You oughta know #26

In this issue: Consumer NZ tries (and hates) instant coffee; Jessica Easto’s book is out; new format for the barista champs.

Nov 13, 2023

Nau mai hoki mai!

It's been a hawt minute between YOK installments, thanks to a very busy month (ending old job, starting new job, getting COVID, trying new coffee toys). But that has just given me some time to dig out some new nuggets of awesome to share with ya'll.

In this issue: Consumer NZ tries (and hates) instant coffee; Jessica Easto’s book is out; new format for the barista champs.

Consumer NZ tries instant coffee

Consumer NZ’s self described “panel of spoiled Wellingtonians” tested ten different instant coffees, so you didn’t have to.

Among all the instants, there was one sole specialty coffee representative - Coffee Supreme.

I opened this article, looking forward to hearing about how good specialty instant is… BUT NO! Coffee Supreme’s instant came in at sixth place! Shock.

And the best? Robert Harris’s Colombian Blend, with an overall score of 51/100.

I purchased a jar myself, and I have to say, I probably agree with them on this one…

It’s shame that other specialty instants didn’t make the taste test, as I’m sure that Flight’s or Firsthand’s would have been up there.

But none-the-less, Robert Harris takes the cake, and it’s worth trying.

Check out the full review on the Consumer NZ website.

Jessica Easto: How to taste coffee - out now

If flavour notes on bags of coffee help to inform your coffee purchases, then this book is probably for you.

Jessica Easto has released her latest coffee book “How to taste coffee”.

It dives into the world of coffee tasting, and the language around describing coffee.

She notes “I’m fairly certain that you, coffee lover, have been at times misled by flavour notes, if not disappointed, if not utterly betrayed.”
She goes on: “This book is my attempt to bridge the language and knowledge gap between coffee professionals and coffee enthusiasts. It explains the science behind our sensory systems, provides a “state of the union” on coffee sensory science, and teaches you how to develop your palate…”

I’ve part way into this book and I’m loving how Jessica describes things, and the guided tour into training the palate.

An excellent book for yourself, or for a Christmas gift!

Check it out on Amazon (affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. A great way to support The Magic Roast!).

2024 NZ Barista Champs is in for a change

The 2024 NZ Barista Champs will look a bit different next year. Instead of a winner takes all single event national title, we’ll see regional events held in March, with the winners having the chance to compete in the big dance in October.

The regionals will also have a slightly different format. Instead of the full show, the regionals will focus on milk and espresso beverages only. No signature drink. And sponsors will be providing the key equipment.

The idea is that with less barriers, more people will be able to show case their barista skills, rather than it being only open to those who had the means and resources to get there - it’s an expensive business! (On that, remember you can Help get Honoka to the World Barista Champs!)

This is a great evolution of the competition, and one that will celebrate the amazing baristas we have in Aotearoa.

Catch ya in a few weeks!

I’ll have some Christmas gift ideas for the coffee lover in your life!