APRIL 10, 2008 - Yesterday, publicists announced that all proceeds from Peter Jones coffee in Sloane Quare will be going to support cancer research. Kopi Luwak, which is typically produced in Indonesia sells for nearly $79 USD (50EUR) here in the states. Though I've never undestood why anyone would want to consumer a coffee excreted from animal, I am glad to hear that its going to a great cause.

Link:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/7340005.stm 

MARCH 28, 2008 - Thanks to all who attened the Western Regional Barista Championship (WRBC) in Berkeley, CA this weekend. We had a number of excellent presentations, including a discussion on "Coffee: What Makes it Taste That Way" by Ken Davids. The infamous "Sensory Skills" exam was again presented by me to group of over 50 people. Thanks!!

MARCH 1, 2008 - Okay so for all you that requested that I write a little on the science of roasting, make sure to check out  my second article in Roast Magazine . This months article - entitled "The Science of Browning Reactions" discusses the science behind roasting and browning reactions in general. Enjoy!!

FEBRUARY 23, 2008 -  Researchers at Nestle Switzerland have developed a "machine" capable of "tasting" espresso coffee. The instrument which uses a method called PTR-MS, was sucessful replicating those profiles of a trained tasting panel. Paper published in the January issue of Analytical Chemistry . Will this mark the end of the "coffee cupper" as we know it?

 

FEBRUARY 19:  This month millions of lovers will celebrate their love for each other on Valentines Day. While many will purchase the traditional red rose and box of chocolates combination, others will seek something a little more untraditional. Ah yes....the smell of "love" is in the air....and what exactly does "love" smell like? Well to apperantly......like coffee!! 

FEBRUARY 4 - Trieste, ITALY – illycaffè's honorary president Ernesto Illy died yesterday at the age of 82. Throughout his career, Dr. Illy has openly shared his discoveries—not only to advance the interests of his own company, but for the benefit of all people who enjoy and appreciate the authentic Italian coffee experience. Dr. Ernesto Illy had a mission — spreading the gospel of quality espresso and coffee for the greater part of his scientific life, often praised as "Espresso Evangelist," the "Espresso Doctor" and of course, "Papa Bean."

January 23 - 2008 - In something straight out of The Jetsons....the $20,000 coffee maker has finally arrived. If you thought the Clover was a leap in time, check this out .

October 1, 2007 - Researchers at the University of Washington discovered that drinking large amounts of caffeine with the painkiller acetaminophen - commonly known as Tylenol in the USA - can cause liver damage. Although the study was conducted by exposing bacteria to "magadoses" of acetaminophen, its affect on humans has not been fully determined. Results published in Chemical Research in Toxicology.