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Does the Steam Wand Angle Matter for Microfoam? Here’s the Truth

Does the Steam Wand Angle Matter for Microfoam? Here’s the Truth

Listen up: The steam wand angle is a hot topic in barista circles, and for good reason. Whether you’re chasing velvety microfoam or perfect latte art, the angle at which you position the wand can make or break your results. But here’s the catch—most baristas debate it like it’s the final round of a championship, when the real answer is simpler. You’ve probably seen videos showing every angle from 45 degrees to straight down, each claiming to be the holy grail. Yet, the science behind it? Less clear. The truth is, the steam wand angle isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s…
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Mastering the Cortado: Consistent Foam, Crisper Art

Mastering the Cortado: Consistent Foam, Crisper Art

Here’s something to stir your curiosity: the cortado’s magic lies in the balance between milk and espresso, but achieving that harmony feels like chasing a ghost—until you nail the routine. For those of us who prefer less milk, the Silvia’s precision can feel like a double-edged sword. It’s a machine that demands respect, and when you finally sync with its rhythm, the results? A cortado that’s creamy, crisp, and utterly satisfying. The Silvia’s strength is its pressure, but that same force can turn a simple froth into a mess if you’re not careful. The key? Temperature. Milk that’s too cold…
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The Minimalist Coffee Cart: How to Brew Intimate Gatherings Without Breaking the Bank

The Minimalist Coffee Cart: How to Brew Intimate Gatherings Without Breaking the Bank

Real talk: If you're dreaming of a coffee shop but can't afford the lease, here's a smarter play. A minimalist coffee cart—think pour-over setups, milk drinks, and no espresso machine—could be your secret weapon. It’s not about scaling up; it’s about scaling down, testing ideas, and building buzz without burning cash. The goal? Create a portable, intimate coffee experience for friends and family while keeping costs low and logistics tight. The setup hinges on simplicity. A pour-over set (maybe two or three for variety), an electric kettle, a hand grinder, and an aeropress are your core tools. The aeropress isn’t…
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Red Ink Coffee Schools You in the Coffee World Beyond the Cup

Red Ink Coffee Schools You in the Coffee World Beyond the Cup

Here’s what you need to know: Coffee education isn’t just about brewing or roasting anymore. Krzysztof Blinkiewicz, founder of Red Ink Coffee, is redefining how we teach the craft by weaving in climate, culture, and community. This isn’t just a shift in curriculum—it’s a radical reimagining of what it means to know coffee. At the heart of Red Ink’s model is a philosophy that questions why we teach coffee at all. “Too many courses teach technique without context,” Blinkiewicz says. His approach isn’t about mastering a skill set but about understanding the systems that shape coffee’s journey—from the farm to…
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Sydney’s Coffee Tour: A City Unpacked in Cups

Sydney’s Coffee Tour: A City Unpacked in Cups

The verdict is in: Sydney’s Sunday mornings aren’t just about caffeine anymore. Shu Yeung has transformed the city’s coffee culture into a vibrant, educational experience where strangers become collaborators in a shared love of specialty coffee. At first glance, it’s a walking tour—until you realize it’s also a masterclass in storytelling, a bridge between industry jargon and everyday curiosity, and a testament to how coffee can connect people across continents and cultures. Shu’s journey began in Tokyo, where he mapped over 20 specialty cafés, walking with a cupping spoon in his pocket and a camera slung over his shoulder. The…
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Espresso Machines Are Evolving—Here’s How

Espresso Machines Are Evolving—Here’s How

Here’s what you need to know: Espresso machines are no longer just about brewing coffee—they’re redefining precision, control, and workflow. From AI-driven personalization to modular designs that cater to both pros and home users, innovation is accelerating. Trade shows like SIGEP World reveal how these shifts are reshaping the industry, blending technology with tradition in ways that demand attention. Automation and AI aren’t replacing baristas—they’re enhancing their craft. Modern machines now feature programmable pre-infusion, adjustable pressure profiles, and smart connectivity, letting users tweak extraction variables for optimal flavor. Temperature stability has also become a priority, with PID controllers and advanced…
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Can You Brew Café-Quality Espresso on the Go?

Can You Brew Café-Quality Espresso on the Go?

Coffee lovers, wine enthusiasts, tea devotees—here’s a revelation: you can now make café-quality espresso without a bulky machine. Portable espresso equipment has evolved from a niche curiosity to a serious contender in the home brewing arena. The shift isn’t just about convenience—it’s about redefining what’s possible. With advancements in technology, today’s portable grinders and machines deliver precision, consistency, and flavor once reserved for professional setups. The question isn’t whether it’s possible, but how far this trend will take us. At the heart of this revolution is the grinder. No matter the machine, espresso quality hinges on grind size. A fine,…
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Georgia’s Coffee Scene Is Brewing a Global Shift

Georgia’s Coffee Scene Is Brewing a Global Shift

Time to spill: Georgia’s coffee scene is no longer a footnote in the global specialty market. Once defined by Turkish-style brews and centuries-old winemaking, the country is now a crossroads where ancient traditions meet modern roasting. The rise of specialty coffee here isn’t just about beans—it’s about culture, curiosity, and a growing appetite for complexity. With brands like Shavi Coffee Roasters expanding into the U.S. and giants like Costa Coffee eyeing expansion, Georgia is proving that its coffee story is far from finished. The roots of this shift lie in Georgia’s cultural DNA. Its wine heritage—dating back 8,000 years—has long…
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IWCA and Cup of Excellence Team Up to Elevate Women in Coffee

IWCA and Cup of Excellence Team Up to Elevate Women in Coffee

Coffee lovers, wine enthusiasts, tea devotees—here’s a move set to redefine the industry. The International Women’s Coffee Alliance (IWCA) has struck new partnerships with Cup of Excellence (CoE) and the Alliance for Coffee Excellence (ACE), aiming to amplify women’s roles in coffee’s most prestigious platforms. These memoranda of understanding (MOUs) are more than paperwork—they’re a blueprint for equity, designed to open doors for women producers, jurors, and buyers in a male-dominated field. CoE’s green coffee competitions and auctions have long been a gold standard, lifting microlots to record prices and global acclaim. Yet women remain underrepresented in these high-stakes arenas.…
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Little While Coffee’s Quiet Revolution in San Diego

Little While Coffee’s Quiet Revolution in San Diego

If you haven’t heard yet, San Diego’s coffee scene just got a quiet but deliberate upgrade. Little While Coffee and Pastries isn’t chasing trends—it’s redefining what a cafe can be. Nestled in North Park, this 1,200-square-foot space isn’t just about coffee; it’s about crafting an experience where every sip, bite, and glance feels intentional. The design leans into natural wood, soft lighting, and creamy whites, but the real magic is in the details: a Stronghold S9X roaster, Mazzer Kony SG grinders, and a La Marzocco Linea PB that’s as much about precision as it is about passion. The team behind…
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