For a while now, I’ve felt that my coffee game has plateaued. I’m nearly done with my 7th box of 100 Chemex filters, so I’ve practiced this pour over art about 700 times now over the past four years. I have all the equipment: Chemex and it’s filters, kitchen scale, gooseneck kettle. I’m not getting much better from each pour I do nowadays (marginal diminishing returns…oh boy #econ). But I see a new light shining on my coffee world – the bean itself. For years now I’ve constricted myself to locally roasted coffee that is easily accessible and freshly roasted. In Philly, it was solely La Colombe. In Atlanta, it’s mostly been Brash. Both are dear to me, especially La Colombe, but I admit that neither are the best at roasting beans. Today I had a great espresso shot at Chrome Yellow, made from Stumptown’s hair bender blend. It’s motivated me again to go out of my way and try new beans. Even if it entails dropping some extra money to cover shipping costs, it’s worth it. There’s plenty of good coffee roasters out there, and sadly I’ll never get to visit them all. But at least I can get some of their stuff sent to my home. Not a bad compromise!