Father

The Espresso Machine Dilemma: Worth It or Not?

The Espresso Machine Dilemma: Worth It or Not?

If you’ve ever sipped an iced latte and wondered why it tastes like a dream, you’re not alone. That perfect balance of bold coffee, creamy milk, and just the right amount of bitterness? It’s often born from an espresso machine. But for those who crave that richness without the hassle, the question lingers: is an espresso machine worth the investment? The allure of real espresso starts with its extraction method. Unlike K-cups, which rely on pre-packaged grounds and low pressure, true espresso machines force water through finely ground beans at high pressure—creating a concentrated shot with nuanced flavors. The user’s…
Read More
Why the Moka Pot Still Wins Over Espresso for Me

Why the Moka Pot Still Wins Over Espresso for Me

This might just change your routine: after years of chasing espresso’s reputation for intensity, I’ve found the Moka Pot’s simplicity delivers a richer, more nuanced cup. The debate between these two methods isn’t just about strength—it’s about how each extraction reveals coffee’s character. For me, the Moka Pot’s manual process and direct heat create a flavor profile that espresso’s pressure-driven method can’t replicate. Espresso’s appeal lies in its concentrated body and boldness, but that comes at a cost. The pressure forces solubles into the shot, resulting in a dense, often overly extracted brew. While some swear by its depth, I’ve…
Read More
How to Keep Your Coffee Gear Spotless Without Rinsing Grounds Down the Drain

How to Keep Your Coffee Gear Spotless Without Rinsing Grounds Down the Drain

If you’ve ever stared down a moka pot or French Press, you know how stubborn coffee residue can be. The truth is, some brewing gear demands more than a quick rinse—especially if you want to avoid clogging drains and wasting water. Let’s cut through the fluff: cleaning coffee equipment isn’t just about getting it shiny; it’s about preserving the integrity of your brew and protecting your plumbing. Pour-over and drip machines are the easiest to manage because you can simply discard the filter and grounds together. But when it comes to the Aeropress, the process feels like a balancing act.…
Read More
Functional Coffee: Trend or Trojan Horse?

Functional Coffee: Trend or Trojan Horse?

The verdict is in: functional coffee isn’t just a gimmick—it’s a seismic shift in how we think about caffeine. Brands touting “non-jittery” blends, mushroom-infused brews, and adaptogen-laced syrups are flooding shelves, but the question remains: are they revolutionizing coffee or just cashing in on wellness hype? At the heart of this trend is a simple truth: modern consumers want more than a buzz. They crave balance. Mushroom-based blends, like those from Four Sigmatic or Vittoria, promise sustained energy without the crash, while adaptogens like ashwagandha and rhodiola are marketed as stress-busters. These ingredients tap into a growing appetite for holistic…
Read More
The Geisha-Gesha Debate: Coffee Etiquette in the Making

The Geisha-Gesha Debate: Coffee Etiquette in the Making

This might just change your routine: The coffee world is fighting over a single word. For years, "geisha" was shorthand for a rare, floral Panamanian coffee, while "gesha" referred to the broader, less prestigious category. But now, the cognoscente are cracking down on the misuse of "geisha," demanding it be reserved for the specific variety. Is this a victory for precision, or a battle over exclusivity? The answer hinges on how we navigate the evolving language of coffee. The confusion began when "geisha" became a marketing tool, stripped of its origins. The true geisha, a mutation of the arabica plant…
Read More
The Hario Mugen Switch Brew: A Coffee Lover’s Secret Weapon

The Hario Mugen Switch Brew: A Coffee Lover’s Secret Weapon

There’s a brewing method that turns two Hario devices into a full immersion wonder—no bypass, no fuss. The Mugen and V60, once seen as separate tools, now form a hybrid system that balances immersion’s richness with the precision of drip. This isn’t just a hack; it’s a revelation for anyone tired of the same old routines. The core trick lies in pairing the Mugen with a V60, creating a hybrid system that balances immersion and precision. Start by placing the Mugen’s filter in the V60’s cone, then add your coffee grounds. The Mugen’s wide mouth allows even saturation, while the…
Read More
Spro Bro’s Brew Victory: How Chaos and Connection Won the Barista League Africa 2025

Spro Bro’s Brew Victory: How Chaos and Connection Won the Barista League Africa 2025

There’s something brewing in Johannesburg that defies the script. The Barista League Africa 2025 didn’t just crown champions—it redefined what it means to pour passion into a cup. James Odendaal and Chris Fourie of Team Spro Bro’s didn’t chase perfection; they chased authenticity. Their win wasn’t about flawless technique but about turning coffee into a conversation. The competition’s unpredictability is its heartbeat. For Spro Bro’s, that meant ditching rigid strategies. “We leaned into our strengths, not a playbook,” James says. Their Drinks Round performance was a masterclass in balance—espresso, filter, mocktail—all served with a wink. The crowd didn’t just watch;…
Read More
Porto’s Coffee Revolution: 5 Cafés Defining the City’s Brew Culture

Porto’s Coffee Revolution: 5 Cafés Defining the City’s Brew Culture

Let’s talk about how Porto’s coffee scene has evolved from a niche curiosity to a global hotspot. Since 2019, the city’s specialty coffee shops have exploded—from six to over 50, a 40% surge. This isn’t just numbers; it’s a reflection of Porto’s cultural shift. Young professionals, Digital Nomads, and returning expats have fueled the growth, blending global influence with local pride. The result? A coffee culture that’s as dynamic as the Douro River. Porto’s transformation is visible in its festivals and pricing. Porto Coffee Week drew 3,606 visitors in 2025—60% more than 2024—proving the city’s coffee obsession. Meanwhile, specialty brews…
Read More
The 2025 Coffee Gear That Redefined Home Brewing

The 2025 Coffee Gear That Redefined Home Brewing

Here’s what your coffee gear cravings might look like in 2025: a blend of precision, simplicity, and unexpected elegance. As we wrap up the year, the most talked-about coffee equipment—from grinders to espresso machines—showed how innovation can turn routine rituals into moments of joy. These reviews didn’t just test gear; they redefined what’s possible in your kitchen. The Timemore Sculptor 078S Grinder stood out for its ability to adapt to every brewing method, from pour-over to espresso. Its design isn’t just about function—it’s a conversation between form and performance. When tested by Barista Magazine’s Vasileia Fanarioti, it proved that a…
Read More
Noma’s Greenhouse Brews a New Coffee Philosophy

Noma’s Greenhouse Brews a New Coffee Philosophy

Consider this your morning briefing: Copenhagen’s most revered restaurant, Noma, has transformed its culinary vision into a greenhouse where coffee isn’t just served—it’s studied, celebrated, and reimagined. Perched on a sliver of land between water and sky, the Noma Projects greenhouse is a lab for sustainability, a stage for minimalism, and a testament to how coffee can bridge the gap between earth and cup. Here, the air hums with the scent of roasted beans and the whisper of water vapor from Amager Bakke’s chimney, a reminder that eco-consciousness isn’t a trend—it’s a blueprint. The space is a masterclass in Scandinavian…
Read More