For all the coffee lovers out there, we all know that how we like our coffee is a personal journey. It illustrates how we grew, learned, and shaped our taste over the years. This is an ode to my special relationship with my morning brew, drawing from various aspects of my life, giving a behind-the-scenes look at how my preference of coffee came to be.

1. The Beginning

In the early days, I was not a coffee fan. Far from it, I saw coffee-drinkers as some lost species who were lured by its aroma but entrapped by its bitter taste. Then, college happened. The late-night study sessions required a drink that would jolt me awake, and that's when I had my first brush with coffee. But it wasn't love at first sip. It was more of a necessity-driven practice.

2. Evolving Taste

College passed, and so did my aversion to coffee. I started to appreciate its taste, slowly discovering the array of flavors a single cup could hold. Bitter, sweet, sour, robust, I realized that each sip had something new to reveal.

3. Experimenting with Home-brewing

It was only when I began to brew my own coffee at home that I understood the sheer joy of making a cup that suits my palate. Sourcing fresh coffee beans, grinding them, and finally brewing the drink. Each step had an exhilarating experience to offer.

4. Appreciation for Good Beans

What made this process more exciting was the hunt for the perfect coffee beans. This involved spending hours on coffee forums and trying out the recommendations from fellow coffee enthusiasts. I soon developed a liking for Yirgacheffe, an Ethiopian coffee variety known for its wine-like acidity and floral aroma. It was rewarding when I nailed the first cup of coffee with these beans.

5. Discovering Pour-over Coffee

Among different brewing techniques, I quickly fell in love with pour-over coffee. This choice wasn't arbitrary. Pour-over provides the control to influence the taste of my coffee. With trial and error, I have learned the right water temperature, grind size, and even pour technique.

6.Evolving with Online Coffee Culture

It's interesting how online platforms like YouTube, and apps like Bean Hunter, made my coffee experience richer. YouTube channels like James Hoffman guided me through brewing techniques and coffee tasting, while Bean Hunter helped me discover local coffee shops and their specialities.

7. The Curated Coffee Subscription Experience

Next in line was the coffee subscription. The idea that I could discover and taste different coffee beans from across the world, sitting at home, was enticing. It walked me through the diverse palette of flavours that coffee beans could offer. The tasting notes were particularly enlightening, and I was hooked.

8. Exploring Coffee Shops and Cafes

One of my favourite weekend pastimes is hopping coffee shops. Each café offers a unique ambiance, brewing technique, and of course, its meticulously sourced coffee. This journey presented a great opportunity to interact with baristas and learn their art of coffee brewing.

9. Brewing Method Favourites

After playing with French press, Aeropress, pour-over, and espresso makers, I've landed my safe haven in the Chemex and espresso. There is something about the clean and bright flavor that Chemex brings out that makes my morning.

10. Coffee Tastings and Workshops

I have joined a few coffee tasting sessions and workshops, which were quite enlightening. I had the opportunity to taste different coffee flavours side by side, learn brewing techniques and get all my coffee-related queries answered.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is your favourite coffee brewing method? - It's definitely a tie between Chemex and espresso.

2. Do you prefer single-origin or blends? - I generally prefer single-origin coffees because of their distinct flavors.

3. Any coffee variety you recommend? - I recommend giving Ethiopian Yirgacheffe a try.

And there you have it, my journey of discovering how I like my coffee, as nuanced and personal as coffee itself. I hope it inspires you to explore and find your own perfect cup of coffee.

References

1. Hoffmann, James. "The World Atlas of Coffee: From beans to brewing." Octopus Books, 2018.

2. Bloom, Nick. "Coffee: A comprehensive guide to the bean, the beverage, and the industry." Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2013.

Explore your companion in WeMate