coffee history - Best Of Brewing

Can You Drink Espresso By Itself? Yes, And Here’s How To Do It

SUMMARY: Despite its intensity and concentration, you can drink espresso by itself, and a well-made one can be incredibly balanced and delicious. While adding milk and other sweeteners is popular, drinking espresso straight pays homage to its Italian roots. However, be mindful of your espresso consumption, since its concentrated nature…

By Luke (Musician / Specialty Coffee Expert) Espresso

Do Different Coffee Beans Have Different Caffeine Levels?

SUMMARY: While the exact amount of caffeine in any given coffee is hard to state, there are general trends. For example, Arabica beans, preferred for their taste, have less caffeine than robusta beans. So yes, different coffee beans have different caffeine levels. Plus, how you measure (volume vs. mass) and…

By Luke (Musician / Specialty Coffee Expert) Coffee Facts

Starbucks vs Specialty Coffee: Is Starbucks Considered Specialty Coffee?

SUMMARY: There's no doubt it is immensely popular, but is Starbucks specialty coffee or is it just hype? The answer is that some of their special Reserve coffees do live up to specialty quality. However, when comparing Starbucks vs specialty coffee shops in the current third-wave movement, most of the…

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

American vs Turkish Coffee: Why Is Turkish Coffee So Strong?

Turkish coffee has a reputation for being one of the most exceptional and intense brewing methods. But why is Turkish coffee so strong? When comparing American vs. Turkish coffee, the strength of the Turkish method mostly comes from the fine grind size, full immersion brewing, and unfiltered serving style. However,…

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

Why Does Siphon Coffee Taste Better? Vacuum Coffee Explained

SUMMARY: There’s no doubt that siphon brewing (aka vacuum brewed coffee) has captivating visuals. I used to watch YouTube videos of it with my morning brew! But, besides the fascinating science of how it brews, is vacuum coffee really better? If so, why does siphon coffee taste better than more…

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

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

Turkish Coffee vs Espresso: Which Method Is Better For You?

SUMMARY: When comparing Turkish coffee vs espresso, it may seem like they are similar drinks. However, despite the similar serving sizes, they are quite different. In short, Turkish coffee is a full immersion method that boils extra-fine grinds for several minutes and is served unfiltered. But espresso brewing happens within…

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

What Is An Espresso Coffee? Learn Espresso Definition, History, & More!

You've heard the term espresso a million times—maybe you have even ordered it in a latte or cappuccino. But what is the definition of an espresso coffee? Is it the same as coffee? In short, an espresso shot is a concentrated beverage made with pressurized water and a fine grind.…

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

What Is House Blend Coffee? Learn All Of The Geeky Details

Whether shopping in the grocery store or ordering at your local coffee shop, you've probably seen a coffee house blend on offer. You might even associate certain flavors with a particular brand like Starbucks. But what is a house blend coffee? The short answer is that it is a unique…

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

Tested & Reviewed: The Best Turkish Coffee Pot & Cups In 2025

MY VERDICT: When it comes to choosing the best Turkish coffee pot for your needs, you have to consider material, durability, and brewing capacity. Many people also value the authentic experience of brewing on a copper pot made in Turkey. So, my overall top recommendation is the BCS Cezve, a…

By Luke (Musician / Specialty Coffee Expert) Buying Guides