Pepper Pin Playground

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What kind of coffee do you drink? Are you the type to order them based on the aroma, taste, color or density? Do you appreciate coffee based on the varieties of beans available? I personally prefer drinking lattes and I don't mind the variety of bean it is from as long as the taste suits my preference, but, on the other hand, my dad is very picky when it comes to his coffee. He likes it brewed using Coffea Arabica beans with a very fragrant smell that will last even though the coffee won't be as hot as it was served (there are some coffee that gives off a sweet aroma but doesn't last long). Because of his love for coffee, I knew giving him a bag of coffee beans would definitely make him happy (this was my first father's day gift), but knowing him, I have to be very peculiar and careful on choosing which beans to buy. At that time, I couldn't understand him. Doesn't all coffee taste the same? Isn't it that some coffee might be sweeter than others because some people prefer it that way? I was too naive but this made me grow interest on learning what types of coffee are there and how are they different?

Coffee Lingo

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As mentioned earlier, coffee drinkers have their own preferences with their coffee. Some want rich taste, but not too much density; some want good taste and fragrant aroma but doesn't mind the color nor density (like my dad). There are actually four factors to consider for a good - tasting espresso - the acidity, aroma, "body", and finishing taste.

The acidity pertains to the sharp taste. Usually, acidity is the most crucial part of the tasting - the burst of flavor. This is where the flavor of the coffee comes out and is best tasted when the coffee has slightly cooled down. The smell of the coffee grounds is the true aroma of the coffee, but, of course, the roasting and brewing fragrance are considered as well. The "mouthfeel" sensation is the "body" where the richness, density, thickness and viscosity are measured. Lastly, how long will the taste last on the palette. The after taste tops off the coffee tasting experience with the lasting impression of the coffee.

No doubt will you see a list of variants of coffee to choose from upon entering any coffee shop. Americano, Cappucino, Latte, Machiatto, Mocha, there's so much to choose from, served iced or hot, but aside from having espresso (the base for specialty coffee drinks), do you know what makes them different from one another? 

Specialty coffee shops has become a trend nowadays and is expected to continue growing in the coming years. In the Philippines, opening a specialty retail coffee business is seemingly a good profit (of course, considering other factors in opening a new business). Coffee shops are a good consumer demand as coffee drinking has become a popular activity in social circles. For a night out, some people would rather settle for a good coffee in a cozy coffee shop instead of alcohol. Not only that, people who are working and/or studying find these shops to be convenient for a group study or for a meeting place for morning or afternoon business, especially with WiFi enabled shops. 

Check out coffee shops for hanging out in Manila! 10 Best Cafes for Hanging Out in Manila