Author Rick Touchstone

Posted on November 23, 2018 by Rick Touchstone — Leave a comment

Black Friday Deals from MasterClass Hurry Limited Time Offer

For the first time ever, MasterClass is offering a Black Friday & Cyber Monday promotion! I include affiliate links within this post to support the maintenance and development of this site. Please see below for the exciting details:

• Promotion: “Buy One, Gift One.” Buy one All-Access Pass and receive a free All-Access Pass to gift to the person of your choice.
• Eligibility: Offer available to new customers, and single class customers that upgrade to AAP.
• Start/End Dates: Wednesday, 11/21 – Monday, 11/26

The promotion allows a new customer to purchase an All-Access Pass for $180 and receive another All-Access Pass to give to someone else at no additional charge! If a customer has already purchased a single class for $90, they can upgrade to the All-Access Pass for an additional $90 and still receive another All-Access Pass to give as a gift. Hurry this Black Friday Deals from Masterclass will expire soon.

Shop all the Masterclass offerings here.

Buy One Get one for just 180 and give a fantastic gift

Students give MasterClass an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.
100% satisfaction guaranteed. Risk free for 30 days.

Posted on November 12, 2018November 15, 2018 by Rick Touchstone — Leave a comment

Why the Best Kona Coffee Brand is KOA Kona Coffee.

Kona coffee from Hawaii is one of the best kona coffee brand experiences I have ever enjoyed. 100% Kona Coffee Beans are sought after amongst all the coffee varieties in the world, famed for its mouth-watering aromas and deliciously smooth, rich flavor and characteristic rich profile.

Most of the beans sold as ‘Kona' don’t live up to the name. True 100% Kona is expensive, so Kona beans are frequently mixed with cheaper beans to produce affordable blends.

I have tried those these blends and thought well that was nothing special, I was probably a victim of a Kona impersonator. Don't let this happen to you. Koa Coffee sells only the highest-grade Kona Beans, direct from the farm, at the best possible price. The Tri-pack includes 3 types of Kona for Variety.

This is the coffee Forbes called Best in America!.

Koa often runs discounts on this deal for new customers, so clicking the links in this article will deliver for the best valued, quality Kona coffee online. Shop all our KOA Kona coffee selection.

The Kona Belt

The Kona Belt is located on the coast of Hawaii’s Big Island, where the microclimate is extremely favorable to coffee-growing. The gentle, green slopes are fertile, and the coffee plants are nourished by both sun and rain in equal measures.

The soil is rich and volcanic, providing the coffee trees with plenty of nutrition. The coffee grown in these conditions has a mellow, smooth but robust flavor profile.

What Is the Best 100% Kona Coffee Brand?

The best of the best comes in the form of the peaberry coffee beans. They have higher moisture content and far fewer imperfections than even Kona Extra Fancy beans.

Hawaiian coffee is divided into eight grade bands, which are:

1.Extra fancy (the highest quality with impressively superior flavor)
2.Fancy (also excellent)
3.No.1 (mixed with a higher grade to create a 100% Kona Coffee at a better price)
4.Kona Select (sold as an affordable blend but not as good as 1, 2, and 3)
5.Kona Prime (sold as an affordable blend but not as good as 1, 2, and 3)
6.Mixed Natural Prime (The lowest quality)

Peaberry beans

Peaberry beans roast beautifully and produce coffee that is smooth, full-bodied and has a bit of a bite! It’s no wonder that coffee connoisseurs call Kona peaberry coffee the best of the best.
There is high demand for peaberries, but nature cannot be forced! If you want top-notch Kona coffee, look for peaberry beans and be prepared to pay the price!

We highly recommend getting your hands on a packet of Koa Coffee's Whole Bean Kona Coffee, Peaberry Dark Roast. It’s not cheap – but bear in mind you get what you pay for. Splash out and treat yourself to what most fans describe as the best coffee they’ve ever experienced.Recommendation:

Tri-Pack Kona Sampler

Save on Kona Coffee when you buy a Triple-pack!

The Tri-Pack Kona Sampler has three varieties of 100% Kona, each with their own unique characteristics and of course from KOA the Best Kona Coffee Brand .

Grande Domaine Kona Coffee

This little beauty is very well known and was selected as a Kona Coffee Cupping Contest Winner because of its amazing quality and balance. The resulting brew is deliciously rich and smooth without being overly bitter.

Private Reserve Kona Coffee

This blend is a mixture of 100% Kona coffee beans from a variety of different grades and farms. The Private Reserve was awarded the title of the “Best in America” by Forbes magazine.

Estate Kona

Sourced from only one small farm on the slopes of the Mauna Loa volcano, this blend mixes the top three grades of Kona coffee together. So you get to experience the full joy of the most moist, flavorful beans combined.

The Koa Coffee Plantation has been in business since 1997. Established and run by the Artukovich family, it was later sold to Kona’s Best Natural Coffee – known as Koa Coffee Plantation.
The source coffee plantation rests on the Mauna Loa slopes in Hawaii’s “Kona coffee belt”.

Today, Koa Coffees is a worldwide sensation produced with top-of-the-line equipment and carefully vacuum-sealed to bring a rich, fresh-roasted aroma straight to you.
Koa coffee is all about the smoothness, full flavor, high-quality and exquisite balance of these offerings.

The Kona Sampler Tri-pack is a great way to try out a few different varieties and would make a fantastic gift for a coffee lover. It also comes at a reasonable price, considering it’s premium quality – a fantastic introduction to the joys of Kona coffee.

Final Thoughts

When purchasing Kona coffee, it pays to do your homework. Consider the background and history of the plantations whose products you are considering purchasing.
Well-established Farms, with a tradition of producing high-quality, pure Kona coffees, are the only ones you can trust if you truly seek genuine Kona experience.

Posted on November 11, 2018November 15, 2018 by Rick Touchstone — 1 Comment

The health benefits for heavy coffee drinkers

Espresso in moderation is known as to benefit our health and wellness, so like most Texans believe if just a little is good, more must be better. Here I explore what goes on in large levels of coffee consumption for heavy coffee drinkers?

Continuing research into coffee confirms its benefits.

Coffee has become the commonly consumed drinks on earth.
Due to its popularity, they have attracted significant amounts of research over time.

In the end, something that permeates society so thoroughly must be studied because of its benefits and drawbacks.
Scientists have finally stacked up a good amount of proof proving that espresso, when consumed in moderation, can drive back certain diseases and could even extend life expectancy.

Studies have finally shown that average coffee intake might drive back coronary disease, diabetes, and Parkinson's disease, to mention but three. This is the coffee Forbes called Best in America!

Gaps inside our knowledge

However the findings to date leave some unanswered questions. For example, “moderate intake” which often means 3 to 5 cups each day with respect to the study, appears to be of great benefit, but many people drink six or even more cups every day.

So, do they still enjoy coffee's protective forces?

Also, certain folks have genetic variations that alter how they metabolize, or breakdown, caffeine. How are they affected? Similarly, will the kind of espresso ground, instant, or decaffeinated make a difference to health outcomes?

Could coffee stop clogged arteries?

A new study concludes that consuming more than three cups of coffee every day lowers the risk of atherosclerosis.
Shop all KOA coffee offerings

Other studies have attempted to answer the questions above, but, because fewer people fall into these categories, it has been difficult to make strong conclusions from the available data.

Reopening the coffee question

The scientists found that, as predicted, coffee drinkers had a lower risk of death over the course of the follow-up. They also found that this reduction in risk extended to people who drank eight or more cups each day.

It also affected people who metabolize caffeine slower or faster than normal, and it worked across all coffee types (although the benefits were slightly less pronounced for instant coffee).

The fact that individuals who process caffeine differently and those who drink decaffeinated coffee also saw benefits hints that caffeine is not the main player in this beneficial relationship. Coffee consists of hundreds of different chemicals, making this a difficult code to crack.

One group of chemicals that scientists have been interested in is polyphenols, which are found in reduced levels in instant coffee. Much more work will be needed to understand how they fit into the bigger picture, though.

The new study is based on observational data, but because of the large number of participants used, the authors conclude:
The results show evidence that coffee drinking can be part of a healthy diet and may provide reassurance to those who drink coffee and enjoy the experience with many flavors and tastes.

Final Thoughts

With its unwavering popularity, research into coffee is guaranteed to continue and remain controversial. These finding strongly establish that coffee has a many health benefits that much outweigh the negatives floating around the coffee community.

Medical benefits for heavy coffee drinkers

Posted on November 11, 2018November 15, 2018 by Rick Touchstone — 1 Comment

About 1st In Coffee and Home Espresso Machines

Founded in 2002, 1st In Coffee has rapidly grown into one of the most trusted coffee product suppliers online for home espresso machines . From high quality espresso machines to standard coffee makers, grinders, tampers, cleaners, filter, cups, and more, 1st In Coffee carries a wide selection for coffee lovers. What is a grinder or coffee machine without coffee beans? 1st In Coffee offers whole bean and ground, pods & capsules, and samplers of fine Italian coffee and espresso from dozens of brands. Shop all 1st in Coffee offerings. Owner James Smith earns the trust of his customers through outstanding service and support.

Home espresso machines

Home espresso machines have become more popular than ever in the past few years. With the cost of stopping for an espresso skyrocketing, more and more families are opting for buying a home espresso machine.

Home espresso machines are scaled rear versions of the commercial ones used in caffeine shops. How scaled back again is your decision. You may spend big money and have a high of the collection, do it all machine or buy less end machine but still make wonderful espressos.

The essential premise is the fact that the device will force hot water over finely ground coffee under great pressure, creating an espresso with a beautiful crema. How the machine runs about creating your espresso depends on the sort of machine. Jura Capresso Coffee Centers

Types of Machines

Pump espresso machines are typically the most expensive of the espresso machines. Although they do create the most excellent espressos, they are usually the greatest and noisiest of the machines. Commercial machines are usually pump espresso machines although there are home espresso machines that are pump also. Pump espresso machines also require more maintenance as they can become clogged with calcium deposits.

Manual espresso machines use a manual lever and piston to build pressure. If used often they could be arduous on the arm. These machines do not build a steady espresso as the pressure varies based on amount of arm power. Lever/piston machines are incredibly tranquil with few parts and zero-maintenance.

Heavy steam powered espresso machines are the most frequent machines within homes. They are really fast and simple to use. They are simply small enough to squeeze in home kitchens. These espresso machines use steam from the warm water to set-up pressure. The pressure in these machines isn’t always sufficient to produce a great espresso.

Another basic simple espresso machine is the moka pot or percolator. These use a pressurized lower part 50 % to send the heavy steam though the caffeine in to the top 50 percent where the espresso is accumulated. The main advantages are that they are incredibly easy to use and are the least expensive of all the models. However, they haven't any frothing tools or method for frothing, have less pressure than mechanized versions, this means less taste is extracted from the caffeine.

Determine what you like and go for it!

Buying an espresso machine for your home is highly recommended an investment. You will need to judge how often you intend to use the machine, if it’s an intermittent use, you often will go with a more affordable machine. If, however, you are a regular espresso drinker, you will likely want to go with a far more expensive machine that can endure more use. It's also advisable to look for one with a good warranty.

When determining the needs you have opt for how much space you have for the machine. For occasional use you might look at a smaller machine that you can set aside. Or perhaps even a coffee machine/espresso maker combo machine.

Cost

It’s a good idea to determine how much you want to invest on an espresso machine before you begin hunting one. One good way to get a concept is to consider how often you get an espresso or espresso based drinks and number how much you spend monthly. This can help you decide how much you can devote to a machine and also have it purchase itself.

With your information gathered you will be ready to go end up an espresso machine made for home use. There are various reputable companies which have home espresso machines. Some are also commercial espresso creators and probably make the best espresso machines. Whatever for you to decide you will be happy with your hot, fresh espresso made while still in your pajamas.

Deals and Coupons:

Free shipping on orders over $50 at 1st in Coffee, no code, ends 12/31

Posted on November 6, 2018November 15, 2018 by Rick Touchstone — 1 Comment

Wine of the Month Club™

What better way of saying “I am thinking of you” than a subscription to the original ? Each month, a shipment will arrive at your recipient's address with two pre-screened wines chosen by me for their enjoyment in a beautiful linen burgundy box with your personalized gift card. Each memorable shipment includes a our 24-page newsletter “The Tasting Room” with cellaring suggestions, recipes, history and more. Give with confidence because we're the Original and Only Wine of the Month Club™. Shop all wine offerings

WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB™

This wine gift subscription is sure to be a big hit with your “wine enthusiast” friends or family. The most recent addition to our family at the WINE OF THE MONTH CLUB™, the Vintners Series gives your gift recipient an opportunity to experience new wines.

All in a price range that offers a wide variety of grapes and growing regions. Please note that I do not receive this product or any others in exchange for this article, I do get a small commission for readers that click the buy now links. This commission helps differ the cost of hosting this blog and I sincerely hope this article helps you with your wine choice.

THE VINTNERS SERIES

All the wines in each club are guaranteed for quality and value, and THE VINTNERS SERIES wine subscription service widens the spectrum of flavors. Each winery and winemaker has a personality to their wines. Like a chef, through their training and education, each winemaker carries a philosophy about wine throughout their wares.

THE VINTNERS SERIES wine subscription service highlights these selections in its monthly delivery. You'll naturally find wines from the classic regions of the world: Napa Valley, Bordeaux, the Loire, Tuscany and Australia… but then again, you might get a gem from Hungary or New Zealand.

Maybe even a gorgeous Chardonnay from Virginia! I once watched in amazement the pruning of the vines in Millbrook, New York in the dead of winter in 3 feet of snow… talk about labor of love!

Each month your gift recipient will receive 2 pre-screened bottles shipped to their door. One will be red and one will be white (or choose red wines or white wines only). You may also opt for shipments to arrive monthly, every other month, or quarterly. Buy with confidence and excitement, as your gift recipient is about to embark on a journey of wine appreciation through THE VINTNERS SERIES.

Start their journey through the amazing world of wine now… with THE VINTNERS SERIES wine gift subscription from the original Wine of the Month Club™, Get the California Wine Series Membership at Wine of the Month Club.

Here is the guarantee:

You never pay for a wine you do not like. If for any reason at all you don't think the wine is for you, call or email us and we will send you something you do like… no questions asked.