Taste

Kinrin Matcha: A Taste of Pure Japanese Tradition

Kinrin Matcha: A Taste of Pure Japanese Tradition

Real talk: If you’ve ever wondered what makes a matcha truly exceptional, Marukyu Koayamaen’s Kinrin might be your revelation. This isn’t just another green powder—it’s a masterclass in balance, delivering a flavor profile that’s both refined and approachable. Prepared as usucha, the Kinrin reveals layers of fresh grassiness and a subtle sweetness that lingers without overpowering. The key? A precise ritual: 2.3 grams of powder, 80ml of water heated to 80°C, and a swift whisk to coax out a velvety foam. The result is a cup that feels like a quiet conversation with the earth, not a loud declaration of…
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A Taste of Tokaj’s Royal Reserve: Szepsy’s Unforgettable Wine Lineup

A Taste of Tokaj’s Royal Reserve: Szepsy’s Unforgettable Wine Lineup

If you’ve ever wondered what makes Tokaj’s wines legendary, imagine a lineup where each glass feels like a revelation. A recent tasting at Szepsy, the family-run estate in Hungary’s Tokaj region, delivered exactly that. Guided by István Szepsy Jr., the session spanned nine wines from the 2022 vintage, each revealing layers of history, terroir, and the winery’s quiet ambition. From crisp entry-level offerings to honey-drenched rarities, the experience was less about tasting wine and more about witnessing its alchemy. Szepsy’s Furmint & Hun, a newer addition to the lineup, served as the perfect primer. Crisp, acidic, and priced around $30,…
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The Metallic Taste in My Self-Roasted Coffee—And Why It’s Ruining My Cups

The Metallic Taste in My Self-Roasted Coffee—And Why It’s Ruining My Cups

Real talk: I’m stuck in a loop of bad roasts. Every batch of self-roasted Arara coffee from Brazil’s 880m altitude ends up tasting like someone poured rusted nails into my cup. The metallic, dirty, and vaguely metallic note hits at minute 6, smothering the rest of the profile. It’s not the beans—it’s the same coffee, same roast, same setup, and sometimes it’s great. Other times? A nightmare. The problem is laser-focused: a metallic tang that lingers like a bad memory. It appears consistently around 6 minutes into the roast, regardless of weight loss (11-13%), and refuses to let the coffee…
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A Taste of Europe in New York’s Coffee Culture

A Taste of Europe in New York’s Coffee Culture

Get ready to sip on this: New York City isn’t just a hub for coffee innovation—it’s a stage for Europe’s most storied brewing traditions. From Viennese Einspänner to Swedish iskaffe, the city’s coffee scene is brewing a quiet revolution. No need to board a flight; these six spots deliver the rich, ritual-driven flavors of Italy, France, Sweden, and beyond, reimagined for Manhattan’s discerning palates. At Embriago Coffee on the Lower East Side, the Oat Shaken Espresso redefines the Italian shakerato. Frothed with ice, oat milk, and simple syrup, this iced brew balances bold espresso with creamy texture. The Einspänner, a…
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