Hello, Fellow Coffee Lover
Welcome to my corner of the coffee world. I’m thrilled you’ve found your way here, whether you stumbled upon this blog while searching for the perfect brewing method or you’re a longtime coffee enthusiast looking for your next great cup.
My Coffee Journey
My love affair with coffee began over a decade ago, not in some exotic coffee origin country, but in a small neighborhood café where I ordered my first pourover. That moment changed everything. I watched the barista carefully measure, bloom, and pour with such intention that I realized coffee was so much more than the bitter, burnt liquid I’d been drinking for years.
From that day forward, I was hooked. I dove headfirst into the world of specialty coffee, spending countless hours learning about different origins, processing methods, roast profiles, and brewing techniques. I’ve worked as a barista, trained under certified Q graders, attended coffee festivals and cuppings, and traveled to origin countries to meet the farmers whose beans end up in my morning cup.
What I’ve Learned
Through years of experimentation, mistakes, and beautiful discoveries, I’ve learned that great coffee is about so much more than caffeine. It’s about the stories behind each bean, the dedication of farmers working at high altitudes, the craft of skilled roasters, and the simple joy of a perfectly executed brew.
I’ve tasted everything from bright, fruity Ethiopian naturals to rich, chocolatey Brazilian pulped naturals. I’ve tried every brewing method imaginable, from the classic French press to the precise V60, from the full-bodied richness of espresso to the clean clarity of a Chemex. Each method has taught me something new about extraction, water chemistry, grind size, and patience.
Why This Blog Exists
I created this space to share what I’ve learned and continue learning with fellow coffee enthusiasts. Whether you’re just beginning to explore beyond the automatic drip machine or you’re a seasoned home barista looking to refine your technique, I want this blog to be a resource, an inspiration, and a community.
Here, you’ll find brewing guides, origin stories, equipment reviews, and honest reflections on both my successes and failures in pursuit of the perfect cup. I believe the best coffee education comes from curiosity, experimentation, and shared experiences.
My Philosophy
Coffee should be approachable, enjoyable, and never pretentious. While I love diving deep into extraction ratios and TDS measurements, I also believe that the best cup of coffee is simply the one you enjoy most. My goal is to help you discover what that means for you.
I’m a firm believer in supporting sustainable and ethical coffee practices, celebrating the work of coffee producers, and understanding that every cup we drink is connected to real people and real communities around the world.
Let’s Connect
Coffee has always been about connection for me. Some of my best conversations, friendships, and ideas have happened over a shared cup. I’d love for this blog to foster that same sense of community.
Feel free to reach out with questions, share your own coffee experiences, or just say hello. Let’s explore this incredible world of coffee together, one brew at a time.
Here’s to many great cups ahead.
Cheers,
Benny Belkin
P.S. — My perfect cup? A washed Ethiopian Yirgacheffe brewed as a V60 pourover, enjoyed slowly on a quiet morning. But ask me tomorrow, and my answer might change. That’s the beauty of coffee.
