In the first episode of this two-part series Kenneth sits down with Daniel Teplitz of Klatch Coffee, who was awarded 3rd place in the 2023 US Brewer’s Cup Championship, to provide you with a pour over masterclass. They discuss why the pour matters, what you are looking for, and how to avoid the mistakes most people make. They explain how to troubleshoot a range of taste and temperature issues. They also discuss the science and physics behind each of the pour tips and techniques that they share a...
May 17, 2023•35 min•Season 2Ep. 18
In this episode, Kenneth sits down with Mark Inmann with Sustainable Harvest Coffee Importers to discuss both the pour-over or immersion approach to brewing coffee. They explain both techniques, in detail, before going through the pros and cons of each of them. Kenneth and Mark also talk about cold drip devices. KEY TAKEAWAYS Examples of immersion techniques include French Press and AeroPress. Pressure is an important in brewing. A Clever dripper provides good control of the immersion time. For ...
May 10, 2023•37 min•Season 2Ep. 17
Kenneth is in discussion with Ryan Bledsoe of Frothy Monkey - famed as an all-day cafe, wholesale bakery, and specialty coffee roaster – focusing this time on the importance of filters, the different kinds, and what they each brings to your cup of coffee. KEY TAKEAWAYS Paper filters do a better job of filtering, keeping sediment/fines and almost all fats out. Less fines in your coffee means less mouthfeel and possibly less body Paper filters can be used more than once Metal filters are tradition...
May 03, 2023•37 min•Season 2Ep. 16
In this episode, Kenneth once again sits down with Stefan Tribble, friend and coffee geek, to dip into the surprisingly complex subject of coffee kettles. They consider the pros and cons of the different shapes, operating modes, and materials for stovetop, electronic, and gooseneck kettles. Stefan puts his kettle fetish to good use by sharing his experience of all of these, while also providing insight into what makes a good travel kettle. KEY TAKEAWAYS Many stovetop kettles have whistles, but t...
Apr 26, 2023•38 min•Season 2Ep. 15
In this episode, Kenneth sits down with Andrew McCaslin of Kaldis Coffee to talk about the benefits of using scales, how to buy a decent set without spending a fortune, and how to use them. Scientists don’t ‘eyeball’ it. Most chefs don’t ‘eyeball’ it. Any barista with street cred doesn’t ‘eyeball’ it. So, why should you? KEY TAKEAWAYS Coffee scales improve accuracy, which leads to a more consistent tasting cup of coffee Because the density of the bean and the size of the grains vary so much you ...
Apr 19, 2023•28 min•Season 2Ep. 14
In the second of two episodes about coffee grinders, Kenneth and Starved Rock Coffee Co's Matt McLaughlin go even deeper into this very important subject. Today, they dive into the blade vs grinder debate and share which one is best. They talk through the pros and cons of burr grinders, explaining the difference between conical and flat, and covering the subject of grind speed. They also look at dosing vs non-dosing grinders, step vs stepless, and Puqpress vs tamping of espresso shots by a baris...
Apr 12, 2023•45 min•Season 2Ep. 13
In the first of two episodes about coffee grinders, Kenneth once again sits down with Matt McLaughlin of Starved Rock Coffee Co. They explain why the right grinder plays such an important role in the quality of coffee you can make. There are several fantastic tips in this episode that you are not likely to have heard before. They also share details on the best grinder for home users. Kenneth and Matt look at how the heat generated by the grinding process impacts the coffee as well as the subject...
Apr 05, 2023•30 min•Season 2Ep. 12
In this episode, Kenneth sits down to discuss coffee extraction with Patrik Rolf, who is a World Barista Finalist, the author of From Nerd to Pro - A Coffee Journey , and the creator of the April Coffee Brewer. Extraction is important! Without it, you don’t get any coffee! During the episode, they discuss grind size, extraction time, ratios, water temperature/quality, troubleshooting, and much more. KEY TAKEAWAYS Extraction is all about what the water can ‘get out’ of the ground coffee. The rate...
Mar 29, 2023•42 min•Season 2Ep. 11
For this episode, Kenneth is joined by Brian Hensley who is an accomplished roaster with Indie Coffee Roasters in West Lafayette and Carmel, Indiana which sources and sells unique coffees. They sit down to discuss whether we should be measuring coffee by volume or weight. It sounds like a strange question, but as you will see it has a big impact on how your coffee tastes. They also take a look at the math behind brewing the perfect cup of coffee as well as discussing the difference between how m...
Mar 22, 2023•35 min•Season 2Ep. 10
Welcome Alix Nathan, an expert roaster who owns and operates the Mark Spencer Hotel in Portland, Oregon. Kenneth and Alix discuss how temperature impacts the flavor and, therefore, your enjoyment of your coffee. This episode will enable you to identify and create the correct brewing and drinking temperatures for the style of coffee you like to drink. They cover the impact it has on the speed at which the brewing process takes place, atmospheric pressure, and the way coffee aroma and the various ...
Mar 15, 2023•44 min•Season 2Ep. 9
In this episode, Kenneth sits down with Taylor Minor from Third Wave Water to discuss why using the right water is the key to creating a better-tasting cup of coffee. Taylor explains why choosing the right water profile has such a big impact on the finished result. They cover the impact of water hardness, the relationship between water quality and equipment efficiency, and why different brews can benefit from different water profiles. KEY TAKEAWAYS A standard cup of drip coffee is about 98% wate...
Mar 08, 2023•38 min•Season 2Ep. 8
In this episode, Kenneth sits down with Matt Saperstone from Nilaa Coffee to talk about coffee to water brew ratios. They explain what brew ratios are, why they are so important, and how to get them right. During the episode, they share the best coffee to water ratios for drip, espresso, AeroPress, ristretto, lungo, and several other popular styles of coffee. Matt also explains what Nilaa Coffee is all about. Sharing why they are focused on serving coffee produced by farms working in under-repre...
Mar 01, 2023•29 min•Season 2Ep. 7
This is the last of 3 episodes that looks at what home coffee brewers need to know and do to be able to serve the perfect cup of coffee, every time. Once again, Kenneth and Katie sit down with Michael Matthews of Alinea Coffee Roasters. He explains how he got into roasting and serving specialty coffee and food in his two highly popular Bearcat restaurants in New Orleans. For this episode, they talk through the pros and cons of different filters, ways to prepare the milk, and coffee mugs. KEY TAK...
Feb 22, 2023•36 min•Season 2Ep. 6
In this episode, Kenneth and Katie sit down with Michael Matthews of Alinea Coffee Roasters, who also runs two Bearcat coffee shops in New Orleans. This is the 2nd of 3 episodes that cover what home coffee brewers need to do to be able to serve the perfect cup of coffee, every time. This time, they explain what type of kettle gets the best results and how to get the water temperature right for each roast type. Kenneth and Michael also talk extensively about home brewers and their recommendations...
Feb 15, 2023•39 min•Season 2Ep. 5
In this episode, Kenneth and Katie sit down with Michael Matthews of Alinea Coffee Roasters, who also co-owns the highly popular Bearcat restaurants in New Orleans. This is the first of 3 episodes that looks at what home coffee brewers need to know so they can be able to serve the perfect cup of coffee, every time. This episode covers equipment, ingredients, techniques, and tips. They talk through choosing the right water, sourcing fresh coffee that tastes good to you, storage, grinders, and why...
Feb 08, 2023•45 min•Season 2Ep. 4
In this episode, Kenneth sits down with Wendy Pavin of Baba Java Coffee to talk about providing the perfect coffee shop experience. The perfect experience leads to sustainable coffee shop growth. If you own (or are thinking about starting) a coffee shop, this is the episode for you! They discuss getting the setting right, keeping customers informed, selling, and creating a community. They discuss how the layout of the café, décor, what is served, and who serves it all affect the coffee-drinking ...
Feb 01, 2023•46 min•Season 2Ep. 3
In the second of two episodes, covering common coffee shop drinks and lingo, Kenneth sits down with Morgan Eckroth of Onyx Coffee Lab. She is the 2022 World Barista Runner-Up and the reigning US Barista Champion. Morgan is the most popular coffee expert across all of the big social media platforms. She is the go-to source for all things coffee, so is the ideal person to provide an overview of modern coffee lingo and drinks. For part two, Kenneth and Morgan focus more on coffees that include a su...
Jan 25, 2023•40 min•Season 2Ep. 2
In the first of two episodes, covering all common coffee shop drinks and lingo, Kenneth sits down with Morgan Eckroth of Onyx Coffee Lab. She is the 2022 World Barista Runner-Up and the reigning US Barista Champion. Morgan is the most popular coffee expert across all of the big social media platforms. She is the go-to source for all things coffee, so is the ideal person to provide an overview of modern coffee lingo and drinks! In this episode, they cover drip coffee, pour-overs, and batch brews....
Jan 18, 2023•41 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Katie’s scary yet funny story provides a compelling reason for you to subscribe to Season 2 of Coffee 101 - a season that gets into the nitty gritty of making and serving the best coffee. Whether you’re coffee curious or a coffee connoisseur, this is the season for you! KEY TAKEAWAYS Coffee 101 will teach you everything you need to know to take your coffee game from zero to hero. Understand every brewing process you have ever heard of. Learn about new ways to brew and serve coffee. BEST MOMENTS ...
Dec 21, 2022•3 min
In this episode, Kenneth once again sits down with Dylan Morse of Tinker Coffee in Indianapolis to look at more common coffee myths. Between them, they explain whether they are true or not, sharing the facts behind the myths including a couple of weird ones, for example, coffee ruins your teeth or stunts your growth. KEY TAKEAWAYS Is coffee addictive? If it is, how big of a problem is that? Does espresso have more caffeine than drip coffee? – it depends, why that is the case is explained in the ...
Dec 07, 2022•47 min•Season 1Ep. 42
In this episode, Kenneth sits down with Katie and Dylan Morse of Tinker Coffee in Indianapolis to look at 10 common coffee myths. Between them they blow most of them out of the water, explaining where these misconceptions came from and why they are wrong. This is the first of two episodes on this fascinating subject. Here are some takeaways and a list of some of the questions they provide answers for. You will also learn something surprising about Kenneth´s coffee-drinking habits and how he and ...
Nov 30, 2022•52 min•Season 1Ep. 41
In this episode, Kenneth sits down with Stefan Tribble to discuss the best ways to store your coffee. They explain how light, heat, moisture, and oxygen begin to break down coffee beans. Listen to this episode to find out whether you should store your coffee beans on the counter, in the fridge or in the freezer. As well as to learn what type of container will keep your coffee at its freshest for the longest. They also explain how to tell whether the coffee you are buying is fresh, including what...
Nov 23, 2022•27 min•Season 1Ep. 40
In this episode, Kenneth sits down with Matt McLaughlin of Starved Rock Coffee Company to talk about the cost of good quality coffee. Their discussion provides “behind the scenes” insight into what it takes to source the best beans from sustainable sources. Then roast them in a way that keeps as much goodness as possible in the product and do so consistently, so the customer always enjoys the taste they are expecting. They also share low-cost ways to get started with making good quality coffee a...
Nov 16, 2022•36 min•Season 1Ep. 39
In this episode, Kenneth sits down with Katie to continue to talk about the health benefits of coffee. This time the focus is on making coffee in a way that ensures that you get the maximum benefit from each and every cup. KEY TAKEAWAYS If coffee smells a little stale or the aroma is weak, the chances are it is not that fresh. Look for a roasted-on date. That is the best way to tell how fresh the coffee really is. Lighter roast coffee contains more antioxidants, so is generally healthier. For dr...
Nov 09, 2022•34 min•Season 1Ep. 38
In this episode, Kenneth sits down again with Katie to continue their discussion about the impact coffee has on health. In this one, the 4th in the health and coffee series, they discuss what coffee companies can, and are doing, to make their product as healthy as possible, As well as how you can optimize coffee for health, when you make it at home and how many cups are healthy to drink for most adults. He also introduces the Umble Healthy Coffee Calculator™️, which anyone can benefit from using...
Nov 02, 2022•25 min•Season 1Ep. 37
In this episode, Kenneth sits down with Katie to talk more about how coffee can affect your health, both good and bad. For this episode, the focus is on the impact coffee has on your metabolism, heart health, and mental health. Kenneth shares the details of some extensive long-term studies and talks about what he has noticed while working as a physician. KEY TAKEAWAYS If you suffer from acid reflux, try drinking your coffee black instead of with creamer. Coffee increases your metabolic rate, so ...
Oct 26, 2022•43 min•Season 1Ep. 36
In this episode, Kenneth sits down with Katie to discuss the health benefits of coffee. The first of 4 or 5 episodes that will dig deep into the subject. Kenneth is a physician as well as a coffee roasting expert, who has spoken about how coffee drinking impacts people's health at US medical conferences. Today´s episode is primarily about the antioxidants coffee contains and the role these play in reducing the risk of developing several chronic diseases. KEY TAKEAWAYS If you drink coffee correct...
Oct 19, 2022•39 min•Season 1Ep. 35
In this episode, Kenneth sits down with Paul Reed of Savor Brands to talk about coffee packaging. In particular, they discuss the role packaging plays in ensuring that you can always enjoy the perfect cup of coffee. They also discuss the role design and branding plays in how we select products as consumers. Paul also provides insights into the packaging industry. Including how it works to save roasters time, ensure that the product is kept fresh, that the packet is environmentally sound and much...
Oct 12, 2022•40 min•Season 1Ep. 34
In this episode, Kenneth and Stefan Tribble compare single origin coffee to blended coffee. They explain what both terms mean. Then, talk through the differences between them. They also discuss the pros and cons of each option. KEY TAKEAWAYS There is a place for both blended and single origin coffee in most people's lives. Blending coffee enables you to balance out sweetness, acidity, and other elements to produce a more predictable cup. You can blend before or after the roast. The pros and cons...
Oct 05, 2022•27 min•Season 1Ep. 33
In this episode, Kenneth sits down with Jeremy Moore of Bonlife Coffee in Cleveland, TN to discuss coffee tasting notes. In particular the flavor wheel. They explain what it is and how it is used in a way that anyone can understand. They also talk about some of the other tools they use including the sensory lexicon. Jeremy also shares details of how Bonlife Coffee has evolved and found ways to discover the best coffees you can buy. KEY TAKEAWAYS The original flavor wheel, which was produced in 1...
Sep 28, 2022•41 min•Season 1Ep. 32
