The annual trade show of the Specialty Coffee Association of America can cause even the more seasoned coffee professional to have an existential crisis. Do I watch the Barista Competition or Brewer
Author: Michael Butterworth
Michael Butterworth is an authorized instructor of the Specialty Coffee Association and the inventor of the Etkin Dripper. He cofounded the Coffee Compass mostly as an excuse to visit more coffee shops. For consulting and training enquiries please visit butterworth.coffee.
You Probably Need One of These New Single Group Slayer Espresso Machines
Generally speaking, making espresso at home is a bad idea. Even the cheapest equipment is expensive (and probably not worth buying), and unless you have a reverse osmosis filtration system, water
Cafe Review: Quay Coffee in Kansas City
Kansas City is having a moment. The “Paris of the Plains” was an early adapter of third wave coffee, but in recent years the scene has hit a critical mass. A new breed of quality focuse
Todd Carmichael Reveals Mysterious New Brew Method
In one week international man of intrigue Todd Carmichael will compete in the US Brewer’s Cup, a competition that crowns the nation’s best brewer of black filter coffee. It’s fair
From Mexico to Brighton: Watch This Video about Small Batch Coffee Company
For American and Canadian coffee drinkers, Mexico is the closest place producing specialty coffee (Hawaii not withstanding). This is not so for Small Batch Coffee Company in Brighton, England- but
Cafe Review: Bow Truss Coffee Roasters in Chicago
All Things Go at Bow Truss Coffee Roasters Chicago holds an important place in the history of American coffee. America’s Second City was the first place Starbucks expanded outside of the Paci
Barista Interview: Charles Korson of Fortunate Coffee Co
Many baristas dream of starting their own coffee company. Charles Korson in Traverse City, Michigan decided to make his dream a reality. We asked the founder of Fortunate Coffee Co. what inspires h
You Can Back The First Coffee Competition Documentary
Here at the Compass we like to joke that barista competitions would make an excellent subject for a Christopher Guest film. Evidently, the subject has attracted the attention of at least one indepe
These 3 Bands Love Coffee
Craft coffee is slowly but surely creeping its way into mainstream culture. Whether it be Jerry Seinfield visiting Handsome Coffee, or Kuerig’s need to lampoon artisanal shops in a recent add
Learn How to Brew Coffee Like Todd Carmichael
The Indiana Jones of Coffee Todd Carmichael is an international man of mystery. The man has transversed Antarctica on foot, written for Esquire, and is the star of his own reality show on the Trave