Coffee sub-cultures

Coffee isn’t just that cup you grab to survive the busy morning – it’s a whole universe filled with different flavours, brewing techniques, and even competitions where people geek out about beans. Let’s break down some cool sub-cultures in the coffee world that might just inspire you to dive deeper.

Third-wave coffee: it’s all about the beans

You might have heard the term ‘’third-wave coffee’’ thrown around, but what does it actually mean? Think of it like this: first-wave coffee was the mass-produced stuff that people drank just for a caffeine hit (think diner coffee or instant coffee). Second-wave coffee brought us the café culture, where espresso drinks and chains like Starbucks became a thing. Now, third-wave coffee is about treating coffee as an artisanal product, like wine. It’s all about the bean’s origin, how it’s roasted, and brewing it in a way that brings out its unique flavours.

If you walk into a third-wave coffee shop, don’t be surprised if the barista asks if you want to try a pour-over or recommends a single-origin Ethiopian bean because it has ‘’notes of blueberry’’. It might sound fancy, but really, it’s just about appreciating coffee for what it can be – complex and delicious. A great place to start is by visiting one of these shops and trying something new. You might be surprised by how different coffee can taste when it’s brewed with care.

The rise of home brewing

Once you’ve had your first taste of third-wave coffee, you might get the urge to brew something special at home. The home brewing sub-culture has exploded, and it’s all about experimenting with different methods like the AeroPress, Chemex, or even a classic French press. What’s cool is that you don’t need a  ton of fancy gear to get started. Many coffee lovers start with a simple setup and gradually build their collection as they figure out what they like.

If you’re new to brewing, don’t sweat it. Ther are tons of tutorials online, and half the fun is experimenting to see what works for you. Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about making a cup of coffee that tastes like it came from a café – all in your own kitchen.

Coffee competitions: Yes, they’re a thing

Now, if you’re really into coffee, you might get curious about the competitive side of it. Coffee competitions are like the Olympics of the coffee world, and they’re not joke. One of the biggest is the World Barista Championship, where baristas from around the globe compete to create the perfect espresso-based drinks. Competitors are judged on everything from technical skills to flavour balance.

There’s also ‘’cupping’’ competitions, which are like wine tastings, but for coffee. People test their palates to identify flavour notes, origins, and even specific farms the beans came from It’s wild to think about how much depth there is to coffee, but that’s what makes it so exciting. Even if you’re just starting out, it’s cool to know that there’s a whole world out there of people taking coffee to the next level.

The great thing about coffee culture is that you can engage with it at your own pace. Whether you’re just upgrading your morning brew or considering diving into the world of competitions, there’s a lot to explore. Start with a trip to your local third-wave coffee shop, experiment with brewing at home, or even follow some baristas or coffee enthusiasts on social media to get inspired. Coffee is all about discovery, so don’t be afraid to explore and enjoy the journey.