APRIL 10, 2008 - Yesterday, publicists announced that all proceeds from Peter Jones coffee in Sloane Quare will be going to support cancer research. Kopi Luwak, which is typically produced in Indonesia sells for nearly $79 USD (50EUR) here in the states. Though I've never undestood why anyone would want to consumer a coffee excreted from animal, I am glad to hear that its going to a great cause.

Link:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/7340005.stm 

MARCH 28, 2008 - Thanks to all who attened the Western Regional Barista Championship (WRBC) in Berkeley, CA this weekend. We had a number of excellent presentations, including a discussion on "Coffee: What Makes it Taste That Way" by Ken Davids. The infamous "Sensory Skills" exam was again presented by me to group of over 50 people. Thanks!!

MARCH 1, 2008 - Okay so for all you that requested that I write a little on the science of roasting, make sure to check out  my second article in Roast Magazine . This months article - entitled "The Science of Browning Reactions" discusses the science behind roasting and browning reactions in general. Enjoy!!

FEBRUARY 23, 2008 -  Researchers at Nestle Switzerland have developed a "machine" capable of "tasting" espresso coffee. The instrument which uses a method called PTR-MS, was sucessful replicating those profiles of a trained tasting panel. Paper published in the January issue of Analytical Chemistry . Will this mark the end of the "coffee cupper" as we know it?