Vancouver is an artisanal coffee hub – there are many who place high value on a quality brand of bean, and just as many who scoff at the idea that coffee could have as many intricacies as the inner workings of an iPhone. It’s true, Vancouver is home to some of the best roasters in Canada. Their faithful disciples are insistent on only consuming the fanciest of coffees (the favouring of convenient, chain brands is shameful to these individuals). When it comes to novice artisanal coffee drinkers, however, there are a few things you might want to consider in the way of at-home coffee machines, brands, brew methods etc.
If you’re a regular coffee fanatic with a desire to branch out of your caffeine comfort zone and try something new, artisanal and perhaps local, try not to be intimidated by the complex barista jargon. Nevertheless, there are definitely some things you can learn on your journey to procuring and producing the perfect cup. But as a rule, always go with what you truly enjoy the most, above all else - regardless of brand reputation, popularity or elite status acquired through “the obscurity factor”.
That said, here are some tips to better understanding the complexities that exist within the coffee industry, and Vancouver, in particular.
Get to Know Your Favourite Brands
This requires a great deal of trial and error on your way to finding your espresso soulmate. You might unearth many tolerable and even sublimely enjoyable brands and coffee shops. However, finding your one and only can take years of searching and tasting, testing and deliberating. You might even be confident that you’ve found the greatest brand of coffee in existence, only to discover something new a year later that blows your trusted favourite out of the water in one fell swoop.
In the end, it’s always wise to have a few favourite coffee shops on hand in various locations that you frequent. This is useful for introducing tourists, business associates or visiting family members to your not-so-secret coffee hotspots. It’s also good to have a hearty stash of your beloved brands of bean at home, for convenience and entertaining. Nothing is more impressive to a fellow coffee connoisseur than having access to the best of the best, right from the comfort of your kitchen.
Tips for Tasting Notes
With respect to tasting notes, it’s important not to put too much stock into this aspect of knowing, understanding and loving coffee. Don’t allow yourself to be bamboozled into coffee confusion by the blather of those claiming expert rank when it comes to brews. Do take the opportunity, though, to study the subtleties within coffee flavours and origins. For example, high acid and fruity hints usually indicate a lighter roast - and if that’s your ideal cup, it’s a good idea to get acquainted with those undertones so that you always know what to ask for when ordering from an unfamiliar Vancouver location (or any new location, for that matter).
Musings on Machines and Methods
There are a number of high quality machines on the market today which allow coffee lovers of all distinctions to revel in a professional grade cappuccino at home. These machines vary in price and technology, so it’s important to do your research in order to determine the best fit for your at-home caffeine requirements.
At Quality Coffee Systems, we offer a wide range of coffee machines for Vancouverites to choose from. Whether it’s a simple espresso, or the most particular latte specifications you can think of - we’ve got just the right equipment to enhance your coffee-making experience. Check out our selection or reach out to us today to learn more.
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