The Coffee Journal

Words about coffee

A journal for people who want to understand coffee more deeply — how it tastes, where it comes from, how it is brewed, and why it brings people together.

Featured

Tasting Notes

How to Taste Coffee Like a Professional

Tasting coffee intentionally changes everything. Here is how to develop your palate so you can start noticing what is actually in your cup.

April 15, 2026·7 min read

Specialty Coffee

What Is Specialty Coffee? A Simple Guide

The term 'specialty coffee' gets used everywhere now. But what does it actually mean, and why does it matter for what's in your cup?

April 10, 2026·6 min read

Coffee Origins

Ethiopia: The Birthplace of Coffee Culture

No country in the world has a deeper, more intimate relationship with coffee than Ethiopia. This is where it all began — and where the plant still grows wild.

April 3, 2026·8 min read

Brewing

Pour-Over Coffee: The Complete Beginner's Guide

Pour-over brewing rewards patience and attention. Once you understand the variables, you can dial in a cup that no machine can produce.

March 28, 2026·9 min read

Café Culture

The Café as a Third Place: Community, Solitude, and Coffee

The sociologist Ray Oldenburg called it the 'third place' — a space that is neither home nor work, but somewhere in between. The café has been that place for centuries.

March 20, 2026·6 min read

Coffee History

The Brief History of Espresso: From Milan to the World

Espresso was born in the urgency of industrial Italy. It was designed to be fast. Over a century later, it became one of the most refined and ritualistic coffee preparations in the world.

March 10, 2026·7 min read