On Paper and Oil

[JPDyson]

You little... devil?! JK, Jason. Nothing but love.

Truth be told, I was a little surprised with myself after brewing yesterday's DP Sidamo with my Bonmac and a melitta white. I think I see your perspective more clearly, Jason - I don't think I really lost any particular flavors, but it's more the structure of the cup that's changed. I could say the flavors seemed a little dryer, but true enough, a bit clearer as well. It seems that the oils contribute to a certain "juiciness" in this coffee, whereas paper-filtered coffees are less so - but the same flavors are present.

I think it's fairer to say that a lot of the coffee I've been drinking lately simply benefit in some way by having oils present, and I'm digging it. I've been using paper for everything but the occasional french press, or weekend vacpot. The recent addition of AeroPress + DISK and the Eva Solo are just increasing my love for oily coffee.

I still don't think it's paper taste that's impacting my perception of these flavors. I rinsed the ever-loving heck out of this filter, as usual. I'm going to try cupping filters soon.

[Jasonian]

Josh, you tend to love dry process Ethiopians. In those coffees, the desirable "fruitiness" is almost entirely from a fermentation defect, with which the oil pairs quite nicely. I see the aromatics as being similar to a merlot, which is typically a fairly heavy bodied wine varietal.. the oil may add a bit of body to the overall experience, which I believe would enhance the cup for this particular style of coffee.

I generally only go paper with centrals, personally. On rare occasion an Indo (I'm looking at you, PNG). Every coffee likes different treatment, and I think that your tastes in general tend to lean towards coffees that benefit from having oil in the cup. Just another thought.

Also, there is no rinsing 100% of the paper taste out of a filter. You can cut it down tremendously, but it's always present. Enter, once again, why I tend to prefer the Green Mountain oxygen bleached Melitta #2 style filters. Thinner = less paper = less paper taste. (even rinsing the ever-loving heck out of them)