Kickstarter has been a decidedly mixed bag when it comes to coffee. On one hand, it’s given us success stories like Acaia, whose Bluetooth-ready scales have become a fixture in quality-minded cafés. On the other hand, the failures have been numerous– perhaps none more disastrous than the ZPM espresso machine, which after years of delays failed to come to market. The outcry that followed garnered the attention of the New York Times and even motivated Kickstarter to change their policies. …
Archives for December 2016
Three Shops Changing the Phoenix Coffee Scene
It can be tough selling a hot beverage in the desert. Against all odds, roasters like Cartel, Press, and Peixoto have long championed locally-roasted coffee in the Phoenix area. But a new wave of cafés are introducing the Valley of the Sun to out-of-state roasters, adding a depth and diversity to the Phoenix coffee scene. On a recent trip to Arizona we visited three Phoenix coffee shops changing the local scene. …
The Official 2016 Coffee Compass Holiday Gift Guide
Still looking for the perfect present for that caffeine-addicted person in your life? Don’t worry, we’re one step ahead of you. We’ve compiled a list of presents any barista, roaster, or home brewer would love to have. Our criteria was plenty simple: only pick products we also want for Christmas. From stocking stuffers to major purchases, there’s something on this list for everyone.
Clockwork Espresso PUSH Tamper
From wrist tension to shoulder pain, baristas are prone to all sorts of repetitive stress. This long-awaited tamper Clockwork Espresso promises not only a more ergonomic approach to tamping, but also a more consistently level espresso bed. Did we mention they come in fun bright colors?…
