Bean & Brew

☕ The Bean & Brew Journal

Stories, Craft &
Coffee Knowledge

Brew guides, origin tales, tasting notes, and everything in between — written by people who live for great coffee.

Brew Guides Origin Stories Tasting Notes Barista Tips Sustainability Coffee Science Brew Guides Origin Stories Tasting Notes Barista Tips Sustainability Coffee Science
Ethiopia Origins Origins

Yirgacheffe: The Birthplace of Coffee as We Know It

Deep in southern Ethiopia's highlands, where wild coffee trees still grow, lies the cradle of a global ritual. We travelled there — here's what we found.

S
Sofia Mbeki
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Cold Brew Guide Brew Guides

Cold Brew Concentrate: The 24-Hour Formula That Changes Everything

Forget the watered-down shortcuts. A proper cold brew concentrate takes patience — but the result is something extraordinary.

J
James Alderton
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Tasting Notes Tasting Notes

How to Taste Coffee Like a Q Grader (Without the Certification)

Acidity, sweetness, body, aftertaste — the language of coffee tasting is learnable. Our Q Grader walks you through a structured cupping session at home.

L
Lena Vogt
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Sustainability Sustainability

What Direct Trade Actually Means — and Why It Matters More Than Fair Trade

The labels on your coffee bag can be misleading. We explain the difference between certification systems and what we actually do at origin to support farmers.

S
Sofia Mbeki
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Milk Science Barista Tips

The Science of Steamed Milk: Microfoam, Temperature, and Latte Art

Microfoam is the unsung hero of great espresso drinks. We break down the physics and technique behind silky, pourable milk — and share our barista drills.

R
Ravi Okonkwo
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Colombia Origins

Nariño, Colombia: The Highest-Grown Coffee on Earth

At over 2,300 metres above sea level, the farmers of Nariño grow coffee in conditions that would challenge most crops. The result is something truly special.

L
Lena Vogt
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