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Is Your Coffee 'Mold Free'? The Truth About Mycotoxins and Ochratoxins
Disclaimer:This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, health, or scientific advice. While we reference scientific studies and regulatory standards (such as the FDA and EU), individual results and toxin levels can vary. small beanz coffee co. products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult with a healthcare professional regarding your specific health concerns. I
Bryce Mead
Apr 287 min read
Single Origin Coffee 101: Why Your Morning Brew Tastes Like Blueberries (and Why That’s Awesome)
Have you ever taken a sip of black coffee and been absolutely certain someone snuck a handful of fresh blueberries into your mug? If you’re used to the "coffee-flavored coffee" found in most grocery store aisles, this experience: often called a "Blueberry Bomb" : can be a bit of a shock to the system. It’s bright, it’s juicy, and it’s completely natural. At small beanz coffee co. , one of the most common questions we get is: "Wait, did you add flavoring to this?" The short an
Bryce Mead
Apr 214 min read
7 Mistakes You’re Making with Fresh Whole Bean Coffee (and How to Fix Them)
You finally did it. You stepped up your game and bought a bag of specialty coffee beans . Maybe it was our BG Blend or a bright, citrusy single-origin from Burundi. You’re excited for that first sip, but somehow, the coffee tastes... just okay. If your morning cup feels flat, bitter, or just plain boring, the problem might not be the beans: it might be the process. Specialty coffee is a living product. From the moment those beans leave our small-batch roaster, a chemical cou
Bryce Mead
Apr 175 min read
5 Steps to Make Specialty Coffee at Home (Easy Guide for Busy People)
Let’s be honest: the world of specialty coffee can feel a little like an exclusive club. Between the complex jargon and the $1,000 espresso machines, it’s easy to feel like you need a chemistry degree just to brew a decent cup on a Tuesday morning. At small beanz coffee co. , we believe that world-class coffee belongs in everyone’s kitchen: not just in high-end cafes. You don’t need to be a "coffee snob" to appreciate the vibrant, citrusy notes of a Burundi single-origin or t
Bryce Mead
Apr 134 min read
Coffee Myths Busted
Introduction Coffee is one of the most-loved drinks in the world—and one of the most misunderstood. From “dark roast has more caffeine” to “freshly roasted coffee is best the next day,” a lot of common advice gets repeated so often it starts to feel like fact.In this post, we’re breaking down popular coffee myths with a simple goal: help you brew better coffee with less confusion. Myth 1: Dark roast has more caffeine: FALSE In most cases, light and dark roasts have very simi
Bryce Mead
Mar 153 min read
The Art of Coffee Roasting: Light, Medium, Dark Explained
Coffee roasting is where green (raw) coffee becomes the aromatic, flavorful coffee you know and love. It is also where a coffee’s character is shaped: sweetness, acidity, body, and even the specific tasting notes you pick up in the cup. If you have ever wondered what light , medium , and dark really mean—and how to choose the right roast for your taste and brew method—this guide breaks it down in a simple, practical way. Explore roast levels and how they are different What r
Bryce Mead
Jan 294 min read
What IS Specialty Coffee?
☕ What Makes Coffee “Specialty”?
1. Graded 80+ by Q Graders
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It must score 80 points or above on a 100-point scale by certified coffee tasters (Q Graders).
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Flavor, aroma, acidity, body, balance, and absence of defects are assessed.
2. Grown in Ideal Conditions
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Specialty coffee is typically grown at high altitudes, with rich soil and ideal climate conditions.
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Often from regions like Ethiopia, Colombia, Kenya, Guatemala, and Costa Rica.
3. Traceable and Ethically Sourced
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You can trace the coffee to a specific farm, farmer, or cooperative.
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Ethical practices such as fair prices, sustainability, and direct trade are common.
4. Expert Processing
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The cherries are handpicked at peak ripeness and carefully processed (washed, natural, or honey methods).
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This preserves the bean’s distinct flavor characteristics.
5. Craft Roasting
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Roasters highlight the bean's unique origin flavors, not mask them.
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Often small-batch roasting with precision and testing.
6. Brewed with Care
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Specialty coffee is typically brewed with attention to detail — pour-over, Chemex, AeroPress, espresso, etc.
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Water quality, temperature, and grind size all matter.
💬 Think of it this way:
Specialty coffee is to regular coffee what craft beer is to cheap lager. It's about quality, story, and experience — not just caffeine.
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