Coffee is more than just a beverage; it's a daily ritual, a comfort, and for many, a passion. As a coffee enthusiast turned entrepreneur, I've embarked on a journey to redefine what it means to enjoy good coffee every day. This journey led to the creation of Everyday Beans, a coffee roasting business with a mission to deliver affordable, high-quality coffee and valuable education to coffee lovers everywhere.

The coffee industry is saturated with brands that sell their origin stories and premium products at premium prices. But as I delved deeper into the world of coffee, I realized that most people haven't truly experienced good coffee. This epiphany sparked the idea for Everyday Beans – a brand that bridges the gap between mediocre and exceptional coffee, making good taste accessible to all.

At Everyday Beans, we believe that enjoying a great cup of coffee shouldn't be a luxury reserved for special occasions. Our goal is to provide coffee that you can brew and savor daily without hesitation or guilt over the price tag. We've carefully crafted our roasting process to bring out the best flavors in every bean, ensuring that each cup is a delightful experience.

But Everyday Beans is more than just a coffee roaster. We're building a community of coffee lovers, sharing knowledge, and fostering a deeper appreciation for the art of coffee. Through our website, YouTube channel, and podcasts, we offer a wealth of information on brewing techniques, coffee origins, and industry insights. This educational approach sets us apart in an industry often focused solely on selling products.

As we continue to grow, our commitment to quality, affordability, and education remains unwavering. We're constantly experimenting, learning, and refining our processes to bring you the best possible coffee experience. Whether you're a coffee connoisseur or someone just beginning to explore beyond instant coffee, Everyday Beans is here to guide you on your coffee journey.

Join us in revolutionizing the way we think about and enjoy coffee. With Everyday Beans, good coffee isn't just for special occasions – it's for every day.

As a coffee roaster, brewer, and enthusiast, I've had my fair share of experiences with various coffee brewing devices. One that has intrigued me for years is the AeroPress. This compact, portable coffee maker has garnered a cult following in the coffee world, but does it truly live up to the hype? Let's dive into my personal journey with the AeroPress and explore its place in the world of coffee brewing.

When I first encountered the AeroPress, I was captivated by its innovative design and the promise of a quick, easy way to brew a delicious cup of coffee. Like many coffee lovers, I eagerly experimented with different recipes and techniques, hoping to unlock the perfect brew. However, as time went on, my enthusiasm began to wane.

One of the key aspects I've come to appreciate in coffee brewing is clarity – the ability to identify and understand the unique flavors and characteristics of a particular coffee. While the AeroPress does produce a cleaner cup than a French press, I found that it falls short when compared to pour-over methods or espresso in terms of bringing out the nuanced flavors of high-quality beans.

The AeroPress sits in an interesting middle ground between immersion brewing (like French press) and pressure brewing (like espresso). It's this hybrid nature that makes it both intriguing and, in some ways, frustrating. The device tries to be many things at once, but in my experience, it doesn't excel in any particular area.

One of the main issues I've encountered with the AeroPress is the inconsistency of the seal created by the rubber plunger. Over time, this crucial component can wear down, leading to a loss of pressure and affecting the quality of the brew. This flaw has made me question the long-term value of the device, especially when compared to more durable brewing methods.

That being said, the AeroPress does have its merits. Its portability makes it an excellent choice for travelers or outdoor enthusiasts who want to enjoy a decent cup of coffee on the go. It's also a great entry point for those new to manual brewing, offering a forgiving platform for experimentation.

The AeroPress has undoubtedly made its mark on coffee culture, spawning competitions and inspiring countless brewing recipes. This level of engagement and innovation is commendable and has contributed to the broader conversation about coffee brewing techniques.

As a coffee professional, I've learned that there's no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to brewing methods. While the AeroPress may not be my go-to device, I recognize that many coffee lovers swear by it. The key is to explore different brewing methods, understand their strengths and weaknesses, and find what works best for your palate and lifestyle.

In conclusion, while the AeroPress may not have revolutionized my coffee routine as I initially hoped, it has taught me valuable lessons about brewing, clarity, and the importance of finding the right tool for the job. For coffee enthusiasts, I encourage you to approach the AeroPress – and indeed, all brewing methods – with an open mind and a willingness to experiment. After all, the journey of discovering your perfect cup is half the fun of being a coffee lover.

When we think about the coffee industry, our minds often wander to exotic single-origin beans, complex flavor profiles, and artisanal brewing methods. However, there's an unsung hero in the coffee world that deserves our attention: the so-called "boring" coffees.

These are the brews that form the backbone of the coffee industry - the ones with familiar flavors like chocolate, nuts, and subtle earthiness. They're the coffees that most people reach for every morning, the ones that provide comfort and consistency in a cup.

As a coffee roaster, I've spent countless hours experimenting with different beans, roasts, and brewing methods. Recently, I've been diving deep into darker roasts and Brazilian coffees, trying to understand their appeal and place in the market. What I've discovered is that these "basic" coffees play a crucial role in the industry, one that we often overlook in our pursuit of the next big flavor profile.

The majority of coffee drinkers aren't looking for a complex, fruity espresso or a light, tea-like pour-over. They want a reliable cup that tastes good with their preferred additions - be it cream, sugar, or plant-based milk. These everyday brews provide that consistency and familiarity that many consumers crave.

But does this mean these coffees are truly "boring"? I'd argue not. They're approachable, versatile, and serve as a gateway for many into the wider world of coffee. They're the brews that people trust and return to time and time again.

For roasters and coffee professionals, understanding the appeal of these coffees is crucial. It's about recognizing that not every cup needs to be a flavor explosion or a unique sensory experience. Sometimes, a simple, well-executed cup of coffee that tastes like, well, coffee, is exactly what people want and need.

That said, there's still room for innovation and education. As palates evolve and consumers become more curious, we can introduce subtle variations and gradually expand people's coffee horizons. It's about finding the right balance between comfort and adventure.

So the next time you sip on a cup of coffee that tastes familiar and comforting, remember that you're partaking in a brew that forms the very foundation of the coffee industry. These "boring" coffees may not be the stars of specialty coffee shops, but they're the unsung heroes that keep the world caffeinated and content.

As a coffee roaster, I've had the privilege of exploring the vast and intricate world of coffee. One particular aspect that has always intrigued me is the phenomenon of light roast coffee. It's a style that has gained immense popularity in recent years, praised for its ability to showcase the unique characteristics of coffee beans. But as I've journeyed deeper into the world of light roasts, I've found myself questioning its appeal and pondering its place in the coffee landscape.

Light roast coffee is often described as bright, acidic, and full of complex flavors. Proponents argue that it allows the true essence of the coffee bean to shine through, unmasked by the caramelization and darker flavors that come with longer roasting times. It's a compelling argument, and one that initially drew me in.

I remember my first experiences with light roast coffee vividly. The excitement of tasting something new, the thrill of detecting subtle flavor notes that I hadn't experienced before. It felt like I was unlocking a hidden dimension of coffee. But as time went on, and I delved deeper into roasting and tasting, my perspective began to shift.

One of the biggest challenges I've encountered with light roast coffee is consistency. As a roaster, achieving a perfect light roast is a delicate balance. Push it too far, and you lose the delicate flavors you're trying to preserve. Pull back too soon, and you're left with underdeveloped, grassy notes. This balancing act is further complicated by the fact that coffee beans continue to change even after roasting, meaning that the same batch can taste different from one week to the next.

Moreover, I've found that the flavor profile of light roasts can be somewhat one-dimensional. While it's true that you can often detect more subtle notes, these can sometimes come at the expense of body and depth. Many light roasts I've tasted have a certain "sameness" to them - a vegetal, grassy quality that, while not unpleasant, doesn't always make for an exciting cup of coffee.

It's important to note that taste is subjective, and what doesn't appeal to me might be someone else's perfect cup. The beauty of coffee is its diversity, and there's certainly room for all roast levels. However, I believe it's crucial for coffee lovers to approach light roasts (and all coffees) with an open mind and a critical palate.

One aspect of light roast coffee that often goes undiscussed is its variability. Even when sourced from the same farm and roasted by the same person, coffee can taste different from batch to batch. Factors like storage conditions, age of the beans, and even atmospheric pressure during roasting can all affect the final taste. This variability can be particularly pronounced in light roasts, where small changes can have big impacts on flavor.

So, where does this leave us with light roast coffee? While I may not reach for it as often as I used to, I still believe it has its place. For those who enjoy its unique characteristics, light roast can offer a fascinating taste experience. It can be particularly interesting in espresso applications, where a slightly longer shot can help balance out some of the more intense flavors.

Ultimately, the key to enjoying coffee - light roast or otherwise - is to trust your own palate. Don't feel pressured to like something just because it's trendy or highly regarded. Experiment with different roasts, brewing methods, and origins. Take the time to really taste your coffee and think about what you're experiencing.

As a roaster, my journey with light roast coffee has been one of continuous learning and evolving tastes. It's reminded me of the importance of keeping an open mind while also trusting my own experiences. Whether you're a devoted light roast fan or a dark roast devotee, I encourage you to approach each cup with curiosity and mindfulness. After all, the world of coffee is vast and varied - there's always something new to discover.

As a coffee roaster, I'm often asked about the secret to brewing the perfect cup. While there are many factors at play, one of the most crucial yet often overlooked elements is the brew ratio. This simple concept can have a profound impact on your coffee experience, and understanding it can help you tailor your brew to your exact preferences.

Brew ratio is essentially the relationship between the amount of coffee used and the amount of water. It's typically expressed as a ratio, such as 1:15, meaning one part coffee to 15 parts water. This ratio can significantly affect the strength, flavor, and overall character of your brew.

In my experience, a 1:15 ratio often hits the sweet spot for many coffees. It provides a good balance of body and flavor, allowing the coffee's unique characteristics to shine through without being too weak or overpowering. However, the beauty of coffee is in its versatility, and what works for one person may not work for another.

Recently, I challenged myself to step out of my comfort zone and try a 1:16 ratio with a Honduras coffee I had roasted. The result was eye-opening. While it was slightly weaker than I typically prefer, it allowed for more subtle flavors to come through. This experience reinforced a crucial lesson: there's no one-size-fits-all approach to coffee brewing.

As a roaster, I'm constantly thinking about how different variables affect the final cup. Roast level, for instance, can play a significant role in determining the ideal brew ratio. A lighter roast might benefit from a slightly higher ratio to bring out its delicate flavors, while a darker roast might shine at a lower ratio to highlight its bold characteristics.

Equipment also plays a crucial role. High-quality grinders, like the Ken Grinder I've been experimenting with, can improve flavor clarity and allow for more precise adjustments to your brew ratio. Different brewing methods may also call for different ratios – what works for a pour-over might not be ideal for a French press.

The key takeaway for coffee lovers is this: don't be afraid to experiment. Start with a standard ratio like 1:15, then adjust based on your taste preferences. Pay attention to how changes in the ratio affect the flavor, body, and overall enjoyment of your cup. Keep notes, be patient, and remember that finding your perfect brew is a journey, not a destination.

As a roaster, my goal is to provide you with beans that shine at various ratios, giving you the flexibility to discover your ideal brew. So go ahead, play with your ratios, and unlock the full potential of your coffee. After all, the perfect cup is the one that brings you joy with every sip.

As a coffee roaster and enthusiast, I've spent years perfecting my craft and exploring various brewing methods. But recently, I embarked on an unexpected journey that challenged my preconceptions and opened my eyes to new possibilities in the world of coffee. For two months, I immersed myself in understanding and mastering the ubiquitous Mr. Coffee machine, a device often overlooked by specialty coffee aficionados.

My goal was simple: to see if I could produce a great cup of coffee using a machine found in countless homes across the country. What I discovered was both surprising and enlightening.

The first lesson I learned was the importance of understanding and working with the quirks of any brewing device. Just like high-end equipment, the Mr. Coffee machine has its own set of characteristics that influence the final cup. By carefully observing and experimenting, I found ways to optimize the brewing process within the machine's limitations.

One of the key factors I focused on was extraction efficiency. The Mr. Coffee machine typically uses a single, central pour, which can lead to uneven extraction. To combat this, I experimented with grind size, finding that a slightly finer grind than you might expect can help compensate for the fast brewing time and single-pour method.

Interestingly, I found that medium and dark roasts performed exceptionally well in the Mr. Coffee machine. The faster extraction time and higher brewing temperature seemed to complement these roast profiles, producing rich, full-bodied cups of coffee. Light roasts, while still possible to brew, required more fine-tuning and often benefited from an even finer grind to ensure proper extraction.

Perhaps the most valuable insight from this experiment was the reminder that great coffee isn't solely about having the most expensive or trendy equipment. It's about understanding the principles of extraction and adapting them to the tools at hand. This realization led me to bridge the gap between specialty coffee techniques and everyday brewing methods.

For instance, I developed a pour-over recipe inspired by the Mr. Coffee machine's brewing style – a single, consistent pour in the center of the filter. This method, while unconventional in the world of pour-over, produced surprisingly good results and challenged my assumptions about "proper" brewing techniques.

As coffee professionals and enthusiasts, it's easy to get caught up in the pursuit of perfection and forget that for many people, coffee is about convenience and simple enjoyment. My experience with the Mr. Coffee machine reminded me of the importance of inclusivity in coffee appreciation. By understanding and respecting different brewing methods, we can help more people access and enjoy quality coffee, regardless of their equipment or expertise level.

In conclusion, this journey taught me that there's beauty in embracing imperfection and value in stepping outside our comfort zones. Whether you're a seasoned barista or a casual coffee drinker, I encourage you to approach your daily brew with curiosity and openness. You might be surprised by what you discover in your cup.