Travel to the heart of Africa’s coffee heritage in this deeply flavorful episode. James and Hope start by celebrating Africa's essential role as the birthplace of coffee, tracing its rich historical path from the ancient Ethiopian highlands to modern-day Kenya. Join them as they journey into Kenya’s picturesque highlands, introducing the Gititu Farmers Cooperative—one of the oldest and most revered specialty coffee cooperatives in Kenya. Discover the communal brewing rituals, cultural traditions, and sensory magic of Gititu Gold, Opaqa’s premium Kenya AA coffee. This coffee delights with vibrant notes of green apple, ripe peach, and smooth vanilla. With insightful personal anecdotes, friendly banter, and practical brewing tips, James and Hope share an intimate exploration of how deeply coffee is woven into Kenyan culture, community, and daily life.

Ever wondered how the pros taste coffee and pick out all those wild notes like jasmine, caramel, or even tomato? In this episode of Mugside – The Opaqa Coffee Podcast, James and Hope guide you on how to “Taste Coffee Like a Pro,” whether you're sipping a pour-over on your porch or pulling shots on your espresso machine.

Join us as we explore the sensory basics of coffee tasting, covering everything from aroma, flavor, body, and mouthfeel, to understanding roast levels and how they shape the final experience in your cup. You’ll learn how to decode tasting notes, set up your own home tasting session, and most importantly, how to slow down and transform your daily brew into a mindful, multisensory ritual.

This episode isn’t about being fancy, it’s about being present, curious, and open to everything your cup has to offer.

So whether you're new to specialty coffee or ready to elevate your tasting game, this one's for you. Because with the right guidance and a little intention, every cup can tell a story, and you’ll know how to listen.

In this episode of Mugside – The Opaqa Coffee Podcast, James and Hope explore the cutting-edge brewing technologies transforming the coffee experience—from automated home espresso machines to portable gadgets that make café-quality coffee accessible anywhere.

Get the inside scoop on products like the Breville Oracle Touch, xBloom smart brewer, Wacaco Picopresso, AeroPress Go, Spinn Smart Brewer, and more.

Along the way, they bust brewing myths, reflect on the human side of coffee, and look ahead to the future—where AI, modularity, and sensory mapping could redefine what’s in your cup. Whether you’re a gearhead, minimalist, or ritualist, this episode offers a blend of storytelling, debate, and education that will change how you brew.

Mentioned Products: Spinn, Oracle Touch, xBloom, AeroPress, Picopresso, Ratio Six, Fellow Prismo

Next Episode Preview: We shift from machines to sensory mastery—guiding you through coffee flavor profiling, how to train your palate, and decode tasting notes like a pro.