Coffee Knowledge
Latest articles, industry insights and brewing guides
New SCAA Coffee Tasters Flavor Wheel Explained
Discover the updated SCAA Coffee Tasters Flavor Wheel with full English translations and key aroma/flavor categories used in professional coffee cupping.
How CoE Cupping Works: The 8-Point Specialty Coffee Scorecard
Discover how the CoE (Cup of Excellence) cupping system scores coffee with 8 key categories, from clean cup to overall impression, using a 100-point scale.
How to Pass the Q Grader Coffee Certification Exam
Learn how to prepare for each Q Grader test—smell, taste, grading, and cupping—with expert tips from a recent candidate.
How to Pass the Q Grader Coffee Certification Exam
Here’s a clear breakdown of the 22 tests in the 5-day Q Grader exam, including sensory, cupping, and roasting challenges.
How Coffee Buyers Cup Test Green Coffee Beans
Learn the DISCOVERY-style cupping method used by importers and roasters to evaluate green coffee beans before purchase, with exact ratios and steps.
How Coffee Cupping Verifies Coffee Bean Quality
Learn how professional cupping evaluates coffee flavor, acidity, sweetness, and quality—key for sourcing specialty beans at origin.
The Three Stages of Coffee Roasting: Drying, Pyrolysis, and Cooling
Learn how coffee beans transform during roasting—from moisture loss to caramelization—plus the key temperatures and timings that shape flavor.
The 3 Stages of Coffee Roasting: Drying, Maillard, and Cooling
Learn how green coffee beans transform through three critical roast stages—drying, Maillard reaction, and cooling—and how time, temp, and airflow shape flavor.
How Roast Levels Affect Coffee Flavor and Brewing
Understand how light, medium, and dark roasts impact acidity, extraction, and taste—plus the science behind roast color and weight loss.
What Happens to Coffee Beans During Roasting
Roasting transforms green coffee beans through heat, altering weight, color, and flavor. Learn the key chemical and physical changes by degree and stage.
Ninety Plus Coffee: America’s 90+ Point Specialty Beans
Learn why Ninety Plus Coffee’s rare 90+ point beans became legendary in just five years, with scores, competitions, and cult-status coffees like Nekisse.
What Does 90+ Coffee Label Mean?
Learn what the 90+ coffee label signifies, its origins, processing methods, and how it became a benchmark in specialty coffee.
NinetyPlus LevelUp Nistu Ruz Washed Ethiopian Coffee
Explore the floral, citrusy profile of NinetyPlus LevelUp Nistu Ruz, a washed Ethiopian coffee grown at 1800–2100m with notes of lemon, honey, and lychee.
NinetyPlus LevelUp Nistu Ruz Washed Coffee Review
Explore the floral, citrusy profile of NinetyPlus LevelUp Nistu Ruz, a washed Ethiopian coffee grown at 1800–2100m with notes of lemon, honey, and lychee.
Ninety Plus Level Up Derar Ela Natural Process Coffee
Discover the unique Level Up Derar Ela from Ethiopia’s Guji region, a rare natural-process coffee with intense berry, floral, and tropical fruit notes.
How to Make Better Coffee with an American Drip Machine
Learn how to improve flavor from your basic drip coffee maker with grind size, brew time, and dose adjustments. Includes tested ratios.
How Filter Cone Shape Affects Pour-Over Coffee Taste
Learn how pour-over filter cone design impacts coffee extraction, from spiral grooves to hole size — and what to look for in a dripper.
How to Use an AeroPress for Quick, Delicious Coffee
The AeroPress is a fast, portable coffee maker loved by pros and office workers. It brews strong, smooth coffee—ideal for americano or latte—in just minutes.
How to Use a French Press for Fresh Coffee
Learn how to brew coffee with a French press using the right grind, fresh beans, and simple steps for a smooth cup.
How Capsule Coffee Machines Work & What to Consider
A clear look at capsule coffee machines: how they work, who they’re for, key brands, and what limits to watch for.