Green Coffee Buying Club
Vendor Discussion Boards => old Traveling road shows => Topic started by: BoldJava on March 26, 2011, 10:44:14 AM
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So who is in? Sowden Softbrew, 27-ounce porcelain brew pot.
(http://www.sowden.co/usr/106/files/sowden_product_oskar.jpg)
Send no money now. I will take names until Noon, Sat, Apr 2 or close it out earlier if we have 10 folks before then.
Porcelain, Italian design from Sowden. Also comes in a 44- and a 61-ounce brewer (Seattle Espresso Gear, Clive Coffee). Thought it best to snag the cheapest to encourage more folks. Take your chance. Once I close it out next week, I will ask for payments. No money now, please. Then, whoever wins via a random number will be placed last and gets to keep it.
Jump in.
Participants|Cost
4 $13.25
5 $10.75
6 $8.90
7 $7.75
8 $6.75
9 $6.10
10 $5.50
Opportunists
Shipping order
1. BoldJava
2. HeadChange, paid
3. Ray T, paid
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5. ReddyK, paid
6. Ron_L, paid
7. JSpain, paid
8. JimEc3, paid
9. Yakster, paid
10. Tyme, paid
4. J.Jirehs Roaster, paid *winner*
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I'm in.
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In
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In
Knew it. Should have had it down, sorry.
B|Java
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In
Knew it. Should have had it down, sorry.
B|Java
<grins> Showed the Mrs. the video. Stage #3 hijack alert already.
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Just add me by default next time :)
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looks interesting.. I'm in...
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I'll take it on!
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Interesting design. I'm in.
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Sure, why not, another toy, why not, another toy???? I never win so...... I'll check it out and let my wife buy me one for Christmas!
Jim's in..... B/roadshow!
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I'm in.
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I'm in.
Got it. Two more and I will close it out.
B|Java
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I'll give it a shot!
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Full up, have 10 folks. Brewer will be here on Monday for the beginning of the PCA, Professional Cuppers Association traveling road show and review.
Send along $5.50 to dave at sidewalkmystic dot com. Thanks all,
Opportunists
BoldJava
HeadChange
Ray T
WildBill
ReddyK
Ron_L
JSpain
JimEc3
Yakster
Tyme
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Does sending extra increase our chances in the "random" drawing? ;D
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I think this should be on the porch when we get home today. If so, I will give it a whirl and get a post up this week.
B|Java
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Too late to cup but not too late to photograph. Small album here: https://picasaweb.google.com/davidborton/SowdenSoftbrew#
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_JxU5ojsMNTo/TZp2JXA9PqI/AAAAAAAAFeM/gp1YPoijCbg/TallintheSaddle.jpg)
B|Java
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Wild Bill (JJRoaster) in a cake-walk.
I will reorder the shipping list so that Bill receives it last and then needn't ship it on. Thanks all. B|Java
Shipping order
1. BoldJava
2. HeadChange, paid
3. Ray T, paid
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5. ReddyK, paid
6. Ron_L, paid
7. JSpain, paid
8. JimEc3, paid
9. Yakster, paid
10. Tyme, paid
4. WildBill, paid *winner*
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1st Look
Seattle Coffee Gear's service was prompt. The packing was stellar
Ceramic - great eye candy. Very balanced weight in the hand
Top has no "lip lock." Watch it or it might come off on you when you are pouring
Made in China, drats
Prep (for all except John)
^ Pre-heat pot with hot tap water
^ Pre-heat thermos if you aren't going to drink the 27-ounce capacity brew
^ Measure out 24 ounces so you know how high to pour and bring to a boil
(Note: This is rated at 27-ounces. I stayed on shy side to ensure my water was completely saturating the coffee. Notch up volumes/amounts, as desired but stay below filtering line).
^ Weigh and grind 46g with a press pot grind
^ 45 seconds off-boil, pour 8 oz over coffee.
^ Let bloom for 30 seconds
^ Stir down, swirl down
^ Add remainder of water, stir down again.
^ Make sure your water level is not above micron-filtering holes (coffee filter has a "max" line)
^ Cover and steep for 3:30 min longer (directions suggest 4-8 minutes!)
^ Swirl and pour
Cup (Kona Maragogype)
^ Mouthfeel is similar to a heavy press pot, particulate laden cup
^ Rich in oils, flavors
^ Good cup in comparison to the Hario pourover I did with this particular bean. Leans too far to a heavy mouthfeel for my tastes/preferences.
Reactions
^ Careful with the top. When pouring, it gets hot. Use a thumb to retain in place. Center is too hot to touch.
^ Watch the top coming off on a pour.
^ Easy cleanup. Wait till filter/grounds cool, cast grounds to the wind in the yard. Some residual grounds stick near base.
^ I have large hands (XL glove size) and had no problem getting dishcloth inside filter and pot to wash them.
^ Expect one drop to tumble down the side of the pot after pouring.
Pluses
^ Much hotter/better steeping temp than press pot
^ Full, complete range of flavors in coffee
^ Tactile bonanza
Minuses
^ Top lacks "lip lock," too hot to the touch
^ One drip with pour
Takeaway: Gorgeous toy to adorn the counter. If I didn't have a press pot, I would consider this brewer. Maybe it is a bit too heavy in particulates? Won't be adding it to the arsenal.
On the way to HC4U.
B|Java
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I'm not going to lie; I didn't have high hopes that the Snowden Softbrew (SS) was going to be anything special. After all it's just a ceramic pot with a mesh filter, right?
Boy was I wrong.
The SS looks very nice right out of the box. It's a sturdy vessel that's well designed and pleasing to look the eye. It's very classy looking; something I would probably use if I were serving guests. The construction is very nice. There were no blemishes or bumps in the finish and all the components fit together very well.
The metal filter is very cool. I almost looks solid, like part of it is brushed metal, until you turn it just right. Then you can see the very fine mesh, similar to Swiss Gold filter, but the holes looked smaller to me.
The instructions are somewhat vague, stating things like "Add your preferred amount of coffee." or "Find the roast that suits your taste." or even "Find the grind that suits you best." Leave for 4-8 minutes? In a round about way, I think they are trying to say that is that the SS is a very flexible coffee brewing system, and one should experiment to get the most out of it.
Here's how I made my first brew in the SS:
-I preheated the pot with boiling water.
-I arbitrarily chose a grind setting half way between drip and vac pot (where vac pot is a little less than halfway between drip and espresso on my Mazzer Mini). I added 6 heaping scoops, using the provided measuring scoop, of some Guatemala La Perla.
-I added probably ~34 oz of 200*F water. The stated capacity of the 4 cup size is 27 oz, but I tend to overfill and I had to accommodate for 2 x 16 oz cups for the wife's and I first morning drink. That amount made the perfect amount to fill those 2 cups.
-Stirred the slurry.
-I waited for 3:30 minutes and poured.
Wow. This think makes a hella good cup of coffee. As expected, it did not produce a perfectly clean cup. There was a slightly gritty, french press look to the brew but surprisingly the grittiness did not translate in to the mouthfeel of the cup. The body was thicker than a lot of other brewing methods, and oily like a french press, but I did not feel like I was chewing my coffee. There was also very little sediment in the bottom of my mug when I finished.
The coffee it made was syrupy and nuanced with lots and lots of flavor and oils. Chocolate flavor came through with weight and the citrus notes were bright and tangy. It was probably the best cup of the La Perla I've had to date. Makes me wish that I hadn't just roasted the last batch of this bean.
I was thoroughly impressed with the SS and I will be adding one to my arsenal. Highly recommended product. I'm almost sad that it will be moving on to the next person in the traveling road show.
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Sunday produced yet another excellent cup from the SS, this time using Panama Elida Estate.
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Hey Dave,
Where did you you get the 4 cup model? All I am finding is the 12 cup model at Clive.
Edit:
Found on Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Sowden-Oskar-SoftBrew-Coffee-Maker/dp/B003VV51ZE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1303227619&sr=8-1).
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Hey Dave,
Where did you you get the 4 cup model? All I am finding is the 12 cup model at Clive.
Edit:
Found on Amazon ([url]http://www.amazon.com/Sowden-Oskar-SoftBrew-Coffee-Maker/dp/B003VV51ZE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1303227619&sr=8-1[/url]).
No, don't go to Amazon - $60. $50 with free shipping at Seattle Coffee Gear: http://www.seattlecoffeegear.com/Sowden-Soft-Brew-Coffee-Maker-p/scg11528-9-0039.htm (http://www.seattlecoffeegear.com/Sowden-Soft-Brew-Coffee-Maker-p/scg11528-9-0039.htm)
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No, don't go to Amazon - $60. $50 with free shipping at Seattle Coffee Gear: [url]http://www.seattlecoffeegear.com/Sowden-Soft-Brew-Coffee-Maker-p/scg11528-9-0039.htm[/url] ([url]http://www.seattlecoffeegear.com/Sowden-Soft-Brew-Coffee-Maker-p/scg11528-9-0039.htm[/url])
4 cup is $49.95 with free shipping at Amazon. The 8 cup is $59.95.
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Ray T,
One Softbrew heading your way.
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Ray T,
One Softbrew heading your way.
Made it safe and sound, 1st test drive tomorrow morning
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First of all ( IAMNOTAWRITER). So far I have only had time to make 3 pots ( copy and paste B/Java's review and instructions here ;D) I started with the Vario's adjusters full coarse, made a very good cup, pots 2-3 was ground 2 notches up on the main, macro in the middle. Much better cup, deeper flavor, better mouth feel with not much more sludge . We will be adding one to the arsenal,also will be giving one as a wedding gift to some life long friends along with a Behmor ( costing me a fortune to ship them coffee now ;D)
I will be shipping it Wed to ReddyK
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Hey Dave,
Where did you you get the 4 cup model? All I am finding is the 12 cup model at Clive.
Edit:
Found on Amazon ([url]http://www.amazon.com/Sowden-Oskar-SoftBrew-Coffee-Maker/dp/B003VV51ZE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1303227619&sr=8-1[/url]).
Find a few friends and it's even cheaper from Amazon.
Special Offers and Product Promotions
Size: 8-Cup
* This item is eligible for our 4-for-3 promotion. Eligible products include select Books, Single Copy Magazines, and Home & Garden items. Buy any 4 eligible items and get the lowest-priced item free. Here's how (http://www.amazon.com/gp/promotions/details/popup/A229XSEXRO8FG3) (restrictions apply)
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Shipped yesterday to ReddyK
I found if you push the grounds down into the water instead of stirring the resulting cup is much cleaner. Thanks for doing this Dave
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The Softbrew arrived from ReddyK yesterday and there was a surprise in the box, a sample of coffee! My wife opened the box so I didn't notice if there was a label or note about the coffee, so I'm not sure what it is. Maybe it's a test? :)
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Enjoy the toy,we did. I also sent a sample (unmarked ;D) to him when I sent it. Never heard if it was drinkable or not. So not telling what it was >:D
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500,000 holes in that filter, 1st interview, at about 0:45. You Midwest boyz will recognize Kevin Sinnott from when he came up with Rasqual and cupped with us.
Coffee Companion SCAA 2011 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtDtbuE9-Do#ws)
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I so enjoyed the sample (Central American?) that Ray T sent so much that I included my own. Thanks Ray. As for the Soft brew I enjoyed it very much. I prefer it to a french press as the sediment was finer and less noticeable. I felt that the clean up was much faster that a french press as well. I also liked the oils that were present in the cup from this brewing method. I felt that the mesh screen was well made enough to give years of service. Overall 2 thumbs up.
Thanks,
Steve
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I so enjoyed the sample (Central American?) that Ray T sent so much that I included my own. Thanks Ray.
Thanks,
Steve
Your very welcome, Glad you enjoy the coffee (Malawi Mapanga AAA from cfsheridan) Hard not to like this awesome coffee. Thanks to you also Chad
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I made my first pot in the Softbrew this morning using the coffee from ReddyK. The softbrew is an impressive toy. It's heavy ceramic and well made except for the lid. The lid really needs to either screw in or have a rubber gasket to hold it in place while pouring. The coffee is good and similar to a press. I had a fair amount of fines in the cup and in the last little bit that I didn't pour out of the cup, but nothing objectionable.
Now for the mystery coffee sample. I need to try this with a different brewing method, but I'm enjoying it in the Softbrew. The dry aroma didn't have anything distinctive that would give it away. I did get some tobacco and leather, but nothing that jumped out at me. The cup has medium to full body, not to bright with some dark chocolate that intensifies as it cools. It's a toss up right now, but I'm leaning towards a Brazilian, but it could be an African, maybe a Tanz?
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Ron,
The sample I sent was a Sumatra Mandheling I picked up from Theta Ridge.
Enjoy,
Steve
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Well the Sowden made here to "Patti's Park" a few days ago. I have run her (the Sowden, not Patti) around the block a few times and I like this method and the ease.... I have been sampling the Injerto's with her and boy, French Press without the work. I'm going to buy one since Patti approves! :angel: Jim
I'll be passing on next week!
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Thanks, Jim. Keep it running. 4 weeks to go, Wild Bill.
B|Java
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Thanks, Jim. Keep it running. 4 weeks to go, Wild Bill.
B|Java
WOOT.. just in time for those COEs in July
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jimec3,
I have had the brewer for one week. You're going to like her!
I tried to get a PM out to you but the system is not cooperating with me right now. If you'd send me your mailing address I'll box her up tonight and mail her to you tomorrow! Jim
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Pm sent. I can't wait. Headed to the White Mountains for a few days, this will be the perfect welcome home.
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Pm sent. I can't wait. Headed to the White Mountains for a few days, this will be the perfect welcome home.
jimec3,
The outside box was getting a bit ragged. I placed the Sowden in it's box and packed it with all the shipping material provided. I then put bubble wrap around the box and placed it into a new shipping box surrounded by peanuts. It will go to the shipper this afternoon. ENJOY! Jim
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The outside box was getting a bit ragged. I placed the Sowden in it's box and packed it with all the shipping material provided. I then put bubble wrap around the box and placed it into a new shipping box surrounded by peanuts...
Good move. Corrugated material loses 20-30% (minimally) of its strength with each trip down the conveyor.
B|Java
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I want one of these, but I'm still trying to decide between the 4 cup and the 8 cup. The larger size would certainly be nice to break out when I have guests over.
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I want one of these, but I'm still trying to decide between the 4 cup and the 8 cup. The larger size would certainly be nice to break out when I have guests over.
Sounds like you need one of each :)
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I want one of these, but I'm still trying to decide between the 4 cup and the 8 cup. The larger size would certainly be nice to break out when I have guests over.
Jason,
I brought the 4 cup. Seattle Coffee Gear was the only place that I could find the 4 cup. I will take this with me traveling and for smaller brews. I'll still stick with the 8 cup Vac Pot for my main home brewing method. I have the Technivorm but she is only turned on for large quantity brewing and no fuss brewing every now and then when I'm in a hurry or I have lots of guests! The 4 cup is just right for Patti and I especially for the evening decaf! Jim
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I want one of these, but I'm still trying to decide between the 4 cup and the 8 cup. The larger size would certainly be nice to break out when I have guests over.
Sounds like you need one of each :)
How did I know someone would suggest that? :D
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The Sowden Softbrew arrived today from Jim in good order. Thanks, Jim.
First test-flight tomorrow.
Glad you got it! It must have been on the "slow boat from China" route???????! >:D
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>>>Glad you got it! It must have been on the "slow boat from China" route?...>>>
Nah, there is a 2nd Jim within our testers.
B|Java
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>>>Glad you got it! It must have been on the "slow boat from China" route?...>>>
Nah, there is a 2nd Jim within our testers.
B|Java
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS! My bad! Thanks for clarifying Dave. Enjoy the Sowden those who are left on the list! My new one has been used several times...... Nice addition to the "rabbit hole!" Jim
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What grind did you use Yakster?
:)
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The grind I used yesterday was pretty fine, the same grind I use for Vac Pot. I'm not real good at sizing my grinds, but I've got a funny idea about that I want to try out sometime. On the Vario, the Macro would be above the middle setting and I use the top setting for espresso.
Today, I lowered the Macro to below the middle setting and had less silt and sludge, but still had enough to be glad that I poured into a server first before my cups. If you stop right when you start to pour silt out, your pretty good... the silt seems to stay in the pitcher pretty well up until you pour out the last of the coffee.
I used 40 g of the Coava Coffee Ibonia Kenya PB, added 400 ml of water for the bloom for 44 seconds, then took it up to 640 ml total water added for a remaining 3:33.
I'm thinking of trying out the Sowden SoftBrew for Cold Process... just looks like it would fit in the fridge pretty well, just need to pick out a bean, maybe the Brazil Moreninha Formosa.
Yakster,
I got a mailing from Seattle Gear and they are talking about using the Sowden for cold brew! Patti, my wife wants me to try it. Cold water or hot?
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I was thinking cold water for the cold brew.
I hot brew coffee into ice with the Chemex/Kone and am very happy with the results. Retains all the florals, aroma, and bitterness from the hot version. I'm less of a fan of cold brewed coffee that just seems muted like someone ran it through a low pass filter or a graphic equalizer with all the base sliders up and all the treble sliders down, but I'm going to go for it anyway.
I agree with hot water for flavor! Cold water, less caffine..... I'll try both and report back. My wife is the cold coffee fan, "not me"! Jim
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>>>Glad you got it! It must have been on the "slow boat from China" route?...>>>
Nah, there is a 2nd Jim within our testers.
B|Java
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS! My bad! Thanks for clarifying Dave. Enjoy the Sowden those who are left on the list! My new one has been used several times...... Nice addition to the "rabbit hole!" Jim
LOL.. couldn't help but think of Lewis Carroll
(http://images2.fanpop.com/image/photos/11400000/Tea-Party-alice-in-wonderland-2010-11411638-1280-1024.jpg)
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Great pic. Notice the water droplets as the brew melts.
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...Let us know when you get it, I did ship it on, even though I received some back-channel messaging trying to convince me to ship it back down the chain ...
Atta' boy, ignore those meddling scoundrels. Off with their heads, I say. Almost there, Wild Bill.
B|Java
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...Let us know when you get it, I did ship it on, even though I received some back-channel messaging trying to convince me to ship it back down the chain ...
Atta' boy, ignore those meddling scoundrels. Off with their heads, I say. Almost there, Wild Bill.
B|Java
good thing I'm not holding my breath in anticipation ;) (http://www.baldingblog.com/photos/090206_blueman.jpg)
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The My Sowden Softbrew's travels have ended (for now) and I am trying to decide what COE from B|Dave to roast tonight...
my initial thoughts? I noticed the hard to clean inner lip.. that bugs me as a professional potter.. its a great place for some unwanted growth if not cleaned and dried well... Hot Lips likes how everything looks like 'old TV' threw the filter mesh.. I pointed out to her that if you spin the filter as you look it looks like old silent movies... I better roast some good coffee so I can give you brewing thoughts.. :-X
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The My Sowden Softbrew's travels have ended (for now) and I am trying to decide what COE from B|Dave to roast tonight...
my initial thoughts? I noticed the hard to clean inner lip.. that bugs me . . .
You have entirely too much time on your hands. You just won a gorgeous pot for a $5 spin and you are grumbling like an old man down there in Illinois. <grins>
Enjoy it, gramps.
B|Java
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The My Sowden Softbrew's travels have ended (for now) and I am trying to decide what COE from B|Dave to roast tonight...
my initial thoughts? I noticed the hard to clean inner lip.. that bugs me . . .
You have entirely too much time on your hands. You just won a gorgeous pot for a $5 spin and you are grumbling like an old man down there in Illinois. <grins>
Enjoy it, gramps.
B|Java
lol... not grumbling?!?!? just putting my thoughts down on the quality and potential issues!?!?! ::)