Hey folks, I’m John. I remember lusting after an espresso machine 26 years back when I started the world of work… It was always going to be my reward to myself… “Now that I’m working, I’ll get myself an espresso machine!”. I have always loved coffee… it felt like the perfect celebration of adult working life!
Along the way there was a Krups 2 in 1 brew / espresso machine (which was a disaster - it didn’t make anything like a decent espresso, though the brew was decent. I knew nothing about machines, just assumed that a big name like Krups would be OK), and then around 7 years back I was introduced to the world of Aeropress and Porlex grinders.
I came very close to buying a used Rancilio late last year from a colleague at work… That actually rekindled the spark to have my own machine…
FINALLY in December 2021, I bought my Lelit Elizabeth and a Eureka Specialita. It’s early days, I am learning loads (and thank you to everyone who is so generous with their time and advice here).
I would add this - I LOVE COFFEE (see genetics PS below)! There have been moments already of rich, chocolatey cappuccinos where the taste lingers long after the drinking, utter bliss… I look forward to my daily coffees like you would not believe.
I’m based in Stockholm, Sweden, where there is a decent choice of roasters and retailers. Originally from the UK, I have also lived 10 years in Poland.
I hope my beginner’s questions will be ok! I am at the start of my journey and recognise that I have lots to learn.
PS - when I did a DNA report for amusement / family tree research, I learned that there are genetic predispositions to caffeine consumption (Copied - from 23andme.com - “Caffeine consumption and metabolism are influenced by genetic markers near the CYP1A2 and AHR genes … The AHR gene contains instructions for a protein that helps regulate how certain other proteins are made. One of the proteins that AHR regulates is CYP1A2, the enzyme involved in breaking down caffeine”). I have three variants associated with consuming more caffeine! (“based on your genetics, you are likely to drink more caffeine than average, if you drink caffeine at all”).
