Coffee Buying Guide -

She opened the second jar. "Beans from —Colombia, Brazil, Guatemala—are the crowd-pleasers. Think caramel, cocoa, and nuts. Very balanced."

Maya smiled, pulling two small jars from a shelf. "Think of coffee like music. Some people like a high-pitched, energetic violin solo. Others want a deep, thrumming bass line. Let's find your rhythm." Step 1: The Origin Story coffee buying guide

"Where the coffee grows tells you the vibe," Maya explained, unscrewing the first jar. "Beans from , like Ethiopia or Kenya, are usually fruity and floral. They’re the violinists—bright and acidic." She opened the second jar

"Whole bean, every time," Maya said firmly. "Coffee starts losing its flavor the second it’s ground. If you don't have a grinder, I can grind it for you right now, but promise me you’ll keep it in an at room temperature. Never the freezer!" Very balanced

He stood before the towering chalkboard menu of The Portafilter , feeling like he was staring at a complex architectural blueprint. To his left, a seasoned regular was debating the "brightness" of a Kenyan AA with the barista. Elias just wanted a good cup of coffee. "First time?" a voice asked.