Hot Drink Review

Assam Tea for strength!

No. 49 Assam from Steve Smith Teas

Master tea maker Steve Smith, founder/creator of both the Stash and Tazo tea brands, is now perfecting high quality teas under a brand bearing his own name.  At Smith Tea, there is a strong selection of high quality teas.  One of our favorites is the Assam varietal.  This tea from India often forms the back bone of many breakfast blends.  Assam is very full-bodied.  It is excellent with and without milk.  With milk (and a bit of honey), it becomes a sweet, malty, and even chewy hot drink.  Assam is so substantial, it will quickly become on of your daily go to teas.

The teas at Smith Tea clearly have the aura of care and attention necessary to creating a truly exceptional hot drink.  It is available in both loose leaf and convenient pyramid sachets.  Grab some and enjoy!

Nespresso Le Cube - Better than a spaced out teenage barista

Nespresso Le Cube ready to go

The $200 Nespresso capsule coffee system produces a surprisingly decent cup of coffee given the simplicity of the design.  The results definitely are better than a shop with an untrained barista.  Currently owned by Nestle, the Nespresso system has been made popular here in the U.S. (and abroad) by celebrity endorsers such as George Clooney.  Globally, Nestle is seeing double digit growth in the Nespresso brand.  Given the ease of use, simplicity, and decent results, it isn't hard to see why.

The Nespresso systems heats up in less then ten minutes.  There are two buttons on the top.  One for a single shot, one for a double shot.  The system uses a proprietary capsule that can only be purchased at Nespresso Boutiques, or online.  You can order online after joining the Nespresso Club.  Delivery is amazingly fast (two days max) and capsules run about .50¢, with some premium blends running a bit more.  Capsules are purchased in packs of ten.

The technology behind the capsule keeps the coffee as fresh as possible, though there is no question that it doesn't compare to freshly ground coffee.  It is my experience that the capsules do produce a flavor that is superior to paper wrapped pods.  For those worried about having their coffee made in what amounts to a tiny aluminum pot, be assured that there is a food grade lacquer that separates the coffee from the aluminum walls of the capsule. While this removes any potential worry about the aluminum, it makes the capsules non-recyclable, except by Nespresso.  Recycling the capsules would require a close proximity to a boutique, which is not an option for most. 

Nespresso capsules - different colors equate to different flavors and roasts.

The process of brewing is as simple as dropping in a pod and pressing the button.  The machine pierces the foil on the top of the pod and pushes hot water through the pod at the proper temperature and pressure.  For most pods, you hit the single shot button, but there are pods that are label "Lungo" for the double shot.  The result is a shot that is fairly flavorful with some crema.  Bitterness is controlled, and they don't taste too watery.  If the result is watery, you can always program the machine to pull for a shorter time (less water).

The other plus is that the coffees actually do taste different.  Different capsules produce different results, so it is possible to experiment with different coffees, finding ones that you particularly like.  This is an advantage over the new Illy iperespesso system which uses Illy coffee (which can be good), but no other coffee blends at this time.

I believe that the popularity of the Nespresso system is based on two things.  First, the simplicity.  There is a lot to be said for being able to turn on the machine, and ten minutes later have a decent espresso.  If you add a Nespresso Aeroccino milk frother to your set up, you can have a latte in the same amount of time.  The speed and convenience of the machine is captured in a Nespresso commercial showing someone making an espresso while talking on the phone.  In reality, it actually is that convenient.

This is a great machine for the office.  You can swoop in and have a coffee in hand in less than two minutes (if the machine was already on).  There is a lot to be said for that.  Sure it isn't going to rival what is possible on a mid-range home machine, but you didn't have to grind, measure, tamp, temp surf, pull shot, and then steam milk to make your latte.  You also didn't have anything to clean up afterward except your cup.

This is also an option if you just aren't in to paying attention to all the details that come together in order to pull a truly great shot.  While I think that paying attention to such detail is worth it, and even fun, it isn't for everyone.  And, if you predominately make milk based drinks, you might not even notice the difference between a Nespresso drink and one made at your nearest ubiquitous coffee shop.

If you are looking for a way to make a decent espresso drink in a reasonable amount of time, for a reasonable price, and a minimum of fuss and mess, the Nespresso system might the be the answer. 

MyPressi Twist vs. Handpresso Domepod

If you're looking for a portable solution to making true espresso, two options are the $149 Mypressi Twist and the $85 Handpresso Domepod.  Both use freshly ground coffee, though there is a version of the Handpresso that works with espresso pods, and there is a pod adapter that comes with the Mypressi Twist.  One of the major differences between the two is how they are powered.  The Mypressi is powered by n2o whip cream chargers, while the Handpresso is powered by your own elbow grease.

I was looking for a way to make espresso while on the road or camping with the family.  I was seeking a quick and easy solution, and after doing considerable research on both of these devices, I decided to try them both in order to have a head to head comparison.

Bottomline: For my needs, which is mostly pulling double shots, the Mypressi produced more consistent, flavorful shots with good mouth feel.  The shots from the Mypressi came close to what can be produced on a good home espresso machine.

Mypressi Twist hand held espresso maker

This isn't to say that the Handpresso is capable of making decent shots.  It just was much more difficult to pull off consistent shots that weren't on the bitter side and a bit watery.  There are also several advantages that the Handpresso has over the Mypressi Twist.

Handpresso Wild Domepod for use with ground coffee only (no pods).

I paired both devices with a Kyocera hand grinder to complete my mobile espresso solution. (More on this competent grinder in another post).

I should also mention that at home, I use an Expobar Brewtus II (now they are on to the Brewtus III) paired with a Macap MC4 doserless grinder.  With this combination and a great espresso like Espresso Aficionado from Counter Culture Coffee and I am able to pull some very good coffees in the morning.  In seeking a mobile solution, I wasn't looking to match what is capable from a home machine, but rather something that would come as close as possible.

First, the Handpresso Domepod.  The Domepod uses a small filter basket in which you place freshly ground coffee.  It has a bicycle pump-like design that allows you to pressure the device to 16 bar using your own strength.  It charges quickly, and it wasn't difficult or tiring to pump, though you probably wouldn't be cranking out shot after shot for your camping crew.  Once the filter basket is full, you add hot water to the dome, lock it all in place and then pull the trigger.

I found the Hanpresso capable of making pretty good shots, though I was never able to pull shots with good crema.  The shots, while tasting good, were always a bit on the watery side, and that was even with using a tamper (which, in my opinion you absolutely need).  Again, these shots were good, and, especially when used to make a milk-based espresso drink.

The Handpresso coffee baskets hold approximately 8 ounces of coffee, and this is where the Mypressi Twist moves in.  In making a true double shot, the basket for the Mypressi Twist is capable of holding up to 18 ounces of ground coffee, making it a true double shot.

Unlike the Handpresso, the water is forced through the grounds by pulling the trigger which releases the gas in the n20 charger.  No pumping necessary.  The shots from the Mypressi were consistently good, with crema, good mouth feel, but a bit on the bitter side (probably due to the relatively low temps of the water).

So, the n2o charger employed by the Mypressi Twist seems to give it an advantage, though some have said the shots produce feel "gassy." The downside of course is that you have to find and use these chargers.  You can't bring them on an airplane, so if you were traveling via airplane, you'd have to arrange to have the n2o chargers waiting for you at your hotel, or acquire them somewhere at your new destination.  I can see several situations where this would be pretty unrealistic (i.e. multiple flights and destinations in a short period time like during a business trip).

The Handpresso's simplicity is a huge plus.  You can travel with it easily.  Pack it up with some good coffee and your hand grinder and you're all set.  This simplicity compelled me to pick up the Handpresso first.  However, after comparing the quality of the shots pulled, I ended up choosing the Mypressi Twist.  I don't travel enough that the chargers are a big issue.

If you make milk-based drinks (latte, cappuccino, etc.) you'll need to figure out a way to heat and froth milk.  If you're in a hotel and have access to electricity, the Nespresso Aeroccino is a great option.  I'll write more on this later.  There are also manual hand frothers that work quite well.  There are even some options available under the accessory page on both the Mypressi and Handpresso websites.

Lastly, with either device you'll need a way to make hot (boiling) water.  If you're camping, you've always got the camp stove and that works great.  If you're traveling in hotels, I highly recommend picking up a small electric kettle.  The water made in a hotel room coffee maker simply will not be hot enough to pull a good shot with either machine.