IT’S JUST COFFEE!

So … what does it actually take to become a great coffee roaster? This week on Coffee Break, Rohan and Ben unpack their chat with roasting legend Anne Cooper (Equilibrium Master Roasters) - and it gets fiery. From why the industry desperately needs clearer roasting standards, to the myth of “espresso vs filter roasts”, to whether “minimal intervention roasting” is just a fairytale, nothing is off the table. We also dive into: - UC Davis’ new research on universal roast colour standards - Dark roast redemption - yes, good dark roasts do exist - Why coffee bag labels might be alienating your customers - And whether the industry needs more open debates to stop gatekeeping knowledge It’s roasting, reimagined - and it might just change how you look at your next bag of beans. Coffee Break is your weekly inside scoop into the coffee community - roasting debates, barista tips, hospitality horror stories, and the industry secrets no one else shares. More coffee content → https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236 Get in touch → hello@itsjustcoffeepod.com Proudly sponsored by: Eco Barista → https://www.ecobarista.com.au/ Apax Lab → https://apaxlab.com/ Condesa Co.Lab → https://condesacolab.com.au/ Thanks for listening - love ya! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Coffee roasting… an art or a science? Master roastress & coffee consultant Anne Cooper joins us in the studio to share her extensive coffee roasting knowledge. We address roasting myths and misconceptions, the endless pursuit of perfection, and the Three Golden Rules of coffee roasting. We also discuss the impact of automation and new technologies like the Typhoon Roaster.  If you're new here (welcome), our show dives into some of the best coffee conversations on the internet, but we will always remind ourselves at the end of the day - It's Just Coffee! Explore Anne Cooper here: https://www.instagram.com/roastresscoops/ Want more coffee content?  IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236 Want to get in touch? Hit us up at hello@itsjustcoffeepod.com for any questions or comments. Proudly sponsored by  Eco Barista: https://www.ecobarista.com.au/   Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/  Thanks for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s a Sensory Analysis Masterclass!   Want to know exactly what happens in your mouth when you taste coffee? We interviewed co-host, Q-Grader, and sensory expert Ben Bicknell to get the low down on sensory analysis; Where do tasting notes come from? … And how does aroma impact flavour?  We discuss practical exercises to help you better identify taste intensities, and explain concepts such as the triangulation test.  If you're new here (welcome), our show dives into some of the best coffee conversations on the internet, but we will always remind ourselves at the end of the day - It's Just Coffee! Explore Ben Bicknell here: https://www.instagram.com/benbicknell/ Want more coffee content?  IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236 Want to get in touch? Hit us up at hello@itsjustcoffeepod.com for any questions or comments. Proudly sponsored by  Eco Barista: https://www.ecobarista.com.au/   Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/  Thanks for listening!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So you’re a roaster wondering: seasonal blends, omni roasts, or naturals - where do you stand? Well … start by listening to this Coffee Break! In this episode, the crew unpack their recent chat with Klaus Thomsen of Coffee Collective, diving into some of the big roasting debates: Should roasters only serve seasonal blends, or is consistency king? Are omni roasts just lazy - or a practical solution for espresso + filter? Why do people still die on the “washed vs. natural” hill? And could infused coffees actually have a place in specialty? So if you’re a roaster, barista, or coffee nerd who loves the behind-the-scenes of roasting decisions, this Coffee Break is for you. Coffee Break is your weekly inside scoop into the coffee community. Everything from on the fly barista tips, honest and unfiltered cafe reviews (eek), hospitality stories and gate kept coffee secrets. Want more coffee content?  IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236 Want to get in touch? Hit us up at hello@itsjustcoffeepod.com for any questions or comments. Proudly sponsored by -   Eco Barista: https://www.ecobarista.com.au/   Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/  Condesa Co.Lab: https://condesacolab.com.au/  Thank you for listening, love ya! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What makes a roastery truly stand out - is it the coffee itself, the transparency behind it, or the trust customers place in the brand? For many, navigating the roasting world feels like chasing moving targets. Today we’re joined by Klaus Thomsen, World Barista Champion (2006) and co-founder of Coffee Collective. From humble beginnings in a garage, Klaus and his team now run 8 shops, a bakery, and supply over 420 wholesale partners worldwide. In this episode, Klaus shares how roasters can build lasting trust through direct trade, diverse coffee menus, and genuine transparency. You’ll learn why trust signals matter more than reports, how to balance customer education without overwhelm, and why the future of roasting may split into luxury, specialty, and commercial tiers. Coffee Collective   https://linkin.bio/coffeecollectif/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAafisSY5-TrocPCgapFboARQQ5-XzKKQBvE9jqvStHPEq8vG6Pu2uboXH2Tzvg_aem_m4UGNYPR1paAozmLcvwLng  @klausthomsen Phil & Sebastian (roaster shoutout from Klaus) - https://philsebastian.com @philandseb Thanks for tuning in! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with a fellow roaster or café owner who cares about the future of coffee. If you're new here (welcome), our show dives into some of the best coffee conversations on the internet, but we will always remind ourselves at the end of the day - It's Just Coffee! Want more coffee content?  IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236 Want to get in touch? Hit us up at hello@itsjustcoffeepod.com for any questions or comments. Proudly sponsored by  Eco Barista: https://www.ecobarista.com.au/   Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/  Thanks for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s show: A Geisha coffee smashes records, we explore why freezing your beans might be worth it, and debate workflow innovations like the EK grinder and WDT. Plus, we discuss the surprising impact of La Cimbali and Eversys on DeLonghi’s profits. Coffee Break is your weekly inside scoop into the coffee community. Everything from on the fly barista tips, honest and unfiltered cafe reviews (eek), hospitality stories and gate kept coffee secrets. Want more coffee content? IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236 Want to get in touch? Hit us up at hello@itsjustcoffeepod.com for any questions or comments. Proudly sponsored by - Eco Barista: https://www.ecobarista.com.au/ Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/ Condesa Co Lab: https://condesacolab.com.au/ Thank you for listening, love ya! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Picture this: you’re a café owner, or dreaming of opening one, and it’s time to choose the coffee you’ll serve. But where do you even start? With endless choice, and a fickle market, designing a coffee menu can be daunting. That’s why we’ve got Jack Simpson in the studio! A three-time Australian Barista Champion and sales rep for the renowned Axil Coffee, you could say he knows a thing or two about selecting coffee. Join us as we unpack the process of designing a coffee menu. Learn how to create a balanced and bespoke menu that works for your cafe. Jack shares his top tips for cafe owners, you don’t want to miss it! If you're new here (welcome), our show dives into some of the best coffee conversations on the internet, but we will always remind ourselves at the end of the day - It's Just Coffee! Explore Jack Simpson here: https://www.instagram.com/jacksimpson32/ Axil Coffee Roasters: https://www.instagram.com/axilcoffeeroasters/  Want more coffee content?  IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236 Want to get in touch? Hit us up at hello@itsjustcoffeepod.com for any questions or comments. Proudly sponsored by  Eco Barista: https://www.ecobarista.com.au/   Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/  Thanks for listening!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s show: Philz Coffee has been sold for a record price… will other chains follow suit? Plus! We discuss the coffee raves popping up over the city, and explore coffee sourcing at different scales.  Coffee Break is your weekly inside scoop into the coffee community. Everything from on the fly barista tips, honest and unfiltered cafe reviews (eek), hospitality stories and gate kept coffee secrets. Want more coffee content?  IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236 Want to get in touch? Hit us up at hello@itsjustcoffeepod.com for any questions or comments. Proudly sponsored by -   Eco Barista: https://www.ecobarista.com.au/   Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/  Thank you for listening, love ya!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So you’re green coffee sourcing, where do you begin?? Well… start by listening to this episode! Today we’re joined by Katie Cargulio, an expert in green coffee sourcing. She’s a U.S Barista Champion, sensory expert, and leader at one of the most respected roasters in the U.S, Counter Culture Coffee. We’ll explore the myriad of ways one can choose to source coffee, weighing up the choices that can often make coffee sourcing difficult to navigate. So if you’re a green buyer, or simply are curious about the process of green coffee sourcing, this is the episode for you.  If you're new here (welcome), our show dives into some of the best coffee conversations on the internet, but we will always remind ourselves at the end of the day - It's Just Coffee! Explore : https://counterculturecoffee.com/ Want more coffee content?  IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236 Want to get in touch? Hit us up at hello@itsjustcoffeepod.com for any questions or comments. Proudly sponsored by  Eco Barista: https://www.ecobarista.com.au/   Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/  Thanks for listening!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we break down Tuesday’s episode with Chris Maybury: Should we be jumping on the automation train? And what automated coffee machines are worth your buck?  Plus, Street Smart Hospitality is raising funds for homelessness through their annual coffee-led campaign, CafeSmart. More details about the CafeSmart event available soon. In the meantime, check out https://www.instagram.com/streetsmarthospo/ to learn more.  Coffee Break is your weekly inside scoop into the coffee community. Everything from on the fly barista tips, honest and unfiltered cafe reviews (eek), hospitality stories and gate kept coffee secrets. Want more coffee content?  IT'S JUST COFFEE: https://linktr.ee/itsjustcoffeepod?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=4e8cead0-6644-4c4a-b419-28c825b1b236 Want to get in touch? Hit us up at hello@itsjustcoffeepod.com for any questions or comments. Proudly sponsored by -   Eco Barista: https://www.ecobarista.com.au/   Apax Lab: https://apaxlab.com/  Thank you for listening, love ya!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices