Coffee Facts

Expert guides on coffee brewing, roasting, beans, and equipment. Master your coffee journey with in-depth articles.

Caitlin McArdle: Crafting Coffee Magic in Amsterdam

Caitlin McArdle: Crafting Coffee Magic in Amsterdam

Caitlin McArdle isn’t just making coffee—she’s redefining how it’s experienced. From the high-octane chaos of Formula 1 events to the quiet creativity of Layers Bakery, she’s mastered the art of turning moments into memories. Her journey began with a drive-through Americano and a stubborn determination to pour more than hearts into cups. Now, she’s a European Matcha Champion, a head barista at Layers, and a force in Amsterdam’s coffee scene, where innovation meets intention. Her days are a balancing act between worlds. At Coffee Crafters, she serves rare coffees at locations where seconds matter—think Formula 1 pit stops and Michelin-starred…
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The Hario Mugen Switch Brew: A Coffee Lover’s Secret Weapon

The Hario Mugen Switch Brew: A Coffee Lover’s Secret Weapon

There’s a brewing method that turns two Hario devices into a full immersion wonder—no bypass, no fuss. The Mugen and V60, once seen as separate tools, now form a hybrid system that balances immersion’s richness with the precision of drip. This isn’t just a hack; it’s a revelation for anyone tired of the same old routines. The core trick lies in pairing the Mugen with a V60, creating a hybrid system that balances immersion and precision. Start by placing the Mugen’s filter in the V60’s cone, then add your coffee grounds. The Mugen’s wide mouth allows even saturation, while the…
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Spro Bro’s Brew Victory: How Chaos and Connection Won the Barista League Africa 2025

Spro Bro’s Brew Victory: How Chaos and Connection Won the Barista League Africa 2025

There’s something brewing in Johannesburg that defies the script. The Barista League Africa 2025 didn’t just crown champions—it redefined what it means to pour passion into a cup. James Odendaal and Chris Fourie of Team Spro Bro’s didn’t chase perfection; they chased authenticity. Their win wasn’t about flawless technique but about turning coffee into a conversation. The competition’s unpredictability is its heartbeat. For Spro Bro’s, that meant ditching rigid strategies. “We leaned into our strengths, not a playbook,” James says. Their Drinks Round performance was a masterclass in balance—espresso, filter, mocktail—all served with a wink. The crowd didn’t just watch;…
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Porto’s Coffee Revolution: 5 Cafés Defining the City’s Brew Culture

Porto’s Coffee Revolution: 5 Cafés Defining the City’s Brew Culture

Let’s talk about how Porto’s coffee scene has evolved from a niche curiosity to a global hotspot. Since 2019, the city’s specialty coffee shops have exploded—from six to over 50, a 40% surge. This isn’t just numbers; it’s a reflection of Porto’s cultural shift. Young professionals, Digital Nomads, and returning expats have fueled the growth, blending global influence with local pride. The result? A coffee culture that’s as dynamic as the Douro River. Porto’s transformation is visible in its festivals and pricing. Porto Coffee Week drew 3,606 visitors in 2025—60% more than 2024—proving the city’s coffee obsession. Meanwhile, specialty brews…
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The 2025 Coffee Gear That Redefined Home Brewing

The 2025 Coffee Gear That Redefined Home Brewing

Here’s what your coffee gear cravings might look like in 2025: a blend of precision, simplicity, and unexpected elegance. As we wrap up the year, the most talked-about coffee equipment—from grinders to espresso machines—showed how innovation can turn routine rituals into moments of joy. These reviews didn’t just test gear; they redefined what’s possible in your kitchen. The Timemore Sculptor 078S Grinder stood out for its ability to adapt to every brewing method, from pour-over to espresso. Its design isn’t just about function—it’s a conversation between form and performance. When tested by Barista Magazine’s Vasileia Fanarioti, it proved that a…
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Noma’s Greenhouse Brews a New Coffee Philosophy

Noma’s Greenhouse Brews a New Coffee Philosophy

Consider this your morning briefing: Copenhagen’s most revered restaurant, Noma, has transformed its culinary vision into a greenhouse where coffee isn’t just served—it’s studied, celebrated, and reimagined. Perched on a sliver of land between water and sky, the Noma Projects greenhouse is a lab for sustainability, a stage for minimalism, and a testament to how coffee can bridge the gap between earth and cup. Here, the air hums with the scent of roasted beans and the whisper of water vapor from Amager Bakke’s chimney, a reminder that eco-consciousness isn’t a trend—it’s a blueprint. The space is a masterclass in Scandinavian…
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The Physics of Pour Height: How High You Pour Changes Your Brew

The Physics of Pour Height: How High You Pour Changes Your Brew

Real talk: The way you pour your coffee might be holding back its full flavor. A new study reveals that the height from which you pour water isn’t just about wrist comfort—it’s a physics-driven variable that shapes extraction. Researchers at the University of Colorado in Boulder found that higher pour heights create “avalanche dynamics” in coffee grounds, triggering more aggressive mixing and unlocking flavor in ways even seasoned baristas might not have considered. This isn’t just academic jargon; it’s a game-changer for anyone serious about brewing. The study’s focus on kinetic energy and granular flow explains why pouring from a…
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Guar Gum Decoded: The Creamy Secret in Your Plant-Based Milk

Guar Gum Decoded: The Creamy Secret in Your Plant-Based Milk

Pour yourself a cup for this one: guar gum isn’t just a random ingredient in your oat or almond milk—it’s a silent hero in the fight for that velvety texture. But its role has sparked debates, from health concerns to ethical questions. Let’s cut through the noise. Guar gum, derived from the guar bean (a legume native to India), is a natural thickener, binder, and stabilizer. It’s gluten-free, vegan, and packed with soluble fiber. Studies suggest it may aid digestion, lower blood sugar, and even support heart health by reducing cholesterol. Yet its reputation is mixed. The FDA’s past bans…
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**2026 Coffee Championships & Bold New Collaborations Shaking the Scene**

**2026 Coffee Championships & Bold New Collaborations Shaking the Scene**

Get ready to sip on this: The coffee world is pivoting fast, with rules for next year’s global competitions, high-profile sponsorships, and a hip-hop artist turning heads with a limited-edition brew. From Brussels to Dubai, the specialty coffee scene is evolving—and the stakes are higher than ever. The World Coffee Championships just dropped the 2026 rules for the World Coffee in Good Spirits and Roasting Championships, set to unfold in Brussels from June 25–27. These events, which blend technical skill with creativity, now have clearer guidelines for participants. For roasters and baristas, this means more focus on precision and sustainability.…
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How Specialty Coffee Roasters Can Lead the Innovation Revolution

How Specialty Coffee Roasters Can Lead the Innovation Revolution

Specialty coffee’s early focus on quality is no longer enough. Market consolidation limits risk-taking, creating space for independent brands to lead meaningful change. As giants like Keurig Dr Pepper acquire JDE Peet’s in a $18bn deal, the industry’s power dynamics shift. Consolidation breeds caution, but it also opens a window for roasters to redefine what innovation means. The stakes are high: without bold moves, the sector risks becoming a commodity battleground. Real innovation in specialty coffee isn’t about flashy gimmicks—it’s about solving real problems. Partnering with producers to tackle overripe cherries through fermentation, as Mió and Coffee Sensorium did, turns…
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