Byrnesys Blabberings

F or a while now I have abstained from the horrendous brown mixture indigenous to the UK known as Instant Coffee, and focused my efforts on having better smaller quantities of the real deal and have come to appreciate the creation and consumption of a good cup of coffee.

After reading some things online about coffee and attempted to make a concerted effort to buy things a little more local, I went to the only coffee roaster in Aberdeen yesterday MacBeans. Its pretty well known as it has been around since the 80’s, but the only reason I have been there is to get hold of speciality coffee’s such as Jamaica Blue Mountain for special occasions.

As I said before, I have been trying to have better quality cups of coffee whilst drinking less altogether which has mean that the minimum pack of beans you get in the supermarket (about 250g) was too much coffee, the last 1/3rd of the beans were always slightly stale.

Knowing that Macbeans roast onsite and sell coffee in the way of pic n’mix sweets than your regular ‘corporate airtight packs roasted 5 years ago’, I rolled up and got a half size pack.

So for the next week I’ll be brewing: OLD BROWN JAVA  - Strength Guide 4/5.

"Naturally aged for two years in warehouses, during which time it has lost much of its acidity whilst gaining body and sweetness. Smooth and earthy, with syrupy tones, and hints of spice. Ideal for after dinner or as a strong espresso."

I grind just enough beans for my 3 cup (1 Mug) Bodum caftiere, When ever I get a new coffee I have to work out how long to grind the beans for, too little and the coffee will be weak and watery, too much a the coffee will taste burnt and bitter. My first grind was just right, but my second one was slightly over the top and the coffee was harsher. All in all though the coffee does have plenty of body and for both the lovers and haters out there, has an almost ’starbucksy’ taste to it.