NightOwl

For episode #50, Joe is joined by special guest Myke Hurley of the Relay.FM podcast network. They discuss how Myke, a British chap that prefers craft coffee over hot tea, enjoys his fussy coffee brew ritual. They also talk about how they started drinking coffee thanks to sweet beverages at Starbucks, how caffeine affects them, and where they get their fresh coffee beans in the United States and back home in England.

Joe has bad news about his Chemex, Eric is weirded out by Joe’s observational skills, and together they discuss ways a listener of the show could upgrade his coffee at home.

For the big Four Zero, Joe and Eric discuss changes in Joe’s household that led him to switch from an AeroPress to a Chemex. In review, the guys debate the merits of a coffee-to-water ratio chart, and Joe names the factors of ‘Eleven Things Only a Coffee Snob Would Understand’, so you can grade yourself on your true level of eccentric coffee snobbery.

There are twelve Keurig coffee makers for sale at Joe’s local Target. People love these devices, so what do we make of them? Eight years ago, Joe’s java journey started with two of these machines. How did Keurigs lead him to artisinal coffee? Eric and Joe debate the pros and cons of K-cups and evaluate what coffee drinkers they serve best.

Believe it or not, Eric has never had a Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte. So we sat down to have one of this year’s pumpkin-puree-infused recipe and give it our review while we cringe at the number of toxic artificial and “natural” ingredients Starbucks uses for their fancy beverages.

Joe returns from vacation in Panama City thirsty for craft coffee in Atlanta, so he gives a report of his first visit to Octane Coffee in Midtown. Also, Eric and Joe review Stumptown Coffee Roaster’s ‘brew kits’ intended for beginning to enthusiast levels of coffee prep at home and travel.

Craft coffee is unique to different parts of the world, even on the East and West coasts of the United States. Our guest, Nick Jesch from outside Portland, Oregon, discusses with Joe his expertise in all aspects of the coffee process: from dirt to the cup. As a dealer, Nick is experienced with a wide range of equipment, roasting and brewing methods, and so much more. Nick has stories to share about coffee farmers and successfully transforming mediocre beans into exceptional roasts.