Bullet

The Fruit-Forward Roast Dilemma: Unpacking the Aillio Bullet’s Secret Sauce

The Fruit-Forward Roast Dilemma: Unpacking the Aillio Bullet’s Secret Sauce

Time to spill: The Aillio Bullet’s fruit-forward potential is slipping through your fingers—here’s how to catch it. You’re chasing that mango-ferment brightness, but the coffee’s sweetness is drowning the acidity, and the IBTS RoR spike is throwing your profile off. This isn’t a fluke—it’s a clue. The Ugandan mango co-ferment you’re roasting is a delicate beast, and its behavior is screaming for precision. The coffee’s current profile—maple syrup sweetness, a hint of acidity, and a clean finish—hints at a roast that’s too early to unlock its complexity. Light roasts often flirt with brightness, but they’re also prone to underdeveloped notes.…
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The Best Small Roaster for Hands-Off Coffee Lovers

The Best Small Roaster for Hands-Off Coffee Lovers

Real talk: If you’re eyeing roasting as a side hustle but crave minimal effort, fluid bed roasters are your secret weapon. These machines automate temperature control and airflow, letting you focus on sourcing beans rather than micromanaging the roast. But the question remains: are they worth it? Fluid bed roasters like the Nucleus Link and Ikawa are engineered for precision, using hot air to evenly roast beans. They’re less hands-on than drum roasters, which require constant stirring. However, both models are tiny—perfect for samples but not scalable for a side business. The Nucleus Link, for instance, roasts 2–5 lbs at…
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The Art of Gifting Coffee: How to Impress the Coffee Connoisseur in Your Life

The Art of Gifting Coffee: How to Impress the Coffee Connoisseur in Your Life

If you're looking to impress a coffee lover with a gift, gourmet beans might seem like a no-brainer. But, for the super enthusiast who's tried coffee from around the world, finding the perfect brew can be a daunting task. So, how do you ensure your thoughtful gesture results in genuine appreciation? Let me break it down for you. First off, freshness matters. Coffee beans are at their peak flavor for only 1-2 weeks after roasting. That's when we can taste the most nuanced flavors. After that, they start to break down. So, if your gifted beans have been sitting on…
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Discovering the Perfect Usucha with Fuji-no-Shiro Matcha from Nakamura Tokichi

Discovering the Perfect Usucha with Fuji-no-Shiro Matcha from Nakamura Tokichi

Ready to elevate your tea game? Let's dive into a delightful discovery. The Fuji-no-Shiro matcha from Nakamura Tokichi is a gem that's both affordable and accessible, making it an ideal choice for beginners and seasoned tea enthusiasts alike. This versatile green powder shines in both latte and usucha preparations, offering a surprising smoothness and creaminess that's hard to resist. The secret behind this heavenly taste might be the chasen (bamboo whisk) from Tango Tanimura that I've been using. The combination of these two creates an exceptional tea experience that foams up effortlessly, adding a touch of magic to every cup.…
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Unraveling the Earl Grey Mystery: A Quest for Superior Loose Leaf Brands in the UK

Unraveling the Earl Grey Mystery: A Quest for Superior Loose Leaf Brands in the UK

You've switched from Twinings Earl Grey tea bags to loose leaf, but you're finding it disappointingly weak and lacking that signature bergamot zest. We get it - we've been there too. Let's delve into why your new loose leaf blend might not be living up to expectations, and explore some top-notch UK brands that will satisfy your Earl Grey cravings. First things first: The strength of tea depends on a few factors, including the quantity used, brewing time, and water temperature. While loose leaf allows for more control over these variables, it often requires a bit more experimentation to get…
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Mastering Live Data Display for Artisan Roasting: A Comprehensive Guide

Mastering Live Data Display for Artisan Roasting: A Comprehensive Guide

If you're a small roaster in the UK, like our friend at /u/concerning_noises, you might find yourself wondering how to display live data during artisan roasting. We've got your back. Let's dive into this pressing issue and share some valuable insights. First things first, let's clarify what we mean by 'live data.' In the context of artisan roasting, it refers to real-time monitoring of key parameters like development time and percentage moisture. The good news is that with your Giesen W15, Mac, and Artisan setup, you can indeed display these figures live—but you'll need a bit of tweaking. To achieve…
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Unraveling the Mystery of Silent First Crack in Coffee Roasting

Unraveling the Mystery of Silent First Crack in Coffee Roasting

Some coffee roasters are puzzled by a phenomenon where they can't hear a prominent first crack during the roasting process, despite indications of medium-dark roast. This issue seems to be particularly prevalent with certain coffees like Colombian, Guatemalan Huehue, and Natural Brazilian. Let's dive into this intriguing conundrum. First crack, a significant event in the coffee roasting process, is characterized by an audible popping sound as moisture within the beans begins to evaporate. The first crack usually occurs around 350-400°F (176-204°C) and marks the transition from the drying phase to the development phase. However, it appears that with certain coffees,…
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Aillio Bullet R2 Pro vs Traditional Gas Roaster: Which One Wins for Light Roasts?

Aillio Bullet R2 Pro vs Traditional Gas Roaster: Which One Wins for Light Roasts?

If you're a coffee enthusiast seeking to upgrade your roasting game, you might be pondering whether to invest in the Aillio Bullet R2 Pro or stick with your trusty traditional gas roaster. Let's delve into the pros and cons of each, so you can make an informed decision without any regrets. Traditional Gas Roasters have been a staple in home roasting for years, offering a reliable performance with some room for modification like adding a needle gas valve or digital pressure differential gauge. However, they lack automation, which can be a significant drawback if you're aiming for consistent results and…
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