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Matcha’s Rise and the Future of Custom Coffee

Matcha’s Rise and the Future of Custom Coffee

Get ready to sip on this: Matcha is no longer a niche curiosity—it’s becoming the star of café menus worldwide. In 2026, its green hue and health halo have propelled it from a quirky alternative to a core offering, outpacing even coffee in some chains. This shift isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a reflection of Gen Z’s hunger for experimentation and personalization. Cafés are now crafting menus that feel like curated experiences, blending global flavors with local twists. From ube lattes to yuzu-infused cold brews, the goal isn’t just to trend—it’s to tell a story. The real magic lies in…
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East Asia is Redefining Barista Excellence

East Asia is Redefining Barista Excellence

Time to spill: East Asia isn’t just brewing coffee—it’s redefining what it means to be a barista. From Shanghai’s 9,000+ cafés to Taiwan’s meticulous rituals, the region is setting global standards for skill, service, and innovation. Coffee, once a niche curiosity in tea-centric cultures, now thrives here thanks to brands like Luckin Coffee and Starbucks, which sparked a seismic shift in consumer habits. The result? A market growing three times faster than the global average, driven by a middle class eager to pay for quality and experience. At the heart of this transformation is a relentless focus on hospitality. East…
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Greek Roots, American Brews: The Brew Room Reimagines Coffee in Ardmore

Greek Roots, American Brews: The Brew Room Reimagines Coffee in Ardmore

In the heart of Philadelphia’s Main Line, where Greek heritage meets American innovation, The Brew Room is redefining specialty coffee. Nestled in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, this sleek yet warm space blends rustic wooden slats, white oak paneling, and blue mati pendants into a setting that feels both timeless and modern. But this isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about storytelling. Owners Eleni and Danny Chrisidis, Greek immigrants with decades of experience in food and business, have crafted a menu that bridges continents. Their Freddo Espresso and Freddo Cappuccino, staples in Greek cafes, now sit alongside spanakopita and bougatsa, proving that tradition can thrive…
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Coffee’s New Raleigh Roastery Triples Production Capacity

Coffee’s New Raleigh Roastery Triples Production Capacity

Get ready to sip on this: 321 Coffee’s new 5,000-square-foot roastery in Raleigh isn’t just about scaling up—it’s about redefining what it means to brew inclusivity into every bean. The company, which began as a farmers market stand in 2017, now roasts over 100,000 pounds of coffee annually, with plans to open a sixth location by year’s end. This expansion isn’t just about meeting demand; it’s a statement. By tripling production capacity, 321 Coffee is proving that purpose-driven growth can outpace even the most ambitious business plans. The new facility, anchored by a Loring S35 roaster alongside its existing Loring…
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Soil, Shade, and Climate: The Hidden Drivers of Ethiopian Arabica Quality

Soil, Shade, and Climate: The Hidden Drivers of Ethiopian Arabica Quality

Time to spill: A decade of data from Ethiopia’s Gedeo Zone reveals coffee quality isn’t about altitude alone. Researchers found that soil health, microclimates, and farming practices shape arabica’s flavor and yield more than any single factor. The study, published in Beverage Plant Research, dismantles the myth of a one-size-fits-all approach, offering a blueprint for resilience in a warming world. The Gedeo Zone’s 18 kebeles, analyzed through 2013-2022 farm records and GIS tools, exposed a complex web of variables. Soil cation exchange capacity—how well soil retains nutrients—emerged as the top contributor to variation, followed by evapotranspiration and shade trees. Nitrogen,…
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Naysayer Coffee Expands to North Napa with a Bold New Approach

Naysayer Coffee Expands to North Napa with a Bold New Approach

Real talk: Naysayer Coffee isn’t just expanding—it’s redefining what a neighborhood café can be. The brand’s second location in north Napa, California, opened in January, proving that the region’s coffee culture is thriving beyond its usual haunts. This isn’t just another espresso bar; it’s a deliberate move to anchor itself in the rhythms of daily life, not just the glitz of tourist traps. The shop’s design, with its sunlit geometric murals and sage-green tile, feels like a quiet rebellion against the expected. It’s a space that whispers, “This is where people live,” not where they come to ogle over wine.…
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The Good Food Awards Coffee Finalists: A Spotlight on U.S. Roasters

The Good Food Awards Coffee Finalists: A Spotlight on U.S. Roasters

Real talk: The 2026 Good Food Awards have just unveiled a list of U.S. roasters pushing coffee boundaries. From California’s coastal hills to Oregon’s misty valleys, 20 roasters made the cut, showcasing single-origin beans and experimental processing techniques that redefine what coffee can be. This isn’t just about flavor—it’s about transparency, sustainability, and the art of storytelling through each sip. The finalists lean heavily into Ethiopia and Colombia, with entries like Gesha, Pink Bourbon, and SL-28 dominating the roster. These beans aren’t just celebrated for their complexity—they’re gateways to terroir, with roasters emphasizing methods like thermal shock, carbonic maceration, and…
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A 2025 Red Wine That’s Smashing the Price Tag

A 2025 Red Wine That’s Smashing the Price Tag

If you’re hunting for a red that’s both thrilling and wallet-friendly, look no further. The 2019 ColleMassari Montecucco Rosso Riserva is a revelation—a Tuscan gem that’s already outperforming its price tag. Nestled near Montalcino, this wine hails from a rising star in Italy’s wine world. It’s a Sangiovese-driven blend, with 10% Colorino and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon lending depth and structure. Aged in wood, it’s a dry, medium-dark red with a ruby hue and purple undertones. This isn’t just another Tuscan blend. The nose is a masterclass in balance—red fruit, eucalyptus, candied apple, and a whisper of cedar. The palate is…
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A Masterclass in Terroir: Mugneret Gibourg’s 2009 Clos Vougeot and Ruchottes-Chambertin

A Masterclass in Terroir: Mugneret Gibourg’s 2009 Clos Vougeot and Ruchottes-Chambertin

There’s something brewing in the Burgundy vineyards that defies easy description—two wines so precise they feel like whispered secrets from the earth. The 2009 Mugneret Gibourg Clos Vougeot arrives with a storm of ripe red and black cherries, layered over soft loam and forest floor, while the palate balances depth with a weightless elegance. It’s a trick few producers dare attempt, let alone pull off with such grace. The finish lingers like a memory you can’t quite shake, a testament to the alchemy of terroir and time. But the real revelation comes with the Ruchottes-Chambertin. A burst of aromatics—think old-growth…
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Retsina Meets Rose: A Bold Blend That Defies Tradition

Retsina Meets Rose: A Bold Blend That Defies Tradition

Here’s something to stir your curiosity: A retsina that dares to blend with rose, crafting a wine that’s equal parts curious and compelling. The Aoton Lola 2020 is a retsina made from 74% Mandilaria and 26% Savatiano, but its character is anything but conventional. This isn’t your average Greek wine—it’s a collision of styles that challenges expectations. The nose opens with a bouquet of dried woody winter herbs: rosemary, sage, and even the faint whisper of Christmas stuffing. With air, it evolves into cranberry, strawberry, and blood orange, balancing tartness with a surprising sweetness. The finish is spicy but fleeting,…
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