The Pure Coffee Blog exists to help people find tremendous coffee and tea, both in their backyard and in their travels.
While many sites offer to help find good coffee, most of these sites usually rely on an unpredictable 'user rating' whereas others simply borrow the recommendations of others.
Not here.
Every coffee/tea location featured on this blog has been personally visited by Bill, and each coffee/tea product reviewed has been cupped/sampled personally in my humble abode.
It should also be noted that the PCB seeks to exalt those in the industry doing great things with coffee and tea. This is not a blog that focuses on the microscopic differences of excellence. If a coffeehouse can pull quality shots of espresso and pour a toothsome cup of coffee (whether it be from a pour-over, siphon, aeropress, V60, french press or gym sock), that's what matters.
It should also be noted that the PCB seeks to exalt those in the industry doing great things with coffee and tea. This is not a blog that focuses on the microscopic differences of excellence. If a coffeehouse can pull quality shots of espresso and pour a toothsome cup of coffee (whether it be from a pour-over, siphon, aeropress, V60, french press or gym sock), that's what matters.
Also, please understand this blog has been around for over 18 years; the content has had some changes in flavor. One is that the PCB avoids publishing negative content. Don't expect tirades on the state of mediocre shops or travesties of coffee giants.
How It Works
The content of this blog is almost exclusively coffee shop reviews. Through the past, the content has been of three basic categories:
Coffee Shop Reviews
aka 'Fill in the Coffee Map' aka 'Coffee Commentary'
These are objective reviews of coffee and/or tea establishments.
Currently, this makes up most of my content (I try my best to get around). Basically, when I am on the road for personal or business purposes, I seek out new establishments to discover. While earlier on I reviewed anything calling itself a coffeehouse, I currently try to avoid reviews that will offer only criticism (there are exceptions of course).
Please note that many of the posts pre-2016 are in need of updating/revisiting (i.e. they're not up to snuff); I do what I can when I find time as this is largely a labor of love.
aka 'Fill in the Coffee Map' aka 'Coffee Commentary'
These are objective reviews of coffee and/or tea establishments.
Currently, this makes up most of my content (I try my best to get around). Basically, when I am on the road for personal or business purposes, I seek out new establishments to discover. While earlier on I reviewed anything calling itself a coffeehouse, I currently try to avoid reviews that will offer only criticism (there are exceptions of course).
Please note that many of the posts pre-2016 are in need of updating/revisiting (i.e. they're not up to snuff); I do what I can when I find time as this is largely a labor of love.
Mugged
Objective reviews of coffees, teas or other related products in my home laboratory.
Objective reviews of coffees, teas or other related products in my home laboratory.
Most often, these are coffees or teas sent to me from various roasters/purveyors looking for feedback. I outline my process here for further reading (note that the rating system is a little different here). I have largely stopped doing these as it's a lot of work to do it right and I'm pretty swamped.
Other
About 2% of the time, I will throw up a post on something not fitting into the top two categories. Tis very rare, but every now and then something deserves a little attention.
About 2% of the time, I will throw up a post on something not fitting into the top two categories. Tis very rare, but every now and then something deserves a little attention.
Rating System
Each establishment or coffee is rated by quality and appeal, so please use the following key to better aid in your browsing:
Pretty Bad Marks
1+ = poor (avoid)
2+ = ok (not really worth your time)
Fair to Decent Rating
3+ = average (worth a go)
4+ = good (a pleasant experience)
HIGH Accolades
5+ = really good (a fine specimen)
6+ = amazing (huzzah!)
Pretty Bad Marks
1+ = poor (avoid)
2+ = ok (not really worth your time)
Fair to Decent Rating
3+ = average (worth a go)
4+ = good (a pleasant experience)
HIGH Accolades
5+ = really good (a fine specimen)
6+ = amazing (huzzah!)
Things to Note
1. I base my reviews first on my tongue.
2. I don’t do flavored coffees. Sorry.
3. I am not rich. I mention this to debunk the notion that one needs a big budget to have such adventures. I also mention this to emphasize that I do this blog out of love and any kind of support to this blog’s future would be so very much appreciated.
4. Please note I do not guest posts.
5. Please don't send me infographics.
To keep things honest and avoid conflicts of interest, if I am engaged in any level of contracted work with a coffee or tea company, I will usually keep their products/services off the blog and social media. In the event I do put said company on the blog or social media, I will explicitly state my relationship with the respective content.
4. Please note I do not guest posts.
5. Please don't send me infographics.
About Conflicts of Interest
From time to time, I will work as a consultant or work with a specific coffee company to boost their products. This can include sponsored content (which is ALWAYS noted within the post/social media), behind-the-scenes help or even on the street work.To keep things honest and avoid conflicts of interest, if I am engaged in any level of contracted work with a coffee or tea company, I will usually keep their products/services off the blog and social media. In the event I do put said company on the blog or social media, I will explicitly state my relationship with the respective content.
For further discourse, please contact me at bill.purecoffee@gmail.com
OR contact me on social media:
Overall, thank you for reading and keeping the Pure Coffee Blog alive. From day one, each interaction has shaped and schooled my knowledge, a facet of life-long learning that is both humbling and intriguing. All in all, it’s been a great expedition; here's to many more years of adventure!
OR contact me on social media:
Overall, thank you for reading and keeping the Pure Coffee Blog alive. From day one, each interaction has shaped and schooled my knowledge, a facet of life-long learning that is both humbling and intriguing. All in all, it’s been a great expedition; here's to many more years of adventure!
