Since it is the thing at the moment, thought I'd make a 'Long Black'. Very subjective, but I think it tastes slightly better than an Americano. Just looks rather weird when the coffee swirls into the water.

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Weil es angesagt ist, habe ich mir einen 'Long Black gemacht. Subjektiv gesehen, vielleicht ein kleines Bißchen besser als ein Americano. Der Kaffeestrahl ins Wasser sieht nur etwas merkwurdig aus

My trusty old Quick Mill thermoblock coffee machine. Labelled 'Poccino' who sold them here, 3rd Hand when I was given it, needed some work, was then ok. Mechanical switching between espresso and steam wand gave up, I found an conversion online to electrical switching using the existing switches, a solenoid valve specifically for this use and one or two plumbing items. I replaced the pump as well. It is still going strong after more than 30 years and a friend has it.

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Meine alte vertraute QM Thermoblockmaschine als 'Poccino' hier verkauft. Aus 3. Hand mir verschenkt. Bißchen Arbeit dann ging es gut. Später musste ich die mechanische Schaltung zwischen Portafilter und Dampf ersetzen. Online Schaltplan gefunden, mit elektrischem Ventil und kleinen Teile. Die Pumpe hatte ich gleich ersetzt. Nach 30J geht es immer noch. Ein Freund hat die Maschine jetzt.

My new (to me) double boiler machine. Bought it after Covid, when somebody who had bought it during home office time wasn't using it any more. Doesn't have the standard Faema portafilter size. I didn't want a stainless and chrome model, so this was just what I wanted. Makes really nice coffee. Have also a Niche single shot grinder.

There's nothing better, when the beans are on the plateau of being just degassed but still fresh, the aromas of the Maillard reaction are still strong and there is no trace of rancidity in the oils and the coffee begins to drip from the sieve into your cup. You know this is going to be an excellent cup.