New (Zealand) beginnings...
The coffee arrived in a huge truck that parked up on Parnell Road. It was a monster and its presence somewhat irked our new neighbours. Despite the size, the truck was only accompanied by one strong and nuggety driver. Between the two of us we managed to get the pallets of coffee off the truck and down into the brick courtyard that stands in front of the roastery. My Indonesian days had prepared me well for this- 60kg sacks are pretty normal loads for me to handle back in West Java. The driver, who looked like a prop forward, was quite amazed we managed to get the coffee down and stacked within an hour.
By lunchtime the Toper had done several roasts. It is very different from the roaster back home- 10kg vs 25kg, heavy German Pig Iron vs Bospherous steel. However all in all I was really quite impressed with the quality of roasts I have initially got from the roaster. Plenty more work to do before we go live... but step by step getting closer to opening day!
Comment
-
Comment by Anna Anna on February 20, 2011 at 12:58pm
-
Hi Alun, I came across this thread (dont know if its still active at all) and thought id ask you about the toper. Ive just bought a 10kg toper straight from their factory in Turkey and Im just about to start using it. Do you have any general tips or anything I should think of as a newbie on a Toper :) Ive noticed that it doesnt come with anything to control the gas flame, its either on or off. How do you handle that? Do you roast with the on or off setting or have you added controls for it. Im looking for someone to add a control or a knob so I can just get started but seems I have to wait a few days now. Would be really interesting to hear how you're doing now after what seems to be 18 months since you started.
Regards
Anna
-
Comment by Alun Evans on October 30, 2009 at 1:37am
-
Thanks Pangi, good to hear things are going well for you too! In Auckland we are called Merdeka Coffee as we are here in Indonesia. The 10kg Toper is actually fine, I like the drum compostion far, far more than the Diedrich machines. I would have prefered a Probat. but one sadly did not come with the business! I am not sure why a lot of roasters do not use Topers, but I would say that a nuber of roasters I admire (in Australia, Europe and the States) do roast on them... funny they dont crow about that? When are you going to be back in NZ next? I am due for a visit down sometime before xmas
-
Comment by Pangi on October 29, 2009 at 10:56am
-
Hi Alun,
Long time between comments, I see that you've been busy. Good for you jumping into the industry back home. How is it all working out for you? What's you roastery called? I'll def. have to stop by next time I'm in Auckland. I'm plodding away hobby roasting really, I'm now roasting and selling small lots for people in my neighborhood at a market which is good experience. The dream of one day starting my own thing feels a little bit closer. Good to hear you like the Toper, so many people turn their noses up at them. Anyway, hope all is well and good luck to you.
-
-
Thank Victor. You can grill me on the Toper...I actually quite like it!
-
Comment by Victor on May 28, 2009 at 9:41pm
-
Hey Alun, well done my friend ... did you post up the roaster photo? I can't view the photo you attached. Hope to see you share more info on the toper performance :)
-
-
Thnks Troy... still in setup stage. Having some issues finding the right people believe tor not!!!!!!
-
Comment by Troy on May 23, 2009 at 7:47pm
-
Sounds exciting, I'm quite fond of a good Indonesian bean and look forward to trying your coffee when I'm back from o/seas. Troy.
Barista Exchange Partners
Barista Exchange Friends
Keep Barista Exchange Free
Are you enjoying Barista Exchange? Is it helping you promote your business and helping you network in this great industry? Donate today to keep it free to all members. Supporters can join the "Supporters Group" with a donation. Thanks!
© 2024 Created by Matt Milletto.
Powered by
You need to be a member of Barista Exchange to add comments!
Join Barista Exchange