Coffee should be more than just another morning routine we take for granted. A perfectly brewed cup is a work of art that engages all the senses, from the rich aroma to the velvety texture of the crema.
In the same way that painters carefully choose their colors and brushstrokes, skilled baristas meticulously select the beans, grind, water temperature, and brewing method to create a delicately balanced cup of coffee. As coffee lovers, our job is to learn to appreciate the craft, not just the drink.
The question is, how can you learn to appreciate artisanal coffee with the skill of a connoisseur? Here are a few tips to help you cultivate your practice.
Buy Top-Tier Quality Coffee
Perhaps there is no one in the world who is more well versed on the origin and global influence of coffee at levels than Ted Fischer, a Cornelius Vanderbilt Professor of Anthropology and writer of “Making Better Coffee.”
In his book, Fischer talks vividly about how the explosion in artisanal and specialty coffee has influenced the coffee preferences of the masses.
From the selection of high-quality beans to careful roasting and brewing methods, artisan-roasted coffee is a testament to the artistry and skill involved in creating a truly exceptional cup of coffee.
Just as an art lover doesn’t skip the best museums and galleries, coffee connoisseurs should search for the highest-quality, most luxurious artisanal coffee and coffee experiences.
This means steering clear of your average grocery store coffee aisle and opting for a more selective shopping experience. The next time you need to purchase beans, turn instead to your trusted coffee shops and brands that highlight exceptional tastes.
Use High-Quality Equipment
Equipment plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect cup made from artisan coffee beans. Premium coffee equipment extracts maximum flavor from the coffee beans while minimizing bitterness and acidity. It enables a high level of precision and control over factors such as temperature, water pressure, and brewing time.
Furthermore, superior equipment is made from high-quality materials that are durable and long-lasting, ensuring that it can withstand the demands of frequent use. In contrast, poor equipment can produce a brew that is lacking in flavor, aroma, and overall quality.
Just as museums and collectors care for their art, coffee artists and enthusiasts need to care for their high-end equipment to ensure it performs at its best. If you don’t know how to care for your coffee accessories, it’s time to learn.
Experiment With Brewing Methods
Who says you can’t experiment with coffee brewing methods at home? Artists experiment with different techniques – so why shouldn’t you experiment with the coffee-making process?
Here are a few methods for making coffee at home, each with its unique flavor and brewing process.
- Drip Coffee: Made using a paper filter, hot water is carefully poured over coffee grounds, producing a smooth, consistent brew.
- French Press: This method involves steeping coffee grounds in hot water and pressing the mixture with a mesh filter. The result is a full-bodied, rich coffee with more oils and sediment.
- Pour-Over: This entails manually pouring hot water over coffee grounds that are held in a paper filter. The water is poured in a circular motion to ensure even extraction.
- AeroPress: A manual brewing method that involves steeping coffee grounds in hot water while air pressure forces the mixture through a paper filter. It provides smooth, clean coffee with low acidity.
A connoisseur doesn’t just understand one way to create an exceptional cup of coffee. To enhance your appreciation, try experimenting with different methods and learning what you enjoy (and what you don’t).
Pay Attention to the Small Details
An artist pays attention to every minute detail while creating a masterpiece. Similarly, ardent coffee drinkers should keep a close eye on seemingly small details, such as their coffee’s temperature and extraction time.
The temperature of the water and extraction time determine the flavor that is drawn from the coffee grounds. If the water is too hot, it can over-extract the coffee, resulting in a bitter taste. If the water is too cold, it can under-extract the coffee, resulting in a weak and flavorless brew.
Invest in Elegance
Just as a priceless piece of art deserves to be displayed in an impressive frame, premium coffee should be sipped from an elegant cup for a luxury coffee experience. The quality of the cup matters just as much as the coffee, as it can enhance the overall coffee-drinking experience.
Different sizes and shapes of cups can also affect the aromas and flavors of coffee, creating a more pleasurable and satisfying experience. For instance, wide-rimmed artisan coffee cups can enhance the aroma of coffee while curved or flared rims can more efficiently direct coffee to the mouth, enhancing its taste.
Furthermore, a small cup will make a single shot of espresso feel rich and concentrated. Comparatively, a large cup is perfect for holding a larger latte size drink.
Drink With Purpose
If you fly through a museum's art gallery without taking the time to observe and appreciate each piece, you may not fully experience the art. Similarly, when drinking coffee, it's essential to take your time, savor each sip, and appreciate the different flavors and aromas that make each cup unique.
When tasting coffee, hold it in your mouth for a few seconds before swallowing it to fully experience the flavor. Try to identify different notes such as fruitiness, chocolate, or nuttiness. See how they blend together to create a complex and enjoyable taste.
Additionally, consider the environment where you drink your coffee. Find a quiet and comfortable spot where you can relax and fully immerse yourself in the experience. Avoid multitasking or rushing through your drink as doing so can distract from the taste and aroma.
Make Coffee a Social Experience
Just as people instinctively share their love for art with others, true coffee lovers look for ways to share their appreciation for artisanal coffee. This is why coffee houses have been popular gathering places since the 1600s.
At Caffe Luxxe, we deliberately avoid offering Wi-Fi at our locations to promote a coffee culture that encourages conversation amongst friends and family. We want coffee to be an experience shared with others, not necessarily just a solo routine.
There are many more ways for coffee lovers to share their passion with others. One option is to attend coffee tastings or events where you can meet other coffee enthusiasts while learning about new roasts and brewing methods. You can also join a coffee club or group. Other options are to listen to coffee podcasts and blog about your love for a good brew.
Embrace the Art of Coffee-Drinking With Caffe Luxxe
Coffee is an art in itself. Trying new blends will teach you to appreciate the differences in coffee beans and their preparation, revealing how they each alter and elevate the coffee-drinking experience.
If you want to cultivate your passion for coffee, connect with Caffe Luxxe today. In addition to our special blends, you can sign up for our gift subscriptions which allow you to sample carefully selected beans for four weeks to six months.
We’re here to help you foster a true love and appreciation for artisanal coffee. Brewing stellar coffee is an art, and we’ve worked hard to perfect our craft.
