Specialty Coffee Isn’t Just a Cup—it’s a Culture
Real talk: The coffee you buy at the corner store isn’t the same as the one being roasted in a garage. For Jeff Levin, his morning brew is a ritual so...
Roasting Coffee in the Open Air
The verdict is in: Outdoor coffee roasting isn’t for the faint of heart. For years, I’ve huddled on my back steps, battling wind, chaff, and the relentless...
The Metallic Taste in My Self-Roasted Coffee—And Why It’s Ruining My Cups
Real talk: I’m stuck in a loop of bad roasts. Every batch of self-roasted Arara coffee from Brazil’s 880m altitude ends up tasting like someone poured...
Sweet Maria’s Green Beans: A Fruit Lover’s Guide to Finding the Right Roast
If you’ve ever stared at a bag of Sweet Maria’s green beans and wondered which one will finally deliver that elusive fruity punch, you’re not alone. The...
The Black Barista Hustle Cupping Bowls: Worth the Splurge?
Time to spill: If you're eyeing Barista Hustle's black cupping bowls, here's what you need to know before splurging. The debate over color vs.
Roasting Your Own Coffee: A Newbie’s Guide to Flavor and Sustainability
Real talk: Roasting your own coffee isn’t just a hobby—it’s a gateway to flavor, sustainability, and a deeper connection to your brew. If you’re dipping...
The Mysore Nuggets Dilemma: Medium or Dark?
Consider this your morning briefing: A roaster’s experiment with Mysore Nuggets has sparked a debate about roast levels that’s as nuanced as the beans...
First Roast Today: A Roaster’s Raw Take on the Process
Pour yourself a cup for this one: Roasting coffee is less about precision and more about intuition—until you realize it’s actually both. The first time you...
The Linea Mini R’s Secret to Consistent Shots
Real talk: Your Linea Mini R is acting up, and it’s not your fault. You’ve got a repeatable workflow—17g in/out, a Timemore 078S, a 17g basket, and all the...
The Art of Pulling a Perfect Shot
Real talk: espresso isn’t about guesswork—it’s about precision. The moment you tamp the grounds, you’re setting the stage for a shot that’s either brilliant...