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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…
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Coffiyeh: Where Coffee Meets Culture and Community

Coffiyeh: Where Coffee Meets Culture and Community

There’s something quietly revolutionary about a coffee cart that turns every sip into a story. Sajah Abdelghani’s Coffiyeh isn’t just about beans and steam—it’s a mobile museum of Palestinian heritage, served in a kuffiyeh-inspired name and crafted with rose, cardamom, and pistachio. Launched in November 2024 in northern New Jersey, this venture isn’t just about coffee; it’s about reclaiming narrative in a world that often overlooks Palestinian voices. Sajah, who grew up steeped in Middle Eastern flavors, says her coffee is a “sensory and cultural experience”—a phrase that feels both poetic and precise. The roots of Coffiyeh are as personal…
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The Physics of Pour Height: How High You Pour Changes Your Brew

The Physics of Pour Height: How High You Pour Changes Your Brew

Real talk: The way you pour your coffee might be holding back its full flavor. A new study reveals that the height from which you pour water isn’t just about wrist comfort—it’s a physics-driven variable that shapes extraction. Researchers at the University of Colorado in Boulder found that higher pour heights create “avalanche dynamics” in coffee grounds, triggering more aggressive mixing and unlocking flavor in ways even seasoned baristas might not have considered. This isn’t just academic jargon; it’s a game-changer for anyone serious about brewing. The study’s focus on kinetic energy and granular flow explains why pouring from a…
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Guar Gum Decoded: The Creamy Secret in Your Plant-Based Milk

Guar Gum Decoded: The Creamy Secret in Your Plant-Based Milk

Pour yourself a cup for this one: guar gum isn’t just a random ingredient in your oat or almond milk—it’s a silent hero in the fight for that velvety texture. But its role has sparked debates, from health concerns to ethical questions. Let’s cut through the noise. Guar gum, derived from the guar bean (a legume native to India), is a natural thickener, binder, and stabilizer. It’s gluten-free, vegan, and packed with soluble fiber. Studies suggest it may aid digestion, lower blood sugar, and even support heart health by reducing cholesterol. Yet its reputation is mixed. The FDA’s past bans…
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**2026 Coffee Championships & Bold New Collaborations Shaking the Scene**

**2026 Coffee Championships & Bold New Collaborations Shaking the Scene**

Get ready to sip on this: The coffee world is pivoting fast, with rules for next year’s global competitions, high-profile sponsorships, and a hip-hop artist turning heads with a limited-edition brew. From Brussels to Dubai, the specialty coffee scene is evolving—and the stakes are higher than ever. The World Coffee Championships just dropped the 2026 rules for the World Coffee in Good Spirits and Roasting Championships, set to unfold in Brussels from June 25–27. These events, which blend technical skill with creativity, now have clearer guidelines for participants. For roasters and baristas, this means more focus on precision and sustainability.…
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Specialty Coffee Shops Face Tough Choice: Keep Surcharges or Lose Customers?

Specialty Coffee Shops Face Tough Choice: Keep Surcharges or Lose Customers?

The coffee world is shifting. Major chains are ditching plant milk surcharges, but independent shops face a tricky balancing act between cost and customer demand. As oat, almond, and soy milks become menu staples, the pressure to eliminate fees grows—yet for small cafes, the financial hit could be devastating. The question isn’t just about pricing; it’s about survival in a market where consumers expect non-dairy options without paying a premium. The math is clear: plant milks cost 55% more than dairy in the UK, with oat milk leading the charge. Chains like Starbucks and Pret A Manger have dropped surcharges,…
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Influencers Are Reshaping Specialty Coffee—Here’s How

Influencers Are Reshaping Specialty Coffee—Here’s How

Coffee lovers, wine enthusiasts, tea devotees—your morning ritual is being rewritten by influencers. Up to 93% of marketers now rely on influencers to cut through the noise, and specialty coffee is no exception. With Gen Z consumers trusting influencer recommendations over traditional ads (92% of them, per Nielsen), the industry’s authority is shifting from competition trophies to Instagram feeds. This isn’t just a trend—it’s a seismic shift in how coffee is discovered, discussed, and consumed. The rise of influencer marketing has democratized coffee culture. Once confined to barista competitions and niche publications, expertise now lives on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram.…
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How Specialty Coffee Roasters Can Lead the Innovation Revolution

How Specialty Coffee Roasters Can Lead the Innovation Revolution

Specialty coffee’s early focus on quality is no longer enough. Market consolidation limits risk-taking, creating space for independent brands to lead meaningful change. As giants like Keurig Dr Pepper acquire JDE Peet’s in a $18bn deal, the industry’s power dynamics shift. Consolidation breeds caution, but it also opens a window for roasters to redefine what innovation means. The stakes are high: without bold moves, the sector risks becoming a commodity battleground. Real innovation in specialty coffee isn’t about flashy gimmicks—it’s about solving real problems. Partnering with producers to tackle overripe cherries through fermentation, as Mió and Coffee Sensorium did, turns…
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Specialty Coffee’s Hospitality Shift: Why Service Matters More Than Ever

Specialty Coffee’s Hospitality Shift: Why Service Matters More Than Ever

The specialty coffee scene is undergoing a quiet revolution. As prices climb, consumers aren’t just paying for beans—they’re paying for experience. Brands like WatchHouse and Proud Mary are redefining success by treating every interaction as a curated moment. This isn’t just about coffee anymore; it’s about crafting an environment where guests feel seen, guided, and valued. The shift is clear: hospitality isn’t a perk—it’s the currency of the trade. At the heart of this movement is the barista, who now serves as both bartender and curator. From pre-warmed cups to meticulously maintained plants, small details add up to create a…
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Estate 98: Bridging Salvadoran Coffee and Cocktail Culture

Estate 98: Bridging Salvadoran Coffee and Cocktail Culture

When Salvadoran coffee meets cocktail culture, it’s not just about flavor—it’s about legacy. Estate 98, a single-origin espresso spirit crafted by U.S.-based descendants of Salvadoran coffee pioneers, is redefining how bartenders and coffee lovers experience the intersection of heritage and innovation. Born from a family farm rooted in El Salvador’s 1798 history, this spirit isn’t just a drink; it’s a bridge between tradition and modern mixology. The Larin brothers, Andres and Jose, grew up in the U.S. but returned to El Salvador as teens, carrying with them a deep connection to their family’s coffee roots. Their product, Licor de Café…
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