My journey into the world of specialty espresso

My appreciation for quality coffee began in 2017, but it was in 2024 that I truly committed to the craft by investing in a serious espresso machine. This wasn't merely a purchase it was a statement about values that extend far beyond my morning cup.

I chose La Marzocco not only for its exceptional reputation but for the timeless craftsmanship evident in every component. In an era of planned obsolescence, I've grown weary of the endless cycle of consumption: buy, discard, replace. Instead, I sought something sustainable a machine built to be serviced rather than scrapped, engineered to potentially outlast even its owner.

Fact: «Professional tasters from both worlds describe coffee and wine by their flavors, aromas, body and acidity (a few more attributes exist for wine, like alcohol). Wine has around 200 recognized flavor compounds, while coffee has nearly 500» -NY Times

(Should give you a hint in regards to supermarket coffee quality)

Coffee with a conscience

Beyond flavor and craftsmanship, my dedication to third wave coffee stems from a deeper ethical consideration. Every time I purchase specialty beans at premium prices, I'm supporting a system where coffee farmers can actually survive from their work. The commodity coffee market often leaves producers struggling at absolute minimum income levels, but the direct trade relationships and higher prices in specialty coffee create sustainable livelihoods.

There's profound satisfaction in knowing that these premium prices enable coffee farmers to send their children to school, transforming my daily ritual into an act that supports education and generational progress in farming communities around the world. Each cup connects me not just to flavor, but to families and futures.

The hierarchy of coffee excellence

Through my exploration, I've come to understand the true hierarchy of what makes exceptional coffee:

1. The coffee itself: Nothing can elevate poor beans. Quality, freshness, and roast profile form the foundation of every great cup.
2. The grinder: Often overlooked by newcomers, a precision grinder with consistent particle size distribution is absolutely crucial. Even the finest machine cannot compensate for an inadequate grind.
3. Technique: The skilled hands of the barista understanding temperature, pressure, timing, and dose transform potential into reality.
4. The machine: While important, brewing equipment actually ranks last among these essentials. A skilled barista can work wonders with modest equipment, but for beginners, quality gear provides the consistency needed to develop technique without fighting against equipment variables.

Finding my purist path

Since May 2024, when my machine arrived, I've undergone something of a conversion experience. I haven't prepared a single cup of drip, pour-over, or immersion coffee; espresso has become my singular focus. There's something profoundly satisfying about the precision, intensity, and complexity achieved in those 20-30 seconds of extraction.

I've discovered a particular preference for wet processed coffees, finding their clean, bright profiles showcase the nuance I'm seeking. Natural processed and experimental fermentation methods, despite their popularity, rarely deliver the balanced clarity I've come to cherish.

This journey has become about more than coffee it's about intentionality, craftsmanship, and supporting ethical production while finding deeply personal pleasure in doing something well.