Keeping me busy

This has been keeping me busy, but don't fret the holiday season has calmed down and I'll get to publishing the list soon.

Thanks Bowtruss for the timely coffee! Testing it along with some coffees from a recent trip to Aus. (More later)

Video: Coffee, Consume, connection?

SCAA Symposium talks are a great think tank, and they've release a talk from earlier this year.

Here is Tracy Ging talking about consumers and how tell perceive "specialty" coffee industry.
What things matter to the consumer at home vs outside of home?
Does everyone want to know about where the coffee comes from?

These are just a couple of topics addressed.

Watch now:

Top 10 Toronto Cafe (2012)

Welcome to the holiday season, it's already mid December and I've yet to put up our choices for 2012.
Let's give a run-down of how we're putting this piece together:

As we know... Toronto is in a cafe boom (see the Grid's write-up in Feb).. or so we're led to believe.
As more and more coffee shops open up, question comes to mind.
Do they have the staying power?
Do they capture the market?
What draws customers to their location?

This is an opinion piece for later this month (on those holiday mornings were you want to read a 2,000 word piece on coffee, economics and sustainability). Updates have been sparse this year, and it's mainly due to some writer's block, but other life events and travelling. Nevertheless, the site continues, and hopefully in 2013 we'll see more actual write-ups. Many roasters to feature and just going back to the basics of dispersing information for those curious enough to find this site. Thanks for reading!


Here are the lists from the past:
2011 - (link)
2010 - (link)


So let us celebrate 10 locations in Toronto that are always consistent, welcoming and just a great place to enjoy your coffee/espresso.

GET your ESPRESSO ADVENTURE on today.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

Featured Bean: BowsXArrows Nic, Pradera

Found @ Mercury Espresso
Address: 915 Queen St. East
Neighbourhood: Leslieville

Roasters: Bows x Arrows Coffee Roasters
Located: Victoria, B.C  twitter:
Farm: Finca La Pradera
Farmers: David Ariel Lovo Guterrez
Origin: Dipilto, Neuva Segovia
Bean: Caturra (1450msl)

Machine: Hario V60, with V3 Kone Filter
Grinder: Hario Slim

Verdict: Buttery smooth, baked tree nuts;  Very easy drinkable coffee. No surprises here, just familiar warmth upon drinking.

Sense of calm

Been brewing up a bunch of new roasters/ or relatively new to me, and been pleasantly enjoying all this brewed love.

Thinking of the sense of calm before the storm(aka Holidays), and the rush of events.
the SERBC just wrapped up this weekend, and it was really great to see all of the twitter activity, and keeping up to date with the comp.

I'll be posting some thoughts of my top 10 locations in Toronto as well as some essential gear that coffee/espresso lovers should have in their inventory.

Happpppy week!

Disposables via Living Lagom

Allo Espresso Adventurer:

Allow me to introduce the blog Living Lagom, a minimalist who freely expresses her journey of reaching Lagom. What I wanted to share was the idea of reducing the number of disposable cups that she consumes, intentionally or not.

For every cup that she comes in contact with, she donates $1 to a charity of her choice. What she also did was try and pick up a disposable cup and place it in the trash/recycling. Helping with the Litter problem What a great idea.

For that, I give her mucho props (link)

As much as she enjoys her Green Tea Lattes, and frequents coffee shops, why not put a self-imposed "tax/donation" for the use of these cups///

Some of you may use travel mugs, or KeepCups, or even good old ceramic/stay and sip cups.

I'm working very hard to reduce my carbon footprint and stay accountable with conscious acts such as this. 

As such, in 2013, I too will track the disposables I use and decide on where I too will donate my monies.

Happy December, and the start of year end.

Connecting people

Being able to talk and share our passions is what drives me to continue my personal quest in developing a fine tuned palate  It's the enjoyment of these flavours from coffee,  that drives me to keep testing, talking and "geek-ing" out.

Toronto is privvy to some amazing coffee roasters, shops and people who are genuinely happy to talk to you about the coffee they serve. One of these amazing people is Adam from Reunion Island.

Kudos on landing a great partnership with Sang Kim (currently working on the Restaurant(s) at 1 Baldwin Street. (more)

Another personal favourite is Fahrenheit Coffee (120 Lombard Street) (Jarvis and Adelaide)... it's their one-year celebrating in their current digs. Home of 2 Canadian Barista Championship finalists, and a bad-ass Della Corta... please go and visit, as all drinks are on the house, and tips go to Movember.

Exciting times as the holiday approaches, where more coffee connections will happen.

Free stuff: Fahrenheit turns one*

Tomorrow, nov 28th. Fahrenheit turns officially one at the new location, mr. Sameer and the gang will be giving out free bevvy -- all drinks, no limitations.
tip will be donated to Movember.

Technically older then one, with original roots on esplanade ... This new location suits us better, with a close hop to yonge/queen, I'm all thumbs up for this birthday celebration.

Wendleboe: breaks down coffee costs

In a remarkable written piece by Tim Wendleboe. He examines the true cost of coffee and how it's relatively cheap considering the amount of labour that goes into the production from farm to roast.
/ here is a snap shot of moving towards transparency, beyond labels:

"We payed USD 3.76 per lb of green coffee F.O.B. (Free on board, which means the coffee is delivered to the ship in Colombia for USD 3.76 per lb)

Out of this price, Elias (the farmer) ended up with a total of USD 2.73 per lb.

The $1,03 difference covered the following costs:

• 45 cents went to the exporter, in this case Mr. Alejandro Renjifo and Fairfield Trading. In Colombia, due to certain problems with other produce in Colombia, the exporter of the coffee needs to have an export license. Farmers do not have this, so they can use any exporter they prefer, but normally it is chosen by the buyer.  Out of the 45 cents, Alejandro has to pay for shipping of samples, export documentation, transport of coffee to the dry mill, transport from the mill to the ship, interest on the pre-financing of the coffee, etc. In addition, Alejandro needs to make a living, pay employees, pay rent on his offices, etc.
• Coocentral (the cooperative Elias has chosen to work with in Huila) charged 7 cents for pre-financing his coffee (paying Elias the market price for the coffee upon delivery) storage, and quality control. They also provide agronomic assistance, sample preparation, and help Elias with issues he might have.
• The dry-milling costs 40 cents per lb. The parchment, sticks and stones need to be removed from the coffee. Then, the coffee is sorted on screen size, density and all physical defects are removed by electronic sorting machines. The coffee is then packed in Grain-pro and jute bags to be ready for export.
• We also had to pay an additional 11 cents for grain-pro bags as this is not standard. Grain-pro bags are an inner plastic bag layer, which further protects the coffee in shipment and storage."

What's interesting point in his piece is the risk to the farmers, and the appetite at which consumers are willing to pay for coffee. The market price hasn't made headlines and still reflect prices from 30 years ago. How can we demand people make a decent wage if the market doesn't value this price....

Full piece here

WSJ weighs in on coffee brewing at home

Home dominance, market players.

Time vs quality

Great iconography and peice done by the writers at WSJ.

the finals

thanks to the lovely smdlr, we get a opportunity to meet the crafters in LA Thursday Night Throwdowns.

Read up more here: http://smdlr.com/2012/11/16/latnt-final-all-eyes-on-bar/

Local: Coffee for a cause

Te Aro has started a 115 bag production with 100% proceeds going to neighbourhood school; Morse St. Public School in support of their Breakfast program.

A good breakfast allows a child to concentrate, focus and learn without distractions.

Head on over now!

Helping a fellow Barista/Mask Maker

Here is a lovely Barista (from Crema, you can find him at the Danforth/Bloor location.. or that's where I seem to bump into him).

It's ERIC.

He's passionate about coffee but also is a master mask maker.

There is only 9 days left in his campaign, and you should check out his site. donate, and send him to Bali.
Indiegogo Campaign

His website is here

Questions we should be asking

Elections hang-over, CoffeeCupTO hang-over (which we too packed when I went, man it does not pay to give away your advance ticket....), end of week hang-over.

Some thoughtful questions to bombard your barsita.

http://www.anchoragepress.com/arts_and_entertainment/top_10/questions-to-ask-your-barista/article_7675d56a-29df-11e2-b797-0019bb2963f4.html

It still feels off-putting when there is a high tendency for two outcomes.
1) They do not have time, because it's a busy cafe
2) They do not know the answers

It's also tough to scrutinize/ become knowledgeable when you aren't so familiar with the cafe/location. It comparable to asking your best friends questions versus acquaintances... the former is easier than the latter.

There might be other signs that you can use to determine the answer, but ultimately having a great rapport leads to more conversations. Isn't that what we are after.....

(Any thoughts on Peter G's article on perception, placebos, and psychology of the brain - in relation to drinking that cup of coffee -- Is knowledge blind your tastebuds....) Maybe this is why there are higher incidences of double blind cuppings...... or it's just a great test.

Happy Weekend, drink espresso, be merry, and give respect to our veterans!

preception

this is a great piece from Peter.

read and lets discuss this Friday

http://petergiuliano.tumblr.com/post/34998586597/the-power-of-expectation-or-coffee-and-the-placebo

Conversation: Smdlr x Aida Battle

When there is an opportunity to chat with a coffee producer - we* take it.

There is this organic process which we thrive to attain.... knowing where all of our food originates, how's it's grown, handled and even treated.

Coffee is a fruit, and if coffee producers are placing more care into how it's grown, shouldn't we also maintain a relationship with that farmer... Direct-Trade.

Here is a snap shot of smdlr conversation with much adored Aida Battle in LA (last week) hosted by Handsome Coffee Roasters.

http://smdlr.com/2012/10/28/in-conversation-aida-battle/


Happy Movember! I know that coffee shops and movember definitely go hand in hand.... referring to the facial hair, not necessarily the cause (but it's a fantastic one)

*we, refers to those that seek to grow within the coffee industry.

Morning news

Debates were on last night, not sure how this will impact swing voters, but it was entertaining to watch.

Roasters: Detour coffee (Dundas,ON)
Coffee: Karani
Origin: Kenya
Variety: SL28, SL34 & Ruiru
Processing: Fully washed and sun dried.
Altitude: 1700-1900
Producers: small shareholders

Brew: V60/ 19.4g : 320g (2:32)

Thoughts: sweet like simple caramel syrup just being cooled and ready to be used for that amazing vanilla cake.
Pleasant finish with mild acidity, sits on the tongue well.

More thoughts: as I was grinding the coffee yesterday and today it really reminded me of freshly baked choc chip cookies.

Extras: new online subscriptions for G&M .... Knew that was coming.

Happy espresso adventures

Central American Beans

Honduras has been killin it.

What are your thoughts?

Ready, set, beanlink?!

Hey y'all:

Wanna know who drives that '73 VW van?

It's Kyle Wilson! I first met him at Te Aro, where we geeked out on coffee.... Fittingly he has decided to travel across N. America on a search to connect people with coffee thru beanlink.me

I highly suggest you check it out.
A top notch guy, on a quest to make artisan coffee accessible.

Happy travels Kyle!!!

(photo credit; K. Wilson)

Battle Royale: Coffee Cup

Looks like there is some Fall time battles happening soon. Last weekend I watched my first full UFC event, boy
Am I late to this event, but I can see why the sport is so loved. I'll stick to watching swimming.

Come watch Barista go head to head.
Date: Thursday Nov 8th, 7-11pm
where: Te Aro (983 queen st east)
Tickets: 12 at door, (10 in advance + free drink)
Hosted by: Reunion Island and Te Aro.

A kin to the #TNT, proceeds going to Cup to education.
Follow the chatter @coffeecupto for more information about where to buy tickets and find out who's showing their faces.....

You will see one face there: me.

Frybread goes well with coffee

Hmmmm, new trend?

Pictured: fry bread made at home.

Nooooo, not dount, but more bread like. You should try it

Not just writing, but exploration

I've been hopping around N.America for the last couple of weeks. Been reading the blogroll and not been posting here while training for a run.

Too much on my plate? Potentially.
Not enough discipline to write? Definitely.

Cheers to the weekend where I'll catch up on some of my travels.

Many new cafes in Toronto are popping up-- many thoughts on the back burner.... For now, know that Toronto still has room for more.

Verve; Honduras

Simply blown away

National coffee day

It's national coffee day tmr. I'm going to celebrate by cracking this bag from Handsome Roasters, Honduras.

How will you celebrate tomorrow?

I've been blessed over the past couple of weeks to be doing lots of coffee related meetings and events. To more adventures

Spent some time in La

Been away from the blog for a while, that's because I was in La, went to many great places!!

Will write it up soon.
For now I need to catch up on how to dress for the fall

CNBC 2012; Canadian National Barista Championship

The Coffee & Tea Show 

Beyond the exhibitors; at the back of Hall 1 at the International Centre out in Mississauga... is where 14 of the best barista (those that competited on the circuit) have gathered to fight for the title and prestige to represent Canada at the WBC 2013 in Melbourne.

After 8 hours straight of competition....

Top 6 - that have made the final tomorrow.
(in no particular order of their scoring)
Georgina Henry - Dark Horse (Detour Coffee)
Jeremy Ho - Phil & Sebastian Coffee
Ben Put - Phil & Sebastian Coffee
Cole Torode - Cafe Rosso
Randy Hogg - Bridgehead
Sameer Mohammed - Farenheit Coffee (Te Aro)

Quick note:  several top 4 regional finishers decided not to participate in the National Barista Championship; most notably some on the West coast 49th, and Transcend (no repeat roastery winner)

Should be a great finals tomorrow; starting at 12PM.
Winners announced shortly after

Canadian coffee and tea show.

It's back. Out at the international center in Mississauga.

Seminar lectures trade show competitions

I'll keep you updated.

Photo: transit

It's not so bad when you have a nice long black to accompany you on a long ride.

Sometimes I get off specifically at bloor so I can grab a great cup at Crema. No lie; I rearrange my travel so I can hit certain shops....

How's your last Monday in August shaping up to be?

Really excited about the fall. Are you?
(side: I love summer,but I love the seasonal changes more)

Quick thought: prices of coffee

Today the wall street journal came out with an article stating that the demand for robusta beans has gone up 18%, while the more flavourful cousin arabica bean has gone down by 30%.

Fueled by the "Euro crisis/ slow-down" we can only come to a hand full of outcomes...
If demand for the more prized arbacia bean has lowered, farmers will increase prices to keep a float, if they do not sell, some farms might need to slow down production or cut costs to sell for cheaper.

With arabica beans reaching peak prices in 2010, can our burgeoning N.America market accommodates Europeans coffee craving slowdown?

What are your thoughts?

Photo: good neighbour

That's right, I made it up to the junction....
Intelli
Black cat
How can I go wrong.

Featured espresso: Epic at Crema

Spotted: Crema on Bloor
Pulled by: Eric (such a passionate guy)
Featured: Epic Espresso
Roasters: 49th Parallel
Located: Vancouver, BC

Details: El Salvador El Retiro
1400 m.a.s.l.
Costa Rica Cerro de San Luis
1500-1600 m.a.s.l.

Verdict: brightness upon first sips, with sweet cotton candy to round it out, followed by a pleasant soft after taste similar to a lemon Popsicle as it stays for an extra round.

Reinventing coffee?

I need to explore this some more, is this A new way to get juiced up?

Photo; Alchemy at Mercury

Sunny long weekend in the city means a trip over to Neighbourhood Mercury espresso.

Thanks for making my morning wih a little sprinkling of alchemy by George Howell.

Taste: orange boutique with burst of that Meyer lemon, and wicked finish known of the chocolate variety.

Love.
Sun
Bliss

Photo: two is better than one

Spotted: Crema
Epic espresso Current blend:
El Salvador El Retiro (1400)
brazil Santa Barbara (1250)

Tasting: burst of caramel and sweetness upon hitting the tongue, bold chocolate and delicious lingering mouthfeel; the feeling of after eating many blackberries.

Go now! This epic is spot on

CCBC 2012 results

The 2012 Central Canadian barista competition was held earlier this week (Tuesday and Wednesday July 24-25) over at the historic hart house in the iconic Great Hall -- on university of toronto campus.

How fitting was the 2 day coffee expo and competition? It was a feverish excitement as CCBC has a new venue and the buzz within the crowd was infectious.

Only 2 of the last years top 6 performed but that it meant the new blood brought the revived energy to CCBC.

Here we're the top 6:
Place//Name//Association//Score//Coffee Used

1. Geoff Woodley Detour 621 Detour Coffee
2. Georgia Henry Dark Horse 597.5 Detour Coffee
3. Sameer Mohamed Fahrenheit 582  Te Aro
4. Brad Bauer Fahrenheit coffee 564.5  Te Aro
5. Brett Johnston Crafted coffee 556   Te Aro
6. Jesse Van dyke Grondin Rooster Coffeehouse 548.5  Te Aro

Congrats to all competitors.
Looks like only the top 4 proceed to Nationals in September.

Note: Geoff is now a 2-time CCBC winne
The top 2 competitors used Detour Coffee; the next 4 used Te Aro coffee

All of the Top 6 performed on Day 2 of the competition in a one-performance ONLY competition.

Thanks to the organizer for putting on a great event and raising more funds for charities/organization that impact the coffee community.

Ccbc now LiVE

“@ccbctoronto: Okay live stream - https://t.co/Fq9Xcq1D
Pass it on”

First Offical Espresso Adventure

Hi Readers,
I've mentioned to you about my Espresso Adventures, and realized that I've been quite selfish, never really inviting you guys.
Here is your chance to join me on my first offical Espresso Adventure (Coffee Crawl)
In conjunction with the Central Canadian Barista Comp/ Coffee Expo, I've partnered with good friend (Beanlink) to organize this impromtu "unofficial event."

The Basics:

Date: Wednesday July 25th
Time: 9AM
Start: Queen/Spadina
End: Hart House (UofT)

other details: Bring a Bike or $5/ CC to rent a Bixi. We are going to be mobile! (please be road safe)

click on the event page for more...
message me on twitter, or leave a comment below

Photo: CCBC poster

Says it all.

Photo: Elevens

Elevens at Te Aro.
Syrupy, caramel citrus candies greeted my tongue this morning.

EVENT ALERT: CCBC coming up

Central Canadian (regional) Barista Competition & Coffee Expo
Otherwise known as CCBC is happening July 24-25 (Tues - Wed)
Location: Hart House (University of Toronto)
Address: 7 Hart House Circle
Time: 12-5PM; 11-5PM
Admission: FREE


(Donations will be collected for Coffee Kids)


What's going to happen here?
* Regional Barista Competition  (15 minutes to pull: 4 espresso, 4 Cappuccino, 4 Signature drinks)
* Coffee Cupping Demo
* Cup Tasters' challenge
* Latte Art Throw-Down
* Coffee and Tea Samples
* Equipment demonstrations
* Free samples

More information/ if you want to volunteer:
FILL this out http://baristacanada.com/volunteer


CONTACT CCBC
ccbctoronto@gmail.com

website

Twitter

Facebook

*I'll  be live tweeting so follow me on twitter if you aren't already doing that. @esproadventures*

Come say hi to me, or wave - photos, photos, photos!

Praire Coffee Project

July 13-16 at Calgary's Fratello Coffee is hosting the Praire Coffee Project.


3 1/2 Day Coffee Forum, Workshop, and competition show.


Also looks like Stephen Leighton from Hasbean (UK) is in town and will be leading the industry forum. I love this....

What does this mean?

I'll be catching the LIVESTREAM here ; don't mind the Title (it's the actual link)

Great read; extraction, water weight, temp brewed

http://www.jimseven.com/2012/07/12/cupping-protocols-and-extraction/

Read this article. It's worth it.
Seems like the science nerd in me is super happy I start experiments

Photo: Manic

Opened til late; 930pm.

Start of a growing trend or lucky that Manic Coffee can afford to stay open late....
#kudos

Regional Comps coming up// Prizes // Coffee Kids

This weekend is the Prairie Regional Barsita competition at Fratello. July 14-15 in Calgary.


The Central Canadian Regional Barista competition is July 24-25 at Hart House in Toronto.
(CCBC is holding a contest to post up a photo and get the most "like" to win the SWAG contest).


Please help me to help Coffeekids.com by clicking on the link and "like" my photo.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10101269097071372&l=a016ca461c 


The Prize is amazing, and if I WIN with your help, of "like" and SHARING the link I will be holding a contest to win the items within the swag package. (Shipping included)

AS an added bonus here is your chance to help drive donations for Coffeekids.com as the value of the swag package will be donated this deserving donation.


ACT now - Contest for :"like" the photo ends this Friday.

Photo: a cup to go

More text to come in a few days, for now enjoy the coffee on the go

Photo: Sunday morning breakfast

Just a nice sunny sunday up North enjoying the deck and some papaya and coffee.

Photo: Sip the world away

VIDEO: In my Mug

PSA: It's going LIVE on Sat. July 21st in the Manchester area....


AMAZING!!!!!!


http://hasbean.co.uk/#

Photo: bag of tricks

Sam James empire.

Watch for my post next week! Until then, smell the coffee within the path leads you to the sunlife building... Or does it?

ICE 3: Te Aro cold brew concentrate

Te Aro is one of my Favorite local roasters in Toronto. They have a great crew and love what they serve and take pride in their craft.

It also helps that they are not too far from my place.

Here is the cold brew concentrate, sold in stubbies.

Beans: Elevens blend of El Mirador, colombia; washed yirgacheffe, natural sidama.

verdict: nice chocolate tastes from the colombian, muted floral, and lemon notes, very easy to consume.

Wished that the jasmine and lemon would come out more from the yirgacheffe but it was delicious.

With milk, it's balanced smooth drink surely will refresh our hot summer days.

VIDEO: CUPPING with Tim Horton's

If Tim Horton's buys from the best - which I dont disagree -- why does their brew ratio tend to produce very watery product.

I understand that their demographic will but milk and sugar - so is that why there isn't a prominent coffee flavour?


http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/news-video/video-testing-for-the-tastiest-tim-hortons-brew/article4367676/

Photo: one cup

Opinion Piece: Late-night Coffee

Is Toronto Ready for late-night coffee shops?

This has always been a topic of interest - and a moment of wonder while I can count only on a few places to serve good coffee past 6/7/8PM (depends on your hood). So the question is.... Is Toronto's Coffee scene ready for late night coffee shops? Does it even warrant an uproar?

Can we ask owners to keep their doors open past 6PM, is it reasonable or ideal to have the shop open for business?

Toronto's Coffee Scene:
Over the past 5 years, we've seen a large number of cafe/coffee bar/ espresso bar opening up within Toronto. (I'm just focusing on downtown - because I rarely venture outside of the Eglington/Vic Park/Waterfront/Runnymede bubble) YES there has been a greater number of openings, but what about the survival rate? 50% at most. That's not even highlighting the other big box chains that Canadian's love dearly.
So, is it safe to say that coffee consumption has increased - that would depend on who you're asking... At the recent CRFA, there has been an increase of 5% in the consumption of Canadians. Great!

What proportion of the market does the independent coffee shop represent?
I would be hard pressed to believe that within Toronto the indie scene represents more than 25%. When you factor in big chains, gas stations, bakeries, grocery stores... coffee consumption is widely available, so what incentive does a indie coffee shop owner have to profit from the market....

One word: Neighbourhood
Demographics, customer retention, and marketing play a huge roll, but the major component is LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION. Does it make sense to only break-even beyond the hours of 6PM. Weigh the financial pros/cons of keeping a late-night coffee scene and we start to discover the eating trends of this city.  Recent data shows that consumption at restaurants is on the rise - especially with the Gen Y and Xer's. (article from the Star) but does this necessarily indicate that restaurants have the urge to hire a dedicated barista for their coffee service....

So who can we turn to?
As more shops own, there might not be a market to open beyond the current standard hours - if there is no demand, than there is no incentive. Can we possibly start to focus more on the food service industry in general, with the notion of transparency and sustainability - don't you think that "Specialty Coffee" has a place. It should! It comes with education, passion and market appetite.

Let's not hound our coffee shops and demand a comfortable environment we so dearly love during the early mornings and late afternoons. Let's start knocking on the food service industry door, and get them on-board. We are going into a trend where the customer wants to know where the ingredient has originated, how it was prepared and is it delicious. Maybe coffee consumption is LOW... By starting with good coffee and good service customers/consumers/ our neighbours will start to explore and develop a curiosity that the coffee scene needs. Boggles my mind that someone will pay $80 for a piece of steak, but shutter at the price tag of $3 espresso...... Let's not even go into food costs, margins and mark-ups....
Can we turn to TV and hope that the ever so popular FOOD NETWORK start producing shows about coffee? SUPERSTAR CHEFS can that translate to SUPERSTAR BARISTA.... (can Coffee consumption become as "sexy" as Jamie Oliver....) I think that's just the coffee geek inside of me.
Until you raise everyone's level, can you start to push.

Can't we just have good coffee available at all hours of the day?

What are your thoughts?
How can we improve?
Do we even need it?

Auctions! Guatemala style

In light of the conversation regarding the highest bidder in the guatemala el injerto

YT infinite of brianscoffee.com is paying just over $500/lb.

Full results here: http://t.co/Jeey4sHp

Also noted that stumptown paid the next highest payout for lot2.

Canadian connection: social coffee company and java blend won two lots.
Phil and SEB won 1.

WBC2012: TTL // Tim's response

Since I've posted Tim Wendelboe's lecture about "language of coffee"....


There has been some remarks from Tim during the first minute.





Sprudge.com had a interview to explain and allow Tim to address his remarks (here)