S9:E4
Guest: Matthew Bryce
Role: Founder/Coffee Educator
Based: Torrance, CA
Online: @sscoffeelabs on Instagram
What they order: Espresso and/or black drip coffee
Matthew remembers the very first coffee that changed his perception of the drink. Do you remember yours? I’m always surprised that we can have such specific moments that we identify as THE moment it all changed…at least, in retrospect.*
For Matthew, a coffee friend in Virginia Beach brewed him a cup of French-pressed coffee from the Misty Valley region of Ethiopia. He remembers it being from a processing facility in Adido (or Idido).** He describes it as fun and like dessert. It inspired him to ask, “Can I make all my coffees like this?”
The answer for us all is…sure…maybe…if you want. More specifically, if that is the style you like and you want to brew each cup of coffee with intention. I love coffee but can’t say I put in my best effort every day. Some mornings, it is all I can do to measure the beans and remember to set my timer.
The goals of Roast! West Coast and Matthew’s with Seven Sleepers Coffee Labs align. We want to help people have the best possible experience in brewing and drinking coffee. If our podcasting efforts, especially with Coffee Smarter, is like a semester on the Duolingo app. Matthew’s coffee education sessions are immersive experiences that provide context to the information. They both are helpful, but one will get you to the next stage in your progression quicker.
*I’m surprised despite being one of those people who always tells and retells the story of his first cup of coffee. I referenced it in last week’s episode with Jared Linzmeier of Ruby Coffee.Check that out here:
**Idido is a region in Ethiopia, as is Addis Ababa. Perhaps there was some confusion in the story on the bag. We’re lucky to have so much information about the coffee’s we’re drinking—farm, elevation, region, processing, etc—but that hasn’t always been the case.
FROM THE SHOW
Matthew’s second memorable coffee experience was drinking a coffee brewed on a Nel Dripper at a 1:6 ratio at Blue Bottle Coffee in Chelsea (NYC) that reminded him of a hot Amaro. I found a Blue Bottle Nel Drip brewing guide here: https://bluebottlecoffee.com/us/eng/brew-guides/nel-drip
A Hot Amaro is a reference to an nightcap made with Amaro and coffee. Amaro is a bitter Italian liquor with hints of caramel, vanilla and allspice. A Hot Amaro is made with hot coffee, Amaro, and a blend of herbs and spices. Check out this description from Davide Oldani on Punchdrink: https://punchdrink.com/articles/hot-amaro-meet-the-moka-coffee-pot-cocktail-recipe/
MySpace is still around! It does not look the same. It was once a direct competitor to Facebook. Now it kind of looks like Soundcloud and Rolling Stone had a kid that is really struggling to find its way in the world post-college.
The Seven Sleepers of Ephesus is a wild story.
Roast! West Coast is now a member of The Podcast Academy. We’ve submitted this show for some of their annual podcasting awards called The Ambies.
Spill the Beans is opening a third location in Mission Valley. Updated details can be found here as they are available. Until then the mock-ups are impressive. It will be interesting to see if the finished product matches up with the proposed space. http://www.spillthebeanssd.com/mission-valley/
Proposed Spill The Beans coffee shop in Mission Valley, San Diego, CA.
ELSEWHERE ON ROAST! WEST COAST
HOLIDAY GUESS THE BEANS CONTEST AT R!WC INDUSTRY PARTNERS
We dropped guess the beans in the jar kits at a few great R!WC partners this week. Stop by the coffee purveyors listed below for a chance to win $50 in coffee gift cards, fresh roasted coffee, and merch!
It’s easy to play.
Guess how many beans are in the jar!
Write that guess and your contact info on a slip of paper.*
Drop your answer in the jar.
Winners announced 12/15/2023 right here on the R!WC website and on our @roastwestcoast social medias.
*Write clearly. If we can’t read your email, how will we let you know when you win?
Find Contest Jars at:
Camp Coffee Company, 101 N Cleveland St, Oceanside, CA 92054
Steady State Coffee Roasting, 2562 State St suite g, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Zumbar Coffee & Tea, 10920 Roselle St, San Diego, CA 92121
Acento Coffee Roasters, 5334 Banks St, San Diego, CA 92110
Visit Roast! West Coast at Camp Coffee Company on November 18th from 9:00 am-1:00pm. We’ll be popping up with local artists to share a cup of coffee with the community. I hope to see you there.
Crossings Coffee will be discontinuing their excellent Huehuetenango coffee soon. Get it while you can.
A huge, on-going thank you to all of this show’s industry partners. Click these links!
Roastar • Zumbar Coffee & Tea • First Light Coffee Whiskey • Steady State Roasting • Mostra Coffee • Coffee Cycle • Camp Coffee Company • Ignite Coffee Company • Ascend Coffee Roasters • Marea Coffee • Cape Horn Coffee Roasters • Hacea Coffee Source • Crossings Coffee • Acento Coffee Roasters • Sivitz Roasting Machines
Do you want to support the show without subscribing? Help keep us caffeinated by buying us a cup of coffee. Thanks for all your support.
MERCH ALERT!
Check out the R!WC Store for new hats, beanies, and to pick up a few extra coffee journals!
DISCOUNT ON R!WC MERCH FOR PAID SUBSCRIBERS!
It’s true! Promo code below.
Thanks for being a paid subscriber to Roast! West Coast. Through November 2023 all paid subscribers get 20% off on R!WC merch and coffee journals. More products will be added this month as our little shop grows in partnership with One Wild Life Co.
USE PROMO CODE: PAID20
Coffee tip of the day: If you’re using an automatic brewer, don’t forget to open the little hole at the bottom to let the coffee drain into the pot. Trust me.
Coffee People: Matthew Bryce, Seven Sleepers Coffee Labs