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.

In this episode of Mugside – The Opaqa Coffee Podcast, hosts James and Hope take you on a scientific journey into the heart of your espresso. What exactly makes that rich crema form on top? How does water temperature alter flavor? And why does the grind size or water quality sometimes make or break your shot?

From the basic building blocks of coffee bean chemistry to the art and science of flavor balancing, this episode unpacks the hidden science in every sip. James brings the curiosity of a home barista with questions many of us share, while Hope nerds out (lovingly!) over the physics of extraction and how molecular interactions shape your taste experience.

Expect personal stories, a few espresso mishaps, some laughter, and loads of actionable tips for perfecting your brew. Whether you're a home espresso enthusiast or a science lover looking to geek out over your daily coffee, this is your sensory science lab in a cup.

Ready to dive into the world of espresso but not sure where to start? In this rich and relaxed episode of Mugside – The Opaqa Coffee Podcast, James and Hope are here to guide you through the foundational knowledge every at-home espresso enthusiast needs.

From demystifying bean selection and roast profiles to unpacking what your gear actually does, this episode is perfect for beginners, or anyone looking to refine their espresso game. You’ll learn about grind size, pressure, tamping techniques, brew ratios, crema, and how to tell when your espresso tastes “just right.” Plus, we’ll share our own espresso learning curves, biggest brewing mistakes, and the gear we wish we’d known about sooner.

With plenty of casual back-and-forth, relatable stories, and sensory tips, this episode is more than educational, it’s your gateway to turning daily espresso into a personal ritual worth savoring.

So grab your favorite cup, pull up a chair, and let’s brew boldly, one shot at a time

In this episode of Mugside – The Opaqa Coffee Podcast, titled “How We Ensure Sustainability in Every Sip,” we explore the full journey of sustainable coffee, from ethical sourcing on small farms to eco-friendly roasting and packaging, to community reinvestment and daily brewing rituals at home. Hosts guide listeners through the systems, certifications, and habits that make coffee not just a beverage—but a conscious, planet-positive choice. Whether you're new to sustainable coffee or already brewing with intention, this episode connects your cup to something bigger.

In this episode of Mugside – The Opaqa Coffee Podcast, we dive deep into the lush, mountainous landscapes of Honduras, a country that quietly produces some of the most diverse and flavorful coffees in the world. From its six main coffee regions to its shade-grown traditions, from microclimate-driven flavor complexity to the generational wisdom of smallholder farmers, this is a rich exploration of a coffee origin that deserves far more attention.

We explore everything from varietals and processing methods to cultural rituals and sustainable farming. You'll hear casual, informative dialogue that answers the most common questions about Honduran coffee, what makes it unique, how it’s grown, why shade matters, and how it’s traditionally enjoyed at home.

Whether you're just starting your journey with single-origin coffees or you're a seasoned home brewer looking for a deeper connection to your cup, this episode offers knowledge, perspective, and inspiration to savor your brew with more intention.

In this heartfelt episode of Mugside, we explore the quiet power of coffee shared between mothers and their children. A reflection on how simple daily rituals, like brewing a cup together or sitting in silence with a mug in hand, become lasting expressions of love. Inspired by Opaqa’s Mother’s Day poetry series and stories from the community, this episode invites you to reflect on your own coffee moments with your Mom. Plus, get ideas for creating your own traditions with Opaqa’s latest blog posts on DIY coffee gifts and elegant brunch pairings.