acidity

The Oxo Setup That’s Revolutionizing My Brews

The Oxo Setup That’s Revolutionizing My Brews

Listen up: this isn’t your average coffee machine. The Oxo’s design lets you dial in variables without sacrificing speed, and after a few days of testing, I’m convinced it’s redefining what’s possible in a home brew. I’ve settled on a 16g grind to 50g water ratio, a balance that delivers clarity without over-extraction. Tamping the grounds evenly is non-negotiable—any uneven surface and the shot turns sour. At 93C, the water hits the grinds just right, neither too hot to scorch the coffee nor too cool to extract properly. The key? Let the water do the work. I let the machine’s…
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The Filter-Only Coffee Cart: Can It Beat the Competition?

The Filter-Only Coffee Cart: Can It Beat the Competition?

If you’ve ever wondered why filter coffee carts are rare in high-traffic zones, you’re not alone. The idea of a cart selling just black or white coffee—no frills, no froth—sounds basic, even boring. But here’s the twist: this simplicity might be the secret to cutting through the noise of espresso-heavy markets. The math is clear: filter coffee is cheaper to make than espresso-based drinks, which rely on complex machinery, trained baristas, and premium beans. Yet, the question remains: can a filter-only cart survive in a world where coffee is often a performance? The appeal lies in affordability and speed. Imagine…
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The Hidden Melody Behind Ethiopian Coffee: How Laughter and Rhythm Shape Flavor

The Hidden Melody Behind Ethiopian Coffee: How Laughter and Rhythm Shape Flavor

In the misty highlands of Ethiopia, coffee isn’t just brewed—it’s sung. At Adola Washing Station, where the Guji region’s most celebrated coffees are born, the air hums with a different kind of holiday soundtrack. Instead of carols or Christmas cheer, workers sing as they sort beans, their voices weaving through the morning fog like a living rhythm. This isn’t performance art; it’s the heartbeat of a process that turns raw beans into something far more than a commodity. It’s a testament to how Ethiopia’s coffee culture has always thrived on more than just technique—it’s built on sound, laughter, and the…
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Why Your Coffee Smells Mild—and How to Fix It

Why Your Coffee Smells Mild—and How to Fix It

This might just change your routine: Your coffee smells mild, but the flavor is fine—until you compare it to a café’s rich, aromatic roast. The question isn’t just about aroma; it’s about how your roast develops, how heat interacts with beans, and why the scent often betrays the taste. If you’re roasting with an extension tube, you’re already in a nuanced dance between control and compromise. The Frest Roast SR800’s setup is precise, but the scent’s lack of intensity suggests a deeper conversation between temperature, time, and bean expression. Take the Ethiopia Misty Valley Drop F9/P3 example: You’re roasting in…
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The Manual Roaster That’s Worth the Hassle

The Manual Roaster That’s Worth the Hassle

There’s a quiet revolution happening in the world of coffee roasting. While electric machines promise precision and ease, a tiny, handcrafted roaster from Japan is quietly stealing hearts—and coffee beans—among enthusiasts. It’s not about speed or convenience; it’s about the ritual, the craft, and the way a manual roaster forces you to slow down. For me, it’s the one I reach for despite its quirks, even if it means sacrificing a few beans to the chaos of chaff and labor. The manual roaster is a paradox: it’s both a labor of love and a test of patience. Unlike its electric…
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The Eureka Mignon Zero’s Grind Dial: Why It’s Not What You Think

The Eureka Mignon Zero’s Grind Dial: Why It’s Not What You Think

Real talk: The Eureka Mignon Zero's grind dial isn’t just about turning the knob—it’s a masterclass in patience and precision. You’ve probably seen the dial’s 20-step design and assumed it’s a straightforward scale, but here’s the twist: each step represents a fraction of a full rotation. That means the “fine” setting is just the start, not the finish line. If you’re grinding coffee that feels more like breadcrumbs than dust, you’re not doing anything wrong—you’re just not going far enough. The dial’s design is a clever compromise between simplicity and control. A single rotation covers 20 steps, but the grind…
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Looking for Italian Espresso Mastery? Here’s How to Find It

Looking for Italian Espresso Mastery? Here’s How to Find It

Here’s what you need to know: If you’re chasing the bold, smoky punch of Naples-style espresso, you’re probably scrolling through YouTube hoping to stumble on a video of an Italian pulling a shot with the same urgency they’d apply to a late-night pasta fix. But what you’ll find is a sea of light roasts, precision timers, and gear that looks like it belongs in a lab. The real magic? It’s not in the gear—it’s in the grit. Italians don’t preen over their espresso. They grind, tamp, and pour with the same reckless efficiency they bring to a crowded pizzeria at…
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Supermarket Coffee Is Evolving – But Roasters Face a Tough Battle

Supermarket Coffee Is Evolving – But Roasters Face a Tough Battle

The supermarket coffee aisle is no longer just a graveyard of dark roasts and instant brews. It’s evolving, but the path for specialty roasters is anything but easy. While demand for higher-quality, diverse offerings is rising, competing with giants and navigating shelf space limitations remains a hurdle. For roasters like North Roast and Upper Left Coffee Roasters, the grocery store is a double-edged sword: a chance to reach millions of consumers, but also a battlefield where freshness, pricing, and brand identity are constantly tested. The shift is undeniable. Once dominated by low-end, mass-produced blends, supermarket shelves now host whole bean…
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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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