Join us as we reflect on an unforgettable year in the coffee industry. In this episode, Dave and Cole dive into 2024’s biggest coffee industry moments, packed with insights, predictions, and plenty of laughs.

Listen to Paul Ross, founder of Special Guests Coffee in London, as he shares how he’s transforming competition-level coffees into something everyone can experience—all while staying grounded in hospitality and community.

In this milestone episode of Buy the Drip, we’re celebrating reaching 5,000 YouTube subscribers! Join us as we dive into an engaging Q&A session, where we answer questions from our amazing audience.

We discuss everything from our journey as brothers and the story behind the podcast name, to our personal coffee preferences and future plans for Rosso Coffee Roasters.

Along the way, we share light-hearted moments with fun "would you rather" questions and reflect on our favorite travel experiences.

This episode also delves deep into the coffee industry, touching on topics like authenticity in product labeling, the evolution of coffee competitions, and the importance of transparency in coffee sourcing.

We explore how automation is shaping the coffee trade, the role of coaching for baristas, and the need for community support to drive the industry forward.

We want to take a moment to thank all of you for being part of this journey and helping us build Buy the Drip into what it is today.

Your support, engagement, and passion for coffee fuel us to keep growing and creating meaningful content.

In Episode 34 of Buy The Drip, we’re joined by Tim Williams, Director of the World AeroPress Championship and founder of Fieldwork Coffee in Melbourne, Australia.

From his humble beginnings in coffee at a bratwurst stall in Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Market to managing iconic specialty coffee spaces like Penny University and Intelligentsia Venice, Tim shares a fascinating journey through the coffee industry.

We explore:

Tim also shares insights into his creative partnership with Grant Gamble, the challenges of balancing operational efficiency with creativity, and what’s next for both the World AeroPress Championship and Fieldwork Coffee.

We start by diving into the release of our new documentary, The Flower Story, which chronicles Miki’s journey and highlights the incredible baristas we had the honor of coaching. Miki reflects on the emotional moments the documentary brought back and what it means to share his story with the world.

From managing whirlwind travel to savoring life’s simple pleasures—like stopping to enjoy a sunset—Miki’s story is an inspiring reminder of the power of presence.

#WorldBaristaChampion #TheFlowerStory #CoffeeCommunity #BuyTheDrip #CoffeePodcast

We sit down with the legendary Mike Strumpf from Swiss Water Decaf. Mike shares his fascinating journey into the world of specialty coffee, from his start in Madison, Wisconsin, to becoming a key figure in coffee competitions worldwide as a WCE rep and head judge.

We dive into the world of sensory-driven coffee design with Hany Ezzat, founder of Ni Wares. Hanny shares his journey from his early days making coffee in a Turkish restaurant to the inception of Ni Wares, his company dedicated to designing cups that elevate the sensory experience of coffee drinking.

Beyond competitions and coffee sales, Hanny’s focus shifted to innovation and craftsmanship, leading him to create coffee cups that make drinking an immersive experience.

In this episode of Buy The Drip, Juan Pablo Campos from Lojas Coffee dives deep into the cutting-edge processing techniques that are revolutionizing the coffee industry. From thermal shock to innovative fermentation methods, Juan Pablo shares how these advancements are shaping coffee flavors and elevating the quality of specialty coffee.

He also sheds light on the recent controversies surrounding the Best of Panama and its open letter to Colombian coffee producers, addressing industry debates on standards and transparency.

He emphasizes how techniques like microlots and precise harvest timing are key to ensuring better pricing and quality, while also exploring the rise of championship farms in Colombia and the challenges posed by market fluctuations.

In this compelling episode of Buy the Drip, hosts David Crosby and Cole Torode dig into the real reasons behind the closure of Forward Coffee. They explore the highs and lows of running a green coffee importing business, from the struggles of cash flow to the complexities of direct trade and the often misunderstood pricing pyramid. Cole reflects on the critical role relationships play in sourcing high-quality coffee and how transparency can both help and hinder business operations.

Listeners will hear about some of Forward’s proudest achievements, including hitting revenue milestones and the unique marketing impact of the Forward Lottery. Cole also shares the heartfelt reactions from clients and team members when the decision was made to close the company.

Cole reveals what’s next for him and hints at the future of Forward Coffee, with plans to return to the coffee industry in an exciting new capacity. If you're curious about the behind-the-scenes challenges of the coffee business and what's next, this episode offers valuable insights.

Listen to the inspiring Elysia Tan, a three-time Singaporean Brewers Cup champion and co-founder of Home Ground Coffee Roasters, as she explores how she’s transforming the home brewing scene in Singapore.

Elysia opens up about her journey into the coffee world, her passion for creating a welcoming space for coffee lovers, and how education is key to building an engaged community of home brewers.

The conversation dives deep into the challenges of coffee competitions, where Elysia emphasizes that success is often shaped by preparation, not just the results.

Tune in for insights on the expanding specialty coffee market, the comforting and evolving process of home brewing, and why being authentic and trusting oneself are essential in the competitive landscape.

Elysia also shares her future plans for growing Home Ground Coffee Roasters e-commerce business and reminds us of the importance of enjoying the process while pursuing long-term success in coffee.