Unfiltered Coffee Podcast: The Theory, Philosophy, and Science of Specialty Coffee
Unfiltered Coffee Podcast
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Co-hosts Spencer Aidukaitis & Eddy Padilla explore specialty coffee theory, science, philosophy, and the people in the industry that make it happen.
Available episodes
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Nov 26, 2022
Evolution of Flavor: The Beauty and Aesthetics of Coffee, Flavor Evolution, Taste Makers & Critics
In this episode we try to define beauty and aesthetics of coffee, understand the purpose of art and beauty, put forward a theory on the evolution of flavor, and understand the role of taste makers & critics in coffee.
Here is a white paper that supports the theory:
Paper
Here is a step by step guide for becoming a taste maker:
* Research different taste makers in the field and start exploring their work.
* Start to decipher what specifications of their work you like and don't like.
* Decide on the specifications that you want your aesthetic to convey.
* Experiment with these different specifications and how to create potential aesthetic options.
* Consider how these different specifications work together to create a cohesive aesthetic.
* Ask for feedback from taste makers and critics to refine your ideas.
* Once you have a final aesthetic, use it consistently in your work to establish it and make it recognizable.
Instagram
@unfilteredcoffeepodcast
Email
unfilteredcoffeepodcast@gmail.com
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Nov 21, 2022
Roaster Q&A: Deep Insights About Coffee Roasting & Sourcing From 7 Highly Experienced Roasters
Seven roasters come together with 50+ years of combined roasting experience to answer questions from instagram and a live crowd.
*
Follow the speakers:
*Kimhak @kimhak.em - Pair @pair.cupworks
Spencer @spencer.aidukaitis - Peixoto @peixotocoffee
Matt - Moxie @moxiecoffeeco
Blair @theblairista, Curtis - Presta @prestacoffee
Randy - Xanadu @xanadu.coffee
Mark - GrindTime @grindtime_coffee*
*
*Tip us or our guests (Type episode # and we will split the tip with the guest)*
Venmo: @spencer-aidukaitis
*Instagram*
@unfilteredcoffeepodcast
*Email*
unfilteredcoffeepodcast@gmail.com
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Oct 6, 2022
Espresso Theory and Espresso Tools (Part 2)
In this podcast we are joined by our good friend Kimhak Em of Pair Coffee to talk all about espresso theory and what espresso tools will help you pull the perfect espresso.
*Items mentioned:
*Weiss distribution tool
Porcupress
B plus espresso filter
Ims screen
Ims basket
Vst basket
Cube auto tamp by compak
Puqpress
Science tamp
Malhkonig e65
Malhkonig e80
Mythos 2 clima pro
Mazzer ZM
Espresso white paper
*Follow our guest:
*@kimhak.em @pair.cupworks
*Tip us or our guests (Type episode # and we will split the tip with the guest)*
Venmo: @spencer-aidukaitis
*Instagram*
@unfilteredcoffeepodcast
*Email*
unfilteredcoffeepodcast@gmail.com
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Jun 6, 2022
Shelby Williamson 2019 US Roasting Champion - A Deep Dive on Her Roasting Philosophy, Pros and Cons of Different Roasters, Green Coffee, and More.
*In this podcast we talk to Shelby Williamson about her coffee journey, learning to taste with her mentor Daniel Mendoza (a previous guest), her roasting philosophy, pros and cons of the different roasters she has roasted on, how to think about green coffee, how to QC effectively, and the future of coffee.
We are deeply sorry about the audio quality on this podcast. We had some mic malfunctions during recording. We hope that the incredible quality of conversation that Shelby provided us with will off-set our failures!
Follow **Shelby** & **Huckleberry*
*Tip us or our guests (Type episode # and we will split the tip with the guest)*
*Venmo: **@spencer-aidukaitis*
*Instagram*
*@unfilteredcoffeepodcast*
*Email*
*unfilteredcoffeepodcast@gmail.com*
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Jul 27, 2021
Espresso Theory and Espresso Machines (Part 1)
In this podcast we are joined by our good friend Kimhak Em to talk all about espresso theory, espresso machine mechanics and what espresso machines to buy. *
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*Tip us or our guests (Type episode # and we will split the tip with the guest)*
Venmo: @spencer-aidukaitis
*Instagram*
@unfilteredcoffeepodcast
*Email*
unfilteredcoffeepodcast@gmail.com
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May 25, 2021
Coffee Species, Varieties, and Potential Threats
In this podcast we talk all about coffee species, varieties and the potential threats to coffee as we know it now. We start with out talking about species, then we move into the history of Typica and Bourbon, some thoughts on genetic diversity, what we think the future of coffee may look like and much more.
Disclaimer: Neither Eddy or Spencer are botanists so if you feel something is incorrect, please reach out so we can correct it in the future!
*Links
*Cafe Imports Variety Tree*
*Pink Bourbon Story
Typica/Boubon Lineage
SCA Botany 101 Podcast
*Tip us or our guests (Type episode # and we will split the tip with the guest)*
Venmo: @spencer-aidukaitis
*Instagram*
@unfilteredcoffeepodcast
*Email*
unfilteredcoffeepodcast@gmail.com
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May 6, 2021
Nick Rayer - Building a Coffee Cart, Jazz and Bar Flow
In today's episode we talk to Nick Rayer. We were excited to talk to Nick as he is the middle of building his first business. He gives us his in the moment perspective of what it feels like to put it all together, along with some of his ideas on the future. We also get into his jazz career, as well as some talk about working on bar.
*Special Guest
*Nick is an amazing human and a great friend of the show. If you want to follow him on his journey with his new business go follow ixoracoffee. If you want to follow him directly you can find him here.
*Tip us or our guests (Type episode # and we will split the tip with the guest)*
Venmo: @spencer-aidukaitis
*Instagram*
@unfilteredcoffeepodcast
*Email*
unfilteredcoffeepodcast@gmail.com
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Apr 22, 2021
Fermentation Fundamentals: The Life Cycle of Yeast and Other Microbes
In today's episode we break down what's happening during coffee fermentation. We start with some definitions, then move into processing types, microorganisms and carbohydrates, fermentation types, environmental factors, and flavor creation. This is all from an essay I wrote that you can find below.
This is where I put in the disclaimer that I am just a hobbyist fermentation lover and I tried to only put info I feel comfortable with and that I could find references for. I am sure I missed some of the nuances or made a few mistakes. If you feel like some of the info is incorrect, please email me so we can do a follow up episode in the future!
*Essay Link*
link
*Lucia's Podcast*
link
*Tip us or our guests (Type episode # and we will split the tip with the guest)*
Venmo: @spencer-aidukaitis
*Instagram*
@unfilteredcoffeepodcast
*Email*
unfilteredcoffeepodcast@gmail.com
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Apr 7, 2021
What Brewing Equipment Should You Get?
*Help us get better!*
Survey Link
*Equipment list
Absolute Low end budget (below $50)
*Quality coffee
Spring water
Coffee mug
Hand grinder
*Solid low end budget (below $300)*
Encore/Bodum/Chinese flat burr grinder
Hand Grinder
Thirdwave water
Perfect water
Kettles
Digital Scale
Brewers
*Mid/High Tier ($300+)*
Niche Zero
Fellow Ode
Timemore Chestnut X
Timemore Mirror
Fellow Stagg EKG
Fellow Stagg Dripper
Hario Switch
April Coffee
Orgami
Melodrip
Kruve Sifter
Sebarist Filter
Mini Spray Bottle
*
Resources
*Scott Rao
James Hoffman
Barista hustle
Ad Astra
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Mar 24, 2021
Extraction theory: Breaking Down the Brewing Fundamentals
In this podcast, Eddy and Spencer break down extraction theory, brewing variables, ways to assess your coffee, and ways to brew better at home.
We created a feedback form and would love to hear back from you guys about how we can make the show better in the future! Click here to fill it out.
*Links
*Flavor Map
*Waters*
Third Wave Water
Perfect Water
GC Water
Water Recipes
*Follow us*
Instagram: @unfilteredcoffeepodcast
*Reach out*
Unfilteredcoffeepodcast@gmail.com
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Mar 10, 2021
Steve Holt - Exploring Ethiopia, Ninety Plus, and Unravel Merchants
Our guest today is Steve Holt, founder of Unravel Coffee Merchants, a business working directly with farms in Ethiopia with his partner Ashenafi Argaw. Steve started his specialty coffee career in 2002 at Novo Coffee in Denver, before moving to co-found Ninety plus where he has worked up until he started Unravel. He has spent years, working on farms in Panama and Ethiopia, helping to create some of the highest quality coffees in the world. During his time at Ninety Plus, their coffees were used to win 5 world brewers cup championships. Steve walks us through his history in coffee up until this point, talks about his plans for Unravel Merchants, his love for Ethiopia, and gets into some fermentation techniques. This was a fascinating conversation and we hope you love it.
*Special Guest
*Steve has been on the cutting edge of specialty coffee for over a decade but you would never guess from his kind and humble presence. He is doing incredible work in Ethiopia make sure to follow his pro…
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Feb 23, 2021
Blair Smith - Behind the Scenes of Brewer's Cup
Our guest today is Blair Smith, the general manager at Presta Coffee. Blair has had a long and storied career in coffee. Starting with a position as a barista at Tart baking company in Massachusetts and then moving across the country to work for Augies, where she would become the general manager. She also started her competition run with Augies starting in 2014, and has now competed at a national level or judged every year since. This conversation is packed with information about coffee shop management, brewers cup and how to brew a better cup of coffee.
*Special Guest
*Blair is not only an incredible competitor with 5+ years of judging/competition experience but she is also a top notch coffee shop manager, and is responsible for creating a one of kind experience during her time at Augies. She is just starting her journey at Presta and we can't wait to see what she can accomplish there. If you want to follow her on her coffee journey you can find her on instagram @theblairista or fol…
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Feb 9, 2021
Jake Miller - Creating Beautifully Functional Products at Fellow Coffee
In this podcast we talk to Jake Miller, the CEO and Founder of Fellow, a coffee product designer and manufacture based out of San Francisco. We talk to Jake about a bunch of different aspects of his business including how he thinks about product design, the process behind creating the Ode grinder, marketing, and running his business during covid. This was such a fun conversation for us after using fellow products for so many years. We hope you enjoy.
*Special Guest
*Jake Miller is responsible for the creation of so many things that we love and use on a daily basis. If you want to check out his work head over to Fellow's website. If you want to support his amazing cause, which is helping to get coffee shops the support they need during this hard time head over to cometogether.coffee.
*Follow us*
Instagram: @unfilteredcoffeepodcast
*Donate*
patreon.com/unfilteredcoffee
*Reach out*
Unfilteredcoffeepodcast@gmail.com
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Jan 27, 2021
Anita Tam - Barista Tools, Inclusivity, and Latte Art
In this podcast we talk to Anita Tam, owner of Slow Pour Supply, which is a distributor of coffee tools. We talk about how she got into coffee, what makes for good design, latte art, inclusivity, and so much more.
*Special Guest
*Anita is incredibly intentional and thoughtful in everything she does. We learned so much from her and were so happy to have her on the show. You can find look at her website Slow Pour Supply or follow their Instagram @slowpoursupply to find more.
*Follow us*
Instagram: @unfilteredcoffeepodcast
*Donate*
patreon.com/unfilteredcoffee
*Reach out*
Unfilteredcoffeepodcast@gmail.com
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Jan 12, 2021
Curtis Zimmerman - Kindness, Biking, and the Search for Incredible Coffees
In this episode, we talk with our guest Curtis Zimmerman owner of Presta Coffee, where he is also the green buyer and roaster. Curtis is a long time friend and incredible person. He talks to us about how he got into coffee, roasting, sourcing, how he thinks about building out cafes and biking. We learned a ton from Curtis and think you guys will love this conversation.
*Special Guest*
Curtis is one of the most genuine and kind people you will ever meet. He is also one of the best roasters that we know. If you want to try some of his coffees, you can find them on his website or you can follow his company @prestacoffee.
*Follow us*
Instagram: @unfilteredcoffeepodcast
*Donate*
patreon.com/unfilteredcoffee
*Reach out*
Unfilteredcoffeepodcast@gmail.com
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Dec 29, 2020
Aaron Jordan - Sustainable Decision Making and Organic Coffees
In this episode, we start by cupping coffee sourced by our guest, Aaron Jordan from The Roast House. The Roast house is a fully organic roastery in Spokane, Washington. We talk to Aaron about his start in coffee, then we dig deep into the organic process and sourcing organic coffees. Aaron also shares valuable insights on growing a roasting team and making sustainable long term decisions. Aaron is such a blast to talk to and we hope you love his stories and insights.
Segment 1 Coffee Rankings:
*1st place
*Ethiopia* - * Nano Genji #6
*2nd place*
Colombia - La Pradera Gesha
*3rd place
*Costa Rica - Diego Robelo
Read about the variety here.
*4th place
*Colombia - La Pradera Tabi
*Special Guest*
Aaron has an incredible mind for business and sustainability, as well as being an awesome coffee roaster. We were honored to have him on the show. If you would like to follow him, you can find him @pouroveraaron or you can follow Roast House @theroasthouse.
*Follow us*
Instagram: @unfilteredcof…
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Dec 15, 2020
Daniel Mendoza - Practical Coffee Roasting and Specialty Tea
In this episode we talk to Daniel Mendoza, he led an interesting career in coffee working for many different coffee roasteries around the country including Buddy Brew Coffee in Tampa, as well as Corvus and huckleberry in Denver. He then moved into the world of Specialty tea, where he helped bring to specialty coffee shops across the west coast. He is now working at Cropster, where he does support and sales. We discuss his work in judging roasting competitions, roasting advice, roasting software, specialty tea and much more.
*Special Guest*
Daniel is a one of those amazing people that just want to help make the world a better place. He has worked all throughout the industry and has a wealth of knowledge that he kindly spreads.
Learn more about his Daniel by following him on Instagram @oigaperoque. Learn more about Cropster on their (website).
Other companies mentioned in this podcast were:
Buddy Brew Coffee @buddybrewcoffee
Corvus Coffee @corvuscoffee
Sweet Bloom @sweetbloomcoffee
H…
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Dec 1, 2020
Herbert Peñaloza - Exploring the Farm and Processing
In this episode, we start by cupping coffees that have been exported and imported by our guest Herbert Peñaloza and his buisness La Real Expedición Botánica. Then, we talk with Herbert about how he got started in coffee, why he started exporting and importing himself, and ask about his views on coffee processing.
Segment 1 Coffee Rankings:
*1st place
*Colombia* - *El Crucero
*2nd place*
Colombia - Agua De Dios
*3rd place
*Colombia - Sugarcane Decaf
*Special Guest*
Herbert is a modern day coffee polymath, he owns a farm in Colombia that goes by the name 575 café, he runs his import/export business, and roasts/brews his own coffees. He is a wealth of information and it was an absolute pleasure to have him on the show.
Learn more about his work by following La Real Expedición Botánica @larealreb (website) or his farm @575cafe (website).
*Follow us*
Instagram: @unfilteredcoffeepodcast
Twitter: @unfiltercoffe
YouTube: Unfiltered Coffee Podcast
*Donate*
patreon.com/unfilteredcof…
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Nov 17, 2020
The World with Automated Coffee Shops
In this episode, we try to understand what the job of the barista would be in a fully automated coffee shop, the benefits of automation with covid, and how this may impact the producer. Then we bring back Kimhak to ask him his thoughts on automation and coffee trends more generally.
*Special Guest*
Kimhak Em is part owner, roaster and barista at his coffee shop PAIR Cupworks in Mesa, AZ. He has 15 years of food service experience, with 5 years being in specialty coffee. He has spent time in various roles from coffee director/educator to now running his own roastery. He's a serial Coffee Champs competitor and has competed in roasting, brewing and coffee in good spirits.
Learn more about his shop by following their Instagram @pair.cupworks or visting their website https://paircupworks.com/.
Follow Kimhak directly on Instagram @kimhak.em.
*Follow us*
Instagram: @unfilteredcoffeepodcast
Twitter: @unfiltercoffe
YouTube: Unfiltered Coffee Podcast
*Donate*
patreon.com/unfilteredcoffee…
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Oct 20, 2020
Business models in and out of the pandemic
In this episode, we are joined by Kimhak Em in our first cupping to evaluate some of his coffees. Then Eddie and Spencer talk about cloud cafes, delivery coffee and wholesale hardships. Kimhak then joins in to talk about frozen green coffee and his future innovations in his coffee shop.
Segment 1 Coffee Rankings:
*1st place
*Panama - Hacienda La Esmeralda Gesha
*2nd place*
Ethiopia - Kayon Mountain
*Special Guest*
Kimhak Em is part owner, roaster and barista at his coffee shop PAIR Cupworks in Mesa, AZ. He has 15 years of food service experience, with 5 years being in specialty coffee. He has spent time in various roles from coffee director/educator to now running his own roastery. He's a serial Coffee Champs competitor and has competed in roasting, brewing and coffee in good spirits.
Learn more about his shop by following their Instagram @pair.cupworks or visting their website https://paircupworks.com/.
Follow Kimhak directly on Instagram @kimhak.em.
*Follow us *
Instagram: @unf…
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Oct 8, 2020
Introducing.. The Unfiltered Coffee Podcast
In this introduction podcast, we share a clip from our friend Kimhak Em, who shares his candid advice for a new barista just starting out. This clip comes from a future podcast with Kimhak, where we talk about the future of coffee and his unique approach to running a coffee shop.
Kimhak Em is part owner, roaster and barista at his coffee shop PAIR Cupworks in Mesa, AZ. He has a 15 years of food service experience, with 5 being in specialty coffee. He has spent time in various roles from coffee director/educator to now running his own roastery. He's a serial Coffee Champs competitor and has competed in roasting, brewing and coffee in good spirits.
Learn more about his shop by following their Instagram @pair.cupworks or visting their website https://paircupworks.com/.
Follow Kimhak directly on Instagram @kimhak.em.
Learn more
Follow us
Instagram: @unfilteredcoffeepodcast
Twitter: @unfiltercoffe
YouTube: Unfiltered Coffee Podcast
Reach out
Unfilteredcoffeepodcast@gmail.com
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