Green Coffee Buying Club

Vendor Discussion Boards => old Traveling road shows => Topic started by: BoldJava on September 19, 2012, 05:48:34 AM

Title: Closed: Ilsa, Napoletana Brewer, 18 oz, Stainless Steel - Traveling Road Show
Post by: BoldJava on September 19, 2012, 05:48:34 AM
Next road show/raffle is for a Classic Italian Stovetop reverse drip brewer.
$11 to the first additional 7 members who want to try their luck on a week's 'show and tell' and a chance at winning the Napoletana.
Not aware of any member who is using one.

1.  This is NOT a percolator.   It is a form of drip process.
2.  Stainless steel, not aluminum. Made in Italy, not China or Kazakhstan.
3.  18 oz.
4.  Any type of range top will work.
5.  Water is boiled, flipped, and dripped.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neapolitan_flip_coffee_pot (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neapolitan_flip_coffee_pot)


Brewer has been ordered.  7 additional members only.  $11.00 gets you:

1.  One-week show and tell in your classroom.
2.  An exclusive opportunity to review the Napoletana for the club.
3.  One chance at the random draw to see who gets to keep it.
4.  Once we have all the players aboard, I will ask Jim Spain to have Patti draw a random number for us.  Winner goes to the last in line and keeps the item.  Simple.

Want to play?
1.  Post interest in this thread.
2.  Send $11 PayPal to boldjava at sidewalkmystic dot com.
Brewer has been ordered.  Hustle along, now.  B|Java


Contestants:
1.  B|Java
2.  HC4U
3.  Ray T
5.  Yakster
6.  BozemanEric

7.  Bekeld
8.  ReddyK



----


4.  ECC


(http://www.kaffegrossisten.com/shop/4363/art63/h0648/9920648-origpic-c7cffb.jpg)
Title: Re: Ilsa Napoletana Brewer, 18 oz, Stainless Steel - Traveling Road Show/Raffle
Post by: headchange4u on September 19, 2012, 06:16:38 AM
Something I haven't tried. I'm in.
Title: Re: Ilsa Napoletana Brewer, 18 oz, Stainless Steel - Traveling Road Show/Raffle
Post by: headchange4u on September 19, 2012, 06:25:01 AM
Here's one in action:
Napoletana (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_vI3LiQ814#)
Title: Re: Ilsa Napoletana Brewer, 18 oz, Stainless Steel - Traveling Road Show/Raffle
Post by: Ray T on September 19, 2012, 07:09:33 AM
IN
Title: Re: Ilsa Napoletana Brewer, 18 oz, Stainless Steel - Traveling Road Show/Raffle
Post by: BoldJava on September 19, 2012, 09:10:33 AM
5 spots remain.  Hustle.
Title: Re: Ilsa Napoletana Brewer, 18 oz, Stainless Steel - Traveling Road Show/Raffle
Post by: ecc on September 19, 2012, 09:16:57 AM
Must...resist... (for a few more seconds...)

IN!!

(my pour willpower never had a chance)
Title: Re: Ilsa Napoletana Brewer, 18 oz, Stainless Steel - Traveling Road Show/Raffle
Post by: BoldJava on September 19, 2012, 09:58:12 AM
Knew it.  Saw you online as I was drafting the announcement.  Soft chuckle preceded the post, with a "Take that, HoosierBoy."

4 to go.

B|Java
Title: Re: Ilsa Napoletana Brewer, 18 oz, Stainless Steel - Traveling Road Show/Raffle
Post by: shootersm on September 19, 2012, 10:13:18 AM
nice looking in SSteel,

I almost bought a 1cup aluminium one the other day for 10$
Title: Re: Ilsa Napoletana Brewer, 18 oz, Stainless Steel - Traveling Road Show/Raffle
Post by: BoldJava on September 19, 2012, 06:10:48 PM
Room for 3 more and it is a wrap.
Title: Re: Ilsa Napoletana Brewer, 18 oz, Stainless Steel - Traveling Road Show/Raffle
Post by: BozemanEric on September 19, 2012, 06:54:34 PM
I am in. This might be a great brewer for me at elevation. Water boils here at about 203 and I am always taking precautions to keep it ideal.  PayPal will be sent within minutes.
Title: Re: Ilsa Napoletana Brewer, 18 oz, Stainless Steel - Traveling Road Show/Raffle
Post by: bekeld on September 19, 2012, 07:02:16 PM
Me! PayPal being sent.
Title: Re: Ilsa Napoletana Brewer, 18 oz, Stainless Steel - Traveling Road Show/Raffle
Post by: BoldJava on September 20, 2012, 04:33:08 AM
Who is the lucky number 8 for the wrap? Ms Ilsa is on the UPS truck.
Title: Re: Ilsa Napoletana Brewer, 18 oz, Stainless Steel - Traveling Road Show/Raffle
Post by: ReddyK on September 20, 2012, 07:17:28 AM
I will play! Off to PayPal.
Title: Re: Ilsa Napoletana Brewer, 18 oz, Stainless Steel - Traveling Road Show/Raffle
Post by: BoldJava on September 20, 2012, 10:09:20 AM
Full up.  Jim, would you kindly have Patti select a number, 1-8, for our winner?  Thanks.
Title: Re: Ilsa Napoletana Brewer, 18 oz, Stainless Steel - Traveling Road Show/Raffle
Post by: jspain on September 21, 2012, 09:14:07 AM
Dave,

Just got home from a short trip out of town! beautiful weather here in OHIO!

Patti says, "4"    ...........!

Smiles,  jim
Title: Re: Ilsa Napoletana Brewer, 18 oz, Stainless Steel - Traveling Road Show/Raffle
Post by: BoldJava on September 21, 2012, 12:16:51 PM
The Easy Carmel Character walks away a winner, once again.

Congrats!


1.  B|Java
2.  HC4U
3.  Ray T
5.  Yakster
6.  BozemanEric
7.  Bekeld
8.  ReddyK
----
Winner's Circle of Roses (look at who is over the horse's rump)
4.  ECC


(http://static.kentuckyderby.com/sites/kentuckyderby.com/files/imagecache/content_full/media/_STS8874.jpg)
Title: Re: Ilsa Napoletana Brewer, 18 oz, Stainless Steel - Traveling Road Show/Raffle
Post by: ecc on September 21, 2012, 04:58:16 PM
Victory lap!

I had a speech prepared, but was afraid that I would somehow let my plans for global coffee toy domination slip out, so I'll skip it.

Big thanks to our b|road show master for dangling this, looks like a good one!

That horse is missing something though...

...
([url]http://werner-digital.com/coffee/gcbcHorse.jpg[/url])



Much better.
Title: Re: Ilsa Napoletana Brewer, 18 oz, Stainless Steel - Traveling Road Show/Raffle
Post by: BoldJava on September 21, 2012, 05:06:34 PM
Unit was on the porch from Mr. Brown when I walked in the door with 66 Buffalo cups.  The Czarina is groaning.  Madly.  I am in deep trouble unless all this stuff does out the door. 


I will clean open the box, shoot some pictures, and make a pot from the Ilsa in the morning.  Stay tuned for the 1st look.

B|Java
Title: Re: Ilsa Napoletana Brewer, 18 oz, Stainless Steel - Traveling Road Show/Raffle
Post by: BoldJava on September 22, 2012, 08:23:35 AM
1st Look.

Ms Ilsa came out of the box this morning.  Well made, light gauge stainless steel.  Finished well.  Took the time to RTFM as we haven't seen this method of prep discussed at all.
Title: Re: Ilsa Napoletana Brewer, 18 oz, Stainless Steel - Traveling Road Show/Raffle
Post by: BoldJava on September 22, 2012, 08:27:09 AM
OK, read all the directions.  Ground the coffee medium drip grind, and proceeded to spill water all over the directions (sorry, ECC).
Title: Re: Ilsa Napoletana Brewer, 18 oz, Stainless Steel - Traveling Road Show/Raffle
Post by: peter on September 22, 2012, 08:39:36 AM
PID'ing horses ist verboten.
Title: Re: Ilsa Napoletana Brewer, 18 oz, Stainless Steel - Traveling Road Show/Raffle
Post by: BoldJava on September 22, 2012, 09:02:52 AM
Tried putting the 35 grams of medium into the "grounds bin."  Whoops, not even close.  Too much coffee.

Let's see 18 oz water -- 25 grams of coffee?  Will call for a much finer grind.  Remember at this point that the directions said "fine grind" so I broke out my mokka pot grind.  It is half way, smack dab in the middle, between a conventional pourover grind and an espresso grind.

Voila, 25 grams fit fine.  No tamping, just a back side of a knife for leveling.  Screw the top on the grinds bin.  Set aside.
Title: Re: Ilsa Napoletana Brewer, 18 oz, Stainless Steel - Traveling Road Show/Raffle
Post by: BoldJava on September 22, 2012, 09:06:05 AM
Now, how full to fill it?  Fortunately, there is a port hole drilled through the water chamber.  Stay below it but come right up to it.  That's about 17-18 oz of water.  It is through that vented hole the steam will exit.
Title: Re: Ilsa Napoletana Brewer, 18 oz, Stainless Steel - Traveling Road Show/Raffle
Post by: BoldJava on September 22, 2012, 09:09:43 AM
Once the water chamber is filled with 18 oz of water. grab the coffee chamber.  Take your time and fit the grounds bin (coffee on top) portion of the unit into the water reservoir chamber. (pic 1 below).

Slide and twist it into place, so the coffee is seated on top of the water chamber. Fit the pouring spouted top section into the unit.  (pic 2 below)

Make sure it is all secure.  Take your time.  Make sure your handles are aligned.  You need this on squarely and tight.  Ensure it is in place. (pic 3 below)
Title: Re: Ilsa Napoletana Brewer, 18 oz, Stainless Steel - Traveling Road Show/Raffle
Post by: BoldJava on September 22, 2012, 09:14:58 AM
With stovetops (whether vacpots or mokka pots), I use heat diffuser rings.  These spread heat more evenly and prevent scorching the bottom of ECC's new pot.  I positioned the pot at the edge of the burner, keeping the handles away from the heat.


Medium high heat, 15 minutes to boil. 
Title: Re: Ilsa Napoletana Brewer, 18 oz, Stainless Steel - Traveling Road Show/Raffle
Post by: BoldJava on September 22, 2012, 09:20:40 AM
Watch the port hole, listen for bubbling.  When it boils, flip it. 

Warning:  Please read this.

Above all else, take your time.
1.  Be careful.  This is scalding hot. 
2.  Use mitts (though the handles were cool to the touch).  Keeping handles away from the burner heat helps.
3.  Do all these steps over the sink.
4.  When you have your hand on both handles, use the other hand to steady and guide the pot.
5.  Quickly invert the unit, with the port hole facing toward back of sink.
6.  Expect some drips from the porthole.  Normal.
7.  Set the unit back on the stove.
8.  Takes 5 minutes to drip through.
9.  Pour...
Title: Re: Ilsa Napoletana Brewer, 18 oz, Stainless Steel - Traveling Road Show/Raffle
Post by: BoldJava on September 22, 2012, 09:22:25 AM
Now enjoy...
Title: Re: Ilsa Napoletana Brewer, 18 oz, Stainless Steel - Traveling Road Show/Raffle
Post by: BoldJava on September 22, 2012, 09:34:52 AM
Thoughts from the 1st Look.


There is a slight manufacturing imperfection on the "grounds bin" filter.  Looked at it very closely and decided that it wouldn't affect the steeping one iota.  Totally superficial, cosmetic and of no consequence.  Fly with it.

1.  High putz factor.  Will appeal to those interested in ritual, tactile nature of the prep.
2.  Seems daunting.  Second pot, though, was a breeze.
3.  Need to play with water/coffee ratio.  Not quite satisfied.
4.  I have hearing deficit.  I need to do an open pot boil to simulate the time/sound.  15-18 minutes seems about right for this med-hi temp setting.
5.  Clean-up was easier than I thought.  Over my shoulder, I already caught a "that's one prep you get to clean up."  The Czarina also leaves me the Espro to clean up after. 

Taste?  For those of you familiar with it, this mimics a mokka-pot-light.  The body is not quite as husky or full as a mokka pot but the mouthfeel takes on that same element of a slight dryness.  We used mokka pots for about 1.5 years before I branched out. Good cup, though not quite as hot as I like a cup to come off the prep.  Need to rework time/boil parameters.

Good purchase; good fun.  I will play with it again tomorrow and then get off to HC4U.

B|Java
Title: Re: Ilsa Napoletana Brewer, 18 oz, Stainless Steel - Traveling Road Show/Raffle
Post by: peter on September 22, 2012, 10:11:07 AM
:

Title: Re: Closed: Ilsa, Napoletana Brewer, 18 oz, Stainless Steel - Traveling Road Show
Post by: BoldJava on September 23, 2012, 07:09:24 AM
Final look and observations


Did a pot this morning, using the mokka pot grind.  Coffee bin will take 28 grams, slight taps on the side to settle the grounds and then a final knife edge to level the grounds. Filled the water reservoir right to the brim of the port hole.  (Note:  the water never steamed out the port hole for me, even when boiling).

Set the timer for 15 minutes.  I could hear the boil (did a trial run, uncapped, yesterday to pick up the sound). Used sound of boil as the steam never came out of the hole for me, though boiling.  Flipped it.  Still dripping at 5 minutes.  Completed around 6 minutes.

Cup is approachable (temp-wise) right off the pour (due to length of steep).  28 grams of coffee is just right for my strength taste/preferences.  Better cup than yesterday.  Has mokka-cup character in the body but much greater clarity in the flavors/nuances than a mokka pot offers.

Excellent cup but prep would fall to an occasional use for me. 

Biggest plus?
^  High tactile, ritual approach to coffee (same factor will be biggest minus for some)

Biggest minus?
^  Cup is approachable right off the steep. I miss that lip tingling heated cup where I can play with aroma and add to the anticipation.

On to HeadChange's home.
Title: Closed: Ilsa, Napoletana Brewer, 18 oz, Stainless Steel - Traveling Road Show
Post by: headchange4u on September 23, 2012, 07:21:42 AM
Nice writeup. Can't wait to try it out.
Title: Re: Closed: Ilsa, Napoletana Brewer, 18 oz, Stainless Steel - Traveling Road Show
Post by: headchange4u on September 27, 2012, 06:08:30 AM
Brewer arrived yesterday safe and sound, along with a couple of set of the very lovely buffalo china cups. I will put both through the paces this weekend and send the brewer on its way next week.
Title: Re: Closed: Ilsa, Napoletana Brewer, 18 oz, Stainless Steel - Traveling Road Show
Post by: Ray T on October 09, 2012, 03:01:32 PM
Arrived today minus the  lovely buffalo china cups  ;D may take it for a ride tomorrow if gort allows 
Title: Re: Closed: Ilsa, Napoletana Brewer, 18 oz, Stainless Steel - Traveling Road Show
Post by: headchange4u on October 10, 2012, 05:55:55 AM
HC4U, are you flipping over this flip-pot brewer?  Have you had a chance to try it out yet?

I used it a couple times. I was not terribly impressed with my results. Coffee seems a little bland and muted.  It does remind me of a mokka pot somewhat. I'm glad I got to try this brewing method.
Title: Re: Closed: Ilsa, Napoletana Brewer, 18 oz, Stainless Steel - Traveling Road Show
Post by: Ray T on October 14, 2012, 12:20:36 PM
I made 3 pots following B/great-reviewer method . Makes a good cup but not something I would use daily.

I think it would work on the RV stove fine, but takes a lot more water to clean and more of a chance of grounds down the drain (you can't call rotorooter for a RV honey ::) )    The Aeropress is the champ still. Not to mention all the cranking on the hand grinder to grind it fine enough. 

Thanks for doing the road show Dave. When we doing the 1kilo roaster  ;D
Title: Re: Closed: Ilsa, Napoletana Brewer, 18 oz, Stainless Steel - Traveling Road Show
Post by: BoldJava on October 17, 2012, 11:29:52 AM
... I've been scanning this thread for brewing ideas, I may take a whack at it tonight, but I'm thinking 450 ml water (about 15 fluid ounces) and 28 grams of coffee to stick close to my 16:1 starting ratio... using the full 18 ounces of water seems like it would make a weak cup, but I might be off-base here.  I'll have to do some reading to see if I need to use all the water.

Remember how fine you are grinding the coffee and you might find the above ratio a bit on the strong side.
Title: Re: Closed: Ilsa, Napoletana Brewer, 18 oz, Stainless Steel - Traveling Road Show
Post by: BozemanEric on October 23, 2012, 06:05:35 PM
I received a shipping notice from USPS today. It should arrive before the weekend. If so, it should get a good workout.
Title: Closed: Ilsa, Napoletana Brewer, 18 oz, Stainless Steel - Traveling Road Show
Post by: BozemanEric on October 27, 2012, 10:18:46 AM
And waiting, and waiting, and waiting, and waiting...  My early impressions are, this thing takes a long time. Ten minutes after I started the Napoletana on the stove I put a pot of Chris's El Salvador in the Brazen.  I think the Brazan will be ready first.

Napoletana started boiling right when the Brazen hit the brew cycle. It spurted a stream of water out the side when I flipped it.  We used the COE #1 Guatemala from Velton's in the Napoletana because that is what we have been drinking out of the Brazen. 

The cup from the Napoletana has an entirely different profile. If I did not make this myself I would not think they were the same coffee. The cup from the Napoletana is not near as clean and has lost much of the acidity. It also seems to have an almost earthy undertone and I don't know where that would come from in a COE. I am not enamored with this Guatemala, or the roast Velton's did, but I like it even less out of the Napoletana.

We have a Rwanda Cafe Femenino that I am a very familiar with. I will do a side by side with the Brazen tomorrow and post my thoughts. I will  probably have this in the mail early in the week to Diane. I don't see me playing with it during the work week. Taking prep, brew, and clean up time into account, this is by far the most lengthy prep method I have. I can do a vac pot in about a third the time.

I used Bold's specs.

I am now sipping on  Chris's El Sal through the Brazen and enjoying it.
Title: Closed: Ilsa, Napoletana Brewer, 18 oz, Stainless Steel - Traveling Road Show
Post by: BozemanEric on October 27, 2012, 10:41:42 AM
Chris also sent me two different types of coffee. I was wondering if you all were expecting a comparative review of these as well.
Title: Re: Closed: Ilsa, Napoletana Brewer, 18 oz, Stainless Steel - Traveling Road Show
Post by: century on October 27, 2012, 12:24:03 PM

Any brand name on this one? Its very sleek. Me likely.
Title: Re: Closed: Ilsa, Napoletana Brewer, 18 oz, Stainless Steel - Traveling Road Show
Post by: BoldJava on October 27, 2012, 12:27:24 PM
It is an Ilsa, 8 cup (18.5 oz).
 
 
Title: Closed: Ilsa, Napoletana Brewer, 18 oz, Stainless Steel - Traveling Road Show
Post by: bekeld on October 27, 2012, 08:32:00 PM
I guessing the Nescafé will still be with the brewer. If I pooch the roast tomorrow I now have a plan B. ;)
Title: Re: Closed: Ilsa, Napoletana Brewer, 18 oz, Stainless Steel - Traveling Road Show
Post by: BozemanEric on October 27, 2012, 08:52:14 PM
I guessing the Nescafé will still be with the brewer. If I pooch the roast tomorrow I now have a plan B. ;)

Would you like it shipped to he same adress you gave me before, Nescafé and all?
Title: Closed: Ilsa, Napoletana Brewer, 18 oz, Stainless Steel - Traveling Road Show
Post by: bekeld on October 28, 2012, 08:39:02 AM
Yes, sir. Thankee kindly!
Title: Re: Closed: Ilsa, Napoletana Brewer, 18 oz, Stainless Steel - Traveling Road Show
Post by: BozemanEric on October 28, 2012, 10:16:51 AM
We got some good cups of Rwanda Cafe Femenino this morning.  We also did a pot in the Brazan. I have to confess I like the cups from the Brazen better. The Napoletana makes a decent cup of coffee but I do not like it as much as other brew methods I regularly use. The frequency of use might be the only reason, but I think I get a better cup out of the Brazen, the V 60, the press pot, the Yama...  

If I had purchased a Napoletana I fear that it would go the way of my Aeropress, CCD, and other brew methods that I use only once every couple months.  The Napoletana is just too time-consuming when you take the brew and clean up into account. If it made a superior cup I would have no qualms with it, but when I can get a better cup in less time I do not see myself using the Napoletana on a regular. On the plus side, it is one of the most handsome brew methods I have ever seen.  I like the ceremony of brewing with the Napoletana but I know that, given the time on the weekends, I would usually go to my Yama  instead.

Bottom Line:  I think this would make a great interior design accessory. If I owned one, more than likely, you would see it permanently sitting on my stove as a conversation starter and maybe used once a month for company. 

Thanks for putting this together Dave.  It was fun to experiment with. I will have it in the mail to Diane early in the week.
Title: Closed: Ilsa, Napoletana Brewer, 18 oz, Stainless Steel - Traveling Road Show
Post by: bekeld on October 28, 2012, 03:44:07 PM
Eric, have conferences this week, so no rush. Won't get to play until Friday.
Title: Re: Closed: Ilsa, Napoletana Brewer, 18 oz, Stainless Steel - Traveling Road Show
Post by: BozemanEric on October 28, 2012, 05:51:27 PM
Eric, have conferences this week, so no rush. Won't get to play until Friday.

I have payroll this week so I am in the same situation.  I will, or have someone, drop it off by Tuesday so it should be there for the weekend.
Title: Re: Closed: Ilsa, Napoletana Brewer, 18 oz, Stainless Steel - Traveling Road Show
Post by: BozemanEric on October 29, 2012, 10:48:35 AM
The Napoletana is on its way to Iowa.
Title: Re: Closed: Ilsa, Napoletana Brewer, 18 oz, Stainless Steel - Traveling Road Show
Post by: BozemanEric on November 04, 2012, 09:57:37 AM
Did you get this Diane?
Title: Re: Closed: Ilsa, Napoletana Brewer, 18 oz, Stainless Steel - Traveling Road Show
Post by: bekeld on November 04, 2012, 08:22:18 PM
Just now opened box today. Found some extras that are much nicer than the Nescafé.  8) Thank you for the push down the rabbit hole!
Title: Re: Closed: Ilsa, Napoletana Brewer, 18 oz, Stainless Steel - Traveling Road Show
Post by: ecc on December 06, 2012, 07:47:58 PM
Flipper is in the house!

It's very cool, like a giant Phin dripper!

(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_XQRlACVbfI/TzfmQTVjd1I/AAAAAAAAEYM/Tu88cEElmTc/s1600/Flipper.jpg)

And thanks for the extra 4 packets of Nescafé, they look really ... yummy.   
Title: Re: Closed: Ilsa, Napoletana Brewer, 18 oz, Stainless Steel - Traveling Road Show
Post by: BoldJava on December 07, 2012, 04:37:04 AM
Cool.

It says something about the club when we have had about 20 of these Traveling Road Shows and not the first item has grown legs or serious cobwebs.  Ta-da!


(http://goo.gl/fgo5F)