Part 1: What is a Endgame Espresso Journey?

I’ve been a lover of coffee since my first job at Krispy Kreme.  I remember going out way too late the night before and coming into work and feeling like I wouldn’t be able to finish the day while putting smiles on everyone's faces.  This was especially the case when I knew it’d be my turn to clean toilets that day. 

I'd start the day with a fresh brewed coffee from my supervisor and I'd ask why this was better than anything I had tasted growing up.  He simply said it was fresh ground.  He'd explain the grind settings and how it was set perfectly for what we did there and to simply not touch it.  He'd add that even he didn't know the why and that he'd experience complaints every time it was significantly changed from the medium setting. 

Today, The first step of the high level process I describe for the Endgame Espresso journey is improved drip coffee through the use of a new quality machine and purchasing quality ground coffee.  Then moving onto a specialty grinder to experience and adjust settings on a per cup basis.  Then discovering entry level espresso machines, and if interested pour overs.  Both of the last two I look at as branches that some people take.  The tail end of the journey involves finally exploring European branded machines.   All of these steps have the added benefit of really improving the look and feel of a kitchen.  Walking into a kitchen that has high-end equipment is a exciting conversation starting experience.  I've never had someone not comment on the Ascaso machine when they notice it. 

I look at an improved drip coffee experience as being the first step in the endgame series.  Most people I know moved away from standard drip coffee machines when they were either in college or in their first jobs while living alone.  I'd hear that it generally felt wasteful to use that much coffee.  More people are realizing how wasteful the pods are in their keurig and are rediscovering potted coffee.  

Machines like the KBGV Moccamaster helps to greatly reduce waste through the volume selector and goes a long way towards that perfect cup. A lot of times saving the coffee for a cold brew later is also an option.  Here are some key factors around how the Moccamaster is a great fit for that first step.  I think the biggest differentiators below are the top 3.  1. Even Saturation 2. Consistent Temperature 3. Brew-Volume.

Even Saturation:
The nine-hole showerhead evenly distributes hot water over the coffee grounds, mimicking a pour-over technique for optimal extraction.