I enjoy espresso but I am reading "The Devils Cup" and it has piqued my interest in Turkish coffee. Is this worth trying? or is it likely that the Turkish coffee will not be preferable to espresso?
Also, can you suggest a good Ibrik? Copper? Brass? Tin? Which one is good?
For some background..I currently make espresso using a Rancilio Sylvia and homeroast using a Hottop. I have been homeroasting for a few years.
Turkish coffee is Turkish coffee, simply yet another way of making a hot, stimulant beverage.
It *is* worth trying.
It is *not* espresso.
Whether you are "likely" to find it preferable to espresso is completely up to you. No one can tell you one way or the other which is "better". Are you Turkish? If so, you may find it "better", or perhaps not. If you're not Turkish, you may find it "better" as well, or then again, maybe not.
My advice is to find someone who knows what they're doing to make you a decent cup of Turkish coffee.
Lacking that, find an authentic Turkish, Greek or Lebanese restaurant, have a meal, and order coffee afterwards. Be sure to ask how they brew it. If they don't make it at the table or within sight, perhaps even ask if you can watch it being made. Assuming that it is made in an ibrik, try it and see if you like it. Hopefully they'll explain how you should drink it, or perhaps you'll be smart enough to ask.
Then, some time later, find another authentic Turkish, Greek or Lebanese restaurant. Repeat the meal and coffee routine. And so on. Then decide if it is "better" than other coffee you have had.
If you want to buy an Ibrik and thrash about on your own to see if you like Turkish coffee (or whatever you end up making), get one that will hold about 8-10 oz. of liquid and is made of brass and lined with tin. Smaller is OK, but more demanding of your technique. I wish you good luck.
Bob
Secret of Turkish style coffee is the fineness of the grind, it should be very fine indeed. Rather powder. It is not possible to get the right fineness in a standard coffee grinder (not even pro machines not designed for Turkish)
For some info how to make a Turkish coffee you might want to look here:
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