Re: "The $20,000 Cup of Coffee"


<EskWIRED@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:fncs10$4sk$1@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
In alt.coffee, Jack Denver <nunuvyer@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

So is timing: siphon coffee has a
brewing cycle of 45 to 90 seconds.

Did the reporter mix this up with the Clover? I time my "siphon" (a 1936
Narrow-neck Silex vac pot) to extract for 4 minutes. When the water
starts north, I hit a 3 minute egg timer. When the timer runs out, I take
the pot off the flame. About a minute later or so, the coffe is ready.

To some extent, you can compensate for shorter contact time with a finer
grind (depending on the type of filter). I assume 45 to 90 is the time the
water is "up top" and not the total cycle, but who knows what the reporter
was talking about. My balance brewer has a very short cycle time - once the
water is all up top, the flame automatically douses and the return cycle
begins soon after. I "cheat" the machine by pre-wetting the grounds with
hot water. I agree w/ you that about 3 mins of contact ( and a "drip"
grind) is optimal.


I can't imagine how it would even be possible to get the water north and
the coffee south in 45 seconds.

Btw, I have one of the Hario vacpots pictured in the article. I like it.
My sister bought it for me (used) at a junk shop when she lived in Japan.
I rarely use it, though, because the alcohol lamp takes a long time to
heat up the water. I guess I need to go to Home Depot and buy a halogen
lightbulb and a fixture.

Speaking of hot water, you can shorten the time on the Hario by starting
with hot water - it does take forever to boil water with that little alcohol
lamp. Butane microburners are available - I'd get one of those before
messing with lightbulbs.


Oh - and I use a spoon to stir. Maybe that explains my mediocre
results? ;)

Practice those whirlpools. If the Force is with you, you can get the water
to stir with mind power alone and achieve the Dome of Perfection.

--
The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so
certain of themselves, but wiser people so full of doubts.
-- Bertrand Russel

"The best lack all convictions, while the worst

Are full of passionate intensity." - W.B. Yeats





.

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