Acidity

The Barista Behind Amulet’s Bloom: Matt Cowie’s Coffee Chronicles

Jan

Coffee Factsacidity, alchemy, Amulet, Cowie, Father

The Barista Behind Amulet’s Bloom: Matt Cowie’s Coffee Chronicles

Listen up: Matt Cowie isn’t just a barista—he’s a curator of connections, a storyteller with a coffee cup, and the brains behind Glasgow’s most unapologetic coffee experiment: Amulet. This isn’t your average café. It’s a marriage of floral artistry, precision brewing, and unfiltered human interaction. Cowie, who co-owns Amulet with his wife Isobelle, isn’t here to sell you a latte. He’s here to make you feel seen. Cowie’s journey with coffee began in chaos. As a kid, he despised the instant sludge his mom brewed daily, but a cappuccino drenched in chocolate became his gateway drug. His path to barista…

A Global Resource for Shade-Grown Coffee Research

Jan

By ADMIN@CoffeeWineTea.com

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Coffee Factsacidity, Agroforestry, benefits of coffee, Father, Library

A Global Resource for Shade-Grown Coffee Research

Listen up: Coffee Watch and CATIE just dropped a game-changer for the industry. On January 19, 2026, the Coffee Agroforestry E-Library launched as the first open-access database compiling decades of scientific research on shade-grown coffee—a practice that’s not just sustainable, but essential for the future of coffee farming. This platform unites studies from across the globe, spanning multiple languages and disciplines, into a single, searchable hub. It’s a seismic shift for a sector grappling with climate threats, biodiversity loss, and economic instability. Agroforestry isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a lifeline. Shade-grown coffee systems integrate trees with crops, creating ecosystems that…

First Roast Lessons: Ethiopian Guji’s Bold Awakening

Jan

By ADMIN@CoffeeWineTea.com

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Coffee Factsacidity, alchemy, Ethiopian, Father, Guji

First Roast Lessons: Ethiopian Guji’s Bold Awakening

Coffee lovers, wine enthusiasts, tea devotees—here’s a lesson in humility and fire. My first roast attempt with Ethiopian Guji was a masterclass in chaos, blending ambition with rookie mistakes. I chased a light roast, but the machine’s heat and my nerves conspired to deliver something darker than intended. The result? A bold, smoky profile that defies expectations, proving that even flawed experiments can spark revelation. The SR800’s drum spun faster than I’d anticipated, turning 225g of green beans into 188g of roasted coffee in a blur of timing and tension. I’d mapped out the roast curve, yet the process felt…

Does the Steam Wand Angle Matter for Microfoam? Here’s the Truth

Jan

By ADMIN@CoffeeWineTea.com

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Coffee Factsacidity, But, Father, how to clean your coffee maker, Nozzle

Does the Steam Wand Angle Matter for Microfoam? Here’s the Truth

Listen up: The steam wand angle is a hot topic in barista circles, and for good reason. Whether you’re chasing velvety microfoam or perfect latte art, the angle at which you position the wand can make or break your results. But here’s the catch—most baristas debate it like it’s the final round of a championship, when the real answer is simpler. You’ve probably seen videos showing every angle from 45 degrees to straight down, each claiming to be the holy grail. Yet, the science behind it? Less clear. The truth is, the steam wand angle isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s…

Mastering the Cortado: Consistent Foam, Crisper Art

Jan

By ADMIN@CoffeeWineTea.com

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Coffee Factsacidity, California, Consistency, Father, Silvia

Mastering the Cortado: Consistent Foam, Crisper Art

Here’s something to stir your curiosity: the cortado’s magic lies in the balance between milk and espresso, but achieving that harmony feels like chasing a ghost—until you nail the routine. For those of us who prefer less milk, the Silvia’s precision can feel like a double-edged sword. It’s a machine that demands respect, and when you finally sync with its rhythm, the results? A cortado that’s creamy, crisp, and utterly satisfying. The Silvia’s strength is its pressure, but that same force can turn a simple froth into a mess if you’re not careful. The key? Temperature. Milk that’s too cold…

The Minimalist Coffee Cart: How to Brew Intimate Gatherings Without Breaking the Bank

Jan

By ADMIN@CoffeeWineTea.com

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Coffee Factsacidity, Father

The Minimalist Coffee Cart: How to Brew Intimate Gatherings Without Breaking the Bank

Real talk: If you're dreaming of a coffee shop but can't afford the lease, here's a smarter play. A minimalist coffee cart—think pour-over setups, milk drinks, and no espresso machine—could be your secret weapon. It’s not about scaling up; it’s about scaling down, testing ideas, and building buzz without burning cash. The goal? Create a portable, intimate coffee experience for friends and family while keeping costs low and logistics tight. The setup hinges on simplicity. A pour-over set (maybe two or three for variety), an electric kettle, a hand grinder, and an aeropress are your core tools. The aeropress isn’t…

Can You Brew Café-Quality Espresso on the Go?

Jan

By ADMIN@CoffeeWineTea.com

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Coffee Factsacidity, Father, Fino, Portable

Can You Brew Café-Quality Espresso on the Go?

Coffee lovers, wine enthusiasts, tea devotees—here’s a revelation: you can now make café-quality espresso without a bulky machine. Portable espresso equipment has evolved from a niche curiosity to a serious contender in the home brewing arena. The shift isn’t just about convenience—it’s about redefining what’s possible. With advancements in technology, today’s portable grinders and machines deliver precision, consistency, and flavor once reserved for professional setups. The question isn’t whether it’s possible, but how far this trend will take us. At the heart of this revolution is the grinder. No matter the machine, espresso quality hinges on grind size. A fine,…

Hiroia’s Hikaru Gets a Commercial Makeover: What Cafés Need Now

Jan

By ADMIN@CoffeeWineTea.com

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Coffee Factsacidity, Father, Hikaru, Hiroia, Refiller

Hiroia’s Hikaru Gets a Commercial Makeover: What Cafés Need Now

If you’ve ever watched a barista chase a coffee machine’s timer, you know the pain of inconsistency. Hiroia’s Hikaru pourover brewer, once a sleek home appliance, is now evolving to meet the demands of cafes, restaurants, and hotels. The Taiwan-based company, which launched the Hikaru in 2023, initially targeted home users. But the real test came when commercial spaces embraced it—not because the machine changed, but because the market revealed a hunger for precision without the hassle of barista training. The Hikaru’s latest updates are a direct response to that shift. First up: the Refiller, a compact add-on that automates…

Decoding Wine Body: How to Taste the Fullness in Every Sip

Jan

By ADMIN@CoffeeWineTea.com

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Wine Factsacidity, Ancient History of Wine, Noir, Pinotage, They

Decoding Wine Body: How to Taste the Fullness in Every Sip

The verdict is in: Wine body isn’t about sweetness or tannin—it’s about the weight of the glass. Think of it like milk fat: whole milk feels rich, skim milk feels light. Wine body operates on the same principle, but with more nuance. It’s the sum of alcohol, acidity, and texture, and it shapes how a wine feels in your mouth. Whether you’re sipping a crisp Pinot Noir or a bold Cabernet, understanding body helps you navigate flavor profiles and find wines that align with your palate. Light-bodied wines are the minimalist classics. They’re low in alcohol (typically under 13.5%) and…

How to Pick the Right Roaster for Light Roasts (Without Breaking the Bank)

Jan

By ADMIN@CoffeeWineTea.com

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Coffee Factsacidity, But, California, Father, What

How to Pick the Right Roaster for Light Roasts (Without Breaking the Bank)

Real talk: If you’re eyeing a home roaster but don’t want to blow your budget, you’re not alone. Light to medium roasts demand precision, and the right setup can turn your pourover into a revelation. But with so many options, how do you avoid overcommitting? Start by asking: What’s your priority? For someone who values experimentation over speed, a refurbished SR800 with an extension tube is a smart bet. It’s affordable, offers control, and fits the light roast profile you’re after. But don’t overlook the HX-100—it’s smaller, simpler, and perfect for batch sizes that won’t fill your kitchen. The key…