Over the years, I have met many folks in pursuit of my coffee habit. Some you keep in touch with and some you do not. This morning I went to see someone who I have not seen in 8 or 9 years, even though he lives but a few short miles away. Andrew had bought a machine and was waiting for his Eureka 71mm to turn up, so I lent him a Fiorenzato Evo 64 to0 get him going. We have always kept in touch, with big gaps! He went down the Londinium route before experimenting with more exotic kit. The grinders soon evolved as well!
I had reason to speak with Andrew last week and was excited to learn he now had both a Decent and a Slayer, paired to a Kafatek Flat (the 71mm version, not the 98mm). This was the perfect excuse I needed to visit, so went round this morning. We had a shot prepared on the Decent first. I had a good look and guided tour. The choices that you have when making a shot are mind boggling. There are 3 main parameters to control. The coffee was a lightly roasted thing and the fruit jumped out at you! The same shot on the Slayer was no better and no worse. Interestingly, his Kafatek came with SSP Redspeed burrs, the same as in my Solo T64. SO, without dialling in we ground beans and did a Decent shot. The grind was too tight as even though it was set for 32 gms gave up the ghost at 17gms. Feeling sure it would go down the sink I tried it. Now, I have infamous taste buds but we both expected an under extracted shot but were surprised by a bright, fruity shot.
I could not use a Decent although I can fully appreciate the potential it offers. My brain would just not be able to cope! The Slayer is drop dead gorgeous but I would need to have an extended play with it before I could really draw a conclusion.
It is always nice to meet old friends!
