One of the most frequent questions people ask when we talk in our tasting lab is “what’s the difference between light and dark roast coffee?” or “which has more caffeine: light or dark roast?” Generally speaking, darker roasts have been roasted longer and finish at a higher temperature than light roasts, and this process removes a bit more of the caffeine. As the consumer, one can visually observe that some beans appear lighter brown and dry and some appear darker and have a little (or a lot!) of oil seeping out. Just like most people have a preferred doneness to...

So, you’re new to coffee.   You want to learn how to make a great pot of coffee at home, but aren’t sure where to start. You’ve tried your hand by picking and choosing what’s available at the local store, only to experience coffee that’s too sweet or too bitter. Now you’re ready to move on and experience a fresh, clean, well roasted cup of coffee. But you need to know where to begin. Great coffee begins with the beans. Most commercial coffee comes from two types of beans; Arabica and Robusta. Arabica beans are mild, fine and aromatic. Because...