I have been a coffee geek for 16 years. Here's my best advice.

Summary

The speaker, a licensed Q grader and coffee enthusiast since 2008, shares insights and tips for coffee lovers. They advise approaching specialty coffee with an open mind, similar to exploring niche music genres. Debunking the kopi luwak myth, they emphasize the importance of coffee's processing and variety over its origin. The speaker recommends starting with a Hario V60 brewer and a quality hand grinder for the best coffee experience. They also touch on water quality, espresso brewing, and the significance of fresh beans, advocating for a balanced approach to coffee brewing and appreciation.

Takeaways

• 😀 Start with a niche mindset: Specialty coffee is like exploring niche music genres, it might be a shock at first but it's worth the exploration.
• ☕️ Avoid the Kopi Luwak scam: It's not the best or most expensive coffee; save your money and try other options.
• 🌱 Learn from professionals: Engaging with coffee professionals can accelerate your understanding and appreciation of coffee.
• 🌍 Geography isn't everything: The origin of coffee beans isn't as important as how they're grown, processed, and their variety.
• 🇪🇹 Ethiopian coffee exception: Ethiopian coffees are consistently interesting, even lower grades can contribute to espresso blends.
• 🍵 Brew with V60: The Hario V60 is an affordable and effective brewing method for beginners and experienced enthusiasts alike.
• ⚖️ Invest in a good grinder: A quality hand grinder can significantly improve your coffee experience, more so than an expensive machine.
• 💧 Water quality matters: Use soft water and a TDS meter to ensure your coffee tastes its best.
• ☕️ Espresso tips: Start with medium to dark roasts for espresso, and remember that temperature control is crucial.
• 📈 Freshness is key: Coffee beans are best consumed within 1-3 weeks of roasting, depending on the roast level and storage conditions.
• 🐝 Processing impacts flavor: Experiment with different coffee processing methods to find what flavors you prefer most.

Q & A

How long has the speaker been deeply involved in the coffee industry?

The speaker has been a coffee geek since 2008 and has been writing about coffee full-time since around 2016.

What is a Q grader in the context of coffee?

A Q grader is a licensed professional in the coffee industry who evaluates coffee quality, similar to a sommelier in the wine industry.

What is the speaker's advice for someone new to specialty coffee?

The speaker suggests thinking of specialty coffee like niche music genres and being patient with the process of developing a taste for it.

Why does the speaker warn against the Kopi Luwak coffee trend?

The speaker advises against Kopi Luwak because it's not the best-tasting or most expensive coffee, and they also express ethical concerns about the treatment of animals involved in its production.

What is the 'cheat code' to understanding coffee more deeply, as mentioned by the speaker?

Cupping coffee with professionals is the 'cheat code' as it allows for a deeper and faster understanding of coffee by tasting many different types simultaneously with expert guidance.

What is the speaker's view on the importance of coffee's origin in determining its quality?

The speaker believes that the origin of coffee is less important than how the beans are grown, processed, and the variety of the bean itself.

Why does the speaker recommend the Hario V60 for brewing coffee?

The Hario V60 is recommended because it's affordable, offers the best return on investment, and provides a good starting point for brewing coffee.

What is the speaker's opinion on the importance of water quality in coffee brewing?

Water quality is crucial in coffee brewing, and the speaker suggests starting with relatively soft water and using a TDS meter to measure it.

What brewing method does the speaker suggest for those who prefer strong coffee?

For those who like strong coffee, the speaker recommends starting with methods like AeroPress or French Press instead of jumping straight to espresso.

What is the speaker's advice regarding the freshness of coffee beans?

The speaker advises that coffee beans should be fresh, ideally consumed within 1 to 3 weeks after roasting, and that storage conditions can affect their aging process.

Why does the speaker suggest trying different coffee processing methods?

Trying different processing methods helps in discovering personal flavor preferences and expanding one's palate in the world of specialty coffee.