Author: Pete Denison

What’s Brewing: Panama Baru Indian High Estate Geisha – Natural

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You might notice this coffee originates from the same region which has produced my most enjoyable coffee to date — bar none — about which I wrote in a previous post. The reason is obvious of course — I was looking to capture some of that magic, figuring I would either be very happy once again, or find that perhaps I had been spoiled by the quality of that previous experience. My fingers were tightly crossed for the former.

The Region and Producer

Here, I again refer you back to that previous post, which outlines a little about the Boquete region in Panama.

There is also extensive information available (link below) on the Saurez family history of growing coffee in the region (beginning in 1920), and the Baru Indian High brand. A snippet on their philosophy I reproduce here:

Image courtesy Baru Indian High

Image courtesy Baru Indian High

The growth and success experienced throughout the years is due to the enforcement of basic principles when managing the farms: maintaining the same coffee varieties that our parents started growing since the birth of the business, promoting a high degree of social commitment with our partners and employees, applying a sustainable agriculture that respects the environment and investing in technology to constantly develop the latest trends in farming.

These paired up with the special micro-climate that Boquete brings, makes that at the end we can present you a product that is consistently the same — if not better — quality than the year before. This consistency provides our clients with an interesting volume and also a very attractive cup profile of the highest quality.

Courtesy Baru Indian High – About

The Coffee

Courtesy Ministry Grounds Coffee

  • Panama Baru Indian High Estate Geisha – Natural
  • Price at time of writing $AU26.00 for 500g (green)
  • Region: Jaramillo, Boquete
  • Farm: Anselmito Estate
  • Altitude: 1550 Meters above sea level
  • Variety: Geisha
  • Processing: Natural
  • Producer: Noberto Saurez
  • Tasting notes: Light body, sweet and bright with floral notes and a presence of jasmine, cherries, stone fruits, strawberries, dry banana & plums

The Brew

IMG_4114The result? Brewed with the Hario V60, I’d describe it as a very fine coffee indeed, however probably not quite to my initial expectations. It was indeed quite light in body, however not as bright in the cup as I anticipated. As far as the overall flavours were concerned? To me, there was an abundance jasmine, an almost candied-like berry flavour, and yes, a hint of dried banana, as the tasting notes above suggest, though of course I would not have necessarily picked that up myself.

Roasting side note

IMG_4319As you can see from the bullet points above, this coffee was double the usual price I pay for my green beans (that is, the usual per kilo price for a 500g lot), clearly reflecting the higher price initially paid at auction and the quality of the product. In an attempt to do justice to any subtle flavours, my initial roast was aimed squarely at light to medium, with an eye to filter brewing. Without a large amount to play with, roasting was done in two 250g batches to allow for some “correction” in a second attempt if need be.

Yes, that second attempt was indeed required, with a slightly longer development time, yielding much the same results1. I must note here I indeed found the roasting a little challenging, perhaps due to the fact this coffee had quite a large bean, with my small-scale set up not behaving with its usual roasting profile.

The Finish

Overall, I would not deny this coffee every bit of its price tag. Sometimes it would be nice to taste the same crop roasted by a professional roaster, to assist me in determining whether the coffee was slightly below my expectations, or whether my roasting skills resulted in me arriving at this point. Were I a betting man I would suggest the latter is most likely at play here.

In any event, the Panama Baru Indian High Estate Geisha (Natural) is a wonderful coffee indeed, and if you enjoy a brew with flavours a little more complex than your standard “mmm that’s fruity”, then this is well worth a try. To get the full value for your money, perhaps don’t have an amateur roast it in his back yard.

I do however — live and learn. On to the next roast… and cup.

  1. For those interested in further detail, the two roasts were (i) total time 11:00 mins; development 18%; and (ii) total time 10:10; development 21%. ↩︎

Wiser Web Wednesday

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Wiser Web Wednesday – a semi-regular link to posts of interest from around the web, by those far wiser than myself:

Gorgeous.Ink
Do I have enough? Too much? What if that isn’t the pen I want to use on a particular day and I don’t have any others? All valid questions regarding pen and paper prior to departing on a trip (at least in my opinion anyway) — and thankfully for others as well. These questions and more, definitively answered by Paul with a graphite and paper combination all of his own. Look forward to hearing how the trip went:
On The Road Stationary, Yukon Style

The Guardian
Fightin’ words in relation to “craft coffee”:

Not for the first time, the “craft” movement is slowly and earnestly sucking the joy out of something that isn’t half as complicated or important as some people think it is.

Incidentally, is that the same as “specialty coffee” – I’m not sure, but whatever it is, the author takes a rather dim view of same. In any event, though not totally without foundation, the usual over-generalisation which assumes there is inherent fault in any establishment caring about what they serve. To be fair however, it is often not necessarily what you serve, but how you serve it:
‘Craft’ coffee is becoming the province of chin-stroking joy thieves

Mark Bylok
Whiskey reviews are at times intimidating, and as a result can be less than helpful. Short, informative, and to the point can have a lot going for it. Mark Bylok tweaks his formula for reviewing whiskey, and a star (or four) is born:
An Update To How I Write Whisky Reviews

JetPens
A very informative and well illustrated guide to cleaning fountain pens if you are new to the nib and ink game. A little Googling will come up with similar tips and equipment, however I thought this was quite comprehensive and easy to follow:
How to Clean a Fountain Pen

Curious Rat
The way the online pen community works generally is that you stumble across it, and suddenly you’re smack bang in the middle of it — somehow bypassing the “I’m new / Be kind / I hope I fit in” awkwardness. Such is the generosity and willingness of the community to embrace all members great and small. Another example here:
Penciling in a New Passion

Alt. Haven
Whilst not likely to see use as an everyday writer for Junee given the soft fine nib, a gorgeous pen nonetheless:
Review: Pilot Custom Heritage 91

Ed Jelley
Why not add another to the Pilot Custom review links today? Another gorgeous pen, the Custom 823, this time with an Architect grind on the medium nib. I haven’t given much thought to custom nib grinds as yet, however I have taken quite a liking to the entire Custom series:
Pilot Custom 823 Fountain Pen With Architect Grind Review

Dispatches From Bergen
I must admit to being a little lazy about processing the photos I take on my iPhone, however have begun to tweak a few things in an attempt to improve the photos on my blog. Yes, there are much better ways to do so (like using an actual camera), however it’s a start right? The Darkroom Sunday School series has been a decent place to start, the latest of which:
Darkroom Sunday School: Adopting a Workflow

Gourmet Pens
As word gets around on the performance of Staedtler’s steel nibs I’m sure they will become popular additions to many a pen collection. The usual high quality words and luscious pictures of a Gourmet Pens review:
Review: Staedtler Initium Metallum Fountain Pen

The Fountain Pen Quest
A three-year wait comes down to a pointy end decision — so often the case when an item is discontinued — pen or otherwise. This one looks a beauty. Having recently been lucky enough to acquire my first Sailor pen, I’ll be keen to hear more about this one:
This Just In: Sailor Professional Gear Regency Stripe

The Great Unpublished

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As I sat and began writing this post, I had set in my mind it was post number 199 on this very blog, and of course my mind began to wander into the realm of “better come up with something big for number 200”. Indeed, there are plenty of things I could write about for a milestone post. Milestones themselves would be a good one, perhaps where I have come from with my writing, or maybe where to next. All valid ideas, which might be of interest to those of you who stop by and read every now and then.

Of course my next step was a quick trip into my WordPress admin page to check on that, and of course, what do you know? This, friends, turns out to be the big 200th. The milestone post, the introspective reflection on posts gone by. The line in the sand drawn and stood behind with one hand on my hip, the other shading my eyes from the sun, as I look into the future and extol what the future holds for these pages.

As you can probably guess by now, this post is neither of those, save perhaps for a little bit of reflection.

Perhaps with better planning I might have reached 200 with a bit more of a bang. As I think about it, in actual fact, the number of posts actually written, is closer to around 220 – the number of those actually published is now 200. Why the difference? To be honest, there are a few things at play here.

True, a few of those posts which we’ll call “the great unpublished” simply were not up to scratch. I had either written myself into a corner, was so far off track in what I was trying to say, or even forgot my original point. The majority however, were pieces containing personal thoughts or feelings that I was not comfortable in publishing to the big wide world. Some I plan to revisit and perhaps tweak a little to allow them to pass through the too-personal-to-publish filter, however some will never make that journey.

As an intensely private person (at times to my own detriment), some of these posts might be viewed by others as — how can I put it — quite low on the personal scale, however we each have our own frame of reference and level of comfort, which is what makes us unique.

After completing one of the great unpublished posts, I am sometimes a little annoyed at myself given the time I put into some of them, which is, on balance, no more or less than some of the other posts which do make it up on the site. No, it is more so the thoughts around the apparent waste of time writing a piece with the express purpose of posting, which then goes unpublished.

Of course I fully understand the futility at being annoyed about not posting something which I chose to write about, and subsequently, I chose not to publish. Further, I am of the opinion that if I never write posts of this nature, I will: (a) never get better at writing them; (b) never get better at writing, period; and (c) most likely fail to draft certain posts which I would happily (and proudly) publish.

Being annoyed about writing and not posting, is in itself annoying to me as well you see. The main reasons I write here are for enjoyment, relaxation, and the rewarding aspect of learning more about the various topics of my posts. I must admit however, there are times when a lot of effort is required to partake in this relaxation. The many times I am up before dawn to put together drafts before work sometimes does not feel like relaxation, although it is this very effort which generates the most reward.

Where do the great unpublished posts then end up? Many places if I poke around looking for them. There are some in Day One or Evernote, others are archived in Dropbox, and a few remain lurking in a folder within Ulysses, hopefully to see the light of day in future for editing and revision — and publishing. If not? Well, that won’t be the end of the world either.

To be honest, I’m not entirely sure whether I will really change as time passes. After this many posts I am perhaps set in my ways, however I’d like to think there is still some evolution to occur on these pages. Only time will tell I guess.

So to finish up, technically this is my 200th post, however you could argue I had reached this some time ago. Either way, the numbers are not why I sit and tap away day after day — and certainly if the page views were, I’d have given up long ago. Thankfully I have long since freed my mind from that burden.

What is then, might you ask?

As I mentioned earlier — I enjoy it, and it helps me learn. Two things which were apparent from post number one and remain as powerful as ever today. The unpublished posts? I enjoyed writing them and learned something about myself from creating them. The monumental 200th post? Now done and dusted, and as far as introspective reflection and bold predictions are concerned?

I am mostly proud of the posts I’ve written so far, and there will be more. To say anything further might be too, well… personal.

Wiser Web Wednesday

/ Pete Denison / Leave a comment

Wiser Web Wednesday – a semi-regular link to posts of interest from around the web by those far wiser than myself:

Apple
An early morning start to put the finishing touches on today’s WWW post coincided nicely with the release of the iOS 8.4 update in Australia (218 MB, iPhone 6; 212 MB, iPhone 5s; 153 MB, iPhone 4s). It may or may not be ironic the final link (being this one), was written listening to Taylor Swift’s Bad Blood on Beats 1 Global Radio.

I’m very much looking forward to trying things out over the next 3 months before deciding on whether an ongoing subscription is in order, with the Australian monthly pricing for Apple Music $AU11.99 (single user) or $AU17.99 (family plan; up to 6 members). With Family Sharing set up in preparation, we have 3 months to decide:
Apple Music

From The Pen Cup
Although scribble is one of two terms forever changed in my mind by past discussion on a certain podcast about pens, I guess we cannot be held responsible for other’s mistakes. I come open-minded and fully prepared to forgive Lamy, and this review by Mary seals the deal. Such a great design:
Another Hole In My Head: The Lamy Scribble 0.7 mm Pencil

Ed Jelley
Having used variations from the darker blue and black spectrum as everyday inks, I invariably turned to lighter blues. Spending all day in the black and white photocopied/printed world of a corporate office, it’s nice to see a vibrant blue jump out at you. That, and some other great suggestions here:
5 Best Inks for Everyday Use

Pens.com
For starters, I didn’t actually know there were 5000 different personality traits, let alone that my hand writing could help identify some of these. It would no doubt be a fun exercise to actually sit and write down (see what I did there) the list of traits from each section and see exactly who I really am — you know — inside:
What Does Your Handwriting Say About You?

The Pen Addict
We all have our favourites which we settle into over time. My definitive carry? I definitely haven’t found it yet and perhaps secretly desire not to. We all have to have goals don’t we? As good a combination as you’ll see:
June Stationery Carry

Distracted Blogger
Hot on the heels of the recent post on my favourite podcasts, Aaron Mahnke, creator and host of the wonderful Lore, answers a few questions on the ideas behind, and creation of, his great show.
Your Newest Podcast Addiction: Lore

Colonna and Smalls
A fascinating part in the larger discussion around espresso dosing and the concept of evenness in extraction.
What’s Your Real Dose?

Australian Digital Alliance
The recently passed website blocking bill is now in force in Australia, and it appears some applications are soon to have their day in court. How things play out and how effective the legislation ultimately is remains to be seen, particularly with varying results in other countries:
Site blocking bill goes into force in Australia

Tamper Tantrum (via Eventbrite)
With proceeds going to charity, is this the ultimate and definitive coffee competition to rule them all? Willing contestants are required to throw a bag of roasted coffee beans (minimum weight 1kg) as far as they can without breaking the integrity of the bag and spilling even a single bean.

Contestants are encouraged to pick the variety, roast, process and flavour profile of their chosen coffee  in accordance with their throwing technique and will be asked to explain their coffee choice and throwing technique to the judge(s) before completing their throw (maximum of five minutes allowed per competitor)

So, obviously there is considerable skill involved, which will only get you so far, with rule 7 stating:

The “Random Disqualification Klaxon” will disqualify the incumbent thrower for no particular reason at a random time in the competition.

Fun times ahead:
Irish National Coffee Throwing Competition – Dublin

Macworld
I hash out many a post outline and much more with MindNode 2, which syncs wonderfully my iOS devices. If you are considering a mind mapping application, this is well worthy of being in the mix. The simple, efficient interface ensures you will be up and brainstorming in no time:
MindNode 2 review: Makes Mac brainstorming a breeze

Podcasts I’d Burn Data For

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Before a recent overnight business trip, I was running through my usual packing list to check all was in order, and upon planning my usual in-flight entertainment options, began thinking about the podcasts I cannot do without these days. Of course the episodes load automatically on our home network, however the timing of the particular trip in question would see certain shows releasing new episodes after I had left.

The mobile data plan on my iPhone is what I would call adequate, though not excessively large, and I usually avoid downloading podcasts or running app updates and the like when not on a network conserve some of my data (hardly urgent downloads in any event). However sometimes desperate times call for desperate measures. Perhaps that is overstating things just a little, however when away from home, Face Time and phone calls are —absolutely fantastic, however there is also nothing like having familiar voices fill the remaining void of silence in a solo-business-trip hotel room.

So just what are the podcasts I’d happily burn data for? In no particular order (except number 1 perhaps), the following are my favourites.

The Podcasts

The Pen Addict

broadcast_thumbnail_penaddict_artworkThey say: The Pen Addict is a weekly fix for all things stationery. Pens, pencils, paper, ink — you name it, and Brad Dowdy and Myke Hurley are into it. Join as they geek out over the analog tools they love so dearly.

I say: What more is there to say really? All about pens and other related goodness every week. Definitely my favourite, and still going strong after 160 episodes. I’ve been religiously listening since about episode 34.

Try it if: Pen, pencils and paper are either a keen interest, or downright obsession for you. Wallet be damned.

Lore

cover170x170They say: Lore is a bi-weekly podcast about true life scary stories. The people, places, and things of our darkest nightmares all have real facts at their core. Each episode of Lore looks into a uniquely scary tale and uncovers the truth behind it.

Sometimes the truth is more frightening than fiction.

I say: This is just fantastic entertainment. A really well produced podcast which highlights the creepier parts of true stories, with some legend, intrigue and folklore thrown in for good measure. My sister would really love this.

Try it if: You love those ghost stories people tell around camp fires at night.

Mac Power Users

broadcast_thumbnail_mpu_artworkThey say: Learn about getting the most from your Apple technology with focused topics and workflow guests. Creating Mac Power Users, one geek at a time since 2009.

I say: Although I’m not a power user myself, I have always subscribed to the adage that the only way to really learn is from those smarter than yourself. When it comes to Macs, both hosts and the many and varied guests fit the bill nicely. The best part about MPU is the way it covers everyday situations in a very practical and understandable way. Yes, there are other tech podcasts out there, however some are simply too geeky for me to understand. On a side note MPU also has your iOS devices more than covered was well.

Try it if: You love your Apple products, and desire some new and slightly nerdy ways to get the most out of them.

Covered

covered_show_artThey say: A conversation about books with the people who write them.

I say: Whilst the episodes can be a little irregular, that is not a concern to me. One of the most enjoyable aspects of Covered is listening not only to authors recounting their writing process, but reading from their own work as well.

Try it if: You have a keen interest in reading and writing, and would enjoy hearing how those who are very successful at that very thing, get it done.

Connected

broadcast_thumbnail_connected_artworkThey say: Connected is a weekly panel discussion on Apple and the impact of technology on our lives. With each co-host having a unique background — and accent — Connected provides a perspective that no other show can.

I say: As well as very diverse cultural backgrounds, the hosts also have very different perspectives and requirements around their technology usage, which leads to some lively discussion and analysis. Tech based — yes, however again pitched at a level that is enjoyable and understandable for a wide cross section of listener tech ability.

Try it if: You love your Apple products, and are keen to hear more on how they influence our lives from a technological, cultural, and at times philosophically nerd-ball perspective.

Dot Grid

FullSizeRender 15They say: (about The Nerd Uprising network): We think things are AWESOME, and we let it show. We’re all some kind of nerd. It’s time to own it. Dot Grid explores the intersection between the analog and digital tools we use.

I say: With those podcasts listed above largely based on technology and analogue pursuits, of course there must be one combining both. This is where Dot Grid steps in and fills the void very nicely. Some great interviews with talented individuals, whose work indeed encompasses both spheres of the analogue and digital — with a healthy dose of the creative thrown in.

Try it if: Bits and pieces from each of the above items in this list speaks to you in some way.

Cortex

broadcast_thumbnail_cortex_artworkThey say: Myke Hurley is fascinated by the methods and tricks that CGP Grey uses to get his work done. Each week on Cortex, Myke will quiz Grey on how he remains productive, whilst producing YouTube videos that are seen by millions of people.

I say: New on the scene, and slated for an initial run of ten episodes, which I hope is just the beginning. Thankfully, not just another “productivity” podcast. Some real gems here, for example going from start to finish producing and uploading a You Tube video, or a somewhat humorous debate on the merits of various iPhone homescreen set ups.

Try it if: (a) You enjoy hearing about various aspects of productivity in a unique way, with very cut and dried opinion on what does and does not work in an area of great interest to many; and (b) you don’t mind going off and rearranging your iPhone home screen after listening to that episode.

Reckoner

podcast-art-205x145They say: We talk over the Australian technology culture news of the week with a rotating cast of hosts.

I say: For me, every working week starts with Reckoner. Hitting the airwaves every Sunday night, Monday morning’s commute to work is made that much easier with the accompaniment of these guys. Covering technology in general with an Aussie focus, a great bunch of hosts with topics to match.

Try it if: You enjoy discussion around technology, yet understand a local viewpoint on things such as metadata retention and website blocking legislation is as important — probably more so — as how you use the glances feature on your Apple Watch.

Tamper Tantrum

tt_iTunesAudio_1400x1400They say: Now hailed as “one of the world’s premier platforms for coffee bickering, brainstorming, and live speaking engagements,” Tamper Tantrum is delighted to bring an inspiring speakers to live & online audiences around the world.

I say: Again, with reference to my sentiments about MPU above, there are many aspects of the TT podcast which a heavily industry focused. Again, however, I’ve found this to be a great way to learn what those within the industry are talking about.

Try it if: As an outsider, the specialty coffee industry interests you. If you work in the industry you are most likely not reading this blog, and certainly would not need me to tell you about this podcast.

My app of choice

If you were wondering (and are at all interested), I listen to the above shows on Overcast, a podcast app released about 12 months ago. There are many great independent podcast apps on the market, or of course there is also Apple’s default option. Overcast does have some specific features, however in general it is well thought out, attractive and easy to use, and I have not been tempted to move to (or back to) any of the others which are available. Overcast also has an iPad app and can be used in a web browser, syncing your current play position on both if you are logged into your Overcast account. I must admit to using neither, as my iPhone is the simplest and easiest way to listen to podcasts.

Overcast’s Smart Speed feature tells me I been saved 25 hours in listening time beyond speed adjustments alone (Smart Speed works by cutting out the periods of silence in a podcast, reducing by a small amount the overall time taken to listen to an episode). Given the above list only contains the essentials, making the most of my available listening time is important. Using Smart Speed allows me to avoid bumping the speed up to unlistenable levels (now 1.25x at most; 1.5x plus in the past), yet still feel I am getting ahead a little in my queue. With upwards to 20 shows in my queue (although I often cherry pick episodes from the shows I do not auto download), any help clearing the list is welcome.

Conclusion

So, there you have it. My current favourite podcasts — which I would happily sacrifice cellular data for. Familiar voices speaking on topics I am passionate about, and listening to them brings me considerable joy while I learn a heck of a lot along the way. Podcasts are a fantastic medium, bringing entertainment, education and inspiration to a large number of listeners around the world.

If you haven’t dived in yet, I’d suggest downloading a podcasting app of your choice, subscribing to some shows and seeing where they take you — at whatever speed that might be.