FAQ

How do you make espresso with a coffee pod?

Choose your blend....traditionalists prefer some Robusta...we certainly like it this way!

Place your order!

Monkey posts it to you

Open the box

Turn on your machine and allow it to reach temperature

Carefully tear open the pod pouch

Place the pod snugly inside the stainless steel basket at the end of your espresso group handle

You may need a basket adaptor which we can supply...but broadly, the pod should sit neatly inside the basket, water should not be able to seep around the sides of the pod and the pod must be no more than c 5 mm from your shower head (where the water comes out)

Apply the group handle firmly and tightly to the machine

Select a suitable espresso cup – ideally warmed

Press ‘go’... and watch the espresso pour...this first pour is called the ‘mouse tail’...lighter at first ...

If your machine does not automatically switch off after making each drink, then pour to the desired size, or for no more than 30 seconds...otherwise,  you brew the harsher flavour characteristics which you don’t really want

Remove the spent pod

Enjoy your drink or forth some milk – my preference espresso macchiato!

How long does a foil wrapped pod last?

The natural enemy of coffee is oxygen

That’s what makes it go stale, uninspiring and musty in flavour

Your pod has been packed under a protective atmosphere, with nitrogen, to make sure it remains ready for peak performance, for up to 18 months, from the date of production

The pod is packed in an aluminium foil, with a shiny polyester top layer – the best barrier property material we know

The best before date is printed on the front of the pack and is shown, as for example, ‘May 13’, this means good before May 2013!

Keep your pods in their protective pack until you need to use them! And store them in a cool dry spot...away from strong odours and direct sunlight

Once unwrapped – use immediately...or certainly that day... the coffee will  stale within a matter of a few days

Is the Coffee Pod Recyclable?

Yes? Compost it with your potato peelings and apple cores

I am not sure what Blend is right for me?

If you are an at home novice Barista...start off with our best blend... BOOST and work your way down the quality hierarchy we have created

BOOST is an exceptionally fine and authentic espresso – dark, powerful and with Robusta. We specify Robusta, because it helps the production of crema on top of your espresso

BOUNCE is perhaps a tad darker, but is 100% Arabica. If you want top 100% Arabica quality go for this one

BUZZ is a traditional espresso – dark and robust... if you have enjoyed an espresso on holiday, in the Mediterranean, this is the one for you

BUZZ LITE is according to Monster ‘suitable for girls’ not Cowboys...but I know boys who like it too! As dark as the others...but has a slightly lighter mouth feel and perhaps just a nudge more acidity...probably from the decaffeination process

Can’t make your mind up? Then simples...chose MIXED UP and have a trial run... remember you are the expert and ultimately it is all a matter of personal taste

If you are a caterer, then I would recommend BUZZ... as good as anything else out there on the High Street...or for something special try BOOST...trust me, it is Grand Cru quality

What happens if I do not like the coffee?

Send it back! We refund your money. Easy!

Any feedback is also always appreciated, so we can keep Monkey on his toes in the factory...!

Do you supply the catering trade?

Yes, absolutely, happy to oblige! We will sell our hand crafted ESE pods to anyone!

The 100’s packs are designed especially with you guys and girls in mind

Do you offer a subscription service?

Yes we do!

Subscribe to either our 18 pack or 100 pack for 6 months (1 case per month) and we will give you a 10% reduction and Monkeys home phone number for that personal touch!

Subscribe for 12 months and we give you a 15% reduction and free postage

You can cancel at any time- why on earth you would want to though, gawd knows....!

How long does it take to get my espresso pods?

Order by 4 pm and the pods are despatched that night and so should be with you the following working day...let’s keep Monkey on his toes!

What is espresso?

Espresso is a very concentrated coffee beverage, made by forcing a small amount (c 30 > 35 ml) of nearly boiling water (85 >90 degrees centigrade) under pressure (8 > 15 bar) through very finely ground coffee

Espresso is ‘thicker’ and has more mouth feel and body than coffee brewed by other methods

In terms of mouth feel, think full fat milk and skimmed....you know that ‘watery’ sensation...?

It also has more caffeine and a higher concentration of suspended and dissolved solids, as well as the all important crema, or tan coloured foam, which tops each espresso and captures the fabulous aromas in the liquor beneath

 As a result of the pressurized brewing process, the flavours and chemicals in a typical espresso are very concentrated and often complex

Espresso is the base for other drinks, such as a latte, cappuccino, macchiato, mocha, and americano

How do I make a Caffe Latte?

Make your espresso

Pour cool, half fat milk, into a stainless steel jug

Purge your steam wand...give it a spurt!

Point your steam wand at an angle of 45 degrees into the milk (about 2 > 5 cm under the surface of the milk depending upon the size of your jug)

You may need to adjust the angle you hold the jug at to achieve the correct 45 degree position!

This will steam and heat the milk...

Keep your finger on the base of the jug to best judge temperature...when it gets warm / hot slowly withdraw the wand, to just below the surface of the milk and allow it to turn and swirl the milk, without spitting – this creates the froth

When the milk has frothed and creamed, turn off the steam arm, or wand, and gently tap and agitate the milk on your work top

Pour the milk into a 10 > 12 oz cup or mug and then gently pour your pre prepared espresso shot(s) into the milk...finally dust with what takes your fancy!