Coffee Facts

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

Ultimate Guide to the 15-15-15 Coffee Rule for Better Brewing

Ultimate Guide to the 15-15-15 Coffee Rule for Better Brewing

Just as every great cup of coffee starts with quality beans, your brewing process can greatly benefit from the 15-15-15 rule. In this comprehensive guide, you will discover how this simple framework-15 grams of coffee, 15 days of freshness, and 15 ounces of water-can transform your daily coffee ritual. By understanding and applying these principles, you'll enhance the flavor and quality of your brews, ensuring that each cup is not only enjoyable but also consistent. Dive into the details and elevate your coffee experience.Understanding the 15-15-15 Coffee Rule The 15-15-15 Coffee Rule is a brewmaster's approach that outlines the optimal…
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Bambino Upgrade Dilemma: Basket, Portafilter, or Tamper?

Bambino Upgrade Dilemma: Basket, Portafilter, or Tamper?

The verdict is in: Your Bambino’s upgrade path hinges on one question—basket, portafilter, or tamper? You’ve got a used machine, a mismatched tamper combo, and a laundry list of questions. The stock basket’s tapered design is already a battleground for your aftermarket metal tamper, which gets stuck and scratches the sides. The 51mm plastic one from D’Elonghi Dedica is a relic, while the 54mm metal tamper’s size mismatch is a red flag. You’re caught between fixing what’s broken or trading up. The stock portafilter’s single-serve double-wall basket is functional but limited. If you’re splitting duties with a partner who uses…
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Mastering the Grind: A Coffee Enthusiast’s Journey

Mastering the Grind: A Coffee Enthusiast’s Journey

Coffee lovers, wine enthusiasts, tea devotees—here’s what you need to know about the grind. The path to a perfect cup isn’t just about beans or water; it’s about precision, patience, and the right tools. Recently, I dove deeper into the world of coffee, experimenting with French Press, Cold Brew, Pour Over, and AeroPress before landing on espresso. The journey wasn’t smooth. A Bambino Plus and Mazzer Mini with WYS Doserless Mod became my allies, but mastering them required more than just purchase—they demanded practice. The Mazzer, for all its promise, proved frustrating. Its retention issues initially felt like a chore,…
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Why Your Espresso Shots Are Diverging—and How to Fix It

Why Your Espresso Shots Are Diverging—and How to Fix It

The verdict is in: inconsistency in espresso shots isn’t a sign of failure—it’s a call to action. You’ve got a Gaggia Classic Pro with PID mods and a Eureka Mignon Manuele, yet your shots are swinging between 15 seconds and 27 seconds. That’s not a fluke. It’s a red flag. The question isn’t whether you need to upgrade—it’s whether you’re missing the basics of stability. Your setup has all the right pieces, but espresso is a dance of precision. The Gaggia’s PID mods should regulate pressure, but even the best machines can waver if the boiler isn’t fully heated or…
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The Aeropress Hack That Turned My Brews from 8/10 to 10/10

The Aeropress Hack That Turned My Brews from 8/10 to 10/10

This is worth savoring: A single tweak to your Aeropress routine transformed my coffee from good to extraordinary. For years, I’d settled for 8/10 cups, chasing that elusive balance of sweetness and clarity. Then I stumbled on a method that unlocked something deeper—flavor that felt alive, not just extracted. The difference? A ritualized bloom, precise compression, and a rethink of how water interacts with coffee. The old approach was predictable: inverted, medium coarse grind, 15g coffee with 250g water, 205°F, and a 2-minute pour. It delivered consistency, but never transcended. The new method starts with a 50g bloom—letting coffee “breathe”…
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Light Roast Isn’t Weak—Here’s Why the Myth Persists

Light Roast Isn’t Weak—Here’s Why the Myth Persists

Listen up: The idea that light roast coffee is “weak” is a relic of outdated stereotypes. Men everywhere have long claimed dark roast is the only way to sip like a warrior, but the truth is roast level has nothing to do with strength. It’s all about flavor. Light roasts deliver bright acidity, citrus notes, and a vibrant body—qualities that make them ideal for espresso or cold brew. Dark roasts, meanwhile, trade acidity for bitterness and a heavier mouthfeel. The confusion stems from a cultural shorthand: darker = deeper, stronger = more masculine. But coffee strength isn’t measured in roast…
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The Onyx Advent Calendar’s Coffee Crisis

The Onyx Advent Calendar’s Coffee Crisis

This is worth savoring: the Onyx advent calendar’s coffee crisis. Beneath its sleek, minimalist packaging lies a bitter truth—staleness, inconsistency, and a lack of depth that feels like a betrayal to coffee lovers. The calendar’s promise of daily indulgence unravels quickly, leaving behind a trail of underwhelming brews. One user’s experience? Out of 12 pods, only one bloomed properly in their Technivorm machine, while the rest turned into soupy, flavorless sludge. Even espresso shots failed to deliver, with barely a hint of crema and pulls that varied wildly from session to session. It’s not just about the coffee—it’s about the…
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Colombia’s Coffee Market: Record Output, Rising Prices, and a Shift in Trade Dynamics

Colombia’s Coffee Market: Record Output, Rising Prices, and a Shift in Trade Dynamics

Coffee lovers, wine enthusiasts, tea devotees—Colombia’s coffee market is in a rare moment of sustained strength. The USDA FAS report reveals production is still near record levels, even as output dips slightly from last year. With 13.8 million bags forecast for 2025/26, Colombia remains a powerhouse, though signs of fatigue are emerging. The 2024/25 surge, fueled by aggressive pruning and a weak La Niña, has left plantations struggling to maintain momentum. Prolonged rains now threaten flowering, hinting at a potential slowdown. Yet, the numbers tell a different story: exports are still robust, with the U.S. absorbing nearly 40% of the…
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Is Growing Coffee Legal in the US? What You Need to Know

Is Growing Coffee Legal in the US? What You Need to Know

Legality surrounding coffee cultivation in the U.S. varies significantly by state. If you're considering growing your own coffee plants, it's important to understand the regulations that apply in your area. Some states allow it, while others may have restrictions. For detailed insights on growing coffee specifically in the continental U.S., check out this informative resource on Can You Grow Coffee in the Lower 48 States.Legal Overview of Coffee Cultivation The legality of growing coffee in the U.S. hinges on various federal and state regulations. Although coffee itself is not illegal, the laws governing its cultivation can differ widely, impacting your…
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The 80/20 Rule for Coffee – Tips for the Perfect Cup

The 80/20 Rule for Coffee – Tips for the Perfect Cup

With the right balance of coffee and water, you can elevate your brewing game using the 80/20 rule. This principle suggests that 80% of your coffee's flavor comes from just 20% of your brewing process, allowing you to focus on key areas for improvement. By adjusting your grind size, brewing time, and coffee-to-water ratio, you can unlock the rich and complex flavors in every cup. In this post, you will discover practical tips to optimize your coffee experience while ensuring maximum satisfaction with minimal effort.Understanding the 80/20 Rule The essence of the 80/20 Rule lies in the principle that a…
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