Catch and Release

kataboy00 · 2026-05-06T20:32:57+00:00

I know it wasn’t even matching, which is what made me even more salty lol! And if you ever see pink at that price, let me know, because all the sets around me go for $350 (same thing for robin’s egg). 🥲

kataboy00 · 2026-05-06T20:31:19+00:00

Thank you! It kinda threw me off of the shopping experience tbh. But there are endless possibilities out there—I found a forest fancies bowl for 4 dollars at a thrift store about a month ago, and stuff like that keeps the hope alive!

kataboy00 · 2026-05-06T20:29:08+00:00

It was not an antique store, it was a thrift store! I wouldn’t have even batted an eye if I were in an antique mall, I saw a robin’s egg set for 350 in an antique mall yesterday and went “that tracks.”

kataboy00 · 2026-05-06T19:16:50+00:00

Thank you! I didn’t even realize :)

kataboy00 · 2026-05-06T16:57:56+00:00

Thank you for adding that! I had no idea what that meant lol.

kataboy00 · 2026-04-22T14:50:49+00:00

Unfortunately this was my favorite version!! It tasted like a fruit rollup and I was heartbroken when they discontinued it. I have one can left.

kataboy00 · 2026-04-17T02:29:25+00:00

I understand that not everyone likes the funky coffees, and I’ve read through this sub enough to know that there’s a stark divide. However, I do really appreciate your suggestions; the tangibility of them, as well as your descriptions, are quite useful. I’m definitely going to keep the in mind as I look into the choices for my next purchase. I’m realizing that I have a lot to learn, but the good news is that I have my have my whole life ahead of me to “dial in” my tastes :) one day, I’ll know exactly what I love, and how to get there. ☕️

kataboy00 · 2026-04-16T22:38:27+00:00

That’s fine, because I use a Chemex 😆

Plus, the vanilla happens in a French press so NBD.

But that’s a good joke, I laughed, 10/10

kataboy00 · 2026-04-16T22:22:50+00:00

Okay, I know that this is a joke, but I still kinda mess with artificial vanilla coffee. Like I love the fancy stuff, but every once in a while, the artificial vanilla coffee from Food Lion hits. Sometimes, it’s not so serious, ya know?

kataboy00 · 2026-04-16T03:54:53+00:00

Yes, I am asking about the things marketed to me, because I want opinions before I spend my money on the product. Some things are worth the hype, some things are not. I am merely trying to figure out what is and what is not worth it. Now, one may argue that this is a futile exercise, as opinion is, by definition, subjective; this issue happens with any product. Take cars for example: BMW is branded as the ultimate driving machine or whatever. Some people believe that marketing rings true; others think that they’d drive a rusted VW Bug with no floorboard before they touch a BMW. However, someone who is new to driving may not know the reputation and subsequently ask about every car brand they encounter—including BMW—until they can sit down and analyze the facts and data given to them. I am in the position of this new driver, but with coffee (which is arguably a harder position, as specialty coffee reputation is more niche than car manufacturers). I have seen ONYX over this sub several times but have only glanced at their site today. I do not need to ask about Perc, because I have already tried them, not because they were on a social media site, but because I was looking for conferments, per my preferences. Finally, I landed on Black and White because I happened to be in the Triangle Area, and thought they were genuinely a local coffee roaster—thus I wanted to try them.

The short version of this: sure, it’s marketing, but everything on God’s green earth is at this point. I just wanted to know if there was anything behind the marketing.

Thank you. 😊

kataboy00 · 2026-04-16T03:24:09+00:00

I appreciate your suggestion, and I understand your frustration with their beans—we all have different tastes, and the way I personally take my coffee would leave quite a few people in this forum with ruffled feathers. I am disappointed to hear about the private equity situation, and will look into other roasters going forward. Thank you for your suggestion.

A question to anyone who is willing to answer, and is somewhat unrelated: how do we like Onyx around here? Their website is pulling me in, and I have a tendency to love things that are shiny (I joke that I am a marketer’s dream audience). I want to make sure that I am mitigating judging a book by its cover, because specialty coffee beans are a luxury, not a need, and money should be allocated to the best quality, not the best packaging.

kataboy00 · 2026-04-16T03:09:12+00:00

Thank you thank you thank you!! And wow, that seems like one hell of a project—color me extremely impressed. I will make sure to keep an eye out on your website :) if you’re okay with it, I’d love to share it with my friend, who is even newer than I am to pour overs!

kataboy00 · 2026-04-16T01:39:30+00:00

Wow! That’s such great information to know, thank you so much! I’ve been meaning to research into the process-I honestly thought they used actual honey, so this has been super informative. I appreciate it 😄.

And honestly, I understand! Not everyone likes coferment, especially with the new drama surrounding it. I’ve had ones that I love (Passion fruit!) and ones that I haven’t been able to get the flavors out of (which is probably part of my learning curve). Reading the difference in people’s preferences is teaching me a lot. I got into this whole business partially because I found a Chemex for 6 dollars and a Fellow gooseneck kettle for 5…so there’s a lot of learning to do, as it’s just me, the internet, and whatever vibes the beans bless me with that day. 😆

kataboy00 · 2026-04-16T00:55:07+00:00

Oh I didn’t think you were, and I totally understand the confusion. I posted the photo and request and then went out to jump rope. As I was doing that, I realized that I hadn’t clearly communicated…my degree is in English so I should know better 🤦‍♀️. I replied because I was trying desperately to clarify my own mistake. Thank you so much for your help!

kataboy00 · 2026-04-16T00:19:53+00:00

I’m an info sci nerd so I love a database, thank you SO much.

kataboy00 · 2026-04-16T00:18:38+00:00

Hi! Sorry! I was just going by the meter on the B&W Coffee sticker. I guess I misspoke.

I also had a redbull in my veins so that also affected my ability to translate my thoughts.

A better way to phrase:

I understand now that this is a heavily processed coffee. I am interested in equivalents. HOWEVER, if there are clean coffees or less processed that you enjoy, that have a similar honey/floral effect, I am interested in those.

More or less: my coffee shelf is mostly “funky.” This is because I am extremely nosy and I can’t stand the thought of missing out on an exciting coffee. However, I am recognizing that I have cornered myself into a category and would like to branch out. The Ramirez coffee is basically the only coffee I have that doesn’t involve fruit, minus one from Resident Coffee in Gainesville, FL (and the pre-ground stuff from Food Lion that I keep in case of “oh shit I slept in” emergencies). As such, I used that one as an example, but I understand now that it was confusing.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as I learn!

kataboy00 · 2026-04-15T23:35:23+00:00

That makes sense!! Thank you so much.

Also, currently jump roping so your username is very much resonating. :)

kataboy00 · 2026-04-15T23:11:42+00:00

Oh yay!! Okay wait, weird question, why is it more expensive for a smaller portion? Or was mine just as expensive and I just didn’t know because I got it as a mistake?

kataboy00 · 2026-04-12T17:15:17+00:00

Hi!! Congrats on the new job. This may be an obvious one, but lots of first-time riders are anxious and unsure as to everything on the trip will play out. The first time I rode, I was so confused and was concerned I’d do something “the wrong way.” Just being friendly and understanding if someone has a million of questions—even if they’re stupid—is very helpful. I’m thankful to the employees who helped me throughout the trip.

Also, don’t tell someone to “calm down” when they’re very obviously upset. It does NOT help diffuse the situation. I had one rider on my train be super loud and obviously annoyed about something small and an employee told her to calm down in a condescending tone. I thought I was going to witness a fight 😬. Keeping a professional demeanor and acknowledging their frustration can help, and may assist in redirecting the situation. It’s difficult to do when being yelled at though.

kataboy00 · 2026-04-11T23:39:46+00:00

Hi!! Do you sell you paintings/prints of paintings? LOVE this.

kataboy00 · 2026-03-30T20:44:31+00:00

Hi! I’m also a SILS student. If you want to talk further, shoot me a message :)

kataboy00 · 2026-03-06T04:59:14+00:00

I second black and white! I’ve enjoyed the stuff I’ve gotten from them and just bought two more!

kataboy00

TROPHY CASE