Costa

A Direct Line to Costa Rica’s Finest Coffee

A Direct Line to Costa Rica’s Finest Coffee

This might just change your routine: A van loaded with 2,000m of Geisha and SL28 is descending from Costa Rica’s highlands today, bypassing brokers entirely. I’m the guy in the backseat, sweating through the drive with a micro-lot of washed Geisha and high-altitude SL28 clamped in plastic bags. These beans didn’t just sit in a warehouse—they were harvested yesterday, depulped tonight, and now they’re on their way to Los Angeles. The journey began at a farmer’s cabin, where we broke bread and swapped stories over coffee brewed from the same lot. This isn’t a gimmick; it’s a shortcut to purity.…
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Roasting Reveals Coffee’s Hidden Layers

Roasting Reveals Coffee’s Hidden Layers

This is worth savoring: the first time I roasted my own coffee, I didn’t expect to taste the difference. Pouring two Coffee Chronicler cups this morning—one a Sumatran Mandhelian from Happy Mug, the other a Costa Rican Honey processed anaerobic from FreshRoast—felt like unlocking a secret code. Both were extraordinary, scoring 9 to 9.5 out of 10. The Costa Rican, still resting for five days, hinted at swirling citrus, berries, and stone fruit, while the Sumatran surprised me with molasses, cinnamon, and a balance I’d never detected in a bag from a year ago. The journey began with skepticism. A…
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Costa’s Struggles and illy’s Bold Move: Coffee’s New Power Struggle

Costa’s Struggles and illy’s Bold Move: Coffee’s New Power Struggle

Here’s something to stir your curiosity: Costa Coffee’s losses have more than doubled in two years, while illycaffè bets big on US growth. The coffee world is shifting fast, and these moves reveal a deeper battle for relevance. Costa, once a UK titan, now faces a dual threat: shrinking footfall and a flood of value-driven rivals. Greggs and Pret A Manger have nibbled away at its market, but the real pressure comes from Gen Z darlings like Blank Street and Black Sheep. These brands aren’t just selling coffee—they’re redefining what it means to be trendy, affordable, and Instagram-ready. Costa’s latest…
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When to Cup Your Roast: The Clock Starts Here

When to Cup Your Roast: The Clock Starts Here

If you’ve ever wondered whether your freshly roasted beans are ready to cup, you’re not alone. The moment you finish roasting, the clock starts ticking—and your beans are locked in a delicate dance between flavor potential and oxidation. The question isn’t just about timing; it’s about unlocking the roast’s true character. For a medium roast like the Costa Rican you brewed, patience is key, but not always the same amount. Roasting transforms green beans into something alive, but they’re not immediately ready to drink. The first 24 hours are critical. During this window, the beans settle, moisture redistributes, and the…
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