Ethos
Why Altitude Matters in Coffee
Altitude is one of the most defining variables in specialty coffee, not because higher is always better, but because elevation changes how a coffee develops, and ultimately, how it expresses itself in the cup. At its core, altitude is about...
Nordic Roasting: A Lighter Approach to Coffee
In the world of specialty coffee, Nordic roasting refers to a style of roasting that emphasizes lighter roast levels to highlight the natural flavors of the coffee itself. Instead of developing heavy, roasted flavors, Nordic roasting focuses on clarity, brightness,...
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Single Origin Coffee — A Small Window into the World
What Is Single Origin Coffee? Single-origin coffee refers to coffee that comes from one specific place. This could mean a single farm, a cooperative of farms, or a particular region within a country. Unlike coffee blends, which combine beans from...
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Two Main Types of Coffee: Arabica & Robusta
Arabica vs Robusta Although coffee is grown in many countries around the world, most of the coffee we drink comes from just two main species of coffee plants: Arabica and Robusta. These two types of coffee differ in flavor, growing...
The Coffee Tasting Wheel: Understanding the Many Flavors of Coffee Many people grow up thinking coffee has only one basic flavor—strong, dark, and bitter. But once you begin exploring specialty coffee, you quickly discover that coffee can have an incredible...
A Guide to Common Coffee Beverages
Specialty Coffee Beverages Coffee shops often offer a wide variety of drinks, but most of them are built from the same two ingredients: espresso and milk. Each drink has its own balance of these elements, creating different textures, strengths, and...
What Is Specialty Coffee? Specialty coffee is coffee that is grown, processed, roasted, and brewed with a focus on quality and flavor. Unlike commodity coffee, specialty coffee highlights the unique characteristics of different coffee varieties and the work of the...
The History & Origins of Coffee
The Origins of Coffee Coffee has been enjoyed for centuries, but its story begins in East Africa. Ethiopia: The Birthplace of Coffee Coffee is believed to have originated in Ethiopia, where the coffee plant grows naturally in the wild. According...
Specialty coffee is a way of approaching coffee that focuses on discovering and showcasing the highest quality coffees available. It is both a philosophy and a process, one that values careful farming, thoughtful roasting, and intentional brewing. Coffee itself is...