The official rules for the 2024 World Barista Championship (WBC) have recently been released. While the overall changes are limited, clearer guidelines have been introduced regarding judge conflict of interest declarations, milk selection standards, and the texture evaluation of espresso. This article breaks down these key adjustments in detail to help readers grasp the new direction of the competition. Whether you’re a competing barista or an enthusiastic spectator, you’ll quickly understand the critical changes in the judging logic. [more…]

Tamping pressure is one of the key factors affecting the evenness of espresso extraction, yet baristas have long been divided on "how much pressure is the right amount." This article presents a comparative experiment using both coarse grind (scale 2.5) and fine grind (scale 1.5), testing both a regular tamping force of 1.5 kg and an all-out effort of around 9 kg, while observing changes in extraction time. It aims to guide you toward the optimal tamping practices for different grind sizes and to explain the science behind them. [more…]

In recent times, numerous small county towns across China have seen the emergence of “STARPER COFFEE” outlets that closely resemble Starbucks — from their logos to their menus, the lookalikes are almost indistinguishable, with some even falsely claiming to be Nestlé co-branded service stations. How do these establishments exploit legal loopholes? What are Nestlé and Starbucks’ responses? This article delves into the tactics behind trademark infringement, the brand’s expansion strategies, and offers key details consumers can use to identify fakes and avoid falling into traps. [more…]

A coffee shop in Shanghai's Lujiazui district, themed around the ginkgo leaf season, has recently become a popular spot for social media influencers. However, many visitors have been left disappointed after seeing it in person. This article delves into the reasons behind the disparity between the café’s aesthetic online photos and its actual environment, examines the realities of seasonal scenery and overwhelming foot traffic, and offers practical tips and advice for visiting and taking photos, helping readers avoid falling into the trap of unmet expectations. [more…]

Luckin Coffee has launched an exclusive red cup for its alcoholic Sauce-flavored Latte and invited renowned law professor Luo Xiang to be its spokesperson, sparking widespread discussion. This article delves into Luo Xiang’s background, the full story behind the endorsement, the polarized reactions from netizens, and explores Luckin’s marketing strategy and potential challenges. It also helps readers understand the precautions to take when driving after consuming alcoholic coffee. [more…]

Incorporating the delicate fragrance of jasmine into the world of coffee can create a unique floral flavor profile. This article delves into the pairing techniques of jasmine with three coffee styles—milk coffee, cold brew, and pour over. From bean selection and ratio adjustments to extraction steps, it provides comprehensive practical parameters and flavor analysis to help coffee enthusiasts easily recreate these inspired creative drinks. [more…]

Do you often encounter issues such as uneven extraction, slow flow rate, or even over-extraction when brewing light-roast pour over coffee? Lily Drip is a cone-shaped filter disc accessory that claims to optimize coffee bed distribution, improve flow rate, and enhance extraction efficiency. This article will delve into the working principle of the Lily Drip, and using Yirgacheffe · GuDingDing as an example, conduct a practical comparison between brewing with a standard V60 and with the addition of Lily Drip. We’ll examine aspects from brew time and flavor to operational details to help you find a better brewing method. [more…]

Live insects were found in the bread cabinets of a Nayuki store in Guangzhou, drawing consumer attention to food hygiene issues at tea beverage brands. In addition to the double-door design that may allow easy insect intrusion, crumbs trapped in the cabinet door tracks further expose cleaning oversights. This article delves into the hygiene management problems behind the incident and offers practical pest prevention tips to help readers understand how to avoid hygiene traps in beverage shops. [more…]

Recently, many consumers have reported that beverages ordered through delivery platforms from Starbucks often arrive not filled to the brim, especially the Mocha Espresso series and milk-based drinks with foam. These discrepancies not only affect the appearance but also alter the flavor and overall drinking experience. This article delves into the underlying reasons and provides practical suggestions to help consumers better understand how to choose and enjoy delivery coffee. [more…]

Just starting out in the barista industry and facing the career choice between a chain store and an independent café? This article provides an in-depth analysis of the practical differences between the two work environments—from technical growth, job responsibilities, salary and benefits, to long-term development potential—to help you choose the most suitable entry point based on your personal goals. [more…]

A Shanghai coffee shop launched a cup of coffee made with Panama BOP washed Geisha champion beans priced at 6,200 yuan, sparking heated discussion in the market. The pricing of this cup of coffee encompasses multiple costs such as green bean auctions, international shipping, and roasting losses. This article delves into the value composition of this ultra-premium coffee, explores its market positioning and consumption phenomena, and helps readers understand the logic behind high-priced coffee. [more…]

Many pour over enthusiasts have the habit of lightly tapping the filter cone before pouring water, thinking it will help flatten the coffee bed. However, this action may unknowingly alter extraction uniformity. This article delves into how tapping causes fine particles to settle and triggers channeling effects, impacting both coffee flavor and extraction efficiency. It also provides practical tips for achieving an even coffee bed without repeated tapping, helping you consistently brew your ideal cup. [more…]

Tanzania is quietly emerging with an agricultural experience that combines coffee cultivation with immersive travel, allowing visitors to step into the coffee fields and participate in the entire process from harvesting to brewing. This article takes you through how the Arusha region is creating unique charm through coffee tourism, and analyzes current development challenges and opportunities. Whether you're a coffee enthusiast or a travel planner, you'll gain practical insights. [more…]

Although automatic espresso machines are convenient, poor cleaning can turn them into hiding spots for cockroaches. This article delves into how cockroaches invade coffee machines, the risks involved, and provides practical daily cleaning steps and pest prevention measures to help you avoid "cockroach-flavored coffee" and ensure every cup is safe and pure. [more…]

Manner Coffee’s newly launched stainless steel straw cup campaign has stirred heated discussion. Customers must purchase a designated 75-yuan set meal (which includes three extra-large hot drinks) to randomly receive one of the cups. While the high-end design has received praise, the campaign’s thresholds and drink restrictions have left many netizens saying they just can’t drink that much. This article details the campaign rules, new cup designs, and public reactions, while also exploring how Manner’s long-standing “bring-your-own-cup and get 5 yuan off” strategy impacts this new marketing move. [more…]

The Costa Rica Musicians Series is renowned for its artistic naming and diverse coffee varieties. Among them, F1 and H1, as special variety codes, often puzzle coffee enthusiasts. This article delves into the actual meanings of these alphanumeric combinations within the coffee variety system, explores their genetic backgrounds, hybrid vigor, and disease resistance, and combines practical cupping results to provide brewing parameter suggestions for light to medium roast pour over, helping readers better understand and enjoy these specialty coffees. [more…]

During the pandemic, a Korean variety show popularized a type of foamed coffee that requires hundreds of hand-whipped strokes. Though it may seem like a Korean invention, it actually originated from Han Ji Tea Stall in Macau. This article explores the origin story of this coffee, breaks down the 1:1:1 instant coffee formula and the science behind 400 strokes of hand-whipping, and provides detailed steps for recreating it at home using freshly ground espresso and an electric milk frother—so you can easily make silky, smooth coffee foam in your own kitchen. [more…]

Lactic acid fermentation is gradually becoming an important technique in specialty coffee processing, especially in crafting rich floral-fruity notes and a full-bodied mouthfeel. This article delves into the fermentation principles, operational essentials, and flavor impacts of lactic acid bacteria in the washed processing of green coffee beans, and illustrates through real-world examples how it enhances coffee quality — helping readers gain a deeper understanding of the mysteries behind this unique processing method. [more…]

Intimidated by the intense flavor when trying espresso for the first time? This guide will help you master the correct tasting techniques through three key aspects—appearance, aroma, and taste—including observing the crema, identifying aromatic characteristics, and appreciating the nuances of the aftertaste, transforming you from a beginner into a coffee enthusiast who truly appreciates the charm of espresso. [more…]

A netizen encountered a middle-aged woman at Starbucks who insisted on scanning a code to place an order and even threatened, "The air conditioning isn’t free, you know," sparking heated discussion about scalpers reselling vouchers and potential collusion with staff. Beyond questioning Starbucks’ “third space” concept and management, the incident also revealed common tactics scalpers use to profit from discount vouchers, helping consumers avoid potential consumption traps. [more…]