Alan

Inside the Espresso Machine Shop: What You Need to Know

Inside the Espresso Machine Shop: What You Need to Know

Here’s what you need to know about espresso machines, grinders, and the wild world of coffee equipment. I work in a shop that sells and repairs machines from Profitec, ECM, Bezzera, Rocket, Quickmill, La Marzocco, and Lelit. We also carry grinders from Eureka, Mazzer, Fiorenzato, and Mahlkoenig. Whether you’re browsing in person or online, the goal is to help you find gear that works—and lasts. The biggest divide between brands lies in build quality and precision. La Marzocco and Bezzera machines, for example, are built for durability, with heavy cast iron and precision engineering. They’re not cheap, but they’re designed…
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The Secret Lives of Italy’s Most Coveted Espresso Machines

The Secret Lives of Italy’s Most Coveted Espresso Machines

Let’s talk about the machines that built the espresso empire—before your local café even had a name. For a century, Italy’s espresso machines have been the quiet architects of coffee culture, and now, a rare exhibition at HOST Milano 2025 is revealing their hidden history. Organized by Henk Langkemper and coffee collectors Kent Bakke and Enrico Maltoni, the showcase isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s a masterclass in engineering, scarcity, and the art of pulling a perfect shot. The 1920s saw column machines like the Gaude Imperial, heavy and ornate, designed for café owners who wanted to impress customers with their grandeur.…
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Blind Burrs vs. Regular: Why the Difference Matters for Your Cup

Blind Burrs vs. Regular: Why the Difference Matters for Your Cup

Here’s what you need to know: Blind burrs are reshaping the grinder game, but their rise isn’t just about hype. These burrs—designed without screw holes on the cutting surface—offer measurable advantages, from cleaner grinds to sharper extraction. Yet their scarcity in the market raises questions about cost, complexity, and whether they’re worth the upgrade. Blind burrs work by eliminating screw holes entirely, securing the burr via alignment pins, magnets, or rear-mounted screws. This design tweak increases cutting surface area by up to 8% in some models, reducing retention and improving efficiency. “The holes in regular burrs trap coffee, creating uneven…
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Sparkle Without the Ceremony: How La Marca Prosecco Transforms Cocktails

Sparkle Without the Ceremony: How La Marca Prosecco Transforms Cocktails

Pour yourself a cup for this one: La Marca Prosecco isn’t just a sparkling wine—it’s a blank canvas for reinvention. Born in the sun-drenched hills of Treviso, this Italian treasure has spent half a century balancing tradition and innovation. Its crisp, fruit-forward profile—green apple, peach, lemon—makes it a secret weapon for mixologists. Whether you’re crafting a Spritz or a modern twist on a Martini, La Marca’s effervescence elevates every sip. The magic begins with Glera grapes, harvested in the Prosecco DOC region where warm days and cool nights coax out their vibrant character. La Marca’s Martinotti Method—a second fermentation in…
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Decanter Fine Wine Encounter Singapore 2025: Where Tradition Meets Innovation

Decanter Fine Wine Encounter Singapore 2025: Where Tradition Meets Innovation

There’s something brewing in Singapore’s wine scene. The Decanter Fine Wine Encounter (DFWE) returned for its second edition, transforming the Shangri-La Singapore into a haven for connoisseurs. Over 600 guests swarmed the grand ballroom, sipping from 52 world-class producers, their palates treated to everything from Japan’s delicate Koshu to Dassai’s premium sake. This wasn’t just a tasting—it was a cultural collision, where centuries-old traditions met modern innovation. The event’s heartbeat pulsed in its masterclasses, where experts dissected icons like Henschke’s single-vineyard treasures and Brunello di Montalcino’s bold structure. Château Margaux’s legendary depth left attendees speechless, a testament to the event’s…
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Unveiling Domaine Nico La Savante’s 2021 Pinot Noir: A Hidden Gem

Unveiling Domaine Nico La Savante’s 2021 Pinot Noir: A Hidden Gem

If you're a fan of Pinot noir and are on the hunt for a quality bottle without breaking the bank, look no further than Domaine Nico La Savante's 2021 vintage. This wine has consistently proved its mettle, offering an elegant yet powerful taste that sets it apart from others in its price range. The 2021 edition showcases a unique blend of flavors, with cranberry and dark cherry notes dominating the initial taste. Sweet tobacco adds a subtle depth to this refreshing combination. Unlike some of their other Pinot noirs, which often feature a more pronounced pomegranate flavor, this one maintains…
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Laithwaites and Alan Carr Partner for the Fun-Filled Wine Podcast “Bottoms Up!”

Laithwaites and Alan Carr Partner for the Fun-Filled Wine Podcast “Bottoms Up!”

Laithwaites, a renowned UK wine merchant since 1969, is teaming up with comedians Alan Carr and Lee Peart for the launch of their new podcast, Bottoms Up! This fun-filled show aims to make the world of wine more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Laithwaites has jumped at the opportunity to support Bottoms Up! as the hosts' philosophy aligns with their own mission. Alan Carr and Lee Peart, known for their conversational style and shared passion for wine, promise a podcast filled with wine, gossip, and chaos. The show is designed for those who appreciate wine but don't necessarily own a…
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