Patience tastes better

Growing up in the 90s, I was taught that coffee had to be dark, hot and strong to be good. Today, I would argue that a delicious cup of filter coffee is more like a tea-like beverage, offering a range of exciting flavor notes. There is a lot of talk and writing about coffee preparation these days, and for good reason. Coffee lovers have developed a growing awareness of specialty coffee and how to prepare it perfectly using various grinders and machines. Similar to how music enthusiasts invest in their HiFi systems, we coffee nerds often use (and love) expensive grinders, machines, and accessories to get the most out of these little coffee seeds, but:

A good cup of coffee doesn't have to be expensive.

You don't need to spend thousands of euros. Instead, it's better to invest in ethically sourced, well-roasted beans from artisan roasters. The truth is that you can make excellent coffee with a high-quality hand grinder, a simple drip-brewer or a manual lever espresso machine, your grandma's kettle and maybe a cheap thermometer. Once you've mastered coffee preparation, no matter what you've spent on tools, there is another, even cheaper factor that can enhance your coffee experience.

Let's talk about drinking temperature.

It's amusing to realize that, as coffee lovers, we often obsess over precise brewing temperatures for specific roasts and grind levels, yet we rarely discuss the 'perfect' drinking temperature. Interestingly, the ideal brewing temperatures - often 85 degrees Celsius or higher - are far from suitable for drinking.

Overcome the urge to drink the coffee while it's still hot.

I recommend paying close attention to this and giving yourself the freedom to experiment. Embrace the process and take the time to discover what works best for you. For example, I personally ensure my coffee isn’t hotter than 60 degrees Celsius when I drink it. I also enjoy pausing between sips, savoring the flavors, and appreciating the subtle nuances as it cools to room temperature. While this might seem obvious at first glance, it’s easy to overlook the conscious act of drinking and enjoying our coffee amidst the many details we focus on as enthusiasts. Taking a moment to truly savor it can make all the difference.