Coffee Facts

Bitter Brews and Basket Sizes: Decoding the Delonghi Dedica’s Extraction Puzzle

Jan

Coffee FactsFather, how to clean your coffee maker, That

Bitter Brews and Basket Sizes: Decoding the Delonghi Dedica’s Extraction Puzzle

Time to spill: You’ve got a shot that looks good on paper but tastes like a warning label. The Delonghi Dedica’s 51mm basket and 15g dose might be your setup, but the bitterness? That’s a red flag. Medium-dark beans are your starting point, but if they’re leaning toward dark, you’re already flirting with over-extraction. The numbers here are telling—40 seconds of extraction time, a 33g yield, and a 2:1 ratio. That’s not just a shot; it’s a science experiment gone wrong. The problem isn’t just about time. A 2:1 ratio means the water is sitting on the grounds too long,…

Why Your Espresso Machine Might Be the Real Problem

Jan

By ADMIN@CoffeeWineTea.com

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Coffee Factsalchemy, Bambino, Father, Plus

Why Your Espresso Machine Might Be the Real Problem

If you’ve ever wondered why your home espresso shots taste like battery acid, you’re not alone. Last year, I returned from Italy with a newfound obsession for espresso—only to realize my Bambino Plus and DF54 setup was holding me back. For months, I battled sour, under-extracted shots that left me questioning my beans, my grinder, or my own skills. The truth? My machine was the culprit. The Bambino Plus is a reliable workhorse, but its single boiler and limited control mean it’s a one-trick pony. My shots would hit 20 seconds and taste like vinegar, or drag to 35 seconds…

The Chemex Filter Dilemma: Rinsing or Skipping?

Jan

By ADMIN@CoffeeWineTea.com

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Coffee FactsCalifornia, Chemex, Father, Rinsing

The Chemex Filter Dilemma: Rinsing or Skipping?

The Chemex filter debate is more than just a ritual—it’s a question of precision. For decades, baristas and coffee purists have argued over whether rinsing the paper filter with hot water is essential. The answer isn’t black and white, but the nuance matters. Chemex filters are designed to be neutral, yet the act of rinsing introduces variables that can subtly alter the brew. If you’re short on time, you might skip it. If you’re chasing perfection, you might not. At its core, the debate hinges on two factors: paper taste and extraction. Chemex filters are made of bleached cellulose, which…

The Espresso Machine Dilemma: Worth It or Not?

Jan

By ADMIN@CoffeeWineTea.com

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Coffee Factsacidity, But, California, Father, Pods

The Espresso Machine Dilemma: Worth It or Not?

If you’ve ever sipped an iced latte and wondered why it tastes like a dream, you’re not alone. That perfect balance of bold coffee, creamy milk, and just the right amount of bitterness? It’s often born from an espresso machine. But for those who crave that richness without the hassle, the question lingers: is an espresso machine worth the investment? The allure of real espresso starts with its extraction method. Unlike K-cups, which rely on pre-packaged grounds and low pressure, true espresso machines force water through finely ground beans at high pressure—creating a concentrated shot with nuanced flavors. The user’s…

Why the Moka Pot Still Wins Over Espresso for Me

Jan

By ADMIN@CoffeeWineTea.com

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Coffee FactsCalifornia, espresso, Father, Moka, Spot

Why the Moka Pot Still Wins Over Espresso for Me

This might just change your routine: after years of chasing espresso’s reputation for intensity, I’ve found the Moka Pot’s simplicity delivers a richer, more nuanced cup. The debate between these two methods isn’t just about strength—it’s about how each extraction reveals coffee’s character. For me, the Moka Pot’s manual process and direct heat create a flavor profile that espresso’s pressure-driven method can’t replicate. Espresso’s appeal lies in its concentrated body and boldness, but that comes at a cost. The pressure forces solubles into the shot, resulting in a dense, often overly extracted brew. While some swear by its depth, I’ve…

How to Keep Your Coffee Gear Spotless Without Rinsing Grounds Down the Drain

Jan

By ADMIN@CoffeeWineTea.com

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Coffee FactsAeropress, Father, French

How to Keep Your Coffee Gear Spotless Without Rinsing Grounds Down the Drain

If you’ve ever stared down a moka pot or French Press, you know how stubborn coffee residue can be. The truth is, some brewing gear demands more than a quick rinse—especially if you want to avoid clogging drains and wasting water. Let’s cut through the fluff: cleaning coffee equipment isn’t just about getting it shiny; it’s about preserving the integrity of your brew and protecting your plumbing. Pour-over and drip machines are the easiest to manage because you can simply discard the filter and grounds together. But when it comes to the Aeropress, the process feels like a balancing act.…

Functional Coffee: Trend or Trojan Horse?

Jan

By ADMIN@CoffeeWineTea.com

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Coffee FactsBut, Father, Instant

Functional Coffee: Trend or Trojan Horse?

The verdict is in: functional coffee isn’t just a gimmick—it’s a seismic shift in how we think about caffeine. Brands touting “non-jittery” blends, mushroom-infused brews, and adaptogen-laced syrups are flooding shelves, but the question remains: are they revolutionizing coffee or just cashing in on wellness hype? At the heart of this trend is a simple truth: modern consumers want more than a buzz. They crave balance. Mushroom-based blends, like those from Four Sigmatic or Vittoria, promise sustained energy without the crash, while adaptogens like ashwagandha and rhodiola are marketed as stress-busters. These ingredients tap into a growing appetite for holistic…

Caitlin McArdle: Crafting Coffee Magic in Amsterdam

Jan

By ADMIN@CoffeeWineTea.com

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Coffee FactsBakery, Bolgheri, European, Formula, Layers

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…

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

Jan

By ADMIN@CoffeeWineTea.com

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Coffee FactsFather, Hario, Mugen, This

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…

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

Jan

By ADMIN@CoffeeWineTea.com

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Coffee FactsBarista, Father, James, League, Their

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;…