Specialty Coffee Blog

Espresso ratios and recipes have been almost set in stone since the 1950s when the Italians invented the espresso machine.  The third wave coffee movement and refractometry technology tweaked things and used science to explain why ratios (and keeping them consistent) mattered. For years now in specialty coffee it’s...

The term ‘blooming’ when relating to coffee is more commonly associated with filter coffee.  The process of blooming involves applying just a small amount of water to the grounds initially and pausing for a short amount of time (usually around 30 seconds) before continuing with the main...

If you enjoy intense, full-flavoured coffee in its simplest form, espresso, ristretto and allongé are coffees you will almost certainly enjoy. While espresso is quite common on coffee shop menus, the allongé might just be the most misunderstood recipe in specialty coffee.  Here we explain: what is an allongé?  How...

Espresso, ristretto and allongé make up the supreme trinity when it comes to espresso coffee. If you enjoy intense, full-flavoured coffee in its simplest form, you might reach for an espresso as standard. But if you haven’t tried a ristretto, you may be just about to discover a completely new...

For passionate coffee lovers, the freshness of the beans is essential to ensure a superior cup. With a collection of grinders, filters for filtered coffee, plunger coffee makers and favorite travel mugs, every detail counts to achieve the best possible tasting experience. To preserve the quality and deliciousness of your...

What is an Espresso Tonic? Possibly one of the most ‘love-it-or-hate-it’ coffees of recent times, the espresso tonic is exactly as it sounds: espresso mixed with tonic water.  It may be divisive, but we think you need to try it at least once because until you do,...

For months, your coffee grinder has been your reliable companion, delivering perfect grinds for balanced coffees and espressos. Suddenly, it’s stopped working. The motor runs, but the beans aren’t reaching the burr chamber. Don’t worry. Let’s troubleshoot common issues and restore your grinder’s performance. Your Grinder Is Probably Not Broken...

What is a cappuccino freddo? This delicious and refreshing take on the classic cappuccino has only recently achieved world-wide recognition, but it has been enjoyed in some parts of Europe for decades. So, what’s the story behind this viral success? And how do you froth cold milk? The origin of...

The Best Lever Espresso Makers You don’t need expensive espresso machines for a great espresso, you need a lever machine, the right coffee grind, and some experience. Lever espresso machines are becoming more popular and they are simplifying the process by eliminating boilers and using hand...

Before becoming a coffee enthousiat, I never imagined using a scale in my coffee making workflow. Initially, my coffee was inconsistent and I didn't understand why. Realizing the need for precision, I upgraded to the Hario Drip Scale. A digital coffee scale allows precise measurement of ground coffee and water,...

What is a macchiato? The macchiato is often misunderstood or confused with other similarly named coffees. A true, specialty macchiato is favored by coffee lovers who enjoy the strength and impact of an espresso, but would like a little drop of milk to take the edge off. The origin of...

The DF83V is a vertical flat burr grinder equipped with an 83mm burr and a 680W DC brushless motor, with advanced features. It provides unique advantages in the 83mm burr category. It is a revolutionary product in the DF series, known for disrupting the industry with features...