Hard Tank Baby!

The hard tank baby has arrived!

Using patented technology you can now create beautiful coldbrew quickly and with ease.

I was delighted to get my hands on one of these units as coldbrew and nitro is something that interests me hugely.

The baby model is the smallest of the tanks available, the full range offers a nitro system and a larger tank for cold brew.

 

Coldbrew Consumption

Traditionally coldbrew drinks are time consuming to prepare, we normally offer the Toddy system to our customers https://toddycafe.com/product/toddy-cold-brew-system

This methods and all traditional methods do require a lot of manual labour, while the coffee is at risk of oxidisation from being exposed during brewing and sitting in the Toddy unit before/while serving.

Coldbrew over the last couple of years however has become hugely popular along with iced beverages. The brewing process normally takes a long time with the result giving a less acidic and less bitter result.

More developed coffees suit traditional coldbrew methods for “coffee taste”, but in the ever changing world of coffee, coldbrew drinkers now would like to enjoy specialty coffee with different post harvesting processing methods. This is where the Hardtank excels.

The cold brew coffee market is poised to grow by $2176.05 mn from 2023-2027, accelerating at a CAGR of 26.44% during the forecast period.

A report on the cold brew coffee market provides a holistic analysis, market size and forecast, trends, growth drivers, and challenges, as well as vendor analysis https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221201005535/en/Global-Cold-Brew-Coffee-Market-2023-2027-Increasing-Product-Launches-and-New-Retail-Outlets-Driving-26.4-Annual-Growth—ResearchAndMarkets.com

But what is HardTank?

Hardtank is the brain child of Hard Beans coffee in Poland, https://hardbeans.com

Baby HardTank it’s a fast cold brew and nitro cold brew maker. In less than 1 hour you can prepare up to 4,5 liters of cold brew coffee, tea or cascara. Innovative, stainless steel double- filtration system makes sure that there are no particles left in your cold brew causing increased bitterness and astringency. Touch screen lets you choose an optimal recipe for your beverage choosing the preferred amount of water and time of extraction. Built -In TDS reader controls your extraction levels throughout the whole production process. HardTank app for smartphones alarms you when the TDS reached your preferred level or production time is about to finish. Automated washing process makes sure that there is no risk of contamination in your beverages. Nitro tap lets you serve chilled and infused with nitrogen cold brew beverage giving it smooth, creamy and refreshing taste.

You can make coldbrew from coffee, cascara, tea and spirits from the Baby hardtank which was the 2021 SCA best new product winner. https://sca.coffee/sca-news/announcement/winners-of-the-2021-best-new-product

The hardtank

PROS

  • Quicker
  • Cleaner
  • Ease of Use
  • Robust unit/system

 

CONS

  • The app needs work
  • The software is clunky
  • No Manual

 

Final Thoughts

The app and the program for the hardtank are a little clunky it has to be said. Scrolling the menu is not as easy as it should be and theres a confusing element of how much water the tank holds (when you add 4 litres it reads 3.5 etc)

The fact you can transfer the brew straight to a nitro system and keep the coffee enclosed and thus fresher is very smart and beneficial.

The coldbrew we have enjoyed from the HardTank is definitely a huge improvement on traditional methods, with cleaner less bitter results.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of the Hardtank is being able to experiment with different roast styles and brew time in a controlled way but also in a quick and timely fashion. The cleaning/sanitation cycles can be initiated from the menu or you phone. In the video above you can see a quick cleaning method we use when the tank is not plumbed into a closed system. The cleaning is a doddle and ensures you can continue to brew all day.

We would definitely recommend buying one for your coffee shop/roastery and we look forward to many more brews from the HardTank.

 

 

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SLVRSKIN STOUT EVENT

Late last December we had the absolute pleasure of opening our doors and inviting coffee professionals and the general public along to the roastery.

This tasting event was held in conjunction with Porterhouse Brewery https://porterhousebrewco.ie and Dingle Distillery https://dingledistillery.ie.

 

Dave Cummins (known throughout the beverage industry as Beardy Dave) was on hand to talk through the brewing process of our collaboration stout, ageing in Dingle casks and all alcohol/ brewing related queries.

While I had the job of talking about the coffee we used in the collaboration for the stout.

 

The event kicked off with a round of Espresso Martinis which myself & Dave prepared the preceding hour. Using Los Amapolas Guatemala as the espresso base we added Kahlua  Sugar Syrup and some Dingle Vodka.

This was then transferred to the Tone Nitro and created a stunning Martini.

While guests mingled and enjoyed some savoury pastries from the legends at Strudel https://strudelbakery.com/home I set about brewing coffee for the evening.

 

The running order was as follows.

Espresso Martini in our training centre

Factory tour and introduction to Silverskin Coffee

SLVRSKIN collaboration beer tasting & talk

Dingle Whiskey tasting & talk

Coffee to finish

There was also a very special talk with three legends of the coffee community Jackie Malone, Julie Murray & Vic-Fitz-Henry.

To see old friends from the coffee industry, along with new young voices and the general public with no background in coffee was an amazing experience.

This was our first such event but it won’t be our last. We have plans for a summer event this year and would love to hear your ideas/feedback on what you’re interested in hearing about or partaking in.

Finally I would like to thank everybody who came and donated to two worthy causes, Dave for his super laid back professional attitude, Jackie/Julie/Vick for their contribution.

Last but not least Stephen & Gearóid who gave up their evening and many hours before and after organising the event.

 

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Optical Bean Sorter

Bean Sorting

You may have seen Optical Bean Sorters appear on roasters websites and instagrams over the past while.

Bean sorting is not new and has been prevalent at farms when processing for years.

Using these machines in roasting facilities however is a new phenomenon.

Our new model not only sorts quakers https://mtpak.coffee/2022/05/everything-you-need-to-know-about-quaker-coffee-beans/ but insect damaged or misshaped beans.

Using AI TECHNOLOGY this sorter “learns” which beans are acceptable and which the user would like to reject.

Why are there quakers though if we only use Specialty coffee?

There is a very specific set of rules and parameters as to what specialty coffee is and how it is sorted and graded.

Anybody who has undertaken Q grading or Green Coffee Modules with the SCA knows this only too well.

https://www.coffeestrategies.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Green-Coffee-Defect-Handbook.pdf

Quakers, stones and defects are just part of the coffee cycle.

Denying they exist or not using the correct equipment is going to damage equipment in the long run.

New innovations in processing are seeing more natural coffees, more anaerobically produced coffees and generally more experimentation.

These experimental coffee lead to unknowns and further possibility of foreign objects due to the nature of their processing.

Here at Silverskin Coffee we are continually reinvesting in our roasting plant and technology!

We want to ensure you and your customer receive the very best cup of coffee.

Using experience built up over almost 30 years experience of roasting and coffee manufacturing.

We have continually reinvested in technologies such as, the Ikawa sample roaster for QC and cupping, the ROEST sample roaster for micro espresso batches (something we found hard to replicate with the IKAWA).

Our bespoke packaging machine and packaging with one way valve. Our Wally Milk assistant and Stay fresh cylinders with peel tech. Both production roasters are fit with state of the art destoners to ensure any debris is removed BEFORE we use the sorter.

How does the sorter work?

There are 68 channels which transfer the beans to a camera, this Nikon camera is assisted using a LED light source (German Osram’s lamp).

Toshiba CCD sensor, the pixel can reach 200 million pixels, which can accurately identify materials and reduce the machine identification error rate.

All easily handled and programmed through a remote control tablet, can be used as an interface with iPhone 😮‍💨😮‍💨

Enjoy your coffee

 

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F I N C A – P A L M I C H A L – NEW SZN

On the quest for remarkable coffees, you simply cannot overlook Colombia. Colombia has earned a reputation for high quality coffee thanks to farmers’ hard work and excellent terrain.
The department of Quindío is nestled to the west of the highest Andes sierra, the Cordillera Central. Refreshing yet calm winds descend through green valleys, whilst volcano cones rise impressively. This area, forming part of the Eje Cafetero (coffee axis), has become famous for its long tradition of coffee cultivation. In the very south of Quindío lies the municipality of Génova.
Atilano Giraldo’s Finca Palmichal is situated in this district at an altitude of on average 1,560 meters. The total 53 hectares of the farm are planted with coffee trees. The finca curls along lush hills next to yucca and green plantain trees. Having worked alongside his father for years, Atilano is now the third generation of coffee growers in this area.
Over the years he has perfected the processes and his knowledge about coffee to create an Arabica full of abundant aromas and prosperous body. Luckily, two rain seasons enable Atilano to harvest his coffee twice a year.

QUALITY SCORE: 87.75

Cup Notes
Lemon Zest / Maple Syrup / Green Apple / Caramel / Tropical Fruits

Suggested for espresso and filte

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New Season Finca Los Amapolas

New season Las Amapolas
Huehuetenango, Guatemala has landed 🍬

Guatemala is a fascinating country with rich indigenous culture and stunning natural habitats.
Set in the northwest, bordering Mexico, Huehuetenango has become one of the most well-known coffee growing areas in the country.
The name “Huehuetenango” stems from the historic Aztec language Nahuatl and translates into “place of the ancestors”.
Elevation in this area reaches from 300 to 3850 meters, creating ideal micro-climate conditions for coffee cultivation.
Due to the high elevation these beans grow slower than usual, but also develop a higher density, i.e. building a very hard core.
This is fostered through intense sun exposure during the day, while cold and moist winds cool down the area at night.
Along with higher density comes a complex abundance of citric and fruitful aromas that allow lots from Huehuetenango rank as some of the very best coffees in the world.

This coffee is sweet and balanced making a lush, sweet espresso with milk chocolate notes and stone fruit.
It’s ideal for milk based drinks, while lighter roasts are perfect for filter.

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The Golden Ticket

Any order placed on our website between Thursday 4th – Friday 19th August could contain a golden ticket!
If you’re a lucky recipient you’ll really need to hold onto this ticket as it’s your invitation to a really special event here @Silverskin HQ  🎊 🎉 🎈

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World of coffee 2022

After three years without travelling, we finally made it back to World Of Coffee ’22 in Milan and in true 2022 fashion it involved planes, trains and automobiles.

When booking the event I had contemplated not booking a transfer and having a bit of an adventure and a break from the norm. As it turns out I needn’t  have worried, the universe had sorted out that adventure for me anyway.

A rather large storm kicked off in Milan, which meant a delay on the flights and planes being diverted out of Milan to surrounding cities.

Upon arrival we found out there was a taxi strike so the bus was our preferred mode of transport.

Worryingly my phone was on the dreaded 5% battery life and gave up the ghost just as we hit central station. So on a wing and a prayer I quizzed locals on the best way to get to my hotel (which I had half remembered was called Mirage something or other).

Two very kind strangers put me on the very last metro heading out of the city and wished me luck.

On this  journey I bumped into the Australian latte art champion Victor Vu along with his brother and girlfriend. I had spotted their competitor badges, so introduced myself. Victor told me he had just made it to the finals of the competition a couple of hours earlier.

After chatting for a bit Victor asked where I was from, “Dublin Ireland” I say, “oh really I know a guy from there who saved my colleague’s World Barista Championship routine a few years back” that guy was indeed  myself.

(if you’ve never heard the story you can have a listen here) https://www.radiopublic.com/5a571f8d-0a7f-43a5-b5f8-b22c46620d38/ep/s1!94f9a

This story has reverberated around the coffee world and myself and Martin got a chance to meet and reminisce at the show. What happened that weekend in Dublin (2016) has created a bond between us that can never be broken.

Martin is one of the most genuine people I have ever had the pleasure to meet and get to know.

Have a read here https://silverskincoffee.ie/2016/06/25/world-of-coffee-dublin/

World Of Coffee Milan did not disappoint at all. Bigger and better competitions, stands, products and of course coffee.

A great chance to meet old friends and share stories, meet new friends and forge new connections.

When we finished up we headed to https://accademiaespresso.com/en/

But that’s a whole other story.

 

 

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E80 Supreme GBW (Grind By Weight)

The MAHLKÖNIG GmbH & Co. KG
E80 Supreme Grind by Weight arrives in Dublin this week. Following on form the success of the e65-s GBW the e-80 now boasts the same capabilities.

The original e-80 (without GBW tech) is our favourite grinder to work with. We have used it for so many installations where a high speed accurate solution was required.

These units will be supported by the M5 Puqpress https://www.puqpress.com/products/puq-m-line/puqpress-m5-for-mahlkonig-e80/

With 80mm flat burrs and patented grind by weight tech, let’s have a look at the key benefits and feautures for your coffee business.Details
80 mm diameter special steel burrs.
Powerful motor with active temperature control for high-speed performance.
Grind-by-Weight technology featuring a high-precision load cell for real-time dosing control during the grinding process.
Patented Disc Distance Detection (DDD) enabling accurate settings of the degree of fineness.
Time savings and quality assurance through integrated Portafilter Detection.
Adjustable illuminated spout providing a clean and centered coffee outlet.
Pleasantly quiet grinding.
High-resolution 88.3 mm display with a wide viewing angle.
Why not arrange an in-person demo?

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Wally Milk is here

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Wally Milk Assistant from La Marzocco

Delighted to take delivery of our first Wally milk assistant.

meet wally milk – a simple way to steam perfect milk with no training no waste

First unveiled on the occasion of HOST 2019 and then exhibited at this year’s show in Milan (22-26 October), today we are excited to officially present WALLY MILK !

Wally Milk streamlines and simplifies the milk steaming process, offering the flexibility to manage multiple milk types (non-dairy alternatives, too), temperatures, and foam levels with the press of a button – so that everyone can create perfect steamed milk with minimal training and attention.

For professional baristas, focus shifts to efficiency behind the bar, the pour itself, and the craft that goes into Latte Art, as well as to more interaction with customers.

Amongst the many innovative features, the users can enjoy multi-level consistency (Wally is equipped with sensors monitoring milk temperature and milk level which provide perfect results time after time), a preventive alert system, La Marzocco proprietary software, and steam wand, 24v electronics, an exclusive vortex steam tip, automatic jug recognition, up-to-20 different recipes (combinations of milk types, temperatures, and frothing levels) and easy- access to the working parts of the machine thus providing easy access for technicians and minimizing downtimes.

Last but not least, Wally Milk is compatible with all La Marzocco and Modbar models – as well as most espresso machines – and comes with fun swag and accessory kit, including 3 pitchers.

 

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