Coffee Knowledge
Latest articles, industry insights and brewing guides
What’s the Real Story Behind Singapore’s JW500 Coffee Shop?
Explore the lively, chaotic world of JW500, a Singapore coffee shop where beer, coffee, and human drama collide nightly.
Why We Love Cafés More Than Coffee
You don’t have to love coffee to love cafés. Discover why these beloved spaces matter more than the drink — and which ones left lasting impressions.
4 Common Coffee Drinking Mistakes – And How to Fix Them
Avoid sipping cold coffee, using spoons wrong, or masking flavors. Learn four everyday coffee mistakes and expert-backed fixes.
Basic Facts About Specialty Coffee Beans from ILLY
Discover essential knowledge about specialty coffee beans and how ILLY visualizes them in their classic promotional graphics.
How to Make Traditional Turkish Coffee the Right Way
Learn how to brew authentic Turkish coffee using fine grounds, an ibrik, and unfiltered tradition — including serving etiquette and cultural meaning.
What Is Brazilian Coffee? Key Facts About Brazil's Coffee Industry
Brazil produces nearly 30% of the world’s coffee with low-acid, nutty beans ideal for espresso and filter. 98% comes from just four key states.
How Europeans Drink Coffee Every Day
Learn how Europeans integrate coffee into daily life, from morning rituals to pairing with desserts, and why it’s a cultural constant.
Why Your Coffee Tastes Acidic — And What Acidity Really Means
Coffee acidity isn't sourness — it's brightness. Here's why your cup might taste sharp, and how roast level affects it.
Illy Red Blend Cupping: Taste Test of Medium-Roast Espresso
A detailed cupping of Illy’s iconic red can espresso blend, tested across multiple parameters including grind, dose, and water temperature.
How New Artisan Cafés Are Redefining Coffee Culture
Discover why younger crowds are skipping Starbucks for intimate, design-led cafes—where cats, vibes, and hand-picked decor define the third-wave coffee experience.
What Were Chinese Cafés Like 20 Years Ago?
Explore the roots of Chinese specialty coffee: dim cafés, instant brews, early Starbucks crowds, and one lost Italian-run gem in Harbin.
Edgar Degas' Café Painting and Its Coffee Culture Meaning
Explore Edgar Degas' 'Café', also known as 'Absinthe'. Discover the unique artistry and the coffee - related cultural elements in this 19th - century masterpiece.
How Coffee Came to China and Took Root
Coffee arrived in China in the late 19th century, first in Taiwan, then Yunnan. Learn how a slow start became a growing specialty scene.
Why Paris Cafés Are Unmatched in the World
Paris boasts more cafés per capita than almost any global city, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and daily ritual for locals and travelers alike.
4 Key Principles for Proper Coffee Grinding
Good coffee starts with proper grinding. Learn why grind size, low heat, consistency, and freshness matter for better extraction.
How Grind Size Should Match Your Brewing Method
The ideal coffee grind size varies by brew method. Here’s how fine or coarse to grind for espresso, French press, drip, and more.
Coffee Grinding Basics: Tools, Sizes, and Best Practices
Learn how to grind coffee properly, the key grind sizes, and why fresh-ground coffee matters for taste and aroma.
How to Set the Right Grind Size for Coffee Beans
Learn how to adjust your coffee grind size based on brewing method—from espresso to French press—for optimal extraction.
How Grind Size Matches Your Coffee Brewing Method
Find the right coffee grind size for your brewer. Espresso needs a fine powder; pour-over and French press require medium to coarse.
Why Freshly Ground Coffee Tastes Better Than Pre-Ground
Freshly grinding coffee preserves aroma and flavor. Pre-ground coffee loses freshness quickly due to oxidation and evaporation. Grind just before brewing.