Alto

Mastering Light Roasts on the Huky 500: A Roaster’s Dilemma

Mastering Light Roasts on the Huky 500: A Roaster’s Dilemma

The Huky 500 is a beast of a roaster—until you try to coax it into a light roast. For those chasing the delicate, floral notes of Ethiopian naturals or the bright acidity of Rawandans, the machine’s strength lies in its medium roast comfort zone. But dialing back to light? That’s where the real work begins. The challenge? Balancing first crack timing, development window, and heat management without letting the beans bake before they even crack. The core issue hinges on temperature control. Most users report first crack erupting around 410–422°F, which is already in the medium roast territory. To hit…
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The Quiet Power of Italian Pinot Grigio

The Quiet Power of Italian Pinot Grigio

Don’t mistake Italy for its reds. While Barolo and Chianti dominate the conversation, there’s a white wine quietly rewriting the script: Pinot Grigio. This week’s Tasting Challenge? A bottle from Italy’s Trentino-Alto Adige region, where the grape’s true character emerges. Think of it as the unsung hero of Italian wine—dry, sharp, and full of minerality, far removed from the lush, honeyed Pinot Gris of France. The Trentino-Alto Adige region isn’t just cold—it’s Alpine. At elevations up to 3,300 feet, the grapes grow slowly, developing a bracing acidity and a crisp, flinty edge. This isn’t a wine for those who crave…
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