Brew & Review August 2024

Welcome!

It’s the end of August already??? Well we guess it is, it’s been a hot month, full of lots of iced coffees and lots of sun? Well, not so much sun here in UK.

This month, we've curated an exciting line-up of topics just for you:

• Coffee Review of Lavazza Italiano Classico

• Holmfirth Bluebird Bakery

• Stay informed with the latest coffee news from around the world.

• Popular Coffee Names Explained!

We hope you enjoy this edition and find inspiration for your next coffee adventure! Don't hesitate to share your thoughts and recommendations with us—we'd love to hear from you.

Stay tuned for more exciting content in future editions of Brew and Review. Thank you for being part of our coffee-loving community!

Lavazza Italiano Classico

First Impressions: Lavazza Italiano Classico beans have a straightforward, classic coffee aroma that immediately reminds you of traditional Italian coffee.

Aroma: The coffee offers a light, aromatic fragrance with subtle floral notes, hinting at a sweeter, more delicate profile.

Flavor Profile: Once dialed in, these beans deliver a rich, smooth flavor with a sweet and aromatic taste. You’ll notice a pleasant blend of flowery and fruity notes that add a nice complexity without overwhelming the palate.

Body and Mouthfeel: The coffee has a velvety texture with a medium body, complemented by a long-lasting crema that adds a luxurious feel to each sip.

Overall Impressions: Lavazza Classico Italiano is perfect for those who appreciate a lighter roast with sweet, floral characteristics. It’s a great choice for anyone seeking a refined, traditional Italian coffee experience with a touch of elegance.

Fun fact: Prior to contrary belief you don’t need beans that say “Espresso” for espresso, roasters normally say that to indicate that it is more suitable for espresso but even if a coffee doesn’t say espresso, it will still most likely taste great in espresso.

Bluebird Bakery- Holmfirth

This month we both took a trip to Bluebird Bakery in Holmfirth to have a catch up, write this month’s newsletter, and most importantly, test out the coffee.

On this particular trip we both opted for an Iced Latte, followed by a Cortado, a favourite of the Brew & Review team. Alongside our coffee we indulged in a Ploughman’s, and a Pesto and Sundried Tomato panini. Both the panini’s were exceptional, providing much needed fuel for the writing session ahead.

The undisputed star of the show however, was the Cortado. Rich and creamy in its flavour profile, the Cortado offered another luxurious coffee. The perfect ratio of 1:1 espresso and coffee enhanced the already creamy espresso base.

Bluebird Bakery has so much to offer, with locations not only in Holmfirth but also in Leeds, York, and Malton. If you’re in the area, be sure to check them out!

Coffee News

Prominent Coffee Groups Call for Immediate Interventions as EUDR Looms

Several prominent coffee organizations, including Fairtrade International, the Global Coffee Platform, and the European Coffee Federation, have issued urgent calls for action to European leaders regarding the new EU deforestation-free supply chain law (EUDR), which is set to take effect on December 30, 2024. The groups are concerned that the law, which aims to prevent deforestation in supply chains for products like coffee, could inadvertently harm smallholder coffee farmers and smaller companies who may struggle to comply with the stringent data collection and reporting requirements.

In a recent statement, Fairtrade International warned that some producers could be excluded from EU markets not because of deforestation but due to difficulties in managing and submitting the necessary compliance data. The consortium of coffee groups emphasized the need for collaboration and realistic timeframes to achieve the EU’s sustainability goals without creating a two-tier market that favors larger producers. The letter to the EU Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, highlights the potential risks of overproduction in low-risk areas and calls for immediate interventions to ensure that smallholder farmers are not unfairly disadvantaged.

click here to read

Starbucks Shakeup

Starbucks is making a major leadership change amid struggling sales and increasing investor pressure. Brian Niccol, the CEO of Chipotle since 2018, will be stepping in as Starbucks’ new CEO next month, replacing Laxman Narasimhan, who has been in the role since March 2023.

This leadership change comes as Starbucks has faced challenges this year, including weak sales in the U.S. and China, declining service quality, and rising prices. The company’s stock had fallen nearly 20% before the announcement, while Chipotle, under Niccol's leadership, has seen substantial growth and a 20% increase in stock value this year.

Starbucks’ board has been considering a change for several months, seeing an opportunity to bring in Niccol, who has a proven track record of driving growth and innovation at Chipotle, as well as previous experience at Pizza Hut and Taco Bell. Starbucks chairman emeritus Howard Schultz praised Niccol’s appointment, noting his ability to lead a values-driven enterprise and deliver extraordinary shareholder value.

Rachel Ruggeri, Starbucks’ Chief Financial Officer, will serve as interim CEO until Niccol takes over on September 9. Meanwhile, Chipotle's Chief Operating Officer, Scott Boatwright, will act as interim CEO at Chipotle.

click here to read

Popular Coffee Names Explained!

Ever been confused or overwhelmed at the amount of choice in coffee shops? Ever wonder whether you should opt for a new, interesting coffee instead of the usual, yet are unsure what you are going to get?

Fear not, this month’s section by myself will teach you the origins behind different types of coffee, why they gained their names, what my opinions are on each available coffee, and what I think you should opt for next.

Espresso:

The base. An espresso is the building block of every coffee, consisting of forcing hot water under high pressures through finely ground coffee beans. Therefore, it is the most potent and highly concentrated version of coffee that you can consume. The name espresso comes from the Italian verb ‘esprimere’ which means to express or to press out. The tip to deciphering whether you have the perfect espresso is the crema. The crema of an espresso should be thick and dark brown with a ‘tiger skin’ appearance.

Cappuccino:

A cappuccino is the classic Italian coffee drink that feels like a warm hug in a cup. This fan-favorite is made with equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and fluffy milk foam. It gets its name from the Capuchin friars, whose brown robes match the coffee’s rich color once it’s mixed with milk. The secret to a perfect cappuccino? It’s all about balance—a robust espresso kick, silky smooth milk, and a thick, creamy foam that you can’t resist. It’s the ultimate morning pick-me-up, the perfect blend of strong and soothing.

Latte:

Meet the latte, your new best friend for those laid-back coffee moments. “Latte” is short for “caffè latte,” which literally means “milk coffee” in Italian. It’s all about that smooth, creamy goodness—think of a shot of espresso topped with lots of steamed milk and just a touch of foam. It’s less intense than a cappuccino, making it the ideal choice if you like your coffee on the mellow side. A latte is like a warm, cozy blanket on a chilly day, perfect for savoring slowly.

Cortado:

The cortado is your go-to if you’re looking for something bold but balanced. This Spanish delight gets its name from the word “cortar,” meaning “to cut,” because it cuts the intensity of espresso with an equal amount of steamed milk. The result? A strong coffee experience that’s smoothed out just enough to be easy-drinking. It’s perfect when you’re in the mood for something more powerful than a latte but not as punchy as a straight-up espresso.

Lungo:

For those who like to take their time with their coffee, the lungo is a great choice. "Lungo," meaning "long" in Italian, is like an espresso but with more water, creating a larger, more drawn-out drink. This makes it less intense but with a deeper, slightly bitter flavor that lingers. It's for when you want to enjoy the rich taste of coffee at a slower pace—no rush, just pure coffee bliss.

Ristretto:

If espresso is the espresso of coffees, ristretto is the espresso of espressos! "Ristretto," which translates to "restricted" or "narrow" in Italian, is a shorter, more concentrated shot of espresso. It’s made with half the water of a regular espresso, resulting in a sweeter, more intense coffee experience. A ristretto is like the best part of an espresso—bold, rich, and full of flavor, but with a smooth finish that makes it oh-so-sippable.

Café au Lait:

The café au lait is a simple, yet elegant French creation that’s perfect for when you want something straightforward and satisfying. Meaning "coffee with milk," it’s made with equal parts brewed coffee and steamed milk. Unlike a latte, which uses espresso, the café au lait’s use of drip coffee gives it a milder, more relaxed vibe. It’s like a lazy Sunday morning in a cup—simple, comforting, and easygoing.

Macchiato:

A macchiato, meaning "stained" or "marked" in Italian, is an espresso with just a splash of milk or milk foam. It’s strong, bold, and just a tad creamy, perfect for those who want their coffee to have a little edge. Some big coffee chains have tried to remix the macchiato, turning it into a milk-heavy concoction, but if you’re after the real deal, stick with an espresso macchiato—a shot of espresso with just enough milk to smooth out the bite.

Mocha:

Chocolate lovers, this one's for you! A mocha is a delicious blend of espresso, steamed milk, and chocolate syrup or cocoa powder. It’s a sweet, indulgent treat that combines the rich flavors of coffee with the decadent taste of chocolate. The name “mocha” hails from the Yemeni port city of Mocha, famous for its naturally chocolatey coffee beans. A mocha is like dessert in a cup—a perfect pick-me-up when you’re craving something sweet and satisfying.

Flat White:

If you’re looking for something smooth, rich, and just a bit stronger than a latte, the flat white is where it’s at. An Australian favorite that’s made its way around the world, the flat white is all about that velvety microfoam—a smooth, creamy milk that’s steamed just right to blend perfectly with a strong shot of espresso. It’s like a latte’s cooler, more intense cousin—the one who knows how to make a perfect coffee and isn’t afraid to show it.

Irish Coffee:

Need a little something extra to kickstart your day—or your evening? Enter the Irish coffee, a delightful mix of hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and a thick layer of cream. It’s warm, comforting, and just the right amount of boozy. Think of it as your favorite coffee with a twist—a fun, spirited drink that’s perfect for after dinner, or anytime you need a bit of warmth and cheer.

Now, let me tell you why the cortado is Ethan and my absolute favorite. It’s simple yet bold, just like us! The cortado perfectly balances the intensity of espresso with the creaminess of steamed milk, creating a smooth and rich experience without being overly milky. It’s the best of both worlds—strong enough to give you that coffee kick but mellowed out just right. For Ethan and me, a cortado is our go-to when we want something satisfying and straightforward. It’s like a warm hug in a cup, and honestly, who doesn’t love that?

That’s a wrap on this month's coffee deep dive! Hopefully, this guide has demystified some of the popular coffee options out there and inspired you to step outside your comfort zone. Remember, coffee isn’t just a drink; it’s a world of flavors, traditions, and stories waiting to be explored. Next time you’re at a coffee shop, don’t be afraid to try something new and savor every sip of your adventure. Who knows? Your next favorite brew might be just a cup away!

Until next time, keep brewing, keep exploring, and most importantly, keep enjoying every moment with your coffee. Cheers!

A WORD FROM US!

Thanks for diving into this month’s edition of Brew & Review Monthly! We hope you enjoyed reading it as much as we enjoyed putting it together. We’re always on the lookout for new coffees to explore and share with you. Your feedback means the world to us, so please let us know what you think!

Got a favorite coffee you want us to review? Keep an eye on our Instagram stories to submit your suggestions. We’re excited to see what you’re loving and to bring you even more coffee goodness next month. Cheers to great brews and even better conversations!

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