CRAFTED Jonathan Gagné on Astrophysics, Coffee, & The Physics of Espresso
Sep 17, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Jonathan Gagné, an astrophysicist and coffee researcher from Montreal, shares his unique insights on blending science with coffee brewing. He discusses his passion for coffee sparked by subpar observatory brews and dives into the technicalities of espresso and filter coffee. Expect captivating insights on crema, grinder choices, and the intriguing concept of low-pressure 'soup.' Gagné's work is a bridge between the cosmos and caffeine—combining observational astrophysics with the art of brewing!
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From Telescopes To V60 Travel Kit
- Jonathan first dove into better coffee while observing at remote telescopes and dealing with terrible instant coffee.
- He began traveling with a V60 and hand grinder, which sparked deeper experimentation with water and recipes.
Espresso Is A Fast, Out-Of-Equilibrium System
- Espresso stays in a rapidly changing, out-of-equilibrium state, which makes its physics more complex than filter coffee.
- That short, dynamic extraction explains why espresso has more interacting variables and unpredictable behavior.
Avoid Reintroducing Air During Brew
- Avoid letting the water level dip below the coffee bed in no-bypass drippers because it pulls air back into the bed.
- Air pockets act as barriers and significantly slow subsequent flow and extraction.
