"origin" and education

There is a great article in the most recent Fresh Cup magazine - you should really try to track it down and read it. Titled Believe What You Taste, An Interview With Stephen Hurst it goes into detail about some of the key issues in the coffee world today, and does a really fantastic job of enunciating these issues.

In particular, there is some great stuff about the misunderstanding of the concept of "origin" when used in coffee. The article goes into detail about the confusion (not just among consumers but more importantly among coffee professionals) about the concept - and in particular about the resulting idea that somehow coffee from a country is "all the same." The obvious link between this problem and cost resistence is brought up as well.

It's a fantastic read - and if you're in the business you should really try to get a copy.

everyone has been asking what this "dream job" in Portland is.

I'm going to be working for Stumptown Coffee. I'm both excited and honored.
Stumptown is one of the companies I admire the most in this industry. Their coffee is fantastic, they are a wonderful and ethical employer and the people there are super passionate, skilled and nice. And, of course, they make kick-ass espresso. I honestly consider them to be one of the three best coffee companies in the United States.

Technically, my title is something like General Manager, Retail.

I can't wait.
I'm so excited. I'm so nervous... it's all too much!!
Heh...

In the meantime, I'm getting prepared not only for the move to Portland but also for my trip to Iceland for the Nordic Barista Cup. It should be incredibly cool.

I'm also trying to finish up some tasting notes for various commercial espresso blends.