion about Ken's favourite roasters and coffee blends.

Two more interviews from Ken coming down the road.

Enjoy!

CG Podcast 011 - Promos, Emails and News!

podcast@coffeegeek.com — Fri, 29 Jul 2005 02:30:00 GMT

Snakeeyes is up. Listen to me burn several bridges! ;) (but who knows - instead of being pissed off, maybe certain parties will learn from the dissatisfaction expressed). I'm talking to you SW and MF! :D

Details:

16.4mb, 55:35 mm:ss. 40 kbps bitrate, 44.1Hz sample rate, mono channel.

Questions or comments podcast@coffeegeek.com or call toll free and leave an audio question at 1-800-332-9477.

Take your pick on how to listen:

RSS Feed link for subscribing, or

CG Podcast 011 MP3 File for straight downloading.

Apple iTunes direct link.

Show Notes

- Promo played on Daily Source Code (www.curry.com)
- Promo played on Distorted View Daily (www.distortedview.com) - Adult content
- Big shout out to GrapeRadio.com for their all about port episode.

Listener Emails
- Reader "gets it" on grinding, asks for tips on the Mazzer Mini
- Reader asks about long term storage of roasted Coffee. Mark says just say no. Mentions Derek Powazek's blog where he gets one thing wrong.
- Reader asks about Solis SL-70, asks for tips on avoiding "blond crema".
- Restaurant espresso feedback from last episode - Mark suggests a grass roots effort to politely demand better coffee and espresso from fine dining restaurants.
- Reader talks about caffeine levels in various consumer items - Mark talks about caffeine levels in espresso and brewed coffee
- Reader writes in and asks if you can "cheat" the large C02 amounts in just-roasted coffee by leaving ground coffee sitting for a while.

News with Jeanette Chan
- news articles can be found on CoffeeGeek in the Resources section Jeanette can be reached at news@coffeegeek.com
- News on Cancer Fundraiser involving coffee
- Disease resistant coffee in Africa
- Dunkin Donuts Robber Stopper keeps his coffee intact
- Dude on horse rides through drive through window at a Timmy Ho's, and gets charged!
- Specialty coffee consumption is up - SCAA mentioned. Mark goes on a rant tear about the SCAA. Says the real reason why specialty coffee consumption is up is the Internet and the myriad of coffee information sites.
- Starbucks knockoff in Ethiopia. Go Fake Starbucks!
- 90 second rant, Jeanette talks about department store espresso machines.

Close out talk, News about upcoming podcasts
Mark plays a song written by Sandy Andina, a CoffeeGeek member.

Enjoy!

CG Podcast 010 - Restaurant Coffee, Port talk, and Emails

podcast@coffeegeek.com — Mon, 25 Jul 2005 01:05:00 GMT

CGP 010 is online!

Details:

15mb, 53mins. 40 kbps bitrate, 44.1Hz sample rate, mono channel.

Questions or comments podcast@coffeegeek.com or call toll free and leave an audio question at 1-800-332-9477.

Take your pick on how to listen:

RSS Feed link for subscribing, or

CG Podcast 010 MP3 File for straight downloading.

Apple iTunes direct link.

Show Notes

- No roundtable again. It's a bitch to edit.
- Discussion on Restaurant Coffee, and how the best restaurant in the US (French Laundry - website) doesn't even "get it", serving illy pod espresso.
- Suggestion that somelliers at fine dining establishments learn about high end coffee and espresso, take advanced barista training courses, and add it to their repetoire.
- Talk about port wine, and how it is the "espresso" of the booze world (apologies to whiskey and wine drinkers).
- Mark's picks on the best bargains in port wine right now
- Listener emails answered:
- How to know you're getting a good shot of espresso in a cafe
- How important the quality of espresso is in milk drinks
- More on ristretto as a "crutch" drink
- Coffee brewers for the physically disabled.

Enjoy folks! Next wednesday, news with Jeanette Chan and maybe a round table ;)

CG Podcast 009 - Tampers and News

podcast@coffeegeek.com — Mon, 18 Jul 2005 01:10:00 GMT

Show Notes

Cool intro music sent in by Martin Boiselle
Send in your CG Podcast intro promo / tune to podcast@coffeegeek.com

No roundtable yet - editing nightmare

Audio Question - what's Mark's opinion on the Thor Tamper (www.thortamper.com)

Long discussion on the Thor Tamper and why tamping is important.

News with Jeanette Chan (and guest Beata Siwinski!) news@coffeegeek.com
- "CoffeeGeek Resources" for more info
- Detailed Article about farms working to get fair wages for their labourers
- Coffee Carts make big business
- Failed attempt to sneak a sheep article in ;)
- Proposed Nairobi sales of Coffee
- Discussion: Tully's Losing money. Mark talks about the Tully's trainer being a last minute USBC entrant.
- Discussion - a new balance brewer on the market (www.espressovero.com). Mark gives a tiny primer on vac pots and balance brewers, and says the Espresso Vero offerings are too expensive. Mentions Hario (www.hario.com).
- 90 Second Rant - messy coffee!

This podcast is sponsored by www.1stincoffee.com and we really appreciate their sponsorship. If you like this podcast, please consider 1st in Coffee the next time you're in the market for anything coffee and espresso related.

Woot! Enjoy! Comment! We don't live in a vacuum! Only good coffee does, occasionally.

CoffeeGeek Podcast 008 - Mark flys solo!

podcast@coffeegeek.com — Thu, 14 Jul 2005 02:40:00 GMT

... but you would know that if you are subscribed through a program like iTunes or iPodder, wouldn't you ;)

But for those who just like downloading the MP3 raw, here you go:

12.5mb, 43:48 (mm:sec) 40 kbps bitrate, 44.1Hz sample rate, mono channel.

Questions or comments podcast@coffeegeek.com or call toll free and leave an audio question at 1-800-332-9477.

Take your pick on how to listen:

RSS Feed link for subscribing, or

CG Podcast 008 MP3 File for straight downloading.

Apple iTunes direct link.

Show Notes
Shownotes

Funny intro, created by Louis Counter www.brokendrumrecords.com
Send your creative intro (30 seconds to 2 minutes) for the show to podcast@coffeegeek.com

Iced Americano Recipe:
- 12 oz glass, fill with 4 oz water, four ice cubes
- brew double shot of espresso
- pour into glass, stir
- add sugar water and milk or cream to taste

Hosting Mp3s on Liberated Syndication. Check out our blog at Libsyn
Passed 1,000 regular subscribers, and an average of 1800 downloads per show (and climbing)

Discussion about how the CG Podcast is made
- Sony ECMMS907 Microphone
- Sony VGN-T250 Notebook Computer
- Audacity used to record.
- File saved as OGG Vorbis, 8 quality, then converted to a 32-40kbit, 44.1khz Mono MP3 file
- iTunes used to create ID2 tags, insert "album art"

Rant about email to CoffeeGeek - averaging nearly 200 a day now.
Mark asks listeners to do their legwork first before emailing questions that are not podcast related
- use Google
- research our CoffeeGeek Forums for answers to your questions
- use our Consumer Reviews section to find out about machines.

Mark doesn't want to discourage emails, but asks that you do some research on your own first before you email him.

Primer on CoffeeGeek Site - Forums, Guides section, Resources Section, more.
Teaser on the forthcoming gargantuan Espresso Guide

Machines undergoing final processes for their Detailed Reviews
- Innova Arc Espresso machine, from Morala Trading in Ottawa, Canada (>$400 Cdn)
- Innova Dream Espresso machine, also from Morala Trading, about $650 Cdn
- Jura Capresso S9 Super Automatic, from 1st in Coffee
Also mentioned, Solis SL-70

Shoutout to Chris Tacy, found at http://godshot.blogspot.com
Also listen to the Portafilter Podcast, found at www.portafilter.net

Next podcast should be online tomorrow. I am (still) manually updating the links on the front page and here in forums. Subscribe, and you'll never miss a podcast, even if I am slow in posting these manual changes ;)

CoffeeGeek Podcast 007 - News, Mail Call and Tips for Newbies

podcast@coffeegeek.com — Sun, 10 Jul 2005 19:19:00 GMT

Hola Folks! CoffeeGeek Podcast 007 is online, and we had a lot of fun with this one. Where else can you go from Aretha Franklin, to Bach, to Marilyn Manson all in the same podcast? Oh, and a little Bond too.

MP3 Format: 16.2mb, 71:03 (mm:sec) 32 kbps bitrate, 32Hz sample rate, mono channel.

Questions or comments podcast@coffeegeek.com or call toll free and leave an audio question at 1-800-332-9477.

Take your pick on how to listen:

RSS Feed link for subscribing, or

CG Podcast 007 MP3 File for straight downloading.

Apple iTunes direct link.

Show notes:
Introduction
Little Bond Clip
Talk about Danny, the England Espresso Guy
Farmers Markets rock - can be hidden places to find good espresso

Listener Mail
What are CoffeeGeeks' fave drinks?
Why doesn't Mark like ristrettos?
Audio Question - including segments that cover definitions of basic terms in coffee and espresso

News Segment
Quick news - company with organic coffees; roasting company beats folgers, dean & deluca in blind taste test; Drink lots of coffee and reduce type 2 diabetes.
Discussion news - Jamaican Blue Mountain - scammers worried about scams? Kopi Luwak discussion - yes it is real, and Mark talks about how he got 5 pounds; Cafe Culture and "hanging out" making a comeback?
90 Second Rant: Magazines and TV never show good design incorporating espresso and coffee makers.
news@coffeegeek.com

Coffee and Espresso Tips for Newbies
Beata wonders why the macchiato she gets at Mark's house or at good cafes is different from the macchiato Starbucks makes
Mark details the basic drinks made with espresso, including americano, ristretto, cappuccino, latte, mocha, cafe au lait (technically, a moka pot based drink) and more. Rants quite a bit ;)

Iced decaf triple grande cinnamon no fat mocha..... extra hot. (grin)

Sites mentioned:
www.dannyscoffee.com
www.smithfarms.com
Click Here (www.portafilter.net)
"CoffeeGeek Resources"

Enjoy, leave feedback, call the toll free!

Interviews down the road

podcast@coffeegeek.com — Thu, 7 Jul 2005 05:21:00 GMT

We have lots of podcast plans for down the road, but for now, I want to hear what you would like in the CoffeeGeek Podcast. Here's some of our suggested segments; Tell us if they suit, and if we're missing anything.

- Roundtable discussions with experts in the coffee and espresso business.

- Interviews with coffee and espresso experts around the world

- Discussions with people just discovering the joys of fine coffee

- Coffee as a cultural and artistic thing

- How-to segments teaching the art of coffee and espresso

- News from the world of coffee and espresso

- Product Reviews

- Editorial pieces, including discussion on ethical coffee issues and more.

CoffeeGeek Podcast 006 - Passion for Coffee, Mail Call, Tamper Review and Roundtable

podcast@coffeegeek.com — Wed, 6 Jul 2005 20:00:00 GMT

Intro - what is the podcast all about; Coffee as a passion, and not as a fuel; Read Usenet: groups.google.com and search for alt.coffee Portafilter.net shoutout (www.portafilter.net)

Vote at PodcastAlley.com for the CG Podcast

Mail Call Segment
Mail 1 - what about a $100 setup: Get a grinder. Get good coffee. (Bodum Antigua)

Finding cheap prices: www.froogle.com
Yama Vacpot: www.baratza.com
Mail 2 - Coffee as a ritual for beginners Pointer to www.coffeegeek.com/opinions/newbiecolumn Newbie Revelations
Mail 3 - Recommend a machine to me.
Two machines mentioned - Gaggia Carezza, Solis SL-70
Mail 4 - How many beans in a cup

Mini Review, Reg Barber Tamper Review / Interview with Matt, Prado Cafe www.pradocafe.com
Reg Barber all metal anodized tamper, www.regbarber.com . Highly recommended.

Roundtable Discussion with Alistair Durie (www.elysianroom.com), Sammy Piccolo (www.caffeartigiano.com), Mark Prince and Aaron DeLazzar (Coffee Missionary) Camping coffee. Mentioned products: Peugeot Grinder, Zassenhaus Grinders, Press Pots Cafes with culture: Victrola Coffee (www.victrolacoffee.net), Shoutout to Tonx' website (www.tonx.org)

Wrapup. Email questions to podcast@coffeegeek.com

CoffeeGeek Podcast 005 - News and Coffee on a Budget

podcast@coffeegeek.com — Sun, 3 Jul 2005 14:29:00 GMT

The fifth installment in the CoffeeGeek Podcast features an expanded news section from Jeanette Chan; a new segment we're tentatively calling "Advanced Coffee and Espresso Techniques for the Coffee Newbie"; this week we talk about good coffee on a budget.

This is definitely a consumer-oriented podcast. The roundtable I was hoping to have in this issue will wait until the next podcast.

MP3 format 9.0mb, 39:03 (mm:sec) 32 kbps bitrate, 24 kHz sample rate, mono channel.

Questions or comments podcast@coffeegeek.com or call toll free and leave an audio question at 1-800-332-9477.