Coffee Knowledge
Latest articles, industry insights and brewing guides
Does Coffee Really Wake You Up After Lunch?
Four strong coffees—not one—are needed to fight sleepiness effectively. Caffeine tolerance, timing, and food all affect how well coffee works as a stimulant.
Why Europeans Mock American-Style Coffee
Europeans often ridicule Americans for drinking weak, reheated coffee. Here’s what they dislike—and how to make better Americanos.
How to Taste Black Coffee: Smell, Color, and Flavor Guide
Learn how to properly smell, observe, and taste black coffee for the best flavor experience, including ideal temperatures and tasting steps.
How Americans Drink Coffee: Bold, Diverse, and Endless
Americans consume a third of the world’s coffee, with regional and cultural differences shaping strong, varied brewing habits across the US.
How to Make a Great Cup of Americano Coffee
Learn the essential steps and best practices for brewing delicious homemade Americano coffee with the right grind, ratio, and water temperature.
How to Make a Proper Espresso: Skill and Precision Required
Learn what makes a great espresso—temperature, pressure, grind, and timing—and why it’s harder than it looks.
How to Choose High-Quality Coffee Beans
Learn what makes great coffee: ideal growing conditions, skilled roasters, proper roast freshness, and the right storage. Avoid pre-ground powder.
Why Coffee Beans Are a Premium Agricultural Product
Coffee, like wine, is a climate-sensitive crop. Learn why high-quality Arabica beans grow only at altitude and vary by origin.
The Worst Coffee Drinks According to Men’s Health
Men’s Health rated six of the worst coffee drinks, with two from Starbucks and one from McDonald’s among the unhealthiest choices.
Why Espresso Feels Thick and How That Creates Aftertaste
Espresso’s thick mouthfeel comes from suspended CO₂ bubbles and emulsified oils, which also deliver longer-lasting aroma and a smoother finish.
How Much Caffeine Is in a Shot of Espresso?
A standard espresso shot has 1/3 to 1/2 the caffeine of other brew methods due to its short 20-second extraction time.
How to Tell If Your Espresso Is Good
A great espresso has rich crema, balanced flavor, and the right extraction. Here’s how to evaluate it like a pro.
How to Truly Taste and Enjoy a Cup of Coffee
Learn how to slow down, observe, and appreciate the subtle flavors and textures in your coffee for a more mindful drinking experience.
Espresso: Italy’s Golden Coffee Ambassador
Espresso is the foundation of creative coffee drinks like milk foam art. Learn what makes a great shot and why it defines Italian coffee culture.
How to Make an Americano with Hot Water
An Americano is made by adding hot water to espresso. Learn the ideal ratios, brewing methods, and best beans for a smooth, low-calorie coffee.
What Is Espresso and Why Is It So Strong?
Espresso, or Italian-style espresso, is a small, intense shot brewed under high pressure. Learn why it tastes so strong and how it’s made.
How to Brew Classic Nanyang Coffee Step by Step
Learn the 7 essential steps to brew a proper Nanyang coffee, including water temp, brewing time, and filtering through a coffee sock.
Nanyang vs. White Coffee: What’s the Real Difference?
Discover how Nanyang and white coffee differ—roast style, ingredients, and origins—from Malaysian-Singaporean coffee culture explained for specialty drinkers.
When Is the Best Time to Drink Coffee?
Expert tips on the best time and way to enjoy coffee for full flavor, including avoiding perfume, brushing your tongue, and skipping morning coffee on an empty stomach.
The Uncompromising Coffee Perfectionist: Mr. Dou
Meet Mr. Dou, a Beijing-born coffee bean trader, roaster, and SCAE member who treats coffee as an exacting art form.