Specialty Coffee Beans
Latest articles, industry insights and brewing guides
Why Italians Stand to Drink Espresso — And Pay More to Sit
In Italy, espresso is meant to be drunk standing at the bar — and sitting down costs extra. Here’s how the tradition works.
How to Choose Authentic Kopi Luwak Coffee by Brand and Origin
Learn which Kopi Luwak brands and origins offer the best quality, why freshness matters, and how to spot low-grade versions of civet coffee.
The First Coffee Drink: From Ethiopia to Turkish Coffee
Learn how early coffee began as a food in Ethiopia, evolved into Sultana coffee in Arabia, and led to modern brewing methods like Turkish and espresso.
How to Taste Coffee in 10 Simple Steps
Learn how to properly taste coffee with this step-by-step guide covering dry aroma, wet bloom, slurping, and aftertaste evaluation.
The History of Coffee: From Discovery to Global Drink
From African highlands to global cafés, trace coffee’s 1,500-year journey—from discovery to becoming the world’s third-most-consumed beverage.
How to Choose the Best Coffee Brewing Method for You
Explore the best coffee brewing method for your taste with tips on equipment, grind size, water temp, and more. Find your perfect cup.
How to Hold a Coffee Cup and Use a Spoon Properly
Learn the right way to hold a coffee cup, add milk or sugar, use a spoon, and enjoy coffee without common etiquette mistakes.
How to Taste and Appreciate a Good Cup of Coffee
Learn the proper etiquette for drinking coffee in public and how to fully appreciate a well-brewed cup with clear steps and tips.
Why Coffee Feels More Like a Mood Than a Drink
Coffee isn’t just a beverage — it’s an experience shaped by atmosphere, culture, and personal connection. Here’s why it feels like more than just a cup.
How to Choose Ingredients for Specialty Creative Coffee
Learn what fruits, crops, tea, and alcohol work best in creative coffee drinks—and how to pair them with the right beans.
How to Brew the Best Espresso: 4 Key Elements
Learn the 4 essential elements—blend, grind, machine, and technique—that make a truly great espresso shot.
How to Tell If Your Coffee Beans Are Fresh
Learn whether oily or dry coffee beans mean freshness, and how to judge roast age accurately with simple sensory checks.
How to Make Milk Foam for Coffee by Hand
Learn how to create smooth, velvety milk foam manually using a steam wand or a milk frother — with exact temperatures and techniques.
How to Spot and Fix Over-Extracted Coffee
Learn why your espresso may taste bitter or hollow—from too fine a grind to overly hot water—and how to fix common extraction issues.
Two Main Espresso Extraction Methods and Over-Extraction Causes
Modern coffee extraction boils down to immersion and filtration. This piece explains the two main methods—espresso and steep extraction—and why over-extraction happens.
Everything You Need to Know About the Q-GRADER Exam
A complete breakdown of the 22 Q-GRADER test modules, preparation tips, and what to expect on exam day from a former candidate.
Top 10 Coffee Origins and What Makes Them Unique
Explore the world’s top 10 coffee-producing countries and the unique flavor profiles that define each region’s signature beans.
Which African Country Produces the Best Coffee?
Explore the top African coffee-growing nations, from Kenya’s bright AA beans to Ethiopia’s floral Yirgacheffe, and learn which regions stand out.
Why Don’t Africans Drink Much Coffee?
Despite being the birthplace of coffee, many Africans—especially in rural areas—rarely drink it. Tradition, economics, and missing roasting skills explain why.
Which African Countries Produce the Best Coffee?
Explore the top African coffee-growing nations like Kenya, Ethiopia, and Tanzania, known for bright acidity, floral notes, and rich body.