During the pour over process, the behavior of the coffee grounds during the blooming stage is often regarded as an important indicator of freshness and extraction quality. However, many coffee enthusiasts notice that the coffee bed puffs up briefly after water is added, only to collapse soon after — leaving them wondering whether this is normal. This article delves into the three key factors behind this phenomenon: bloom water volume, grind size, and pouring technique. It also provides practical parameter suggestions and common mistake alerts to help you fine-tune your method and enhance the flavor of every pour over. [more…]

Iced Americano is the go-to pick-me-up for many during summer, but what seems like simply mixing espresso with iced water actually involves quite a bit of technique. This article will delve into the ideal ratios for different roast levels of coffee beans, the impact of ice cubes on flavor, and offer easy-to-follow brewing advice to help you craft the perfect iced americano tailored to your taste—whether you prefer a bold or refreshing profile. [more…]

Manner Coffee launched a promotion for the Year of the Dragon: buy two cups of light cheesecake latte and get a retro mug as a gift. With a limited run of 120,000, it quickly triggered a buying frenzy. However, this freebie was found to bear a strong resemblance to IKEA’s Gräddkoppa mug, and the official claim of a 75-yuan market value has been questioned. Some customers also reported noticeable color differences, dents, and other flaws in the actual mugs they received. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the campaign rules, real user feedback, and offers tips on selection and after-sales service to help you avoid common pitfalls. [more…]

Recently, M Stand’s wooden fish merchandise has sparked heated discussions on social media. However, many consumers who received the actual items found that the sound it makes is not crisp enough, the surface is prone to leaving marks, and it has even been jokingly referred to as a “beautiful but useless item.” At the same time, discussions about the quality control of their coffee and the match between its price and value have resurfaced. This article takes an in-depth look at the actual performance of this merchandise and user feedback, while also examining M Stand’s current state in terms of coffee quality and brand trustworthiness. [more…]

As the European Union’s Deforestation-Free Regulation (EUDR) is set to be fully implemented from the end of 2024 to early 2025, the global coffee industry is facing unprecedented compliance pressure. The renowned coffee group JDE Peet’s recently announced that it has launched a deforestation-free coffee initiative in collaboration with Enveritas, and has signed memorandums of understanding with major coffee-producing countries including Vietnam, Ethiopia, Papua New Guinea, Tanzania, and Uganda to ensure the coffee beans sourced are compliant. [more…]

Mandheling coffee from the Lintong region of Sumatra is widely loved for its rich, full-bodied profile, low acidity, and unique herbal and chocolatey notes. This article takes an in-depth look at the geographical environment of Lintong, the origin of the name “Mandheling,” as well as the characteristics of the locally dominant Ateng variety and the wet-hulled processing method. It also offers practical pour over recommendations and parameters to help coffee beginners fully understand this classic Southeast Asian bean. [more…]

Many pour-over beginners wonder: when using a V60 dripper, should you pour in a clockwise or counterclockwise circle? Does the direction of pouring actually affect the extraction and flavor profile of the coffee? This article delves into the design logic behind the V60’s 60-degree cone angle and spiral ribs, and through practical testing, compares the subtle differences in extraction time, concentration, and taste between the two pouring directions—helping you understand which factors truly impact the performance of a pour-over cup. [more…]

The price of Geisha coffee, often ranging from thousands to even tens of thousands of dollars, often deters coffee enthusiasts. What are the key factors behind this? This article delves into the cultivation challenges of the Geisha variety, its scarcity in production, and the mechanisms of market supply and demand. It also dissects the evolution of the grading system at Panama's Emerald Estate, clarifying the differences between auction lots, Red Label, and Green Label, addressing common misconceptions about the high price of the Red Label, and analyzing how auction prices influence the market. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned coffee enthusiast, you'll gain insight into the reasons behind Geisha coffee's pricing. [more…]

The latest data from the Brazilian Coffee Exporters Council (CECAFÉ) shows that in January 2024, Brazil exported 3.961 million bags of coffee (60 kg/bag), a year-on-year increase of 39%, with foreign exchange earnings also growing by 30.4%. Among them, Robusta variety exports skyrocketed by 503.5%, becoming the main driving force. This article will delve into the reasons behind Brazil’s strong coffee export performance, the performance of each variety, as well as the production forecast for the 2024/25 season, to help readers... [more…]

The key to pour over coffee lies not in the aesthetics of the coffee bed, but in the stable and precise control of water flow. This article will delve into the impact of water flow size during the pour over process, systematically introducing how to stabilize pouring rhythm and improve extraction uniformity through fixed-point and circular pouring practice. Whether you're a beginner or already have some experience, you can find a suitable training path here. [more…]

Want to understand the charm of washed coffee beans from Colombia's Huila region? This article takes you deep into the world of this specialty coffee, suitable for pour over, by exploring the terroir and climate of the origin, as well as the characteristics of the main variety, Caturra. Whether you're a beginner or a coffee enthusiast looking to try something new, you'll find practical tips on bean selection and brewing. [more…]

Can a manual pressure coffee maker, which doesn’t require electricity, produce espresso comparable to that of an espresso machine? This article starts with the history of Milan lever machines from 1947, analyzes the differences in extraction principles between hand pressing and mechanical methods, and uses practical test data to help you understand how key parameters such as coffee dosage, water temperature, and pressure affect flavor. It’s suitable for coffee enthusiasts who want to try manual extraction or learn about equipment principles. [more…]

Faced with abnormal weather, sharp exchange rate fluctuations, and declining market prices, Costa Rica’s coffee industry is encountering severe challenges during the harvest season. However, the latest policy provides more comprehensive work-related injury and medical insurance for over 70% of migrant workers from Nicaragua and Panama. This change not only concerns labor rights but also directly impacts the sustainability of coffee-growing regions and the stability of coffee flavor. Understanding the policy details and regional conditions is key to grasping the critical variables affecting future coffee bean supply. [more…]

An in-depth exploration of the washed coffee beans from Ethiopia’s Yirgacheffe Kochere region. From terroir and varietal characteristics to a nuanced flavor profile, this guide introduces you to a specialty coffee that boasts jasmine floral notes and tropical fruit undertones. It also provides practical pour over brewing recommendations and parameters to help you brew a layered and vibrant coffee experience at home. [more…]

The flavor profile of pour over coffee is closely related to pouring speed and water flow control. Many coffee enthusiasts have misconceptions about using large or small streams when pouring, assuming that the thickness of the stream directly determines extraction results. In reality, the core of water flow speed lies in the volume of water poured per second, while the impact force of the stream is also influenced by pouring technique and kettle spout design. This article will take you deep into how different water flows affect extraction time, bed height, and flavor presentation, while also teaching you how to accurately measure using a regular digital scale. [more…]

Did you know that a coffee’s acidity and bitterness aren’t inherent traits, but are instead determined by the roast level? This article takes an in-depth look at how the “development phase” of roasting influences flavor direction, breaks down the acidity-sweetness-bitterness balance between light and dark roasts, and uses Kenya, Mandheling, and Blue Mountain as examples to help you understand the roasting logic and bean variety characteristics behind market trends—assisting you in finding your own preferred coffee flavor profile. [more…]

Recently, Starbucks has drawn consumer scrutiny after being found to serve an iced Americano with one less shot of espresso, which also brought to light other quality control issues such as weaker-tasting lattes and hot drinks not filled to the brim. This article delves into the operational oversights and compressed training durations behind these incidents, and provides guidance on identifying standard recipes and safeguarding consumer rights, helping customers better understand the reasons behind fluctuations in chain coffee quality. [more…]

Recently, many part-time employees at Manner Coffee have reported that their pre-scheduled shifts are being abruptly canceled by stores, while full-time staff also face unstable working hours. Is this due to store-level staffing issues, or is it a strategic decision driven by the wage structure for part-time versus full-time roles? This article delves into the reasons behind the scheduling chaos at Manner, helping job seekers and consumers better understand the current state of café operations. [more…]

Many pour over beginners often wonder: why do flavors vary so much even when technique and parameters remain the same? The key may lie in the design of the kettle’s spout. Different spout shapes can alter the stability and focus of the water flow, which in turn affects the uniformity of coffee extraction and overall flavor performance. This guide will delve into the differences in spout size, outlet width, and other design aspects, and explain how various spout types impact pouring technique and extraction results. It will help you choose the right kettle based on your skill level. [more…]

When grinding coffee beans, have you ever noticed yellowish-white fragments in the grounds? These are coffee silver skins, a common source of confusion for many coffee beginners. Do they affect the flavor of brewing? One roaster conducted practical tests on the flavor impact of silver skins using three methods: pour over, tea infuser bags, and espresso extraction. This guide takes you from the structure and differences in processing methods to experimental results, helping you deeply understand how these often-overlooked tiny silver skins influence the taste of your coffee. [more…]