What is The Best Type of Water to Brew Coffee? Not What You Think!

What is The Best Type of Water to Brew Coffee? Not What You Think!

I fondly think back to my early days in brewing, including mistakes that turned into lessons. I remember looking down on my daily brew, feeling that something was missing even though I followed the variables to a tee. Then it hit me: I wasn’t using the best type of water for coffee. Water is as…

Espresso Dosing Guide: How Many Grams of Coffee Do You Really Need?

Espresso Dosing Guide: How Many Grams of Coffee Do You Really Need?

I’ve been pulling espresso shots for years now, and I’ve found that one of the most important parts of this process is getting the espresso dosing right. Even if you got the other variables correct, such as the grind size and tamping technique, making an error on your dose could still leave you with a…

Cold Brew vs Iced Coffee: Both Are Delicious But What’s The Difference?

Cold Brew vs Iced Coffee: Both Are Delicious But What’s The Difference?

Nothing perks me up for my daily endeavors as a delicious cup of hot coffee, except for unbearably hot days. Good thing, I can go for a cold coffee beverage instead. One thing I noticed though is that people are often confused by iced coffee and cold brew. What really makes them different from each…

Porlex Mini Hand Coffee Grinder Review 2024 – Is This Cheap Grinder Good Enough?

Porlex Mini Hand Coffee Grinder Review 2024 – Is This Cheap Grinder Good Enough?

I’ve tried numerous coffee grinders and when it comes to budget-friendly options, only a few are actually good enough to produce consistently delicious cups of coffee. In this Porlex Mini review, I’ll discuss if this portable device fits that category. After reading through, you can make an informed decision if the Porlex Mini hand grinder…

Do You Need to Use a Bottomless Portafilter? Weighing the Pros & Cons of Naked Espresso Brewing

Do You Need to Use a Bottomless Portafilter? Weighing the Pros & Cons of Naked Espresso Brewing

Recently, a friend who is just starting out to make espresso coffee asked me why I opt for the naked (aka bottomless) portafilter, rather than the spouted ones. After giving a brief answer, I knew I also have to share with my readers the benefits of this portafilter type. In this article, I’ll dive into…

Pre-Infusion in Espresso Coffee: Does It Really Make a Difference?

Pre-Infusion in Espresso Coffee: Does It Really Make a Difference?

Have you tried following all the advised variables for your espresso to a T, but still can’t get the espresso shot you hope for? Then there is a technique that might just make all the difference: pre-infusion. Now, you might be thinking, “But isn’t this just another gimmick?” Actually, I was skeptical at first too….

When to Start Timing Your Espresso Shot? A Barista’s Explainer

When to Start Timing Your Espresso Shot? A Barista’s Explainer

Baristas know full well how important precision is when pulling that perfect shot of espresso. Aside from the measurement of the ingredients, temperature, and pressure, another key factor is the timing. Timing plays an essential role in crafting that perfect cup. And yet, there seems to be a never-ending debate on when exactly to start…

Why is Espresso Served with Sparkling Water? The Benefits of a Sidecar

Why is Espresso Served with Sparkling Water? The Benefits of a Sidecar

At a local cafe, I overheard a customer asking why his espresso shot came with a bottle of sparkling water. That’s when I realized that the benefit of the fizzy drink isn’t common knowledge to people, even if they’ve been drinking espresso for years. In this article, I’ll go in-depth on this subject— exploring the…