Frequently asked questions.
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
About the Coffee blends faq.
Because the same old questions arise time and again, the coffee blends FAQ was born. Here you will find an ever growing list of questions. This will be updated quarterly. Subject to new questions being asked !
Since 2004 Happy Donkey has supplied quality fresh coffee online. Throughout this period the blends have change very little. The consistency has always been key. Consequently people know what to expect when ordering any of the coffee blends. As well as the single origin beans.
The questions.
The easiest coffee blend to work with is the Happy Donkey Classic Italian. With such a variety of tastes to be found. Change the grind and change the coffee !
We love espresso too ! The best coffee for making espresso shots is an espresso blend ! Classic Brazilian and Classic Italian are both espresso blends.
A blend with a different feel is Happy Donkey Sumatran Mocha. Soft and subtle silky tones with a spicy after taste.
The Brazilian coffee has a rich and strong taste. Yet smooth and not over powering. The Italian is also a a strong coffee. It has more of a kicking after taste.
Yes 100% Arabica coffee is easy to work with. It’s all about the grind.
There are two ways to do this with an espresso machine. Make espresso then add hot water. Alternatively run the coffee for longer on a coarse grind. The latter works especially well on the Happy Donkey Classic Italian.
The best coffee for the Gaggia Classic is the famous Italian Blend. There’s a reason it’s called Classic Italian !
Grinding fresh for a French Press, aka a cafetière. The Cost Rican cannot be beaten. Smooth honey tones and the taste of calm.
All Happy Donkey coffee blends work well in bean to cup machines. To keep the peace the Costa Rican is the one. Smooth tasty and inspiring.
All of the Happy Donkey coffee blends work well on the Sage. Most use the Italian and the Sumatran Mocha blends.
The Costa Rican is the most obvious choice, followed by the Sumatran Mocha and the Brazilian. The Brazilian will make a strong coffee using this method.
Yes your friends machine and grinder need a good clean. Dried on tannin causes bitterness, rarely the coffee itself, see links at the end of this article for Puly cleaning.
The Classic Italian is roasted weekly without fail.
Cordano uses a small volume of milk. Try halving the volume of espresso. It is a very strong blend.
All Happy Donkey blends will work to make a great Latte. Sumatran Mocha would be the ultimate Latte coffee because it is complex yet subtle.
Making cold brew with Happy Donkey Classic Brazilian coffee beans is the best.
Further information.
Here at the end of the questions a series of related links is provided for information. Further reading is available on all subject through the Happy Donkey site and also on this blog.
When it comes to coffee there is no such thing as a stupid question. All are answered, but please keep it clean ! Getting started in the real world of espresso can seem daunting. Such a huge wealth of knowledge available on the internet in the modern day.
Coffee blends – things to bear in mind.
First of all the most important thing is enjoy making coffee. It is all too easy to fall into the God shot trap. This often means aspiring to something widely celebrated by others. However remember why you got into making real coffee.
Almost definitely it was because you wanted a better quality drink. Like the ones for sale on the high street. This should always be the initial target to emulate. Rome was not built in a day.
Secondly is coffee something which compliments your life? Alternatively do you wish it to be a hobby? Because it is valuable to establish.
Links to the coffee products on the Happy Donkey shop site:
Got a question about Happy Donkey coffee blends? Why not ask by dropping an E-mail in the shop site?