Specialty Coffee Articles - Best Of Brewing

What Is Cold Brew Coffee? Learn All About This Popular Drink

While most coffee lovers have certainly heard of cold brew, many are unfamiliar with the exact definition and brewing parameters. So, what is cold brew coffee? In short, you brew coffee grounds with cold water, creating a remarkable difference in flavor, acidity levels, and caffeine content. People tend to love…

By Luke (Musician / Specialty Coffee Expert) Coffee Facts

What Is Drip Coffee? Learn The Basics And How To Brew It

What is drip coffee? Sometimes called filter coffee, drip coffee is one of the most popular methods of drinking the beverage. As the name implies, drip coffee machines are a fast and convenient way to brew where water automatically sprays over a bed of coffee, percolating down and dripping through…

By Luke (Musician / Specialty Coffee Expert) Coffee Facts

Is Nespresso Crema Really Crema?

The rich and velvety crema at the top of a shot can be one of the most exciting aspects of drinking espresso. Besides the visual appeal, crema also alters the texture and mouthfeel. But what is Nespresso crema? How do the pod machines make Nespresso foam, and is it real…

By Luke (Musician / Specialty Coffee Expert) Coffee Facts, Espresso

Easy Homemade Iced Latte Recipe: How To Make This Delicious Drink

If you ever listen to orders at your local coffee shop, you know how popular an iced latte drink is. Compared to regular coffee, iced lattes have a delightful balance of bold coffee flavor and sweet milk, all with the refreshing coolness of ice. However, learning how to make an…

By Luke (Musician / Specialty Coffee Expert) Brewing, Espresso

Baratza Encore Grinder Review: Discover Pros, Cons, & Considerations

One of the fastest ways to elevate your home craft coffee experience is to grind coffee immediately before brewing. And, the Baratza Encore coffee grinder is one of the most popular options for a reason: it is an affordable entry-level grinder that maintains remarkable quality. I've used this grinder a…

By Luke (Musician / Specialty Coffee Expert) Buying Guides

Iced Latte vs Iced Coffee: What Are The Key Differences?

SUMMARY: With so many coffee drinks out there, knowing the exact differences between all of them is tricky and nuanced. Plus some terms, like iced coffee mean multiple things at once. So what is the difference between latte and iced coffee? In short, iced coffee comes from traditional brewing while…

By Luke (Musician / Specialty Coffee Expert) Coffee Facts, Espresso

Tested & Reviewed: How To Choose The Best Manual Coffee Grinder: A 2025 Guide

Grinding coffee just before brewing is my top recommendation for making better coffee at home. While electric grinders can be expensive, a manual coffee grinder is a much more affordable way to get this freshness and professional-quality grinds. In my opinion, the Hario Skerton Pro is the best manual coffee…

By Luke (Musician / Specialty Coffee Expert) Buying Guides

Latte vs Cappuccino vs Macchiato: Key Differences Explained

With such a plethora of espresso-based coffee drinks, even a seasoned coffee drinker can get confused about the names and definitions. I know I was confused when I first began learning about specialty coffee. Especially when comparing popular drinks like the latte, cappuccino, and macchiato, they can all seem like…

By Luke (Musician / Specialty Coffee Expert) Coffee Facts, Espresso

What Is Iced Coffee? The History, Details, & How To Make It

Iced coffee is a popular beverage amongst coffee lovers. Its refreshing taste and temperature are a relief on hot summer days compared to regular hot coffee. But what is iced coffee, and how is it different from other cold coffee drinks? And is there a difference between iced coffee and…

By Luke (Musician / Specialty Coffee Expert) Coffee Facts

What Is An Iced Latte Coffee? Learn The Details & How To Brew It

Especially during summer months, an iced latte is one of the most popular cold coffee drinks. But exactly what is an iced latte? In short, it is the cold version of the usual latte coffee, where you chill espresso over ice and add cold milk instead of steaming. However, the…

By Luke (Musician / Specialty Coffee Expert) Coffee Facts, Espresso