What's the Diff? Espresso vs. The World

A common inquiry in the coffee shop is differentiating between ‘coffee’ and ‘espresso’. Is espresso just coffee? Why does it taste different? How is it stronger? Because knowledge is power, we want you to be a powerful coffee drinker, and knowing is half the battle.

The main difference between a cup of coffee and a shot of espresso is the brew method. Espresso can be made from any type of coffee bean, any roast, any region, blend or single origin, and is qualified by its transformation in an Espresso Machine.

The beans are ground more finely than when used in slower brew methods, to assist with the high rate of pressure at which water is pushed through. The grounds are packed tightly with a tamper into a portafilter, that doohickie that looks like a little cup with a handle on it, and secured in the machine. The temperature of the water should be between 192 and 204 degrees Fahrenheit and pushes through the grounds at a pressure rate of approximately 9BAR or atmospheres or 135 pounds per square inch, which is really intense. The shot length depends on the coffee bean and the consistency desired, but typically runs between 25 and 30 seconds.

The water temperature and pressure are crucial in making espresso. Smaller, home machines that use steam pressure are not able to reach these levels and do not result in the same beverage. So, when it comes to espresso, the machine is money.

What emits in this seemingly complex endeavor, is a 1 to 3 ounce yield of espresso, depending on how much coffee is used, with a complex, sweeter flavor. The crema on top, or the amber, almost creamy layer on top of the shot, is also unique to espresso. This layer adds a complexity to the flavor that makes espresso a win.

This Italian originating method is one we hold dear at Quills. The Americano and machiatto are drinks made with this fine method of coffee brewing. The down low on these drinks is soon to come. Go forth and use your knowledge for good. 

Barista of the Week: Brittany Jarboe Jennings

Barista of the Week: Brittany Jarboe Jennings

Is Passionate About: Art, Books and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream with Blueberries

Love of Louisville: The Community

Spirit Animal: Chinchilla. Yeah, that’s right.

Heart Dances: In Prague. Which is telling of…

Secretly Longs to be: A Professor of Czech Communist Art History

Coffee Drink of Choice: Short Americano, single origin espresso, a drip of half ‘n’ half.

Love of the Barista: “I like doing Latté Art.”

Word around the Espresso Machine about Brittany: “She makes customers smile. I see it happen all of the time.”

Owner Spotlight

Despite the literary and fowl themes of Quills, the name of our beloved shop derived from a more familiar source. Head honcho Nathan Quillo grew up with the nickname. Given by a dear friend that had recently passed, the selection was personal and meaningful and of course sounded cool. At least this was the logic of Tyler Deeb, family, friend and future barista of Quills. Seeking to add a personal touch to the bourgeoning new business and to have a versatile concept of the coffee shop, Quills was anointed. All hale. 

Barista of the Week: Ginger Goss

Barista of the Week: Ginger Goss

Feels most akin to: Hummingbirds. Because they’re tiny. Once witnessed a swarm of said tiny bird and was filled with love.

Muse of the song: Drums. Especially drum ensembles.

Secretly aspires to be: A witch. Seriously.

Takes great Joy from: Underlining sentences in books with a ruler. “It’s so satisfying.”

Love of Louisville: Falls of the Ohio. Which is technically in Indiana, but hey.

Dreams nightly: In typewriter font.

Coffee drink of choice: Iced Mocha. Duh.

Has the barista love for: “Talking to people all day. I love talking to people.”

Word on the street about Ginger: “Her energy is divine and will bring joy in your life. Whether you want it or not!”

Resident Artist Douglas Miller is a Winner

Quills has been lucky enough to have Douglas Miller’s artwork as a rotating exhibit since our new location opened on Baxter Ave. Recently named Louisville’s Best Artist by LEO Weekly’s Readers Choice Awards, Quills is pumped to have Miller’s work recognized. In addition to the rotation of work shown, Miller has a limited series currently on display. In the same vein as his traditional eerily descriptive yet abstract style, Miller has expanded his subject matter.

Inspired by a short story called “The Nose” from 1835, Miller takes creative liberties in his illustrations. Depicting images that are both literal concepts and inspired concepts from the story, he incorporates the ambiguous structure of the story into the ambiguous structure of his drawings. His illusive animal and figurative drawings beckon the viewer to engage the work, to reflect and imagine with the depictions Miller has created.

Miller is also featuring a drawing of an Alligator. Proceeds of this work are going to Louisville music staple Jason Noble who is recovery from a rare type of cancer. Contributing to Noble’s financial situation like many of the city’s musicians and artists that have organized fundraisers and made donations, Miller is doing his part for his dear friend.

So take a moment when enjoying some of Quills fine coffee to take in Miller’s fine work and maybe you’ll give that Gator a home.

Barista of the Week: Adam Pike

Barista of the Week: Adam Pike

Hoisted from the coastal port of San Diego

Favorite ride at Disney Land: The ridiculous one at Magic Mountain

Little known fact: Has a secret life as a poet. Spot him in a collection called Furniture.

Favorite instrument of musical muse: The Trumpet, it is emotive and versatile. (sounds familiar)

His thoughts on Halloween: “People should wear costumes and visit their neighbors every day, not just once a year.”

Love of Louisville: The Highlands… the trees, parks, people, restaurants and red doors.

Coffee Drink of Choice: Double short Americano. By far.

Root of his Coffee Love: “It’s very simple. I like learning to do something really well. Making a quality latté is very gratifying. And the people. Of course.”

What they say about Adam: “He is totes the best. Ever.”

Goodies for Good Times

Even though we love coffee a ridiculous amount, we also love anything related to coffee. That includes delicious pastries to accompany delicious coffee. We currently offer locally baked goods from the Louisville area. We use Adrienne & Company, located in Jeffersonville, IN. A family owned operation, they have adapted recipes just for Quills. They love us and we love them. Their pastries look and taste super homemade and comforting. From them, we get a variety scones and muffins, sweet and savory, including vegan options. Also fluffy, delicious croissants that can be served with Nutella.

Our newest addition to the pastry family are cookies and biscotti by Brooke Vaughn from Please and Thank You. A local baker and regular customer, we love her goodies and shining personality. She’s a winner. Currently available wholesale only, the company will have a downtown location that will be both a bakery and vinyl record store. Rustic and delicious, their treats have unique and traditional flavors. Creating ever changing biscotti flavors just for Quills, come by and see what Brooke’s baked up for you to dip in your coffee.
 
To give you some extra umph with your morning Joe, Quills serves Kizito Granola- It's just the best ever. So delicious and a Louisville staple! Paired with plain yogurt, local honey and dried cranberries it is fully unbelievable good. Plus it’s served in a cute Ball Mason jar, which makes eating it super fun.

http://cakestoday.com/

http://www.kizito.com/

Mmh! That's some fine looking espresso!

 Photos courtesy of Ginger Goss

Quills New Espresso On the Map

Thanks to our loyal customer Todd Mundt for posting this article http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/09/30/ristretto-not-just-in-kansas-anymore/

In addition to featuring the best coffees roasted in Louisville, Quills is raising the bar like the fancy New Yorkers. Drinking PT's espresso not only pleases your palette it makes you a connoisseur of fine coffee. Win.   

Barista of the Week: Eric Bray

Barista of the Week: Eric Bray

Best known for: Being the longest running barista at Quills and borderline cheesy wordpuns.

Power Animal: Armadillo

Coffee Drink of his Dreams: 6oz. Cappuccino, the Golden Ratio of espresso and milk.

Album du Week: Saul Williams (Self Titled)

Latté Design of Choice: His original “Fleur de Feather” (Just ask for a demo)

Love of Louisville: The mix of urban and green space makes his heart sing.

Root of his Coffee Love: Melded with his love for building customer relationships, the never ending coffee education makes being a barista worth his while.

Word around the Coffee Cooler: On top of being a killer barista, Eric is a superb manager, calm, collected and cool, he is gold.