If you’ve spent anything more than a few seconds with me in the last few years, even if that interaction happened over the Internet, then you’ll know of my coffee addiction.
I’m not talking about a coffee addiction where I can’t function without a cup of coffee in a morning, although for a time that was a concern. I’m talking about a coffee addiction were I’m addicted to the coffee journey. The never ending search for the perfect cup.
Other than the obvious roasting, blending, brewing and dinking, my journey included starting an online coffee shop, working as a barista, attending coffee exhibitions, spending time with roasters, helping out in barista competitions, running coffee web sites, and rubbing shoulders with many a coffee celebrity.
I spent the majority of my time getting to know the intricacies of espresso. The grind, dosage, and distribution. The tamp and how water pressure and temperature affected the extraction. The way different roasts and blends were particular about all of these things and more, and how many different ways a single origin can taste.
I’m intentionally glossing over the details here, but you get the idea. With coffee, there’s an infinite number of variables, and whilst being acutely aware of its impossibility, I was spending every spare second trying to make sure I’d mastered them all.
Anyway, this quest lead me to the purchase of my first espresso machine and grinder, my first coffee roaster, quality cups to drink out of and a host of other coffee related paraphernalia. After a few upgrades I arrived at what is arguably the best home coffee setup on the planet.
Until this afternoon, gracing my kitchen bench was the almight Expobar Minore 2 (Brewtus), The Mazzer Mini, a custom made Greg Pullman Tamp, and a host of other goodies. As I write this post, there’s nothing there but a cheap drip machine and a sunbeam grinder that can only dream of being compared to the Mini Maz. Not even the quality, Italian made cups remain.
Why would I sell such a beautiful setup? The downgrade was an unfortunate side effect of our imminent move to a smaller unit closer to the city. We pick up the keys in a few days.
In a way it’s a sad day. In another way, it’s a landmark decision, evidence of a shift in focus, new priorities, a new lifestyle. Progression? Perhaps… Definitely a change for the better.
If I was sad, I’ve just been cheered up. Radiohead – In Rainbows has just finished downloading and I’m halfway through the first song, 15 Step. I’m going to give it my full attention for at least a few listens.
“How easy it is in our life, to miss what’s being offered.” — Paul Haller