A Better Coffee #3

Adventures in Des Moines

Featuring Daisy Chain Coffee, Instant Coffee Tips, and Coffee Bean Scale Scoop

Welcome to the third edition of A Better Coffee! This week, we're taking you on a flavorful journey from the historic East Village of Des Moines to the nostalgic comfort of instant coffee in Storm Lake, Iowa. We'll start with a visit to Daisy Chain Coffee, where specialty brews meet eclectic decor. Then, we'll explore the surprising charm of instant coffee and its ability to evoke cherished memories. Finally, we'll dive into the world of home roasting, introducing an essential tool that every coffee enthusiast should consider. Whether you're a coffee connoisseur or a casual sipper, this edition promises insights and tips to enhance your coffee experience. So grab your favorite mug, and let's dive in!

Getting to Know the Coffee Community. One Cup at a Time. 

Daisy Chain Coffee – Des Moines, Iowa

Nestled in the historic East Village district of Des Moines, Iowa, Daisy Chain Coffee offers a unique blend of experiences. This small specialty coffee shop, adorned with raw honey, eclectic trinkets, and animal mounts, serves up brews fit for any connoisseur. While it shares a building with Raygun, a store known for trendy hipster t-shirts, Daisy Chain was the main draw for our visit.

We approached the counter, eager to sample their offerings. Our order? An Americano, a drip coffee, and an Iced Miel. Curious about their process, I struck up a conversation with the barista about espresso techniques. "The coffee to water ratio is key for the perfect shot," he explained, gesturing to a nearby scale. It was clear that precision was a priority here.

Our drinks arrived promptly. I started with the drip coffee, allowing the Americano to cool. The medium roast was remarkably smooth, with pronounced notes of black tea and a subtle sweet finish. When I turned to the Americano, I found similar flavors, but with a richer, more chocolaty profile and subdued tea notes. The Iced Miel was a standout - a treat for latte enthusiasts looking for something special. Local honey lent a gentle sweetness, perfectly balanced by a hint of cinnamon. The drink's silky texture invited sip after delightful sip.

Despite arriving in the final hour before closing, we received service as attentive and enthusiastic as if we'd been the day's first customers. Daisy Chain Coffee has solidified its place as a must-visit spot during my trips to Des Moines. For anyone seeking a perfect blend of hip atmosphere and expertly crafted coffee, this East Village gem is not to be missed. Whether you're a local or just passing through, Daisy Chain promises a coffee experience that lingers long after the last drop.

Check out Daisy Chain Coffee’s website.

Home Brewing Techniques

Memories in a Cup of Instant Coffee

A quick stir releases the Taster’s Choice Instant Coffee aromatics and I’m transported back to Storm Lake, Iowa. There, family visits were a whirlwind of endless meals, complimented by the presence of sticky rice and the morning ritual of instant coffee. I remember descending the stairs on that first morning to be greeted by my mother-in-law, a petite Tai-Dam lady, where she proceeded to instruct me in her language where to find everything to make a cup of coffee. We were able to navigate through the language barrier with the help of my wife. A few teaspoons, the ding of a microwave, and I was set to get a needed caffeine boost to get the day going.

 I took a seat at the dining room table facing the window that framed a small garden. It was a patchwork of vegetables and herbs sprinkled with stubborn medicinal plants that had refused to vanish since their initial planting decades ago. Across from me, looking out in the garden sat my father-in-law. We chatted with the help of an interpreter as we enjoyed our morning brew and pound cake.

Although the setting is different, my mornings visiting Iowa still start with a cup of instant coffee. While it may lack the refined notes and aromatics of a single origin Gesha, Taster’s Choice offers a classic coffee taste without a bitter aftertaste.

Here is what I learned mastering this no frills approach to instant coffee:

Benefits

- Quick

- Takes little skill to make

- Easy cleanup

 How do I make it?

- 2 ¼ heaping teaspoons (Adjust to taste)

- 16 oz. water heated up to 212 degrees F (100 Degrees C)

- Stir and let sit for a few minutes before enjoying

While it may not be gourmet, there's an art to preparing the perfect cup of instant coffee. Do you have any tricks up your sleeve for elevating this humble brew? We'd love to hear your instant coffee hacks!

Coffee Roasting: What I’ve Learned

Why Every Coffee Roaster Needs a Scale Scoop

Are you tired of spills and inaccurate measurements in your coffee roasting process? Enter the coffee bean scale scoop - an indispensable tool for any serious home roaster. This versatile instrument, with its large scoop on one side and built-in funnel on the other, makes transferring beans in between containers a breeze throughout your roasting session.

When I started roasting, I relyed solely on a 1-liter measuring cup. While it's still useful for dropping beans into the roasting hopper, it lacks the efficiency of a scale scoop. Here's why:

1. Precision: Filling bags to net weight.

2. Versatility: Use it for scooping, weighing, and funneling - three tools in one!

3. Cleanliness: Reduces spills and waste when transferring beans between containers.

My aha moment came when filling coffee bags with freshly ground beans. Initially, I struggled to fill bags directly from my grinder's discharge, often resulting in blockages and messes. The scale scoop solved this problem elegantly. Now, I grind into the scoop, then use its funnel end to fill bags with precision and control. This method allows me to shake and settle grounds evenly, ensuring perfectly filled bags every time.

While a 1-liter measuring cup still has its place in my toolkit, the scale scoop has become my go-to for nearly every stage of the roasting process. For any home roaster looking to upgrade their setup, I can't recommend this tool enough. It's a small investment that will significantly streamline your workflow and improve the consistency of your roasts.

This newsletter publication is brought to you by Go West Coffee Company. Small batch roasting at its finest. Use code ABETTERCOFFEE for free shipping on your first order.

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West