Coffee Bean Suggestions for an Espresso Bar

jpp on 11/11/2016 - 19:09

Hey Oz Bargainers!

This is directed to all you coffee lovers & coffee snobs!

Firstly, I run an espresso bar in Richmond, I've been there for just over a year now.
The brand of coffee we're currently using is Di Venzio which is a somewhat smaller company that has been around for roughly 4 years I believe.
The blend was great when it first came out & was more focused on the roast but now that it's increased (I believe they bought a new roaster) in size there is an inconsistency in the roasting, some days it's great other days it could be better.

We went from 32 +/-kg (approx) down to 22kg+/- on certain weeks so that's a huge drop

So basically I'm looking to see if there are any other options out there.

Would love to get some opinion from those that have tried this blend.
Would love to know what coffee blend is your favourite - which cafe/ espresso bar do you frequent for this blend
Any opinions & directions that may lead me to source a new blend of coffee!

& perhaps we can get an Ozbargain deal going if a new supplier is found!

Also I know there's a similar post (https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/263857) but there's not much info there

Thank you!

Food & Grocery

Comments

  • [Deactivated] on 11/11/2016 - 20:06
    +1

    Manna Beans? they've had great deals here for some time and every blend is a Winner…

    • jpp on 11/11/2016 - 21:02

      I've just taken a look at their website, would love to give it a try. Is there a cafe in Melbourne or South east of Melbourne that stocks this?

  • chumlee on 11/11/2016 - 20:09
    +2

    Blend 43

    • jpp on 11/11/2016 - 21:06
      +1

      also definitely on the list…. all the way down the list

  • wartortle on 11/11/2016 - 20:28

    I've always been fond of Seven Seeds.

    • jpp on 11/11/2016 - 21:04

      I've tried Seven Seeds, they do have a great blend from knowledge though they do tend to be slightly acidic but definitely on the list!

  • [Deactivated] on 11/11/2016 - 23:14
    +1

    For milk based drinks, I'd use a deeper roast 'mocha' style bean. Most milk coffee drinkers will be very happy. This wont be great for non-milk coffee. For that,id get something lighter with more distinctive/complex taste. If price allows, I'd try and use single origins rather than blends. I'd also get range of single origins you rotate through as specialty coffee just to keep the hipsters interested!

    Why not go to a local roaster and buy 1kg of each single origin that they'd price reasonably given your quantity, and put it through your machine to figure out which are good/bad. Note that a bean can taste quite different on different machines - depending on pressure, temp, grind, dose, tamp, etc. So try each yourself.

    • jpp on 13/11/2016 - 12:49

      Hi Gofast,
      Thanks for the tip, in terms of local roasters do you happen to have any in mind? My current roast is quite dark & that's what the customers like so I don't intend to have anything of lighter nature in taste

      • [Deactivated] on 13/11/2016 - 20:38

        No particular suggestion.but maybe have a chat with your current roaster. Say you are not happy with variability. They are probably varying the beans they use, or mixing in unsold/old beans. That's the problem with a blend, its what the roaster wants to give you. If they know you are not happy, they will most likely improve what they supply.

  • spackbace on 12/11/2016 - 01:38
    +1

    If you own a cafe, get to know the competition. Spend a week getting coffee from the top-rated cafes nearby, or across town. Take note of what they use, and if you like it or not.

    Not only will you see how you fair against competitors, you'll also get to taste-test the coffee brands.

    At least that way their machines/grinders are already calibrated to that bean. If you used say 1 bag, you'd spend too much time getting the settings right to get any idea of the taste.

    • jpp on 13/11/2016 - 12:53

      Hey spacebace, well I have tried the competitors blend & they're quite average & instead of trying the top rated cafes around the area as there are so many. I'' trying to get a shortened list from people that have had great experience with certain cafes so that way I can try their blend prior to putting it through my coffee machine.

      Any sugguestions?

  • dasher86 on 12/11/2016 - 10:23

    What keeps me going back to cafes are
    1. Good house blend that suits my palate
    2. Guest beans.

    • jpp on 13/11/2016 - 12:55

      Hi dasher86,
      Thanks for your reply!
      Where did you try this blend?

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