Do you put on one leather glove in order to make an espressoA small coffee beverage, about 20 ml, prepared on an espresso machine where pressurized hot water extracted through compressed coffee.: In its most stripped-down, basic form, this is...? I don’t. Do you polish the puck clockwise or counter-clockwise? Hmmm. Do you drink coffee with a silver-plated “cupping spoonA cupping spoon is specifically designed for the tasting procedure of the same name, cupping. It is similar to some bouillon spoons or gumbo spoons, and features (usually)...?” I don’t either. Do you “break the coffee crust” by stirring 3 times to the bottom, or do you go 4 times just on the surface? Does brewed coffeeBrewed Coffee refers to all coffee preparations produced by adding non-pressurized water to coffee grounds. Contrasted with espresso coffee, which is produced under pressure, brewed coffee is primarily... extract or infuse? For how long? Do you argue with your other about whether your morning bowl of fruit loops has a hint of red appleAn acid that adds to favorable perceptions of cup quality; malic acid often adds apple-like acidity, and perhaps other taste aspects recalling apples. Malic acid is yet another..., or green appleApple-like flavors in coffee can take on many different forms. The more common ones we use relate to malic acid brightness, which can recall different apple types: green...? If it’s red, are we talking Fuji, Braeburn, Red Delicious … and do the flavors “knit” well together.? How is the structure of flavors in those Fruit Loops? So 5 or 10 years from now will this look foolish, indulgent, grossly excessive, or will it be part of a ground-breaking new movement of “super-sensory” consumption? Will their be a Guild for everything? A separatist Machiatto Guild wants acknowledgement for their unique skills — they aren’t just your average “Baristi,” after all. How about that Biscotti Guild we were talking about forming? Will the janitors accept their same lousy pay if we pump up their esteem at the annual Mop & Bucket Guild Retreat? Just a few early morning thoughts. -Tom
