The Retired Barista Newsletter

Welcome Note

A note from your retired barista

Fellow coffee lovers,

As we settle into December, I find myself reflecting on how the art of espresso continues to evolve, yet the fundamentals remain beautifully constant. This month, I received the news that I was gifted a new La Marzocco Micra so it felt appropriate to get into the science behind a perfect shot, sharing some exceptional coffees that have graced my home setup, and highlighting the vibrant coffee scene right here in South Florida.

Welcome to issue #4, whether you're pulling shots at home or exploring new cafes, there's always something new to discover in our coffee world.

Cheers,
Lars Miller

The Grinding Essentials to Great Espresso (Part 1)

Every morning, as I dial in my grinder, I'm reminded of something most home baristas overlook: espresso grinding is so much more than ‘grind fine’. You have to embrace the complexity.

Unlike filter coffee, where we chase uniformity, espresso actually thrives on what scientists call "plurimodal grind distribution." Here's why this matters: those fine particles provide the surface area needed for rapid extraction in our 25-30 second window, while larger particles create channels for water flow through the densely packed puck.

The 30-Second Science Lesson:
In espresso's brief extraction time, there's virtually no diffusion into coffee particle centers. Instead, we rely on erosion, essentially washing solubles from particle surfaces. This is why fines aren't the enemy in espresso; they're essential players in the extraction game.

The smallest particles have all their cell walls broken, making their contents immediately available to water. Larger particles still contain intact cells, requiring diffusion time we simply don't have in espresso brewing.

Why This Matters at Home

As brewing technology has evolved from 8-minute percolators to today's ~30-second extractions, grind precision has become more critical than ever. The tighter the time window, the more important that particle distribution becomes.

Think about it: in filter coffee, water has minutes to work its way into particle centers. In espresso, we're asking for maximum extraction in a fraction of that time. Grinding is doing more than crushing beans. What we are creating is a complex system where different particle sizes serve different functions.

The Hidden Filtration

Here's something that surprised me when I learned it: your espresso puck acts as its own filter. The densely packed bed traps the finest particles as water flows through, which is why espresso, despite using the finest grind, often has less sediment than other brewing methods.

The Practical Takeaway:
Don't obsess over eliminating fines from your espresso grind. Instead, focus on consistency in your grinding routine and embrace the beautiful complexity that makes espresso unique among coffee brewing methods.

Next time you taste that perfectly balanced shot, remember: it's not just about the beans or the machine, it's about thousands of particles working in harmony.

Coffee on My Counter

Andres Cardona Purple Honey - KOS Coffee

Light Roast | Antioquia, Colombia

This coffee tells a story of innovation. Producer Andres Cardona fermented these Castillo and Colombia varieties with sugar cane honey for 96 hours before drying—a process that creates layers of complexity I'm still discovering.

My Notes: Blueberry pie meets grape juice with a cocoa nib finish. It's fruit-forward without being overwhelming, and the honey processing adds a silky mouthfeel that works beautifully in both espresso and pour-over.

Why It Matters: KOS isn't just roasting coffee; they're supporting experimental processing and donating 10% of profits to underserved communities. Coffee with purpose.

Fruit Cake - Black & White Coffee

Light Roast | Multi-Origin Blend

Don't let the name fool you—this isn't a gimmick. Black & White's holiday blend combines coffees from Costa Rica, Colombia, and Kenya to create something that genuinely evokes holiday baking.

My Notes: Peach cobbler, berry compote, and warm cinnamon. It's nostalgic without being cloying, complex without being chaotic.

The Story: Created by two former U.S. Barista Champions who traded competition for collaboration. Their mission to make specialty coffee more approachable shines through in this approachable yet sophisticated blend.

Obsidian - Utopian Coffee

Dark Roast | Nicaragua & Colombia

Finally, a dark roast that doesn't taste like charcoal. This Obsidian blend of Regenerative Organic Certified coffees proves that dark roasting can enhance rather than mask origin character.

My Notes: Maple butter, dates, and a hint of smoke—like a well-crafted old fashioned in coffee form.

The Impact: Regenerative Organic Certified represents the highest standard for sustainable agriculture. Every cup supports farming practices that actually improve soil health and biodiversity.

Local Discoveries: West Palm Beach Coffee Scene

Pumphouse Pouratorium

1016 Clare Ave, West Palm Beach

What sets Pumphouse apart isn't just their excellent coffee, it's the theater. Perched at the counter overlooking their roasting operation, you can watch the magic happen while sipping a perfectly crafted mocha latte. The converted warehouse space feels industrial yet welcoming, and their commitment to transparency extends from bean sourcing to roasting techniques.

Composition Coffee House

2606 Florida Ave, West Palm Beach

Josh Korman's move to Industrial Alley transformed Composition from a cramped warehouse spot into a two-story coffee destination. The evolution shows in every cup—this is coffee that will wake you up even on the worst Monday. Their space reflects the industrial aesthetic while maintaining the warmth that makes specialty coffee special.

Common Grounds Brew & Roastery

3065 S Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach

Since 2014, Justin and Kelly Olive have been proving that community and quality go hand in hand. Their commitment to never over-roasting creates consistently smooth, approachable coffees that showcase origin character. With three locations across Palm Beach County, they're building something lasting in our local coffee landscape.

Mark Your Calendar: Florida Coffee Events

Brews & Bites: The Ultimate Coffee & Chocolate Expo

December 14, 3:00 PM | Boca Raton
General admission ($15) gets you tastings and demos, but the VIP experience ($45) includes chocolate & wine pairings plus specialty cocktail samples. Sometimes the best coffee experiences happen when coffee meets other crafts.

Coffee Origins Workshop

Counter Culture Miami | Multiple Dates
Ever wondered what makes coffee taste the way it does? Counter Culture's workshop dives into varieties and processing methods—perfect for anyone looking to deepen their coffee knowledge beyond the cup.

Until Next Time

The beauty of coffee lies not just in the final cup, but in understanding the journey from cherry to cup. Whether you're exploring new processing methods, discovering local roasters, or perfecting your home brewing technique, remember that every cup is an opportunity to learn something new.

Keep brewing, keep exploring, and keep supporting the passionate people who make our coffee community so special.

Happy brewing,
The Retired Barista