Does drinking from a wine glass change the flavour of specialty coffee?
There are many variables which affect the sensory experience of drinking specialty coffee. From brewer material to the altitude we’re at, the flavours and aromas...
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January 3, 2024
The language of specialty coffee: Is it still relevant?
It was in 1974 that Erna Knutsen coined the term “specialty coffee” to describe more unique and higher-quality coffees grown in microclimates. And she changed the industry forever. Over the ensuing decades, we have come to define specialty coffee even more rigorously – largely using the Specialty Coffee Association’s 100-point quality scale. Our definitions, however, are not just technical. More holistic terms like “sustainable”, “traceable”, “transparent”, and “direct trade” are… read more
It was in 1974 that Erna Knutsen coined the term “specialty coffee” to describe more unique and higher-quality coffees grown in microclimates. And she changed the industry forever. Over the ensuing decades, we have come to define specialty coffee even… read more
What is green coffee rehydration & could it help specialty coffee roasters?
According to the International Coffee Organisation, the ideal moisture content for green coffee is between 8% and 12.5%. This ensures roasters can get the best...
Batch brew vs pour over in coffee shops: How long should you wait for filter coffee?
Pour overs are one of the most popular brewing methods in many coffee shops around the world. Beloved by both specialty coffee professionals and consumers,...
Why does drinking too much coffee cause caffeine “jitters”?
It’s an all too familiar experience for those of us who have drank too much coffee: shaky hands, a rapid heart rate, and an underlying...
Could specialty coffee become more popular in Rwanda?
Rwanda is a landlocked country in East Africa. Bordered by Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Rwanda is renowned for...
Why are more musicians launching their own coffee brands?
Coffee and music have a deep rooted connection. If you walk into a coffee shop anywhere in the world, you’re likely to hear some kind...
Why is Vienna’s coffee house culture so influential?
Around the world, coffee shops serve as important social spaces – as is often illustrated by the concept of the third place. Beyond this, in...
How have career opportunities changed in specialty coffee?
We’ve seen many changes in the specialty coffee sector over the last ten or so years. From the rise of plant milks to an increasing...
How is educational content for specialty coffee evolving?
Education plays a crucial role in the specialty coffee sector. Without the focus the industry has had on education in recent years, we arguably wouldn’t...
Why is Latino representation so important in specialty coffee?
The specialty coffee industry prides itself on being inclusive of a diverse range of people – and so it should. Coffee professionals from around the...
How is South Korean specialty coffee culture evolving?
When we talk about some of the most forward-thinking coffee markets in the world, South Korea is often high up on the list. And although...
How is coffee culture changing in Kazakhstan?
Located in Central Asia and partly in Eastern Europe, Kazakhstan is the world’s ninth-largest country by land area. Despite its size, however, the country has...
How can coffee professionals train to become a World Coffee Championships judge?
When it comes to the World Coffee Championships, we usually first think of the competitors taking part in the seven annual competitions. And understandably so...
Does third wave coffee culture focus too much on consumer education?
For many industry professionals, access to more formal education is key to continuously improving a number of factors. These can range from coffee quality to...
Are tasting notes for specialty coffee going too far?
More than 800 volatile aromatic compounds have been identified in coffee,. In theory, this creates a somewhat endless number of possibilities when it comes to...
Is specialty coffee culture dominated by the US?
When we think of innovation in specialty coffee, many of the countries that first come to mind are often Scandinavian – and rightly so. Nordic...