Espresso

I really like coffee, especially espresso. Personally I'm partial to cortados, which are equal parts espresso and steamed milk.

Workflow

My current setup is is an Encore ESP grinder and a Gaggia Classic Pro machine modified with the Gaggiuino mod. I printed and constructed an Umikot WDT tool which has worked perfectly so far.

Gagguino

Putting together the Gagguino has been one of my favorite projects and is probably one of the coolest things I currently own. The Gagguino mod adds a temperature probe and pressure sensor as well as a microcontroller to add PID control to the Gaggia. I use the default IUIUIU default brewing curve and it has made a perfect shot every time. I ordered the Gen 2 Gaggunio kit from Peak Coffee and unfortunately had to wait a few months for it to arrive, however the kit was well constructed and had everything that was needed including a few spare parts. Putting it together was fairly self explanatory but somewhat difficult as the Gaggia frame is pretty cramped with all the internal wiring.

Favorite Blends

My current favorite espresso blends are Shenandoah Joe's Long Frog Espresso blend and Pure Intentions Black Moon. Long frog is a fairly rich blend that mellows nicely with the addition of steamed milk, however I can't get it where I live currently. Black Moon almost tastes like chocolate and is very creamy and feels like a dessert.